Computer help forum: Have to push power button multiple times to start PC!?!

Had a new power supply installed with the new motherboard months ago. Maybe its the power supply? I have no idea of where to even look at what it could be. I didn't reinstall windows when I got the new motherboard and power supply, I just reactivated it. Could that have anything to do with it?

"I didn't reinstall windows when I got the new motherboard"

That's a great clue as Windows rarely gets the drivers right. Too bad all the details are missing. I can't find make, model, PSU rating and more.

This is either the OS or a power supply that's barely big enough. But I can't tell from the story so far.
Bob

...then try the power supply if the clean OS install and correct drivers for the motherboard/chipset and other hardware don't help.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Well now I have run into a bigger problem! First off, it's an HP Pavillion desktop computer, and several months ago I replaced the moboard with an Intel. Anyway, here's the problem now... I tried to do a fresh install of Vista and at the end I got a "System Configuration Error" and it had a message saying to contact the manufacturer and at the end it had (code purple.) I looked this up and apparently HP "tattoos" their computers so if everything isn't the exact same, then the recover disks or recovery partition will not work. So, now I'm stuck with a computer that just goes to that message. The computer didn't come with a full version of Windows Vista.. only the recovery disks that created right when I got it and the recovery partition. Anyone know any way around this?

Yes, that's correct... Replacement of the original MOBO with a different motherboard requires a new operating system install and generally the recovery discs won't get it done, for a number of reasons.. The motherboard swap is probably the general culprit in all of your recent problems because the Windows installation didn't correctly recognize the hardware it was using.

So your options are to contact HP and see if they have a recovery disc which will accommodate your MOBO change, (they probably won't have such but it's worth a check), and if that doesn't work, then you'll need to install a full legal operating system and all the associated drivers. If you want Vista, or XP, or Windows 7, then you'll need to purchase such..or you can move toward free versions of Ubuntu, etc. The difficulty with any of these options is you'll need to obtain the correct hardware drivers for any of the operating systems you use.. HP may, or may not have the drivers for the OS you choose and certainly, you'll need to obtain the correct motherboard/chipset driver for the new motherboard.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Since you've replaced the mtrbd and you mentioned its a non-HP(intel) one, then you're SOL. You already found out the recovery/restore discs won't work or complete the install. Non-HP mtrbds. aren't supported and now you're out of the HP world. As explained to you, you need a retail version of an OS in order to install. You will then need once done the required drivers, etc. to complete the install. Sorry, having a HP system locked you in the OS license area and there is no way around this using HP anymore. Unless, I missed something you have brick for a system until an entire new OS is available. Forget about using any google hints/tips/cure to get around this as HP is the worst of the lot to in such matters.

tada -----Willy

I've read something about using a Linux Live CD to get around this. I'm going to research it today and see what's involved. Also, it is a bit lame that if you have to replace something in the HP then you need to buy windows again! What a pain in the arse! Their crappy motherboard went bad, and because of it I'll be out all this money most likely... the moboard that was in my particular machine was known to be notoriously faulty.

To maintain the license we have to replace it with the HP motherboard. That's it. The license is tied to HP and what's wrong with that?
Bob

So, I've already bought the HP machine and created my recovery disks as instructed... Now, if a piece of hardware inside needs to be replaced then the machine stops working and I need to purchase windows? This doesn't seem a bit silly to you? Plus, in researching online it appears that the particular FoxConn moboard that is in my model of HP Pavillion is notoriously faulty. So if I spend the money to replace their low-quality motherboard, why should I need to throw out a ton of money to buy the OS again?

Also, if memory serves me right I believe I did search for the original Foxconn moboard and it wasn't available anymore, this is why I had to go with the new Intel.

Well, all spelled out for all to see. The license must be tied to something and it's the motherboard.

-> But here's the thing that infuriates many. You did not buy the OS.

You had a license and it's invalidated under some conditions. Many feel that's unfair but if it is, why did you enter into that agreement?

As to the motherboard having no replacement, that's always an issue. Again, a personal choice of what company to deal with.
Bob

Whatever, all this talk over licensing issues is getting boring, it already was in the beginning. It's all just more red tape to jump through, as if we already don't have enough in this world. As far as your question asking me why I entered into the agreement... Are you serious? Who, when they buy a computer is informed of this information upon purchase?? I bought it at Best Buy and was never told by the clerk, "by the way, if you need to replace the motherboard for any reason, then you need to purchase Windows." With all due respect, the question of why did I agree to enter into the agreement just sounds really silly! Anyway, I didn't come on here to spar back and forth with people on knowledge of licensing issues, I came on here to try to get my PC back up and running. I'll do what I have to do to get my PC back up and running. It's just an inconvience really along with a financial burden.... Setting aside all the comments of superior knowledge of licensing and other such boring topics, I think we can all agree that it stinks not having a computer... Thank you to all who have submitted info to try and help, hopefully I can get my computer back sometime soon.

Here we have dozens of post and now we are getting down to what the real question was.

I see you didn't get the hint that you didn't buy the OS.

The license agreement issue is an old one.
Bob