Installed new motherboard, now Windows won't start

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

I have just installed a new motherboard (Asus M5 A78L-M) and CPU (FX 6300) in my system. I haven't changed any other components. Now when I start up I'm stuck on the mobo splash screen and Windows won't boot no matter what boot order I choose.

I've got Windows 8.1 OEM installed on my hard drive and was told by Microsoft that it would turn into an unregistered copy if I installed a new mobo. That's fine, I have a new key. However, Windows won't boot at all. I assume it's a problem that Windows doesn't have the right drivers installed for my mobo, but how am I meant to install them in the first place if it won't start?

Also, if I do need a fresh install, how can I get hold of a Windows 8.1 ISO to boot from a flash drive? Can't seem to find one anywhere.

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

Try setting SATA to IDE in BIOS.

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

alexoiu :

It detects the hard drive fine, but when I select it as the boot drive I just get a blank screen.

mlga91 · Jan 16, 2015

You can try getting into safe mode, and clean all of your older drivers, with drive sweeper:

http://www.guru3d.com/content-page/guru3d-driver-sweeper.html

If you already have a new key, you can save yourself some headaches and do a clean windows install, most motherboard swaps end up like that.

ss202sl · Jan 16, 2015

Reload the OS.

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

mlga91 :

How can I do a clean install? I can't find any WIndows 8.1 ISOs anywhere and I don't have a disk.

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

Watrevir :

It is not about detecting or not the drive, but about the mode Windows was installed on the old computer. If installed in IDE, it would not load in AHCI mode. Switch to IDE in BIOS and test (Main menu, SATA Configuration)
What was the old motherboard?

ss202sl · Jan 16, 2015

Official Windows 7 ISO's
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/653d34d9-ac99-42db-80c8-6300f01f7aae/windows-7downloard

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

alexoiu :

It already is in IDE mode. I read somewhere that it might be because my motherboard doesn't support UEFI. How can I get round this?

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

ss202sl :

That's Windows 7. Nothing for 8 or 8.1?

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

Was Windows installed in UEFI mode? What was the old motherboard?

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

alexoiu :

Orchid-S, just an OEM HP mobo.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=uk&lc=en&docname=c04293944

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

Then I don't think that it will work without a Windows 8 installation kit.
What error getting when starting to load Windows?

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

alexoiu :

No error, just a black screen with a flashing cursor. Waited for 20 mins and nothing happens.

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

If pressing F8 at restart, what options getting in the boot menu?

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

alexoiu :

SATA:3M-ST1000DM003-1ER162
USB:FREECOM_DVD+/-RW20J8

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

The only option I see is to install Windows.

Watrevir · Jan 16, 2015

alexoiu :

Already doing it. I think it must have been that my previous installation needed a UEFI to boot from...

alexoiu · Jan 16, 2015

It could be.

Installed new motherboard, now Windows won't start

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