What's the proper steps for replacing a laptop motherboard?

[11fingers]

Hello Technibble forums! I have a customer with an Acer Aspire 5517 laptop running Windows 7. She has a bad motherboard. I've never replaced a laptop motherboard before but I'm quite confident I can do it no problem. The only thing is, this is just an OEM version of Win7 and so I can't do a clean install of Windows after the motherboard swap. So what do I do: do I swap the motherboard and then run a repair install from my retail Windows 7 disc, and then also run that program on UBCD4WIN.. what was it... that tool that resets something in the registry...? And then also, I'd imagine I'm going to need to call Microsoft and tell them that I changed the motherboard and hopefully they'll activate it?

 

[16k_zx81]

Have you looked at the boards available for that model? Presumably if they came with both AMD and Intel options, you would be looking at a board compatible with the existing CPU. So its likely that a replacement board you source for that model laptop would be a direct swap. :: no need to reinstall the OS - perhaps a tweak to the video drivers if the video chipset is a model up or down from the existing.

The trick in the first instance will be sourcing the part. Have you located one?

As far as replacing a lappie mobo, check out the Podnutz Laptop Repair video series. It will get you up and running.

 

[Kitten Kong]

The first link I come across, was for this board. http://www.dhgate.com/aspire-5517-l...-acer/p-ff808081296d9d4a01296e37a4db702d.html

As zx has mentioned, if this is your first lappy mobo replacement, do not be complacent about it. They CAN be VERY tricky at times. There are a large number of screws, of differing sizes you have to contend with. Plus dismantling all the other accessories.

The podnutz videos are top quality, and a great platform for you to start off with.

 

[basic]

Sidebar: Why wouldn't you be able to do a clean reinstall? The laptop should currently be using generic key that reads the serial number or other info from the BIOS so the serial number on the COA should still be good. Even if it has already been used, you just call up Microsoft and then tell them you had to replace the motherboard for repair purposes.

 

[dkillam]

Why re-install

Replace motherboard, re-activate Windows. Do you have to re-install?

 

[arrow_runner]

If you use an exact replacement board, you shouldn't have to do anything with windows, at all.

 

[Wheelie]

If you use an exact replacement board, you shouldn't have to do anything with windows, at all.

Bingo. Beat me to it.

I ALWAYS use the same part number MB and have never had a problem. No reload needed because she'll boot right up!

 

[JAG Computers]

Have you looked at the boards available for that model? Presumably if they came with both AMD and Intel options, you would be looking at a board compatible with the existing CPU. So its likely that a replacement board you source for that model laptop would be a direct swap. :: no need to reinstall the OS - perhaps a tweak to the video drivers if the video chipset is a model up or down from the existing.

The trick in the first instance will be sourcing the part. Have you located one?

As far as replacing a lappie mobo, check out the Podnutz Laptop Repair video series. It will get you up and running.

I bought the podnutz videos about 2 weeks ago and I have been soaking it all in. Very good quality.