Guest John Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem to work properly. Apart from all the hard drive and boot problems, there are more problems with the drivers on the computer. Here are the problems: 1. When I finally decided to try it (after some considerable time) it said that it found a permanent hard drive failure. What The? 2. At startup, the sound driver produces this loud 'BEEP'. I have no idea what it is, but it also happens when I insert the PC Card. There is also no sound. 3. After installing a mouse driver from a CD, it told me that the driver would be ready to use - after resolving a conflict. Do I fix it? Yes. But it doesn't let me! 4. The display settings are using the wrong color. "John, just change it in the Display properties!". Can't do that either. I was thinking of updating the drivers anyway. 5. After running a few programs on the computer, decided to stop editing the system files through DOS. Computer screen goes white and system stops responding. 6. There is some sort of program called 'Britticana 2005' installed on it. Have no idea what that is for. I guess that is why the person who gave it to us didn't pick up the laptop! 7. The keyboard doesn't work while I am in the 'Windows 98 Startup Menu'. Am I suppose to update the BIOS and Keyboard drivers as well? That is just some of the problems I found out. I suppose it is a virus, but I don't know how to install an antivirus program on it without the screen going blank. I am going to try the System Restore and MS-DOS Scandisk and Scanreg, but while it does that, I am going to have to study how to identify and remove a virus. Any help is really appreciated. John.
Guest MEB Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:FA0DFC70-F25E-4665-A5C9-319EEF1A5B5E@microsoft.com... | Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem to work | properly. | Apart from all the hard drive and boot problems, there are more problems | with the drivers on the computer. | | Here are the problems: | | 1. When I finally decided to try it (after some considerable time) it said | that it found a permanent hard drive failure. What The? | | 2. At startup, the sound driver produces this loud 'BEEP'. I have no idea | what it is, but it also happens when I insert the PC Card. There is also no | sound. | | 3. After installing a mouse driver from a CD, it told me that the driver | would be ready to use - after resolving a conflict. Do I fix it? Yes. But it | doesn't let me! | | 4. The display settings are using the wrong color. "John, just change it in | the Display properties!". Can't do that either. I was thinking of updating | the drivers anyway. | | 5. After running a few programs on the computer, decided to stop editing | the system files through DOS. Computer screen goes white and system stops | responding. | | 6. There is some sort of program called 'Britticana 2005' installed on it. | Have no idea what that is for. I guess that is why the person who gave it to | us didn't pick up the laptop! | | 7. The keyboard doesn't work while I am in the 'Windows 98 Startup Menu'. | Am I suppose to update the BIOS and Keyboard drivers as well? | | That is just some of the problems I found out. I suppose it is a virus, but | I don't know how to install an antivirus program on it without the screen | going blank. | | I am going to try the System Restore and MS-DOS Scandisk and Scanreg, but | while it does that, I am going to have to study how to identify and remove a | virus. | | Any help is really appreciated. | | John. Sure, maybe we can help... but you really have to give us something to work with... How about what make and model for the first answer. How about the exact error messages. How about what diagnostic routines you have already tried... As for the beeps, likely BIOS attempts to advise of issues, was there any pattern? And did you check the internal batteries for CMOS/BIOS and any other additional (some have three). -- MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com ________
Guest MEB Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Opps, and Brittanica 2005 is likely an encyclopedia... | -- | MEB | http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com | ________ | |
Guest Brian A. Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:FA0DFC70-F25E-4665-A5C9-319EEF1A5B5E@microsoft.com... > Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem to work > properly. > Apart from all the hard drive and boot problems, there are more problems > with the drivers on the computer. > > Here are the problems: > > 1. When I finally decided to try it (after some considerable time) it said > that it found a permanent hard drive failure. What The? Download/run a disk diagnostic utility to check the drives integrity from the HD manufacturer support site. If the drive is done in or has many bad sectors which indicates it's on its way south, you'll need to install another drive in its place. Will it boot to Safe Mode? Do you have another PC available to connect the HD in as a slave to see if you can access the disk? > > 2. At startup, the sound driver produces this loud 'BEEP'. I have no idea > what it is, but it also happens when I insert the PC Card. There is also no > sound. Check your beep pattern for the BIOS installed here for causes: