OS stalls when loading after motherboard replacement

This machine is a Gateway DX4300-15e running Windows 7 Home Premium. I replaced the faulty motherboard (part# U011094704110 PC RS780M03G1-8EKSMH)
with part# U011092403886 PC RS780M03G1-8EKSMH.
CPU is the original Phenom II X4 810 (part# Phenom II HDX810WFK4FGI CACYC AC 0948FPMW 9C23788L90298
AMD 2008).
I have a new Phenom X4 9750 CPU I can install if needed.

My problem is that sometimes it freezes during the Windows start-up sequence and becomes unresponsive. The only way I can get it shut down/re started is to unplug the power supply. Upon restart there is an option to run Start Up Repair but doing so hasn't helped this issue.
When it does start up correctly everything runs fine. I've tried changing any start-up related settings in the BIOS with the same results.

 

First, try starting the PC in Safe Mode (F8) - does it start up?

If yes, your problem is likely an issue with new/different drivers the new board requires and/or an issue with the Windows license code.

Put simply, when Windows is installed with a given motherboard, the COA (license) code recognizes if the copy of Windows has been moved to a different motherboard or PC to prevent software piracy. In addition, the install of Windows automatically tweaks itself for the drivers it needs - change the board and the existing drivers won't work.

Bottom line is you'll likely have to do a fresh install of Windows. If the PC is under warranty, Gateway should send you a set of restore DVDs for free. If not, you can order a set at gateway.com (be sure to send them the exact serial # of the new board so you get the right copy).

Hope this helps.

 

I agree with gman. My guess is you simply replaced the motherboard and keep the same boot drive. If you were sent an EXACT replacement, it might have worked. But the model numbers are not exact, so there are probably different devices (requiring) different drivers on the board. Plus the BIOS information may be different.

So a fresh install may be the solution.

That said, you said sometimes it does run fine. So I would double check all your power and data cable to make sure the are securely fastened. Make sure your fans spin, and you have maximized front to back air flow by routing cables (as much as possible) out of that flow.

What happened to the first motherboard? If me, I would swap in a known good power supply - at least while troubleshooting.

 

Thanks to you both for your time and knowledge!
One issue I expect to happen is with obtaining a copy of Win 7 from Gateway due to this new motherboard serial# as being used in Gateway's earlier DX4300-03 machines, which, at that time of manufacture, included Vista Home Premium (Win 7 not yet available). I'd like to keep Win 7 and all my files if possible. That
But I have some additional symptoms now I've found that I'd like you both to consider if need be:
(1) This issue only happens when restarting the machine from while logged on as admin with Win 7 - and this seems to be only recoverable via power supply dissconnect. This issue does not happen when booting from shut-down/power-off.

 

Sorry about a reply that was premature in my last post. I have some health issues I need to attend to before posting additionally. Thanks for your patience!!!

 

Sorry for the delay. I'm better today.

Not if being re-started. It still stalls just like if being re-started normally.
However it will start-up from shut down into safe mode fine.
Either way this only happens when being re-started.

It just went bad. Would not respond when powered up. No beeps, no display. I've tested this PSU and also swapped in a known good unit with no change.

Also I've tried the original Phenom II X4 810 CPU and also a Phenom X4 9750. This stalling issue when re-started happens the same with either.

 

I am glad you are feeling better. No worries if you do not reply immediately, the thread will still be here, even if it goes dormant for awhile.

Again, if the new motherboard is not an exact replacement (same brand, model and revision number - even BIOS version can make a difference), then a fresh OS install may be necessary. This often happens when the OS installation on the hard drive is configured with drivers for hardware the new motherboard no longer uses - and so the boot process chokes. A repair install some times fixes it, and is worth trying first, but a fresh install may still be what is needed here.