MA785GM-US2H problems

[dvs91856]

First off, I appreciate any assistance in getting my problems solved, but to let you know, I am not totally savvy on rebuilding issues. I have learned by reading and doing. So be patient with me if you can!

I've upgraded my system with the following: MA785GM-US2H, AMDII X3 435 and Biostar HD5450 and Patriot Gseries DDR2 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC2-8500 1066MHz.

The problem I am having is the system boots up to the point that it states: Disk Boot Failure insert system disk (Mobo disk). I proceed to put the disk in, it goes to a screen that states Xpress2 Recovery press enter. I then press enter, it then shows the Xpress2 Recovery screen which asks "Backup" or "Reboot." I choose Reboot and then it boots up okay and is usable. However, once it does boot up a box comes up and states You have the latest version (press okay) and the box goes away (annoying?). Oh, I accidently pressed Backup on one boot and it stated, I didn't have enough room on my HDD (200GB with 134GB Free).

I believe everything has been updated (not totally sure). How do I get this PC to just boot up correctly. Bios is set to read Floppy, CD/DVD then HDD? Also I need to know how to make a boot disk after I get everything set up correctly. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[absic]

Hi,

The best way to get the system to boot properly would probably be to set the 1st boot device to HDD, 2nd to CD/DVD

If you are not using a floppy drive at you should disable this. If you are running a floppy drive do not set it as a boot up device.

ATB

[dvs91856]

I had it set that way the first time and because of this issue, I changed the order. I do use the Floppy on rare occasions. Any other way to fix this prob?

[absic]

You might want to think about re-installing your OS as you may have corrupted the install.

Which OS are you using?
Have you had the system running OK (without Boot Failure) since you built it?

[dvs91856]

OS is XP Pro. After installing the Mobo and other items (as listed previously), the system booted up but wanted the Mobo disk each time (still does). XP was validated 2 times during installation, as well as, MS Office 2007.

The main screen came up and looked exactly the same prior to upgrading, which I thought was a bit strange since I figured I would have to do a reinstall of OS etc. There is one other small issue that I had prior to having to upgrade system, the KB979906 would not and still won't update in the system, but I don't think that is causing the specific issue at hand, not sure. I am using my old HDD, of course, this Mobo only has one IDE to attach my HDD and DVD. I do have another HDD that was/is still in the unit, but I don't have the adapter to attach to the SATA (I have to buy one eventually or an external case) to utilize.

I am hoping I don't have to reinstall OS from fresh, since I have programs that won't be able to come back, as well as, files, folders etc. I am not savvy on how to get all of it back. I do have the Apricorn's DriveWire Universal Hard Drive Adapter which came with Cloining software, but I don't feel I am savvy enough to use it. (Shouldn't this software mirror everything somehow?) Sorry, I only know enough to be dangerous...LOL!

[Dark Mantis]

So basically you are saying that you installed a load of new hardware but are trying to use your original hard drive and the original Windows setup on it? Is that correct?

[dvs91856]

Yes, just installed new items, set Bios etc. This is what I am using right now to do research on this/these issues. Strange to say but my sys is working with the exception of booting up?

[Dark Mantis]

I am afraid that when you change hardware you also have to change your Windows installation. Otherwise the old setup will be looking for the orignal hardwae to load the drivers etc for.
Format your drive and re-install Windows and everything should be fine wioth the world again! BTW you didn't post another thread like this aready did you?

[dvs91856]

So, I have to reinstall Windows XP etc. UGH, I need to figure out how to keep everything "AS IS" on my desktop so I don't lose my stuff (i.e. programs, files, pics etc.).

Is the Apricorn Cloning software able to clone EVERYTHING or just certain stuff when you do a full reinstall? I am trying to learn as fast as I can on this stuff.

Can you MIRROR to the exact stuff with some type of software as well?

[Dark Mantis]

I have no knowledge of Apricorn but as it's a cloning software it wouldn't be any goood anyway because it makes an exact mirror image of your drive and that is waht you are trying to clear. You will just have to backup your personal files and anything else you need and then format the drive. You can copy your files etc to cd or another medium.

[absic]

Dark Mantis is correct. Cloning Software will create a disk image but will not help you much.

You will not be able to keep your original programmes, as they are. You will have to do a clean install of the OS first and then re-install all of your other software.

And, before you do any of that you will have to back-up everything that you want to keep.

[dvs91856]

Oh I was afraid of that! I guess I was hoping it would be fine without doing complete reinstall and having to lose my programs that were dowloaded from freeware. I guess I was trying to cheat the system..LOL! Thanks so very much to each of you, for your diligent replies to my dilemma!

[Dark Mantis]

There is no reason that you can't use your freeware programs again. Just make a note of them all and download them again when you have re-installed Windows.

[absic]

No worries,

Unfortunately there is never an easy route when changing/upgrading your PC and, in the longer term, it is always best to start over with a clean install of the OS and latest drivers.

It is also good practice, to make regular back-ups of your files, pictures, music etc., so that when the time comes for major changes, the restore process can be relatively simple.

Good luck and I hope that you can download everything you need, without too many issues.

[dvs91856]

Thanks! Will get started soon on full reinstall.

A quick question if I may once again call upon anyone? Since I am going to have to redo OS, should I just go ahead and buy Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (32 bit)? They say either one of those will allow you to download Virtual PC, but does one really need that or not? Also does my motherboard as listed above have TPM built in to utilize BitLocker if I buy the Ultimate version? I am perplexed as to whether go full speed ahead Win7 or just stay with XP Pro (since I own it). Just wanting to know in your opinion what you would do in my situation. Thanks!