Motherboard crashed . . . Did I loose all of my pictures?

M

mreitsma

New Member
I just found out that my motherboard died. They said it would be about $300.00 to get it fixed. I'm assuming I should buy a new computer. Is there a way to retrieve my information off of the motherboard that just crashed? I really just want my pictures off of it.

I know a few things about computers, but not all this tech. stuff.

Thanks for your help!
 
well ur in luck bc no information like pictures and files are stored on the motherboard. Those files are stored in the harddrive. Yes u can get a new computer and put the old harddrive in the new computer as long as the format for the cables are the same.

Only thing stored on the motherboard is the bios settings.

So just get a new computer and switch ur hardrive over
 
As long as it is in fact only the motherboard that died, you should be fine. It quite rare that multiple parts on the computer die.

$300 is a LOT for a new motherboard. I don't know your system, but your average motherboard is only about $100. However, if you do wish to reuse your harddrive you do need an identical motherboard in your system. Changing them might cause errors and what not with Windows. Do you have Windows XP or 2000? Both of those hate major hardware changes :P
 
That price must include labour and possibly reinstallation of Windows. I can't imagine the price being that high for any other reason other than the tech needing a downpayment on a new Porsche.
 
Thanks for the good news. At least now there is hope.

They say it is only my motherboard that died. I have Windows XP. I think the breakdown of the $300.00 is: $160.00 to purchase something from Microsoft that you have to buy in order to put in a new motherboard (Sorry I can't be more technical) and the rest for the motherboard.

How do I go about getting an identical motherboard? I have a computer that I am using now that is a windows 98. Is there anyway to put the hard drive in this computer?
 
Oh, you have to buy Windows XP. I get it. Do you not have the Windows 98 disk? If not, why not just use that if you're happy with it?
 
Ive never had problems with switching out hardrives. I have a dell and a computer i built myself. Both computers had XP home and i took the harddrive from the dell and put it in the custom computer no problem. Reformatted it and everything was fine. After a couple months i switched it back to the dell and reinstalled windows and it works great.
 
I'd be very careful what they do/charge you for... If they're charging for a new copy of Windows, I wouldn't be supised if they'll just format the machine. Oh yeah, and even if they reload windows, you purchased a key for it when you bought your computer. So, they shouldn't be able to charge you for another copy as they can simply re-use your old key...

It's possible to stick your harddrive in your older computer, but there will be some problems. Well first, we don't know the newer drives interface. If it's SATA, you'd have to purchase a converter(not too bad, around $30 or so) However, Windows 98 isn't compatable with NTFS(the file system on Windows 2000/XP) So, you will see the drive, but it won't read it.

There are alternatives, such as a boot CD, but they can be a pain to compile. Also you'll need a copy of a windows CD.
 
Oh, I missed that. You have Windows XP for your dead machine. Whoops. I pulled a Mr. Google. Sorry dude.

They can charge you for a new copy if you don't have the original CD. It's a drag, but they can get away with it. :(
 
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