Since the start up selection screen comes up, the HD seems to be operating.
Although you don't mention it, I assume that your operating system is XP.
Sometimes XP needs to relearn what components make up the computer
especially after installing a new MB. Once you are able to access the CD
drive, you should set it to be first in the boot order and use the XP
installation disk. Chose install and towards the beginning of the
installation it will recognize that XP is already on the computer and offer
you a repair option. Chose repair and after that, the computer should be
back to normal. And, if that does not work, the Microsoft knowledge site has
more detailed instructions on installing a replacement MB in an XP machine.

As to the CD drive problem, double check that the HD is set as master (or
master with slave) and the CD is set as slave. If they are already set that
way, try setting up the HD and CD as "cable select" and see if that solves
the problem. As an alternative, set the CD as a master on the secondary IDE
channel.

I hope this helps.

Tom Mayer

----- Original Message -----
From: "Christopher Charles" <[log in to unmask]>


you should check the c: partition is set to active.
Try fdisk /mbr after booting from windows 98 boot
floppy.
Make sure CMOS battery is new, fully charged and has
proper contact with the clip.

Also you may have errors on the hard drive preventing
booting.

If you have access to another working PC then attach
the hard drive as slave.  Then run scandisk on the
drive to fix errors automaticaly.

Replace HD in PC and bingo it will boot!

I reccommend running scandisk again after first
succesful boot.

Chris

--- Vanessa Henderson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Just installed a new motherboard. The old was a VIA
> chipset, the new is a nVidia chipset. It only boots
> as far as trying to read the IDE drives, and then
> freezes unless I unhook the CD ROM drive. With only
> the hard drive and video card installed, it will
> just go to the screen that allows you to choose the
> safe mode, DOS mode & a last know good start up
> point. Then it just shuts down and restarts.... OK,
> now that you know my probelm, please help me fix it!
> The computer is unable to read the CD ROM drive,
> therefore I am unable to give it the driver
> information it needs. HELP!
>
> Thanks,
> [log in to unmask]
>
>

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