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September 11th, 2021 21:00
Motherboard Replace
I have a Dell Optiplex 790 (Mini Tower) and I'm replacing the motherboard with the same type what are some things I need to know for example when I replace it will it work just fine and ready to go or do I need to buy windows again or do anything before replacing it. Edit I found out that I have a retail version and not a OEM as I thought and I say this because this computer wasn't originally mine I've obtained it from a failed business... I think.
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redxps630
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September 12th, 2021 04:00
If your pc has a Windows 7 COA sticker then use the product key to activate Windows after board replacement, if it does not automatically activate. Windows already installed on hdd will adjust to new motherboard.
speedstep
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September 12th, 2021 03:00
Motherboard replacement on such an old model requires new license key from Microsoft.
bradthetechnut
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September 12th, 2021 18:00
As the old MB put it's identifying info on the HDD, you'll have at least 1 or 2 related restarts as "new hardware detected."
Deepfrequency
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September 4th, 2022 20:00
I have an old Dell E521 which I use for photoshop. Storage Spaces with 4TB half full. It crashed and I get a solid Amber light ....i.e. my motherboard needs replacement. When I replace the motherboard will ........
This answer posted below....
..... entering the Windows XP product key get me back running with my Windows 10?
PS. How do I update the BIOS? or will the motherboard (from EBay) have BIOS on it?
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If your pc has a Windows 7 COA sticker then use the product key to activate Windows after board replacement, if it does not automatically activate. Windows already installed on hdd will adjust to new motherboard."
redxps630
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September 5th, 2022 15:00
Crash w amber light does not definitely indicate motherboard failure. Have you already tried replacing cmos battery a brand new cr2032 and clear cmos settings by motherboard RTCRST jumper. that would be the 1st thing I do.
move the blue jumper on passwd pins to RTCRST pins (lower right) x 5 sec then move back.
RTCRST
When doing diagnostics no POST pc, remove all hdd, all usb devices, and all memory. Install only one memory back in DIMM 1. If you can get video again, work from there. Test each memory stick individually.
also try use a spare working 24/4 pin psu (borrow from an old ATX still working desktop pc)
A failed psu, memory stick, hdd can all cause no POST and amber flash.
bradthetechnut
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September 5th, 2022 15:00
XP product key does not work for Win7 or 10.
According to one of our Rockstars that has many Dell's, oldest Dell that will run Win10 is the Optiplex GX620.
MB from eBay would of course have BIOS on it, otherwise, it would not work. I don't know if BIOS can be updated on an E521 anymore, well, latest BIOS appears to be 2007.
I see the E521 is a Dimension. I'll let others more familiar chime in on that one.
If it's in your budget, getting a refurb PC with Win10 is a much better deal than having to buy Win10 with product key.
bradthetechnut
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September 5th, 2022 17:00
What redxps630 is suggesting is similar to the Dell BIST Test.
How to Run a Power Supply Unit Self Test On a Dell Desktop or All-in-One Computer
Dell BIST Test video (Built In Self Test)
Though it says "power supply" in the 1st link, test is for whole PC.