http://www.bioscentral.com/beepcodes/awardbeep.htm http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/ > > 3. After installing a mouse driver from a CD, it told me that the driver > would be ready to use - after resolving a conflict. Do I fix it? Yes. But it > doesn't let me! If you can boot to Safe Mode you will be able to remove any/all unessential device drivers not needed to use Windows. Once removed shut down and remove/disconnect any/all hardware peripherals/adapters leaving only the monitor, mouse and keyboard connected. If you can successfully boot to Windows, shut down, install the video adapter and see if it will boot successfully to Windows. If you can, shut down, install the sound card and boot. Keep doing this until all devices are installed or the sytem fails to boot due to the device just installed, that of course is if you were able to boot with only the mon/kb/mouse. > > 4. The display settings are using the wrong color. "John, just change it in > the Display properties!". Can't do that either. I was thinking of updating > the drivers anyway. That's what you need to do if you can get into Windows. > > 5. After running a few programs on the computer, decided to stop editing > the system files through DOS. Computer screen goes white and system stops > responding. Editing System files, not good. What System files? > > 6. There is some sort of program called 'Britticana 2005' installed on it. > Have no idea what that is for. I guess that is why the person who gave it to > us didn't pick up the laptop! You sure it's not Encyclopedia Britticana? If this is a laptop I guess you'll have to skip removing physical harware. > > 7. The keyboard doesn't work while I am in the 'Windows 98 Startup Menu'. > Am I suppose to update the BIOS and Keyboard drivers as well? The way it's looking I'm not sure if anything will help. > > That is just some of the problems I found out. I suppose it is a virus, but > I don't know how to install an antivirus program on it without the screen > going blank. > > I am going to try the System Restore and MS-DOS Scandisk and Scanreg, but > while it does that, I am going to have to study how to identify and remove a > virus. http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/ > > Any help is really appreciated. > > John. -- Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } Conflicts start where information lacks. http://basconotw.mvps.org/ Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Guest 98 Guy Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Watch this, MEB, as I craft a properly composed and edited usenet reply. Something you are unable or too lazy to do. John wrote: > Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem > to work properly. > > 1. it said that it found a permanent hard drive failure. > What The? Your hard drive is failing, and diagnosing all other problems is not useful until or unless you obtain a new hard drive and re-install windows-98. Hard drives have a finite lifespan, which is generally 5 years. While drives made in the past 3-4 years have really good MTBF (mean-time-between-failure), drives made back in 1998 - 2002 had lower MTBF's.
Guest MEB Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "98 Guy" <98@Guy.com> wrote in message news:469B7B48.F8C56E0A@Guy.com... | Watch this, MEB, as I craft a properly composed and edited usenet | reply. Something you are unable or too lazy to do. | | John wrote: | | > Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem | > to work properly. | > | > 1. it said that it found a permanent hard drive failure. | > What The? | | Your hard drive is failing, and diagnosing all other problems is not | useful until or unless you obtain a new hard drive and re-install | windows-98. | | Hard drives have a finite lifespan, which is generally 5 years. While | drives made in the past 3-4 years have really good MTBF | (mean-time-between-failure), drives made back in 1998 - 2002 had lower | MTBF's. Its a laptop idiot!!! Diagnostic routines for these older laptops must first deal with the potential internal batteries and their replacement... -- MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com ________
Guest 98 Guy Posted July 16, 2007 Posted July 16, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? MEB wrote: > | > Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem > | > to work properly. > Its a laptop idiot!!! Based only on this cryptic paragraph: "There is some sort of program called 'Britticana 2005' installed on it. Have no idea what that is for. I guess that is why the person who gave it to us didn't pick up the laptop!" The last sentence doesn't make sense. Anyone who doesn't know what "Britticana" is probably isin't ready for computers anyways. > Diagnostic routines for these older laptops must first deal > with the potential internal batteries and their replacement... You can putz with batteries all you want. If we are dealing with a laptop, the OP is probably running it off it's AC adaptor anyways. "it said that it found a permanent hard drive failure" A hard drive with media errors will give all sorts of unpredictable software and operational errors. Unless there is important personal information or files on it, the best course of action is to replace the drive and re-install the OS and apps.
