Hi, folks, I need some help.
I've got an older Gateway (model 3200s) with a bad motherboard. After reading some of the other posts on the subject it seems that replacing it may require the install disk, which doesn't exist (long story). My other concern is that there is data on the hard drive that I don't want to lose.
So I guess I have 2 questions. Number one, if I buy the exact same motherboard (Intel Seabreeze T3) what are the chances of replacing it without needing the Windows disk, and what other problems might I run into?
Number 2, if I decide to replace the computer, what do I need to know if I decide to pull the hard drive and use it as an external drive?
I'm pretty much a total novice when it comes to computer repair, so any advice is greatly appreciated!
I've got an older Gateway (model 3200s) with a bad motherboard. After reading some of the other posts on the subject it seems that replacing it may require the install disk, which doesn't exist (long story). My other concern is that there is data on the hard drive that I don't want to lose.
So I guess I have 2 questions. Number one, if I buy the exact same motherboard (Intel Seabreeze T3) what are the chances of replacing it without needing the Windows disk, and what other problems might I run into?
Number 2, if I decide to replace the computer, what do I need to know if I decide to pull the hard drive and use it as an external drive?
I'm pretty much a total novice when it comes to computer repair, so any advice is greatly appreciated!