Fri
Jun
03
2005

Computer Complications

I generally regard myself as above average when it comes to computer competence. I’ve been digging around in the bowels of computers since around 1980, and have actively used them in ministry since 1984.

So this morning, the 15 month old motherboard in my desktop died. At least, I think that’s what it is. In the grand scheme of things, not a huge deal. Except, I strongly suspect that it won’t be a case of just dropping in a replacement, flicking the power switch and getting back to work.

Why?

Because the replacement board will be a different board the one that died (it’s not made anymore), and that will pose the question:
“Will XP manage to boot OK, or will the different mobo chipset cause a BSOD and lead to a reinstall of the O/S AND all the apps on my system?”

I suspect it will, and I suspect the answer that question will be the one I don’t want to hear.

So the unanswerable question that I want to pose is:

“Will we ever see a computer for home and business use that will cope with hardware failures like this, without requiring major software reinstalls?”

I somehow doubt it.

Posted by Neil, 3 June 05
Filed under:
§

Comment

  1. When my Dad vacuumed the inside of his computer case (don’t ask) managing to fry something (we think the motherboard), the operation was relatively painless. Admittedly, it wasn’t just a motherboard to replace. Technology had moved on, so a new CPU and RAM was also required. But, connecting the old hard drive and powering up, everything was back to normal.

    If you are reinstalling, I have a Windows SP2 disk here that will save you some downloading.

    — SImon · Jun 3, 06:18 AM · #

  2. Thanks Simon. I think the killer will be the SATA hard drive that is my primary HDD.
    I have to do some more checking, but if it is the mobo, will probably replace the (expensive) Gigabyte board with a more conservative Intel board until I upgrade to an Athlon64 ;-)
    Oh, and I already have an XP SP2 slipstreamed disk, thanks.

    — Neil · Jun 3, 03:17 PM · #

  3. Follow up – (if anyone is reading this!)
    Looks like it’s the mobo… still under warranty, and hopefully the distributors will be able to replace it with the same model.
    If so, should be no problem getting it all back up and running.
    Can’t wait!

    — Neil · Jun 8, 03:21 AM · #

  4. To answer the question
    “Will we ever see a computer for home and business use that will cope with hardware failures like this, without requiring major software reinstalls?”

    There is one that already exists. Do yourself a favour and get a G5 mac or better still wait a year or 2 on your substandard product till the G5 comes out with Intel processors. It’s the only way to go but PC users tend to be very stuck in their ways.

    Don’t get into a big computer debate based on what i say though, you know it will got straight over my head:)

    — Tim Haynes · Jun 9, 11:14 PM · #

Commenting is closed for this article.