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General discussion

Windows Error Recovery

Sep 2, 2007 10:15PM PDT

The bios on my old mobo went crazy, so I changed it. Now I'm getting this window "Windows Error Recovery; Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix this problem:
1. Insert your windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click "Next."
3. Click "Repair your computer."

Other options:
If Power was interrupted during startup, choose Start Windows Normally, then it gives you safe mode, SM with networking, SM w command prompt and start windows normally."

No matter what method I choose nothing happens, If I choose the repair option, goes up to "Windows if loading files" it fills the whole bar below the message and the it doesn't do anything else. With the second option, no matter what safe mode I select it boots back to that same window. This is a self made computer;
Intel 3.0 ghz HT
2 gigs of ram
Abit IC7-G
ATI X800 Pro Video Card
2 DVDRW drives

Discussion is locked

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Do a clean install, not a repair install.
Sep 2, 2007 10:18PM PDT

And be sure to sound convincing when telling the guy at the activation-problem desk with Microsoft that it's just a replacement motherboard, and not a new install on a new PC for which you should pay for a new license.

Hope this helps.


Kees

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Why?
Sep 2, 2007 10:24PM PDT

Why pay for a new license, I'm not making a new install. I just changed the mobo.

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Read the last reply.
Sep 2, 2007 11:03PM PDT

In many systems the license is for the system you paid for. When you change the motherboard, the license goes with the motherboard so you end up with extra costs you didn't count on.

Bob

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License
Sep 3, 2007 9:48AM PDT

This is not a license problem, any other suggestions????

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Two aspects...
Sep 3, 2007 12:17PM PDT

The one Kees and Bob hit on are that OEM copies of Windows are forever locked to the motherboard, so if it is replaced you must purchase a new licenses unless you can reach an understanding with Microsoft. You didn't mention if your copy was OEM or retail, a common problem, so that was brought up.

The other is a driver issue. When you install Vista it copies over what is needed based on the hardware provided, so a sudden motherboard change can result in an unbootable computer. The repair option under XP was usually comprehensive when it came to resolving such issues but under Vista it's been broken down to handle just a few specific problems. Thus, in a case such as this a clean installation may be your only option. Assuming Bitlocker & EFS wasn't enabled, connect your hard drive to a functioning computer or boot to a Linux LiveCD to copy your data off first.

John

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I'll try it
Sep 3, 2007 9:54PM PDT

This is a self made computer. Started with XP, upgrade it to Vista, but I always buy the complete OS not the upgrade. Then the HD crashed, bought a new one and made a clean install in that one. Now the mobo was changed and it is at this point where the error comes up. Called MS yesterday but the specialists in Vista were all attending other customers (surprise,surprise) and I was put on a call later list. Waited all day for the call, ironically the only moment I had to go out, they called and left a message in my answering machine. So now I'm waiting for the to call again today(Tuesday).
Help me Obi Wan Kenobi your my only hope!! LOL!!