my fan went out in my computer and i bought a new one and it came with a heat sink..instead of just changing the fan i was going to just put the whole thing in new. so i went to take the heat sink out and the processor was stuck to it and some of the prongs got bent and then my computer wouldnt work. i bought a new 2.6 512/533 (which is what was in it) and i put it in and my computer still wont boot up. im not sure the direction that the processor goes in. can anyone help me. im not usually this careless with my computer. i just have never changed a heat sink on it before and i didnt think about the processor being stuck. anyway if anyone can help me i would appreciate it.
thanks

Welcome to PCHF...sorry to hear of your trouble.

Without more detailed data-- exactly which CPU/heatsink/motherboard it is hard to be certain-- but modern CPU sockets have one corner with a very small indentation to guide you with alignment.
Also-- if you have not trashed your bent CPU --don't.
Bent pins can often be straightened (with extreme care and some very fine tweezers) Unfortunately -- you won't be able to return the new one-- but perhaps you could reuse the old one later...

Here's a link to a pictorial guide to CPU/Heatsink installation for a Pentium 4... yours may differ slightly-- but the idea is the same.
Google Image Result for http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/directron/p4insa13

If you have an AMD-- the mounting is a little different-- but all CPU's should have some method to align them in the slot.

Hi Sharon, what progress have you made with your new cpu?

thank you, this article was very helpful. i will let you know if it works. i have to get some thermal compound and give this a try!

I recommend Arctic Silver-- it's the best. It will never stick like the cheap stuff-- and provides better thermal transfer.
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM at Newegg.com

Agreed. I've been using Arctic Silver since it's first isntallment...it's only gotten better.