Okay. Let me answer a few of the questions asked.
I removed the video card and switched to the on board mb graphics.
That took the video card out of the discussion. Still could be bad but
the system got sicker without it. I did not put it back.
A replacemnet mb that uses the current cpu would most likely have to
be used. Not my favorate choice for a fix but a new current mb
requieres a new CPU, new memory and most likely a new OP system. I
suspect that when I go to reinatall XP it wil require a new license. A
new OP system means some of my program will not work. My scanner being
one of them. Spending yet more money will solve most issues.
As to Paul's sugesstion to look at the caps. I suspect he is the
winner. One of the caps by the video slot does have a domed top. At
least one or two other appear slightly bludging at the top. One
appears to have leaked. Hard to tell. I now feel reasonally sure the
MB died.
So my question is what is the easiest path to a new MB? If I could, I
would like to start with XP and then at a future date install a dual
boot for windows 7. If I have a legal copy of XP can I use an upgrade
version of Windows 7 if I install a current generation MB?
Mike stated "You can solve any problem with XP thinking you have a new
system.". Can you tell me how. I new MB is going to require both new
memory and CPU.
Can we know the motherboard make and model number ?
If the machine is an HP, chances are we can look up the motherboard
info, on the HP web site.
If the motherboard is a retail model, and the computer is home assembled,
then the make and model number may be printed in white (silk screened)
on the top of the motherboard. Look between the PCI slots for example.
You never know, a miracle might happen, and there might be identical
motherboards available somewhere. Swapping over a BIOS chip, might be
enough to fix everything up. Stranger things have happened.
*******
With regard to licensing and reinstalling the OS, perhaps you
could give some detail on whether this is an HP/Acer/Gateway
or this is a home-built machine. If you built the computer
yourself (using either retail or non-branded OEM install disc),
chances are good you can reinstall without a problem. I
moved to a new motherboard, a year after my original OEM WinXP
install, and I was able to activate over the Internet with no
phone call.
If you have a pre-built computer, like an HP, there is a license
sticker on the computer case. And that license key, plus a
non-branded OEM installer CD, might work to do an install.
So there are still some possibilities there. You could
well end up on the phone, talking to someone about your
situation, but they'll likely activate it for you.
It's also possible, you could fix the caps on the motherboard.
You just need to find someone, who will agree to do it for you.
If a TV repair shop is looking for work, you might take it
in to them, and see what they'd charge. If the caps were around
the CPU socket, it might be too expensive to "re-cap" all
of them (you might have to replace a dozen of them at the
same time, as they'll "cascade fail" if you only repair a couple).
If the damage is related to some conversion circuit powering the
video slot (like Vagp or something), maybe there are only a couple
caps that need changing. And then the labor charge won't be quite
as bad.
I don't enjoy changing caps like that. The level of enjoyment, is
a function of the hole diameter. At my first employer, the cap
holes were "oversized" and changing caps was easy enough, any home
user could do it. The second place I worked, they used interference
fit hole sizes, and getting the caps out caused a lot of cursing
and swearing, and I had a proper vacuum desoldering station to use.
I wouldn't want to do that with the crappy tools I have at home.
At one time, "Homey" used to do a motherboard for around $50,
but I think he eventually threw in the towel. Others who do
that work on the Internet, won't do it for the same bargain
pricing that Homey was offering. Changing the caps is only practical
if there are a few to do. Doing the whole board, you'd have to be a
glutton for punishment.
On motherboards with very high failure rates, it really
isn't safe to buy used or exact replacement boards on Ebay.
At least, unless they advertise the fact they've been
re-capped. Some Dell models, had like a 90% failure rate
after X years, on the motherboard. Virtually all with
cap failures. Before searching for an exact replacement,
you'd want to know whether the failures are so widespread,
that no resale boards are safe.
Some retail motherboard companies, had enough of a problem,
a successful class action suit was brought against them.
Others, had only a smattering of cap failures. And generally,
a few searches in Google, will turn up what kind of situation
you're in.
Paul
