HP Pavilion a6333w System# KC746AA#ABA (ECS MCP61PM-HM) MoBo replacement question

[vp7822982]

I'm working on one of these AM2 Athlon 64X2 4800+ (Windows Vista Home Premium with Windows Media
Center (32-bit)) beasties for a customer (slow-downs, BSODs, No Boots, Hangs/freezes).

After doing extensive testing of the hardware (PSU, RAM, CPU, HDD are all fine) and doing a very close-up visual exam of the MoBo, I've found that at least nine of the 1800uf 63 TK caps are slightly "bulged" at the crown and while it hasn't failed completely, it's only a question of when, not if it fails.

I've come to the inescapable conclusion that it's not worth the time I've put into it, much less the time and effort involved in recapping this critter, so I'm going to recommend replacing the MoBo, preferably with an ASUS that can use his RAM, Cards, and CPU.

I would do a System Restore from the existing D partition, but that prompts the question of "Will the HP image restore and register OK with a "big" change like MoBO make/model, or is the Image "keyed" to a particular MoBo ID type?"

NOTE:  The customer lost his restore CD's in a move!  Big surprise!

TIA!

[8lives · Accepted solution]

Hi, if you install a non HP motherboard you will need another copy of windows.

[vp7822982]

Yeah!  I was pretty certain that was the case!  Well, I could bump him into Win7 64-bit and actually utilize the power of that processor and memory!

I think maybe the ASUS M3N78-VM would be a good choice and just do an "In place upgrade" over the restored Vista install (assuming the existing install would function on the new MoBo for a few days)!

OEM's make this process needlessly complicated with the OS "tie-down!" 

Thanks for the quick confirmation!

[8lives]

Hi, the existing Vista partition will not install on the new ASUS moteboard, also I would upgrade the power supply.

[vp7822982]

I suspected that (Vista) might be a problem as well!

What do you think about this; upgrade the Vista install and THEN change the MoBo?

As to the PSU, I was contemplating that as well; HP putting a 250 in there was just a problem looking for a place to occur!

[8lives]

I would not recommend a Vista to Win7 upgrade in this case.

Just use windows easy transfer.

[vp7822982]

There's no data or settings to be transferred or saved; it's a fresh restore of Vista from the restore partition; not even updated yet!  Performing an in place update with a Vista Home Prem to Win7 Pro Premium 64-bit is a less expensive option for the customer than purchasing a complete (clean) install.

[CherylG]

You can do a clean install of 7 with an upgrade dvd:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

[vp7822982]

Ah!  Interesting!  How I missed those articles is beyond me!

Of course, as many newsletters and blogs as I get links to on any given day, it's amazing that I accomplish anything productive at all!

Thanks!

Being the bull-headed fool that I am, I'm sitting here trying to get that computer to at least SOME level of usability for this guy until he can afford to make a decision, but everything is just SOOOOO slow!

I had hoped (all the while knowing better) that getting Vista restored and updated would improve things, but it's beginning to look like it simply isn't going to allow me to do the updates; it's connection to the web just fine, but it just "times out!"

Gaaahhhh!  I hate letting a machine get the better of me!

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Mr-X,

I reviewed the post. You could update the bios without problems. But if the battery is not holding any charge, then it needs to be replaced by contacting hp phone support.

Please reply on the public platform and not privately. Please ensure that you contact HP phone support to get the issue fixed.

Also, you've been absolutely superb to work with considering your profound technical expertise. I thank you for giving me the privilege to share this platform with you. 🙂

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved and the printer works great and stays healthy for a long time to come. 🙂

Trust me I've done all I can to assist you, by keeping your best interest in mind. 🙂

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

 If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles. 🙂

You take care, stay healthy, keep smiling big and have a blessed year ahead. 🙂