Windows Won't Start, New Processor, Motherboard, Ram

[john_oneill]

Okay so I'm currently running Windows 7 ultimate 32bit.

I upgraded a big section of my pc's guts: The motherboard, processor, and ram.

Here they are:

Motherboard: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5587168

Memory: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=752486 (2x)

Processor: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5581942

I installed all the parts, but when the computer reaches the windows loading screen, about 1-2 seconds in it goes to a blue screen and then recommends I launch the Repair utility. Tried the repair utility. Still nothing works. I cant get into windows at all.

I feared that I somehow damaged my HDD but I put all the old parts back and the PC works just fine again (hence how I am able to type this, haha).

Anyway, I did some thinking on my own on what else the issue could be, and so far the only thing I could come up with is that the new processor or motherboard (or both) or maybe even the DDR3 ram, requires a 64bit version of Windows. However after researching my exact parts I couldn't find any specific data indicating that 64bit windows is REQUIRED. But since all my parts are new, maybe these days it just "goes without saying." So anyway... that's my best guess so far.

But before I go and buy a 64bit version of Windows I'd like others theories on this. Thank you!

-John.

 

[john_oneill]

Ha so I accidentally found the answer when reading something else. Apparently Windows 32bit only supports up to 4gigs of memory.

But before I disassemble and reassemble everything, is it even possible to run only 1 stick of ram of a kit?

Actually wait,, i think I did try with only 1 stick of ram and windows still wouldn't start. I'm pretty sure....

 

[blacksci]

Try sticking just 1 stick in until you have the os loaded up and running, and then add the additional ram, FYI windows 32 bit will only recognize up to 4 gigs of ram and with addressing issues will only use 3.5 gigs, so if you want to use all 8 its time to go to win 7 64 bit. And yes, windows will load with just 1 stick, you just wont have hyperthreading enabled.

 

[pat]

Did you reinstall Windows or using the old installation? Normally, when upgrading part, you need to reinstall Windows as the installation doesn't have the proper drivers for the new hardware. You may need to reactivate Windows and likely to have to call Microsoft because the parts in the new system wont match the parts used to create the hardware profile for the activation. I did call the a couple of time telling that that I upgraded some part of my computer and need to activate it.

 

[tinmann]

Sounds like you need a fresh install of Windows.

 

[kevin83]

When you upgrade essential parts of your computer such as the cpu and specifically the motherboard it is recommended if not necessary to reinstall windows completely. At one point it was actually illegal to upgrade the motherboard because of microsoft's license agreement. The drivers for the new motherboard chipsets will not activate without a fresh install, and it will continue trying and failing to launch the drivers for the old motherboard. You do not need 64 bit windows unless you need an OS disc for the reinstallation.
If you haven't already, put the old components back in and back up the hard drive. When you wipe it with the reinstall you can then restore what files you need, like your music and pictures.

 

[john_oneill]

Wow, thanks for all the responses. This place is great. =)

Okay..I decided to just go ahead and buy a 64bit version of windows and do a fresh install. It would be silly to have an extra 12gigs of ram laying around.

To answer pat: Yes, was trying to boot it in the old installation.

 

[bryonhowley]

Try sticking just 1 stick in until you have the os loaded up and running, and then add the additional ram, FYI windows 32 bit will only recognize up to 4 gigs of ram and with addressing issues will only use 3.5 gigs, so if you want to use all 8 its time to go to win 7 64 bit. And yes, windows will load with just 1 stick, you just wont have [strike]hyperthreading[/strike] Dual Channel Memory enabled.

As has been said you need to do a complete re-install of Windows. With 8gig of ram you really need Windows 7 64bit. If you can find a copy of Windows 7 64 bit you will not need to buy one as your key will work with it. With Windows 7 the keys work with 32 or 64bit no need for a new copy.

 

[john_oneill]

As has been said you need to do a complete re-install of Windows. With 8gig of ram you really need Windows 7 64bit. If you can find a copy of Windows 7 64 bit you will not need to buy one as your key will work with it. With Windows 7 the keys work with 32 or 64bit no need for a new copy.

Welp, I'm long over due for a new disc. I don't have one (lost it) and have been getting by without one for a while. So I'll just buy a new copy on Friday when I also go to buy a SATA dvd rom drive, which I also found I needed. (motherboard only has sata connectors, my old dvd drive is IDE (never use it anymore so didnt even bother checking XD).

Also this case as been solved, so I was going to put "Solved" on it but not sure how to.

 

[melead]

Did you check if you have enough power from your CPU to handle the new parts?

 

[john_oneill]

Best answer selected by john_oneill.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr.