Solved: Computer almost boots...

Here is my problem:

I just replaced the motherboard with everything else remaining the same. When I power the computer on, I get the single "beep", the normal DOS messages with options to enter setup or boot menu, then constant rebooting. I go into setup, have the boot list as "HDD - CD-ROM - USB" (which I changed to CD - HDD - USB). The automatic repair tool it keeps trying to run can't seem to get it started. I have a DVD drive, CD burner (both IDE) and a SATA HDD with Windows 7. I just cannot seem to get past the DOS screen. I know it's vague, but can anyone help? What do you need for information? I feel like I'm missing something small yet extremely significant. At one point, I saw the HDD listed as D:, so I unplugged the 2 IDE drives, leaving only the SATA HDD plugged in, thinking C: wasn't being "assigned" properly. Same result. Thank you.

 

When you change the motherboard, unless it's the exact same board you will have to reinstall windows, but sometimes a repair install will work.

 

That would make sense, I guess. Why does Windows have to be reinstalled?

 

The chipset drivers and other motherboard drivers are tied to the old board. If you have the disk you can boot off that and try a repair install.

 

I assume you mean the Windows disk? I do have the disk that came with the motherboard, but I can't get the computer to recognize it. The disk gets ignored in the reboot cycle. So, once I do a Windows repair-install, the motherboard CD should then come into play?

 

The poster can't get into Windows to do a backup. I've done repair installs, but it's hit and miss when a new motherboard is the reason. You can reinstall Windows 7 and it will create a folder on the c drive named Windows old. Your documents will (should) be in that folder. If you format and do a fresh install (which is best) you will loose all your files.

 

I forgot to mention that if service pack one is installed then a repair or re-install will not work with the origional disk.

 

Thank you. I'll figure out a way to get my data backed up then do a fresh install. Another question - why do I see the option to repair when I boot with the Windows disk? Is Windows 7 "repair" different than XP "repair"?

 

Yes, I saw that when I tried to boot up without the Windows disk. Maybe we're talking about the same thing, but I was referring to the repair option when booting from the Windows disk. Two options, install and repair. My apologies if I'm rehashing the same thing.

 

I don't know, I never went beyond it. If I choose "repair" from that screen, will it hurt anything, data-wise? Looking at it, it seems exactly like the XP "repair", which I've done before. I could care less about having to re-install Windows. My only real concern is losing data.