Guest MEB Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "98 Guy" <98@Guy.com> wrote in message news:469C00B7.2E26BA68@Guy.com... | MEB wrote: | | > | > Hello. I am using an old Windows 98 computer that doesn't seem | > | > to work properly. | | > Its a laptop idiot!!! | | Based only on this cryptic paragraph: | | "There is some sort of program called 'Britticana 2005' installed | on it. Have no idea what that is for. I guess that is why the | person who gave it to us didn't pick up the laptop!" | | The last sentence doesn't make sense. | | Anyone who doesn't know what "Britticana" is probably isin't ready for | computers anyways. Leave the person alone, you aren't exactly god's gift to mankind.... nor are you mensa material... | | > Diagnostic routines for these older laptops must first deal | > with the potential internal batteries and their replacement... | | You can putz with batteries all you want. If we are dealing with a | laptop, the OP is probably running it off it's AC adaptor anyways. | | "it said that it found a permanent hard drive failure" | | A hard drive with media errors will give all sorts of unpredictable | software and operational errors. Unless there is important personal | information or files on it, the best course of action is to replace | the drive and re-install the OS and apps. YEEEEAAAHHH, but with a laptop you have suspend/hibernation issues, loss of CMOS settings, and a myriad of other potentials to deal with, which are SPECIFIC/UNIQUE to laptops/notebooks. Plugging it into a power adapter corrects NONE of the issues the deep discharge or extended lack of use will cause with laptops/notebooks, and the potential IS that the hard drive may APPEAR as bad, when its nothing more than bad batteries/power [which may still take a charge if left plugged in, or need replaced] and resetting the laptop to the proper settings. So take your simplistic ideas to a forum where they may laud you as semi-intelligent,,, let this group continue to try to guide these people that come through here for help...
Guest 98 Guy Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? MEB spewed: > So take your simplistic ideas to a forum where they may laud you > as semi-intelligent,,, You really are an ass hole.
Guest MEB Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "98 Guy" <98@Guy.com> wrote in message news:469C0C89.76E8D91E@Guy.com... | MEB spewed: | | > So take your simplistic ideas to a forum where they may laud you | > as semi-intelligent,,, | | You really are an ass hole. Well, let's review your history here... When you brought your ideas to this group regarding IE hacks, I was the ONLY one who attempted to work with you on that... you didn't apparently pick-up on TESTING techniques required .... When you brought your ideas concerning hard drives to this group, we all tried to direct you to the materials you needed to understand and consider for your presentation... glad you picked up on SOME of that.. to bad you didn't grasp the full picture... When you started your "you don't need firewalls anymore" we but in particular I, tried to direct you to the FACTS of networking and Internet use, regretfully that was apparently beyond your abilities to understand... Shall I go through other of your posts here????? And here you are trying to direct someone to spend money for something BEFORE you have verified that is the problem.... So perhaps I may appear to be an *AH* NOW, but really, you need to THINK before you type... and let those who do understand SRTSP, apply them. -- MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com ________
Guest John Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? I can answer most of those questions. The model is a Compaq Armada, however, I do not know the date that it was manafactured. The exact error messages looked something like this: "IntelliSafe detected a permanant hard disk error" I have tried to create a new user account, editing the 'WIN.ini' file and deleting all the users, but none of those worked. Yes, there was a pattern for the beeps - There were 2 short rising beeps, and it also happens when the PC Card is inserted. No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the laptop does not charge at all. I hope this could answer some questions. John. MEB wrote: > Sure, maybe we can help... but you really have to give us something to work > with... > > How about what make and model for the first answer. > > How about the exact error messages. > > How about what diagnostic routines you have already tried... > > As for the beeps, likely BIOS attempts to advise of issues, was there any > pattern? > > And did you check the internal batteries for CMOS/BIOS and any other > additional (some have three). > > -- > MEB > http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com > ________ > > >
