I'm looking on buying a motherboard for my Compaq, but I don't have a copy of Windows. And I can't use the Compaq Recovery disc I have because it will reflash the Bios to Compaq factory specs. What should I do? B. Dragon

In order to install on a new harddrive I had to purchase QuickRestore CDs. That was cheap. May be that you would have to call Compaq to ask them.

Is there something wrong with the current motherboard? You may find that only a compaq replacement will fit/work properly. I would also question your statement about the restore disk performing a bios flash. If the restore disk accesses a hidden partition on the harddrive where the instal files are located, It will only instal on an identical motherboard configuration since it is designed that way by the OEM. You may also face hardware limitations since Compaq are in the habit of using proprietary powersupply connectors. Finally, without a full instal disk you would have no way of doing the necesary "repair instal" that follows something as major as motherboard replacement, and even if you did have one it would probably not work to restore your existing operating system. A format and clean instal would be necessary. Downside to owning a namebrand system. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

Yes, My computer has a recovery partiton on the harddrive that it reads from. Some forums were saying that the company puts a Bios in that partition and it reflashes itself to factory specs every time you recover the PC. I thought that it would reflash the new motherboard when I recover my harddrive. Thanks guys! B. Dragon

Your compaq recovery will not work with a noncompaq mainboard. Doubt you will be able to put a new mb in the compaq case. You have a OEM version of OS. It is NOT transferable. Might want to read the EULA. Give a person a fish you feed them for a day. Ask a person to internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

Yeah I had to use a friends official version of Windows XP cd to reinstall windows after getting a new motherboard for my computer because the manufacturers recover CD with ONLY work with their motherboard.