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Just replaced motherboard, cpu, ram. Knew enough to set bios to cd/rom to first. Now it won't boot up, won't start windows normally, and won't go into safe mode. It just repeatedly restarts. Other info: using the old ide cable from cd to hdd to motherboard. Asus manual recommends a 500w power supply-currently using the old 300w.

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Given the new motherboard/CPU/RAM swap reported by and the replies from , and , a focused, prioritized checklist usually saves time. The goal is (1) prove the board can POST with minimal parts, (2) rule out PSU/short problems, (3) confirm BIOS/device settings that affect an existing Windows install, and (4) protect user data before any repair or reinstall.

Start with a minimal-boot test: disconnect every drive and peripheral, leave only CPU, one stick of RAM (use the slot the manual recommends), onboard video or the GPU required for display, and the PSU with both the 24‑pin ATX and the 4/8‑pin CPU power plugged in. Listen for beep codes or watch the motherboard Q‑LED/POST LEDs. Immediate power cycling before POST points toward PSU, incorrect CPU power plug, bad standoff/short, or improperly seated CPU/RAM. If POST succeeds, add devices back one at a time to find the culprit.

Power and cabling specifics deserve attention. A board that calls for 500W often needs strong 12V rail current; older 300W PSUs may fail under load even if they power the fans. Try a known-good 400–600W unit before chasing drivers. For IDE setups, verify master/slave jumper positions and that the hard drive sits on the cable end with the optical drive on the middle connector (or switch both to cable‑select if supported).

BIOS settings can prevent Windows from booting even when hardware is fine. Check SATA mode (IDE/AHCI/RAID) and set it to the mode the existing Windows install used. If Windows still fails after hardware checks, back up the drive first (move it to another PC or use a USB‑to‑SATA/IDE adapter or a live Linux USB) and then attempt Repair from the Windows install media or, if necessary, a clean install. Finally, confirm CPU compatibility with the motherboard BIOS version; if a BIOS update is required, perform it only with a reliable PSU and following the vendor procedure.

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Member Avatar for finito

Could you provide specs?

Member Avatar for Greatman

Just replaced motherboard, cpu, ram. Knew enough to set bios to cd/rom to first. Now it won't boot up, won't start windows normally, and won't go into safe mode. It just repeatedly restarts. Other info: using the old ide cable from cd to hdd to motherboard. Asus manual recommends a 500w power supply-currently using the old 300w.[/QUOTE
you need to supply more info as stated, explain every thing you have done from start to finish, including the specs of old m/b and new, has the h/d a fresh copy of windows etc.
i am second guessing but did you just connect your existing h/d to the new m/b and try to boot machine? why did you set cd to first, unless you want to install op system from disc at boot, i set boot from h/d [0] first, it boots quicker, buts thats my opinion anyway. try disconnecting cd drive ide cable and then boot, obviously it will not find that drive, see if it boots as normal. have you backed up data on your h/d before you started this upgrade, if the data is important to you i suggest make that priority one, then continue with upgrade of machine. hope some of this helps.

Member Avatar for rch1231

Windows does not transfer to new hardware well. If you changed the processor type (Intel to AMD ) or went to a multi-core from a single core you will have to repair the windows installation to continue. Your problem is coming from windows loading drivers specific to your old mother board and CPU without confirming they are present.

Boot from your installation CD and go through the steps till you get the SECOND request concerning repairing windows. At that point tell it you want to repair the installation and it will delete and reload all of the drivers resetting all of the values in the registry for them. If it completes successfully you should be able to boot to your old user name and have all of your apps and documents intact.

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