Guest John Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Anger Management! Anger Management! "MEB spewed: > So take your simplistic ideas to a forum where they may laud you > as semi-intelligent,,, You really are an ass hole." - 98 Guy "Well, let's review your history here... When you brought your ideas to this group regarding IE hacks, I was the ONLY one who attempted to work with you on that... you didn't apparently pick-up on TESTING techniques required .... When you brought your ideas concerning hard drives to this group, we all tried to direct you to the materials you needed to understand and consider for your presentation... glad you picked up on SOME of that.. to bad you didn't grasp the full picture... When you started your "you don't need firewalls anymore" we but in particular I, tried to direct you to the FACTS of networking and Internet use, regretfully that was apparently beyond your abilities to understand... Shall I go through other of your posts here????? And here you are trying to direct someone to spend money for something BEFORE you have verified that is the problem.... So perhaps I may appear to be an *AH* NOW, but really, you need to THINK before you type... and let those who do understand SRTSP, apply them." - MBE ----------------------------------------------------- NOW LETS GET OVER THIS CRAP AND GET ON WITH LIFE!!! OK?
Guest MEB Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:903C8DD2-AABB-4E13-A58B-2372C8E791D3@microsoft.com... | I can answer most of those questions. | | The model is a Compaq Armada, however, I do not know the date that it was | manafactured. The exact error messages looked something like this: It still may be useful to have the model number if available... like e***, v***, 7400, 7800, m300, m700, etc. | | "IntelliSafe detected a permanant hard disk error" Okay, doesn't look good: United States Patent 6980381 - http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6980381-description.html But on the HP/Compaq site there is some mention of specific hard drives [Hitachi,,,] with problems, apparently requiring a firmware update/upgrade. But without the model number this is all a "shot in the dark". http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Product.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodClassId=-1&prodTypeId=321957&prodCatId=82710&prodSubCatId=89335 - pick your model | | I have tried to create a new user account, editing the 'WIN.ini' file and | deleting all the users, but none of those worked. Okay, NIX the file modifications for a bit... | | Yes, there was a pattern for the beeps - There were 2 short rising beeps, | and it also happens when the PC Card is inserted. Let's get the model and specs out of the way.... | | No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the laptop | does not charge at all. That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather than too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. It has been noted [laptop forums mainly], that some laptops do not work well without SOME battery power available. | | I hope this could answer some questions. | | John. They did, and it doesn't look good, but let's at least look at the specific model number specs. and issues to make sure... | | MEB wrote: | > Sure, maybe we can help... but you really have to give us something to work | > with... | > | > How about what make and model for the first answer. | > | > How about the exact error messages. | > | > How about what diagnostic routines you have already tried... | > | > As for the beeps, likely BIOS attempts to advise of issues, was there any | > pattern? | > | > And did you check the internal batteries for CMOS/BIOS and any other | > additional (some have three). | > | > -- | > MEB | > ________ | > -- MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com ________
Guest Gordon Freeman Posted July 17, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >| >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the >| laptop does not charge at all. > > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather > than > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different hard drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed to be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it will forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked the BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd want to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics program if available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc).
