Rebuild Computer

[lrj]

Receptionist has old eMachine (Celeron) that would not boot (only fans would come on). This is what I have done so far:
1. Took components (HD, ram & modem) and put in another machine (P3). Same problem.
2. Took out ram (used another stick) - same problem.
3. Took out modem - booted to XP screen with users listed.
4. Put HD & ram in eMachine - boots to XP home (black screen with little squares that move while loading "stuff". Then screen goes black and monitor light goes from green to amber (I assume that it loses its connection).

What happens in XP hen you move from one machine to another? Is it supposed to boot and then tell you that you cannot use the installation on another machine, or what?

I do not know if the problem still exists in the eMachine, if the problem is with XP (changing machines), or what.

If I have to use the other PC(P3) and put in the eMachine HD, can I use repair, reinstall, or do I have to do a new installation?

Thanks, in advance, for you help.

[billybob3]

Hi Irj,

You might try a new installation. BUT, if it isn't even starting...the eMachine, then it could be a PSU failure. Do the fans continue to move??? Or, do they just spin, and then stop? It is probably the PSU.

[lrj]

When I put hte original HD & ram in eMachine, it boots to XP home (black screen with little squares that move while loading "stuff". Then screen goes black and monitor light goes from green to amber (I assume that it loses its connection).

Fans continue to move.

If I have to use the other PC(P3) and put in the eMachine HD, do I have to do a new installation or is there any way to salvage the info, settings, etc.?

[billybob3]

Ok, well, you're going to probaby have to format, and reinstall. You can salvage the data by hooking the hard drive up to the P3, as a Primary Slave. Leaving, the original hard drive of the P3 in, and booting up. Then, you can access what data is left, on the Celeron hard drive. You would then, copy the data that you want to save, to the P3. Then, take the celeron hard drive out and put it back in the eMachine. Reinstall, and then copy the saved data from the P3, onto the eMachine.

[lrj]

Thanks