I hear ya.
Cost of a new power supply...main board....CPU....OS software ...heck, may as well build a new one....basically what I'd end up doing anyway.

You dont need a new os just a waste of money if you if you dont reuse the license, what is the os (xp home, pro, vista 32 or 64bit)and is there a sticker with the key on it, if youve tried a different psu and theres no change its your m/b may want to upgrade the cpu at same time if its crap and the ocket is an old one that you cant get boards for now.

You dont need a new os just a waste of money if you if you dont reuse the license, what is the os (xp home, pro, vista 32 or 64bit)and is there a sticker with the key on it, if youve tried a different psu and theres no change its your m/b may want to upgrade the cpu at same time if its crap and the ocket is an old one that you cant get boards for now.

Forgive me...I don't quite understand.
As I understand, if I replaced the MB (if it needs it) and then I fired it all up, it would not work properly because the installed licensed version of Windows already on the PC would not accept the motherboard as being the "same" computer. Are you saying that if I can get the reinstall CD that came with the computer and reinstalled Windows (perhaps formatted the HD and started all over) it may work with a new MB, or it would say "Nope. Sorry, this isn't the computer I was sold with."?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood you.

Originally Posted by busdriver72

Forgive me...I don't quite understand.
As I understand, if I replaced the MB (if it needs it) and then I fired it all up, it would not work properly because the installed licensed version of Windows already on the PC would not accept the motherboard as being the "same" computer. Are you saying that if I can get the reinstall CD that came with the computer and reinstalled Windows (perhaps formatted the HD and started all over) it may work with a new MB, or it would say "Nope. Sorry, this isn't the computer I was sold with."?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood you.

If you have a proper install disc and its the same as in xphome, xppro or vista, oem or retail, 32 or 64bit it will install on the computer as long as the key is a match to that version if your not certain pm me the key and i will try it with an oem 32bit thats what most are, you say reinstall disc that came with the computer is it an install disc or a restore disc most come with a restore disc and its a pile of crap and wont reinstall on another board, what is the os.

one other thing you could try (dont actually think it will work) look for some jumpers next to the cmos battery swap them over start machine switch off and put them back on original pins normally theres three pins middle is always used.

If you have a proper install disc and its the same as in xphome, xppro or vista, oem or retail, 32 or 64bit it will install on the computer as long as the key is a match to that version if your not certain pm me the key and i will try it with an oem 32bit thats what most are, you say reinstall disc that came with the computer is it an install disc or a restore disc most come with a restore disc and its a pile of crap and wont reinstall on another board, what is the os.

one other thing you could try (dont actually think it will work) look for some jumpers next to the cmos battery swap them over start machine switch off and put them back on original pins normally theres three pins middle is always used.

I see. Thanks for the clarification.
I haven't contacted the original owners of this thing about the CD yet. I don't know what they have....it is probably a restore disc.
It is a 64bit system. I'm at work right now...don't recall if it was XP or Vista...I'm leaning toward XP.

I'll give the jumper thing a try.
Many thanks.

It's not normal for capacitors to have a blackish powder on top of them, is it?

Blackish powder no, but its more likely dirt than that theyhave blown, could try getting them replaced but its a long shot and they probably wouldnt be the only thing damaged, if it is 64bit i cant help ive only got 32bit.

anyone who is planning on ever buying a computer INSIST on an installation disc, if they try and fob you off with a restore disc or partition tell them to shove their computer where the sun doesnt shine (preferably sideways) if you put up with companys ripping you off dont start bitchin about it, ask for a genuine windows installation disc, if the answers no walk away.

Agree with popeye

As for the PSU problem, sounds as if the PSU is not powerful enough or theres problems with the motherboard.

I just got to thinking about something.
Let's say your eMachine or Dell goes on the blink, but it is still under warranty. You take it into an approved service place for warranty service. Let's say it is the motherboard. How are THEY going to replace the motherboard and still have the computer work properly with Windows that would not (or should not) recognize the new motherboard (thinking it's on a different computer)? It would seem that there is some sort of work around....or is the maker going to provide a new install of Windows?

When replacing the motherboard, there is several different ways. could be as easy as updating the BIOS. re-installing the OS is not nessacary. It's not the fact as it dont recognize the motherboard, as it is getting it to recognize the hard drive. if it picks up the hard drive, then really only thing to do is install the drivers, and possibly updating the BIOS

That's not what I meant...I'm talking about when Windows boots up and thinks it has been installed on a different machine, and the proprietary aspect of it prevents Windows from working. It's not a software/hardware/driver issue...it's a licensing issue as was discussed earlier. Obviously a service center (for authorized warranty work) has a work-around.
Wonder what it is?