Puter crash on startup

[phil]

Help!

I installed a new motherboard, memory, and processor, using the old HD so I wouldn't lose all my FS9 stuff. I'd hate to try to reload all that again. Anyhow, I started it up and went to the bios and made sure all those settings were correct.

Now, when I start the computer it gets to the point where it is loading Windows, I get some sort of blue screen that lasts maybe a quarter of a second, and the computer restarts, then just keeps looping. Comes up to loading Windows, blue screen, restart. I'm using XP with SP2.

Can I not install a new mobo, memory, and processor without formatting the hard drive? Geez, I'd hate to have to do that. I can put the HD back on the old mobo and processor and it fires up normally.

Help!

Thanks,

Phil

[jimgm6juu]

A suggestion, why not try putting your old hd on another computer and transfering to the new hard drive from there? I had all my flightsims transfered from 98se to xp professional for me allmost trouble free using a program called 'pc relocator. Not only were my flight sims moved this way but also all other files on my old drive. Be aware though it takes time. (eight hours in my case)

[Deleted]

Hi Phil

By installing a new mobo and processor you've completely changed the architecture of the machine so the boot processes that Windows uses to start the machine up have completely changed. As far as Windows is concerned, you've transplanted the HD on which it is installed into a completely different machine which it doesn't recognise. When you do any upgrade involving a change of mobo there's really no alternative in my experience to doing a total fresh install of the OS and I certainly wouldn't do anything less than that for any of my clients in such circumstances. That means that you have to transfer off all the data/system files you want to retain (My Docs, email files/folders, Favorites, Desktop etc plus all your FS files (fs9.cfg, fsx.cfg, addon scenery, gauges, aircraft etc), format the HD and reinstall the OS and programs like FS2004, MS Office etc etc.

If you don't do that I guarantee you WILL run into enormous problems down the line which will be far more painful than doing a proper job now.

Remember, apart from doing a basic FS install you only have to copy back the relevant folders from your old setup for them to work. You don't have to reinstall them. And as it happens, from my experience, FS2004 itself (and previous FS versions) will run quite happily if just copied onto a disk without even being installed ie it doesn't need registry entries to run.

Anyway, best of luck and the upside is that when you've done a nice, clean install (don't forget the Windows SPs either) you'll be pleasantly suprised at how smoothly and quickly your machine runs.

[Deleted]

Another way I often do this is to leave all the files on the HD but delete Windows. You have to change a few folder names (eg My Documents) otherwise when you make a new, fresh Windows install there is a danger it will create a new, empty My Documents and delete all your existing working files.

You then reinstall all your programs so they can use the old data that is already on the drive. In the case of FS2004, you rename your original folder to eg FS2004_old, do a new install of FS2004 then delete the new FS2004 folder and rename your old folder back from FS2004_old to F2004. Everything will then work fine.

[Dave3cu]

Hi Phil,

To my understanding, whether you have to reformat depends on the source of your current XP-OS.

If you have an OEM install (came with your computer) the WPA-Window's Product Activation is bound to the original motherboard (bios), and other hardware. In this case you'll probably have to purchase XP (check with your OEM's cust. support) and will require a reformat.

If you have a retail version, Upgrading A Motherboard Without Reinstalling should guide you. (goto page 5)

Dave

[Deleted]

My experience of this is it's OK in theory. However, unless your version of Windows is very recent ie includes at least SP2 which it probably won't as your mobo is pretty old and your Windows is probably of the same vintage, you'll have been auto-updating it with all sorts of stuff to keep it 'current' and secure. So when you come to do the repair install it won't because it says the version of Windows you're trying to install is older than the one already on the disk.

[phil]

Hi Guys!

Thanks for the GREAT info. I'm getting ready to tackle the beast now, will let you all know how it turns out. Rollerball, (loved the original movie) my OS was upgraded to SP2 so everything should be set there.

Thanks again for all the help, it is much appreciated.

Phil

[rogerb34]

When you changed the mainboard, the chipset was changed and OS doesn't recognize.
I change out components periodically including mainboard.
When the mainboard is changed, the cptr may boot normally. Pro's say might and might not. Didn't for me. Next I'll go the XP repair option. No? Next is upgrade install? No? Full install. The upgrade install will retain most settings. Full install will not. Created files will be in an XP created folder. Backup to CD or other to be sure. If the HDD is formatted then clean install all.
Rem to unplug the internet connection. You don't want interference with the install esp if malware or virus infected. With BBand and SP2 disk, XP is a quick install to current patches. Other takes time. Drivers etc. BBand is key. After install defrag. Recommend registry cleaner such as Reg Cleaner Pro or Reg Mechanic. Much trash left in registry. I've gotten 800 objects from friends XP registry with Pro, not a reinstall, used intensively on line. Changing HDD required reregistering using XP key. Mainboard is auto. Ok under XP EULA. Registered to person for one cptr. One.

[harleyman]

Hey Phil....I too just installed a new Mo/Bo.......

The main question is...Did you tatoo it? If not it may never boot in..It is at a loss as to what it is.Therefor it can't boot-up.. Since the mo/bo drives all functions you need to let it know what it is driving so to speak...

The only way I know to do thid is reformat completely,then you will be given the chance to tatoo it...

Hope this helps...Mine was tatooed with the wrong info and after several weeks it gave me much trouble..Had to start over after just doing complete reinstalls..But life is good now.....

[dalecaruso]

ANother suggestion ... perhaps. Install a new HD ... install your windows to that drive. then take the old HD and add it .. slaving it off to the new one (now you'll have two HDs) Delete windows fromthe old drive and drag and drop any other programs over to the new one... EXCEPT Fltsim ... now you have one drive for ordinary stuff and one for Fltsim with PLENTY of room on the Fltsim one to pack it up with even MORE flightsimulator files.



Dale

[dalecaruso]

I have been tempted on more that one occasion to do that with mine. I have a 20 gig HD on this machine and a virgin 40 gig drive in the closet. Imagine 40 gigs of space for flightsim only.... like I said..tempting

D

[Kofi]

dalecaruso said:

I have been tempted on more that one occasion to do that with mine. I have a 20 gig HD on this machine and a virgin 40 gig drive in the closet. Imagine 40 gigs of space for flightsim only.... like I said..tempting

D

"Bigger is always better" here... ;D ;D ;D

I've got a 450GB hard drive and an 80GB external for downloads.

I don't regret this set-up at all

[lilduckfoot]

"Bigger is always better" here...

I've got a 450GB hard drive and an 80GB external for downloads.

I don't regret this set-up at all

Excellent advice here. I added a second HD a while back - a 250 GB SATA for downloads and simming. The Main HD is also 250 SATA where the OS resides and all my business and personal progs and files are located. Haven't had the first problem and it helps tremendously in keeping things orgainized.

LDF