MOTHERBOARD ISSUE: WINXP FAILING TO BOOT

[defaye]

I recently upgraded my motherboard to the ASUS A7N8X-E DELUXE.
Every time I start up, It tries to load Windows and because it isn't setup for the new Motherboard it fails to load Windows and reboots. I can't install the drivers because their CD isn't bootable.

I have put the old motherboard back in, and it works again.
I have had a brainwave, but not a big one...

I have realised that the problem may be that I have the wrong drivers installed for the new motherboard. I have checked the ASUS CD-ROM for the drivers to be installed on the mobo but because it doesn’t see any ASUS motherboard installed, it doesn’t allow me to install it.

My plan was to install the new drivers, shutdown and change the motherboard back and see if it would finally start up windows. I now, since failing a number of times to attempt to work out how to boot windows with the new mobo in place have decided I want to wipe my entire HDD clean... I have created a backup of files I want to keep. But now I can’t figure out how to format......

I created a boot up floppy disk using XP’s right click on A drive, format and create an MS-DOS boot disk, which works. But the same issue occurs when i try "Format C:" and it says "Bad command or file name" - this means you miss typed a command or DOS does not know the command. But it should.... I tried FDISK too and it’s the same problem.


I have tried using the windows XP disk to install, but there’s no option to format before installing. Only new or upgrade. The reasons to which I did not do these were - Insufficient space to create a new Partition and it would not be advised to overwrite my old one because this OS wouldn’t work properly.

Uh... I’m running out of ideas, I’ve tried Command Prompt and tried "Format c:". It's recognised, but also says that the disk is in use by other processes... which is of course true because the PC is running the GUI. I’ve tried the boot disk like said before, but "Format C:" isn’t even recognised. I’ve tried the windows CD, but that doesn’t allow me to format.

Can anybody help on this new problem...? I really need help desperately to solve all these issues, the only way to do so would be to wipe my entire HDD clean and I can’t even do that at the moment.

Thanks a lot.
Def

[Geekgirl]

At the A: prompt type in dir, that should bring up the directory of whats on the floppy. See if fdisk and format are on the floppy.
Normally you do not use upper case when you want to fdisk or format, you have it typed that way in your post so Im assuming thats the way you typed it in at the A: prompt.
Heres complete instructions on how to use the Fdisk & Format Tools

[icecube]

boot with the xp cd using the new MB. Go for a new install--no format. Windows will search the drive and come back at you saying it found windows already installed

Your options at this point will be repair or install over the top. Pick repair.

When you changed out MB's, XP will fail to boot, you have to do the repair to reenumerate all of the drivers--thats what this repair does. Do not get it confused with the first offer of repair on the initial cd boot up. Do a New install and use the repair option.

remember to remove your virus software before you run the process- and reinstall it after your up and running

There is no reason that you have to wipe the drive just because you swapped out the MB. Windows 2000 and XP both demand that this procedure be followed on a motherboard replacement.

[defaye]

thanks very much i will try what you guys have said. hope you take that compliment to heart, and not the typical english way of rejecting one!


def