how do i know what to get? do i just get one for the 478 socket?

Well you should get the one for your mainboard.Although you must buy correct one due to your CPU cooler needs to fit back on there.

You maybe able to get this at a local PC repair shop/Newegg.com as your in USA you would have to check localy or online.

Most good computer supply/repair shops would sell some thing like this.

Or you can take it off the board and take it with you and buy correct one.You can buy a diffrent one if it fits your board however you cooler may not fit.

You can get just a heatsink and fan. But they may cost just as much as a getting a new CPU.

Newegg has socket 478 cpu's for around $75.00 US. This may be a better option for you. Heres the link to the 478's on newegg

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

If the retention is just loose you may be able to put a new screw in it - however if it's broken you will need to replace it. If that is the case it would be best if you take it to a computer repairer.

sorry i haven't written in a while...i had ordered the retention module and thermal grease. i put them both on, and tried booting up. it said "cant find ntldr, press ctrl+alt+del to restart". so i tried the recovery disk and it just stays on the screen "setup is inspecting your computers hardware configuration. im not sure if i bought the right thermal compound. The original compound was thick and gray, but the one I bought is white and thin. The retention module is different too. The original was attached to the Motherboard with screws and the new one has little plastic rivets. Should I have just bought a whole kit (cpu and cooler). I've fixed computers before but nothing like this.this is all new to me. help plz. I'm sorry to keep bothering you on this issue.

also what is the boot sequence for xp: i have 2 hard drives and a cdrom drive. the 2nd HD is mainly for storage.

Thanks
Fay

Hello fay.Is this the correct retention unit?regardless of the screw?Have you tried to fit it?Never over tighten the screws

yea its the correct one, and it fits and everything, it just has plastic rivets instead of screws. it looks exactly the same. the clips are a real pain to get off once u put them on. they are silver clips which dont look like clips at all..they just sort of grab hold of the retention module

Ahhh I think you mean the clips the fan attaches to?Fay are you able to post a few pictures of these parts etc?This could help us help you?