Guest John Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key combination! We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, no recovery disk etc. I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts of electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into BIOS/CMOS Setup. I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: > > >| > >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the > >| laptop does not charge at all. > > > > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather > > than > > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the > > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. > > > Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its > defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different hard > drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed to > be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. > > I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are > right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the > settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it will > forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS > settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem > and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. > > Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked the > BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd want > to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics program if > available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see > information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). >
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? You don't know what make/model the machine is? -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://www.grystmill.com "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key > combination! > > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, no > recovery disk etc. > > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts of > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into BIOS/CMOS > Setup. > > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. > > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> >| >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the >> >| laptop does not charge at all. >> > >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather >> > than >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different hard >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed to >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it will >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked >> the >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd want >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics program >> if >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). >>
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Sorry, missed the previous post. -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://www.grystmill.com "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key > combination! > > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, no > recovery disk etc. > > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts of > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into BIOS/CMOS > Setup. > > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. > > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> >| >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the >> >| laptop does not charge at all. >> > >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather >> > than >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different hard >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed to >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it will >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked >> the >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd want >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics program >> if >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). >>
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what model number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the BIOS battery that I came across: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has some interesting hints. Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the main battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's not really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those things are NOT fun to work on. -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://www.grystmill.com "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key > combination! > > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, no > recovery disk etc. > > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts of > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into BIOS/CMOS > Setup. > > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. > > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> >| >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the >> >| laptop does not charge at all. >> > >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather >> > than >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different hard >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed to >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it will >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked >> the >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd want >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics program >> if >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). >>
Guest John Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Model Number? Sure! Compaq Armada 1592DT Hope it helps! "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what model > number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the BIOS > battery that I came across: > http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has > some interesting hints. > > Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the main > battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's not > really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those > things are NOT fun to work on. > > -- > Gary S. Terhune > MS-MVP Shell/User > http://www.grystmill.com > > "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... > > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key > > combination! > > > > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, no > > recovery disk etc. > > > > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my > > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts of > > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into BIOS/CMOS > > Setup. > > > > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. > > > > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > > > >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: > >> > >> >| > >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in the > >> >| laptop does not charge at all. > >> > > >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* rather > >> > than > >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the > >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. > >> > >> > >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its > >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different hard > >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed to > >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. > >> > >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are > >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the > >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it will > >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS > >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem > >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. > >> > >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked > >> the > >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd want > >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics program > >> if > >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see > >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). > >> > > >
