Boot Problems

[Kitomaru]

Here is a timeline of what I have done:

Bought an HP
Year later, made custom computer
Removed HD, CD Drive, and Floppy from HP.
Re-Formatted HD.
New Computer Crashed, Put HD back into HP.

Problem: The computer will not boot when I put it into the HP. No beeps, no errors, just a blinking underscore "_" after I see the HP screen. I've cleared CMOS, and I dont know what to do now. Thx.

 

[mechBgon]

Windows2000 and WindowsXP don't like you pulling the rug out from under them with a full-on platform swap. Tried setting up Windows from scratch yet?

 

[Kitomaru]

The HD has Windows XP Prof. When I put the windows disk into the CD drive, it wont even load it.

 

[Kitomaru]

Well, if it wont load, my friend is out of town and he was the one with the windows CD. Thanks for your help...

 

[FlyingPenguin]

As mech said, YOU CANNOT just swap mobos and expect WinXP to boot. XP will not find the hard drive because it's at a different hardware address.

You must perform a Windows XP Repair install. Instructions here: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

This will wipe the device manager, re-detect all devices and install drivers. Be aware that all the drivers will be generic windows drivers, and some devices won't be installed if there are no generic drivers for them. You'll have to install the latest drivers afterwards (same as you would on a new install).

Also be aware that whatever version of XP is on the CD you use to do the repair, that will be the version installed (if your CD is pre-SP1 then WinXP will be installed with no service packs). You will have to install the latest service pack and all the security updates afterwards.

All your apps and data will be intact and accessible.

It's best if you disconnect ALL USB devices and printers before performing the repair install. It goes smoother.

Make sure you configure BIOS to boot from the CD-Rom first.