Will my HP Probook boot up after a motherboard replacement?

[HRyerson1994]

Hi! After four years, my old laptop finally died of motherboard failure. Out of sentimentality (it was my first laptop) and because I'm taking a computer repair class, I have decided to replace the motherboard. As of this morning I have taken my computer apart and am ready to put the new motherboard in and put everything back together. However, I just recently heard of a problem where the laptop won't boot after a motherboard replacement. Is this going to happen? What can I do to fix that issue?  And please don't say go to a repair shop, I'm a student and I don't have that kind of money. I'd rather learn anyway. Also, do you have any tips on how to reassemble my laptop?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Make sure you have the Manual:

Service Manual

Set aside enough time and make enough clear space to do the job right. Don't be in a hurry. Just follow the steps in the Manual to replace the motherboard. Keep the screws organized. I use little "on the side" salad dressing cups. 

The laptop should boot right up when you put in the new motherboard and transfer over the memory and processor. You are sure you got the right one? 

[HRyerson1994]

Yeah I'm sure. I put in the new motherboard and everything looks exactly the same as the old motherboard. Anyway, thanks for your advice, (I really should have something for the screws, I just have a piece of cardboard right now. I already have a missing motherboard standoff. lol) and I hope there will be no problems. I keep reading posts where people are having this problem, but there really doesn't seem to be a solution other than reinstalling the operating system. I might have to do that, because I also read that Windows will deactivate itself after a motherboard replacement.

[Huffer]

Now you are asking different questions. I thought you were asking whether the new motherboard needed any kind of BIOS programming to work. You will absolutely have to reactivate Windows. You obviously need to have a hard drive with installed Windows attached. It will boot up but will show as unactivated. You might have to reinstall Windows. If it is the same motherboard model it will do exactly what the old one did on installation but will likely not reactivate an old installation. Windows will see a new motherboard as a different computer. 

Also do not power it up until you get the right screws and standoffs or you are just going to short the thing out.