The past couple of days, i turned on my computer, but the monitor flashed and everything turned off/got shut down instantly. My cousin is currently fixing it and said that it had to do with the Motherboard.
I had to end up using another computer instead, but if i swapped or bought a new motherboard, will every single file in that computer be deleted???
Can anyone please tell me?
2006-12-11 12:01:00 · 9 answers · asked by Silent 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Monitors
The answer to this truely depends on your OS. While it is true that your files are stored on your HD and will still be there...if you're running Win XP then changing your MB can cause you to receive an error on bootup. This is due to the security built into XP to prevent someone from stealing a HD and being able to boot into the drive. You would have to reinstall windows (causing all installed programs/user set options to have to be reinstalled/reconfigured. The files themselves would still be there but would be unusable. If you get the same exact motherboard this would not be a problem. If possible to boot to your Windows thru you're existing motherboard at all (even if only for a few mins) you can change the the driver for the HD Controller...once this is done you can install any new motherboard at all (even change from a AMD-P4 or vice-versa and not have a prob. You would be able to boot directly into the windows OS and install new drivers (or best yet make a good backup and then reinstall the windows clean with the new motherboard). I would be really curious to know what the problem is, as generally motherboard problems are rare unless you have overheated the CPU/MB (then both would be shot), if you took a power strike/surge, or give the bios a bad update. Otherwise they are pretty durable...I would say if your system powers down immeaditly after turning on you probably have more a power supply issue. Of course this is just speaking out of turn as I don't have the system in front of me to work on. But generally a bad MB will cause either beeps or just sit with the lights on and the fan spining until you shut it off.
2006-12-11 12:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by cpt_rose 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your safest bet is to remove your hard disk from your computer and fit it in an external hard box.
External boxes come with their own power cables. If you connect it to any computer running Windows XP, there will be no problem. I always retrieve my data from old hard disks this way. It is also the safest way to back up your data files.
If the motherboard replacement becomes necessary, and you want to use your old hard disk, you must boot the computer with Windows XP CD and reinstall Windows.
If your hard disk is partitioned and your data files are stored on the D drive, there is no risk of losing your data. But, if you have been storing them on C drive, they will all be destroyed after reformatting. That is why I suggest you buy an external box. It is the simplest solution because you do not have to change the jumper at the back of the hard disk.
Before you do anything, first check if your monitor is OK. Chip replacement of old CRT monitors can be done at a nominal cost. Someone, who has changed to an LCD monitor, may even request you to pick it up for free because disposal of old monitors is now becoming a problem. Nobody buys them any more.
2006-12-11 16:40:26 · answer #2 · answered by Pran Nath 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
Slave the HD from the bad computer onto the computer you are currently using, copy all of the personal files you want to keep (not the system files) and then do a clean install of the OS. If you just transfer the HD to the new computer, you will most likely have lots of issues such as driver errors and so on.. Better to do a clean install. Not to mention that if you are using XP, will have to reactivate XP again. Start clean, and enjoy!
Cheers!
2006-12-11 12:38:11 · answer #3 · answered by Antil0ck 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No worries...the hard drive has all the files and it should be fine. Just pull it out of the old computer and add it to the new one...you'll have your files plus more disk space!
2006-12-11 12:03:39 · answer #4 · answered by dm_dragons 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, attach that hard drive as a slave in another system. Try to access it.
Second, set that hard drive as the only drive on the system. See if it works.
Choose what you will do based on the above results.
There is a possibility that the hard drive has crashed. I hope your cousin knows what he/she is doing.
2006-12-11 12:34:09 · answer #5 · answered by flandargo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes if you bring it to a best buy for about 80 bucks they can try to retrieve the contents of your hard drive...try this first unless your cousin knows how to do it. i had this happen to me and i had lengthy manuscript saved on my computer but had not backed it up with disc when my computer screen went to blue and the hard drive crashed...luckily 'the geek squad' save the day. some of the lesser programs were lost but my manuscript and lots of other files were saved.
2006-12-11 12:10:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, your files are located in your hard drive. You can get a new computer and ask them to install your old hard drive into it.
2006-12-11 12:03:16 · answer #7 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
somewhat of spending greater funds purely reinstall domicile windows xp ,and deploy microsoft protection necessities wherein is loose and works super as far as anti virus application,it does not take a brilliant number of time to reinstall your classes,reminder do not backup any element in the experience that your laptop is contaminated that undesirable
2016-10-18 03:27:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to have a backup drive.
2006-12-11 12:07:50 · answer #9 · answered by coolscoobykid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