Upgrade a Motherboard With OEM Windows
If several components of your computer have all stopped working simultaneously, or your computer will not turn on at all, the motherboard may have failed. You can replace the motherboard on your own at home, but unfortunately, you will also need to completely reinstall your operating system as your computer checks your motherboard to determine if the operating system is valid. You can use the OEM Windows installation CD that came with your computer to reinstall the operating system.
Instructions
1. Identify all of the files and programs that you will need after you reinstall the Windows operating system and transfer them to an external source, such as a USB drive or a CD-RW.
2. Shut down your computer completely and then remove all of the cables from the back of the case. Pick up the entire case and set it on its side on a stable work surface, such as a desk or table.
3. Check the back of the case and find out if the side panel is locked onto the case by two case screws or by a metal latch. Pull up on the latch or remove the case screws with a screwdriver.
4. Slide the side panel off the computer case so you can see the internal components. Disconnect all of the cables running from the motherboard to the drive bays, processor fan and power supply. Push back the plastic holding pins on both sides of the RAM modules and then pull the modules directly off the motherboard.
5. Pull the Ethernet card directly up and off the PCI slot on the lower left side of the motherboard. Remove any other expansion cards that are located in the same area.
6. Pull back the metal or plastic clamps that hold the processor fan on top of the processor. Pull the fan up and off the processor. Grab both sides of the processor and gently lift it directly off the socket on the motherboard.
7. Remove the screws along the edges of the motherboard that hold it to the case. Lift the entire motherboard off the case and set it aside. Check the orientation of the ports and expansion-card slots on the new motherboard and match it to the position of the old motherboard. Set the new motherboard into the case and reconnect the screws.
8. Snap the RAM modules back into their holders on the motherboard and then reconnect the processor and processor fan. Plug all of the cables from the drive bays back into the motherboard.
9. Put the side panel back onto the computer case and lock it into place by attaching the case screws or pushing down on the metal latch. Plug all of the cables back into their ports on the back side of the case.
10. Turn on the computer and then open the CD drive. Insert the Windows installation CD into the drive and follow the instructions on the screen to reinstall the operating system.
11. Retrieve the external storage device you used earlier to save backup copies of your files and connect it to the computer. Transfer the files back onto your computer to finish the process.
Tags: your computer, operating system, back into, case screws, side panel