Hello,

A few weeks ago, my computer wouldn't boot up a few times. (Even though it boots up now, it seems to bog down when a couple of programs are open at the same time. It used to handle multiple programs running just fine.)

I took it to a local computer shop where the technician told me my motherboard was on its way out.

He said a couple of components on the motherboard were leaking some kind of substance (I don't know all the technical names of the components so I can't be more specific).

I ordered a replacement motherboard online and would like to replace it myself.

My computer is a Compaq Presario 5000; I’m running Windows XP, SP 2. My computer has given me good service since 2001, and I'd like to keep it.

Could someone give me a step-by-step set of instructions on removing and replacing the motherboard?

Did he say that capacitors were leaking?

Anyway we can help but I'd point out a few things in advance. Unless you can get an identical motherboard from HP you are faced with the following issues:

First off you will need to reinstall XP after the change. This assumes that you have the proper CD's (XP and Drivers) and Product Key from HP.

Next you will have to be certain that your current hardware is compatible with the new motherboard.

The physical operation is quite simple. Remove everything from the current motherboard. And remove the board itself. You will see the mounting screws. You might leave the CPU in place until you are ready to move it just for its' own protection.

Screw in the new board and replace the components. Reinstall XP. Load drivers and all Windows' updates.

That is the basic course. If you need details let us know. If you have already purchased the board I assume you made the compatibility study etc.

Also if you are unfamiliar working inside computers this is a good read:

http://www.d-a-l.com/articles/library/72.html

My computer is a Compaq Presario 5000

Unless you can get an identical motherboard from HP

@Choyce - jephree really does know what he talking about - even if he doesn't know what he talking about!

One word concerning that link, since you will be disconnecting power from the motherboard, it is essential you unplug the PSU from the wall first to ensure all voltages are removed from the motherboard before disconnecting the motherboard cables. Protecting against ESD damage is still absolutely necessary. Use of an anti-static wrist strap is a very effective method. Absent a strap, keeping yourself grounded to bare metal of the case will prevent static build up.
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Edit add: Oops!! My bad - It seem jephree does indeed know what he's talking about as I forgot that HP bought out Compaq. It's that darn quinquagenarian cranial flatulence again. My apologies!

Yes, he probably did say the capacitors were leaking.

To be sure, I went online to look at motherboard capacitors. They match the components that are leaking on my motherboard.

I have a little experience working inside computers. A couple of weeks ago, I volunteered at a local computer recycling shop, removing hard drives and RAM for a few hours a week.

Your instructions are very clear and the information on ESD is helpful, too. I plan to get the wrist band….

Fortunately, I do have the original disk that came with my computer.

But I'm still somewhat hesitant to delve into this job, considering I haven't done it before and I can’t really get by without my computer for more than a few hours or a day (I’m thinking something could go wrong and I’d be hung up for a few days, possibly).

The motherboard I bought is an exact replacement of the original -- from all indications.

Also, I'm wondering if I should wait until my motherboard dies before I replace it. Is this a good idea?

Also, I'm wondering if I should wait until my motherboard dies before I replace it. Is this a good idea?

There's a couple dangers here. (1) When it goes, if it happens at just the right (or wrong!) moment, it could corrupt your hard drive, making it unreadable - meaning, all your data could be lost. So you should definitely back up all your critical data right away, and then do frequent backups there after. And (2), I have seen motherboards go, and take out the CPU and RAM with it!!! In which case, you will be out more than just a new motherboard and may still lose all your data. That's not the norm, but it can and does happen.

So, I would not wait for long, and in either case, you should back up your data right away.

The motherboard I bought is an exact replacement of the original -- from all indications.

There's a good chance the new motherboard will be a newer revision. They are usually marked along the edge, between the PCI slots, or some other hard to see spot. Also, it is likely the BIOS will be a newer version. Therefore, it may not be a slam dunk remove and replace and you are off and running. I would make sure you have your Windows CD and the CD Key before starting, and again, backup your data.

I hear you....

Fortunately, I do have everything on my HD backed up on my external HD, and I do back things up frequently.

I'm thinking I should bring my computer in to a shop tomorrow and have someone more knowledgeable than me handle it. I think I might be in over my head. I will double check to make sure I have the Windows CD that came with my computer.

I would base your decision on your interest.

You will find many people in "shops" are no more experienced than you and certainly have less interest in your particular machine than you would.

Before I started building my own computers I had a local "shop" put a few together and I would go in unexpected to find some high school kid working after school on my computer. Saw one trying to install a PCI_E card in a PCI slot. etc. etc. etc.

It is basically a plug and screw process. It might take you a couple hours with the hardware.

Again it depends on your own level of interest here. My point is that you can most likely do as good a job, if not better, than any "shop".

Plus you have us here!

I agree. I get irritated when some of these folks call themselves technicians and sometimes refer to themselves as technical engineers. They are not. They are assemblers and that's all it is - putting pieces together. One tool required, a #2 phillips screwdriver.

True, care must be taken when handling the CPU in particular, and the RAM. And you must take ESD precautions. But that is all just being careful. I would say the trickiest part when replacing like motherboards is mounting the CPU and applying a fresh thin layer of TIM (thermal inteface material) between the CPU and heat sink.

There is one major advantage to having a shop do it, you can yell at them if they mess it up! My advice in picking a shop is to avoid the big electronics chain stores. They are discount retail outlets. Check your yellow pages under computer repair and pick one registered with the BBB.

Just to add:

I found most of my learning on-line. In fact that is why I found D-A-L and then stuck around.

The manuals for your parts are very instructive plus on-line support is generally extensive.

As to TIM, just for example, Arctic Silver has a very detailed tutorial covering many different CPU's:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm

I agree with you. I have learned a lot from online forums, especially about automobile repair. I've gotten tons of good advice and instruction.

This is my first computer forum, and I like it but I think I lack sufficient experience inside computers, which seem more mysterious than cars (at least for me).

As we speak, I have been hunting for the disks that came with my computer. I have found a couple of Compaq Recovery CDs (I once had a Pentium III, too).

I put one of the disks in my CD drive and the disk said something about restoring Windows 98 which would obviously be the wrong disk, since I'm running XP on my Pentium IV.

For some reason, I couldn't figure out whether the other disk restores Windows XP or not.

How can I tell if I have the right disk?

I think if I take it one step at a time I might be able to see my way clear with my motherboard job.