When a motherboard is replaced in a Windows XP-based computer, it is common for problems to occur, as a result of driver errors. When Windows is originally installed, the system files are configured based upon the drivers for the motherboard that is currently installed.
Once the board has been replaced, it is common for the system to experience problems, since it is configured around the previous board's chipset drivers.
Although the best course of action to remedy this problem entiails a complete format and reinstall of Windows XP, the issues can usually be remedied via less drastic methods.
Instructions
1. Insert the system CD that came with the motherboard, and follow the instructions on the window that appears to install the motherboard drivers. If multiple devices are listed, install the drivers for each one. If you don't have the motherboard's system CD, a copy of the drivers can normally be downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website.
2. Restart the computer and attempt to recreate the problem the system was experiencing. If the previous step did not fix this issue, a repair installation of Windows XP will be required. This will rebuild all of the system files around the current motherboard drivers.
3. Insert the Windows XP recovery CD that came with your computer into the disk drive, and restart the computer. If you no longer have that CD, or one didn't come with the computer, contact the manufacturer for a replacement before continuing.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen once the Windows XP installer has appeared. It may take several minutes for the installer to fully load. When prompted, select a "repair" installation. Do not select any option besides "repair," or all of the data on the hard drive will be permanently deleted.
5. Allow the repair installation to complete; the computer will then restart automatically. When Windows XP finishes booting, the system will be properly configured around the new hardware, and any related problems will be gone.
Tags: repair installation, came with, configured around, motherboard drivers, system files, that came, that came with