This is what I might consider doing if it were mine. Probably it won't apply to you but then again, it might. After confirming that it was really the motherboard and not a cable, video card or power supply, I'd consider bidding on a used board, such as this one. I'd first make sure that is the proper board, not bid over $40, and realize it's a gamble. As for licensing, I know absolutely nothing but it's my impression that as long as you're replacing a defective board with the exact same model, you can use the same license. I assume activation by phone with an explanation would be needed though. Maybe I'm misreading? From Microsoft's Licensing FAQ: Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective? A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer --except the motherboard-- and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty. The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the Microsoft Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by those terms. The Microsoft Software License Terms are a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer, and relate only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it. But like I say, that's just what I'd consider doing if it were mine.

PM2 - I just want to clarify that the reason my husband may not be able to get XP drivers for his laptop is not because Microsoft is not supporting XP. They continue to support XP and constantly issue new updates. The issue is that there might not be XP drivers that are compatible with other things in his laptop. Now I don't know enough to know what those things are - is it hardware on the laptop, other software they've installed that doesn't have XP drivers. I don't fully comprehend the problem, but it's not that Microsoft isn't supporting XP. I hope somebody more knowledgeable will correct me if I'm wrong. I don't want to give prairiemoon2 incorrect information. I share your frustration that Microsoft would issue software that is so problematic that they even write documentation on ways to deal with the problems. I'm also frustrated when I have to get software fixes from other companies to deal with Microsoft problems. (I just had lots of trouble updating XP on an old computer of my daughters. The updates would not install - and nothing on Microsoft site - or from my computer tech guy's discussions with Microsoft turned up a solution. The solution came from third-party software - recommended to me here on this forum.) Lynn.

I keep hitting the touchpad with my wrist and when I first got my Lenovo and the keyboard always changes on its own from US Eng to Cdn multi and also when I skim the touchpad my page zooms. I have desensitized the touchpad and wish I could turn it off because I don't ever use it. I have gotten used to it though and can get right back to the way I was working, this touchpad is much larger on the Flex than it was on my old Thinkpad. That computer didn't haveX a number keypad and this one does so I am also typing off key haha because the keyboard isn't centered. Getting used to it though finally. Something just showed up on my taskbar and it was Lenovo Messenger for when Lenovo wants to send messages about upgrades, etc. At least that is what I think it is for. This Lenovo is so much lighter than my other one even though it is bigger because of the number keypad.

I figured out how to trick my Bosch last week when I had to wash a king sized pillow. Start and stop didn't work but I was able to turn it off and reselect the cycle and get it to add more water 3 times before it decided it wasn't going to fill any more. I've never needed to mess with the water level before, but that giant pillow really needed the extra water. I soaked it for an hour, then washed on hot with an extra rinse and it cleaned up great.