Cannot Boot Windows XP

[burlap_pants]

I bought a Dell computer about four years ago. Since then I don't have much that still belongs to the original computer. I recently installed a new processor and motherboard and now Windows (XP) will not boot (everything worked fine until the new MOBO and processor). When I try to start normally or last known good configuration I get a Blue Screen with a 7E error code and when I try to boot in safe mode I get a blue screen with a 7B error code. The suggestions for fixing the errors are for people who can get into Windows which I can't. I downloaded the bootable floppy disks from microsoft and entered the repair mode since I no longer have my Windows installation CD (I know I'm stupid for losing it) and I'm not sure which of the many command line prompts apply to my system. Also, my hard disk that Windows boots from is the original hard disk that came on my Dell. Could this be a problem since the new MOBO and processor? I need some help desperately and am considering disposing of my computer with a sledgehammer cause it's pissing me off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

P.S. system specs (current that aren't working):
Intel Pentium D 3.2 GHz, 1.5 G DDR 266 RAM, 40G HDD (came with computer),
Seagate 200G HDD, Lite-On CDR drive (came with computer), Lite-on DVD-R,-RW, +R, +RW dual layer DVD burner, ATI Radeon 9550 Graphics.

[kev7555]

XP boots to the system that it was installed on. Changing your M-board and processor likely means a new install of XP.

If you do not have a Windows XP disk, it looks like you will be purchasing one.

-Kev

[flawedreality5]

Originally Posted by kev7555 XP boots to the system that it was installed on. Changing your M-board and processor likely means a new install of XP. If you do not have a Windows XP disk, it looks like you will be purchasing one. -Kev

I concur.

[Panama Red]

When you switched mobo and cpu, you should have Removed the Hardware that is part of the old board in Device Manager BEFORE your final shut down. Now that you've already installed the new hardware, you'll need to do a Repair/Install with an XP disk (there's that buy one hint again!) in order to retain all the installed programs and not mess with your personal files. You'll also need to install all the pertinent drivers for the new mobo using the disk that came with the mobo. Don't forget to visit Windows Update when you're finished to fully update your XP installation.

[kev7555]

Have you read here:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;820362

Sometimes these MS knowledge base articles are very helpful. Other times, they just confuse the issue.

-Kev

[GaryRouth]

. . . the other issue with a Dell system is that the Windows XP OEM license on a Dell is often locked to the motherboard. Once the motherboard is replaced, a new license needs to be purchased. Basically, once the Dell motherboard is gone, the system is no longer considered a Dell, in terms of it's license. When Dell does the repair, they include the necessary data in the new motherboard's Bios (that's why the issue doesn't come up when Dell does the repair). You can call Dell to see what options you have - in terms of perhaps a lesser-priced disk. If you happen to be a student, there are academic versions of XP available at some campuses at reduced prices.

. . . Gary

late edit: looked at your other thread - sounds like you have a new retail XP disk - that should work OK for a clean install. But you will need to make sure your hardware is OK, too -- did you check to make sure that the Dell power supply connector is OK with the motherboard you purchased? In some of the older Dell models the wiring of the connectors on the motherboard was proprietary (or at least slightly different than the generally accepted standard). Either a phone call to Dell or a check on the Dell forums might give you the information on the power supply connector for your model. In fact, in some of the older motherboards, the case connectors were proprietary, too - back then it was necessary to replace case, power supply, & motherboard all at the same time if non-Dell-compliant parts were used.

If you have data on your old installation that you'd like to save - you could slave it in another computer to save it (or use an external USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure). Just to be safe.