Windows 7: Problems with new CPU Installation

Guess what...I think I would suggest you to do clean install of window 7.
Clean Install Windows 7
Because the situaltion that you get rightnow, sounds to me your OS is messed up



~Tuan

Hello MoochMaker,

Since you can't boot normally, lets try to fix that.
Boot into safe mode. Open an elevated command prompt (right click, run as admin) and type sfc /scannow. What does it say?

Second option is to attempt a repair install. Boot into your Windows installation disk, and click repair your computer. Just let it check for problems and then fix them.

If none of this works, then a clean install might be the best option. It could be that your CPU is not compatible, or another hardware problem. Before doing a clean install I would recommend trying to boot into a Linux Live CD to see if that crashes. You can also run Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool.

~Lordbob

Well, before I read that post, we went ahead and threw the old CPU back in there just to see if it still worked. Luckily, it did. There are a couple of things we've narrowed it down to for the problem. 1) The CPU (as you suggested, bob) could be incompatible and therefore not usable on the mother board or 2) the BIOS wasn't up-to-date and therefore was also not compatible with the new CPU. The OS also could be rejecting the CPU as well (for what reason I have no idea). I will mention that some of our attempts at the things you suggested like the clean install and other ideas met with the computer freezing up which called for a restart. It could be we got the wrong CPU and will just have to make d*** sure we find the right one to use if this one isn't the appropriate one.

Definitely check your motherboard documentation to double check that it is compatible. Make sure to look for a new BIOS update that might add compatibility.

~Lordbob

One more question. Where can I find a lit of compatible upgrades for my processor? Check "My System Specs."

Motherboard in that gateway,

Gateway Support - Specifications

can find the full specs here,

Gateway Support - 1014914R*Gateway GT5637E Desktop Computer

There is no reason for the new CPU to not be compatible with that motherboard except for it is in a Gateway computer (same applies to Dell's, HP's, etc), other than the small fact that they would much rather sell you a new computer with a faster CPU than allow for a simple CPU upgrade. This is the latest bios from Gatewat for it,

BIOS ECS-MCP61PM-AM MotherboardVersion 61G114GS

Despite the motherboard being made by ESC, it is a custom OEM made for Gateway and as such they are in complete control of any bios updates for it and what it will support.

If it turns out that the problems with the new CPU come down to a lack of support for it in the bios, you aren't the first and definitely won't be the last to not be able to upgrade the CPU because of it (there are more than a few threads in the hardware forum where it has happened to others).

Alright. Well, I'll try updating the bios and see if that helps. As of now, I'm going back to school and don't really want to tinker with my desktop for the rest of the year, but I'll get back to you if the BIOS update ends up working out or not. Guess I'll be SOL until I either get a new computer for the BIOS allows for an upgrade.

Looks like you didn't format/reinstall Windows after you installed your CPU- or at least a repair install. It is always recommended (or more so required) to reinstall your Windows after CPU swap. The best way is to reinstall your Windows so it can build the registry and profiles the clean way. Backup, format, and reinstall will be your best bet.
Oh, and the way it keeps restarting, that's how I lost an HDD I/O when I didn't know I had to do a clean install after swapping a CPU.

** I just noticed that Tuan already said what I was going to say lol. Anyways, yes. Please reinstall your Windows = happy system.

Still, seems like there should be an easier option than just a reinstall. Shouldn't you just be able to pop in the piece and move on? Just seems like more trouble to get a new CPU unless it's compatible and will just run once it's been put in. But I guess that's just me.

It is because your windows needs to develop new databases and assign different instructions after a new cpu is introduced to the installation. It is recommended that you wipe and reinstall, but a workaround would be installing your windows as an "upgrade", basically updating your windows files while keeping your program files. Nevertheless, your problem will probably be solved after windows installation.