Due to some sort of motherboard issue in my uncle's computer, I replaced the motherboard, and got the PC to start. However, windows won't boot up without a BSOD. Due to the OEM sticker on the side of the computer, I know that it ran Windows Vista Home Premium, but to try re installing windows, I'm going to need to weather to install 32 bit or 64 bit, as I want to be able to install the same drivers it once had.
Does the Acer AM5100-U5201A run 32 bit or 64 bit windows?
- Thread starter Conlan
- Start date
Solution
- Apr 22, 2009
- 43,150
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Yes, that is a 64 bit dual core processor from several generations back. It should run both 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems. AMD made a ton of different "Athlon 64 X2" processors: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K8/TYPE-Athlon%2064%20X2.html
It shouldn't matter which OS version you choose. 64 bit or 32 bit. Any issues you may encounter would be present with both. What kind of issues are you experiencing with the system?
One thing to do before trying to install the OS would be to bread board the system outside of the case and see if you can boot to BIOS...
Put the MB on an insulated surface with just the CPU/cooler, 1 stick of memory in the first slot, monitor connected to the MB video port, PSU connected to the 24 pin and 4/8 pin headers, and attach the keyboard. Start the system by shorting the 2 pins that the power button would connect to. (If you are uncomfortable doing that, maybe you can drag the case close enough to plug in the power switch wires) See if it completes POST and stops with the expected error indicating there is no boot disk. Then re-boot and see if you can enter BIOS. If all goes well, then you can assemble the system and install the OS.
It shouldn't matter which OS version you choose. 64 bit or 32 bit. Any issues you may encounter would be present with both. What kind of issues are you experiencing with the system?
One thing to do before trying to install the OS would be to bread board the system outside of the case and see if you can boot to BIOS...
Put the MB on an insulated surface with just the CPU/cooler, 1 stick of memory in the first slot, monitor connected to the MB video port, PSU connected to the 24 pin and 4/8 pin headers, and attach the keyboard. Start the system by shorting the 2 pins that the power button would connect to. (If you are uncomfortable doing that, maybe you can drag the case close enough to plug in the power switch wires) See if it completes POST and stops with the expected error indicating there is no boot disk. Then re-boot and see if you can enter BIOS. If all goes well, then you can assemble the system and install the OS.
I'm afraid I've already tried booting it up in that manner; changing out the ram, and CPU. The fans, PSU, and LEDs would turn on with a press of the power button, but the boot up process wouldn't go any further than that. No BIOS beep of life. At this point, having changed out the mother board, and made it far enough to have found that windows vista BSODs whenever I try to boot it up, so I'm thinking of buying a 64 bit vista install disk (The key is on the OEM sticker), and running a repair or re-installation
- Apr 22, 2009
- 43,150
- 411
- 131,790
Wait. You're trying to boot to the existing Vista OS already on the HDD from the installation with the previous MB? If you replaced the MB with a different make or model than what was on the system originally, that is probably the problem. When the original OS was installed, it set itself up based on what components it found on the old MB. Now that there is a new MB with all different components, it is confused. Hence the BSOD.
In that case, yes, your best hope is to clean install the OS with the new MB in place. I thought you were having trouble just getting into BIOS. I must have misunderstood you.
Windows Vista isn't like Win7. Win7 has a downloadable .ISO file you can use to burn a DVD that will be the same as an OEM copy. But if you do a search for something like "Windows Vista ISO files" you will come across a 3-set group of files that will allow you to install Vista on a HDD. As far as using the product key to activate it, I'm not sure. Never done that with Vista. Here's an example if you want to try the download path: http://downloadsnfix.blogspot.com/2012/08/microsoft-windows-vista-official-iso.html
The other way would be to search out a copy of Vista on ebay. I don't think you can find Vista still sold new anywhere. Good luck.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Operating-Systems-/11226/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=windows+vista
In that case, yes, your best hope is to clean install the OS with the new MB in place. I thought you were having trouble just getting into BIOS. I must have misunderstood you.
Windows Vista isn't like Win7. Win7 has a downloadable .ISO file you can use to burn a DVD that will be the same as an OEM copy. But if you do a search for something like "Windows Vista ISO files" you will come across a 3-set group of files that will allow you to install Vista on a HDD. As far as using the product key to activate it, I'm not sure. Never done that with Vista. Here's an example if you want to try the download path: http://downloadsnfix.blogspot.com/2012/08/microsoft-windows-vista-official-iso.html
The other way would be to search out a copy of Vista on ebay. I don't think you can find Vista still sold new anywhere. Good luck.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Operating-Systems-/11226/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=windows+vista
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