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Maybe this will help you. http://tinyurl.com/3xu2ap Did you manage to get into BIOS yet? F10 work? -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://www.grystmill.com "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:ED095E07-DD46-4D09-88B0-1BA8F0D0516F@microsoft.com... > Model Number? Sure! > > Compaq Armada 1592DT > > Hope it helps! > > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > >> The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what >> model >> number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the >> BIOS >> battery that I came across: >> http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has >> some interesting hints. >> >> Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the >> main >> battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's >> not >> really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those >> things are NOT fun to work on. >> >> -- >> Gary S. Terhune >> MS-MVP Shell/User >> http://www.grystmill.com >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... >> > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key >> > combination! >> > >> > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, >> > no >> > recovery disk etc. >> > >> > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my >> > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts >> > of >> > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into >> > BIOS/CMOS >> > Setup. >> > >> > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. >> > >> > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: >> > >> >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> >| >> >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in >> >> >the >> >> >| laptop does not charge at all. >> >> > >> >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* >> >> > rather >> >> > than >> >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the >> >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. >> >> >> >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its >> >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different >> >> hard >> >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed >> >> to >> >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. >> >> >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are >> >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the >> >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it >> >> will >> >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS >> >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem >> >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. >> >> >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked >> >> the >> >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd >> >> want >> >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics >> >> program >> >> if >> >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see >> >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). >> >> >> >> >>
Guest John Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Sorry Gary. F10 didn't work. However, you may be correct in some circumstances. My other Compaq laptop uses the F10 key to get into BIOS/CMOS setup... I will read the website and see what works and what doesn't! If I can or can't fix the problem, I will get back to the website and reply. Thank you for the link. "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > Maybe this will help you. > http://tinyurl.com/3xu2ap > > Did you manage to get into BIOS yet? F10 work? > > -- > Gary S. Terhune > MS-MVP Shell/User > http://www.grystmill.com > > "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:ED095E07-DD46-4D09-88B0-1BA8F0D0516F@microsoft.com... > > Model Number? Sure! > > > > Compaq Armada 1592DT > > > > Hope it helps! > > > > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > > > >> The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what > >> model > >> number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the > >> BIOS > >> battery that I came across: > >> http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has > >> some interesting hints. > >> > >> Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the > >> main > >> battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's > >> not > >> really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those > >> things are NOT fun to work on. > >> > >> -- > >> Gary S. Terhune > >> MS-MVP Shell/User > >> http://www.grystmill.com > >> > >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... > >> > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key > >> > combination! > >> > > >> > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, > >> > no > >> > recovery disk etc. > >> > > >> > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my > >> > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts > >> > of > >> > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into > >> > BIOS/CMOS > >> > Setup. > >> > > >> > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. > >> > > >> > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > >> > > >> >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: > >> >> > >> >> >| > >> >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in > >> >> >the > >> >> >| laptop does not charge at all. > >> >> > > >> >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* > >> >> > rather > >> >> > than > >> >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the > >> >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its > >> >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different > >> >> hard > >> >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed > >> >> to > >> >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. > >> >> > >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are > >> >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the > >> >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it > >> >> will > >> >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS > >> >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem > >> >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. > >> >> > >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked > >> >> the > >> >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd > >> >> want > >> >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics > >> >> program > >> >> if > >> >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see > >> >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). > >> >> > >> > >> > >> > > >
Guest Brian A. Posted August 7, 2007 Posted August 7, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? From the manual: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us.pdf To access Computer Setup (or Diagnostics) on the Compaq Utilities menu, follow these steps: 1. Restart the computer by clicking Shut Down on the Windows Start menu. (Or turn on power.) 2. Press F10 as soon as the cursor appears in the upper-right corner of the screen. IMPORTANT: The cursor is displayed on the screen for about two seconds. If you do not press F10 during this time, you must restart the computer and try again. -- Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } Conflicts start where information lacks. http://basconotw.mvps.org/ Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:6CB83C17-7A90-4C03-859A-5E71BDC0EFE5@microsoft.com... > Sorry Gary. F10 didn't work. However, you may be correct in some > circumstances. My other Compaq laptop uses the F10 key to get into BIOS/CMOS > setup... > > I will read the website and see what works and what doesn't! > > If I can or can't fix the problem, I will get back to the website and reply. > Thank you for the link. > > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > >> Maybe this will help you. >> http://tinyurl.com/3xu2ap >> >> Did you manage to get into BIOS yet? F10 work? >> >> -- >> Gary S. Terhune >> MS-MVP Shell/User >> http://www.grystmill.com >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:ED095E07-DD46-4D09-88B0-1BA8F0D0516F@microsoft.com... >> > Model Number? Sure! >> > >> > Compaq Armada 1592DT >> > >> > Hope it helps! >> > >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: >> > >> >> The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what >> >> model >> >> number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the >> >> BIOS >> >> battery that I came across: >> >> http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has >> >> some interesting hints. >> >> >> >> Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the >> >> main >> >> battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's >> >> not >> >> really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those >> >> things are NOT fun to work on. >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Gary S. Terhune >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User >> >> http://www.grystmill.com >> >> >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> >> news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... >> >> > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key >> >> > combination! >> >> > >> >> > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, >> >> > no >> >> > recovery disk etc. >> >> > >> >> > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my >> >> > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts >> >> > of >> >> > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into >> >> > BIOS/CMOS >> >> > Setup. >> >> > >> >> > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. >> >> > >> >> > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> >| >> >> >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in >> >> >> >the >> >> >> >| laptop does not charge at all. >> >> >> > >> >> >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* >> >> >> > rather >> >> >> > than >> >> >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the >> >> >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its >> >> >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different >> >> >> hard >> >> >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed >> >> >> to >> >> >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. >> >> >> >> >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are >> >> >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the >> >> >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it >> >> >> will >> >> >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS >> >> >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem >> >> >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. >> >> >> >> >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked >> >> >> the >> >> >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd >> >> >> want >> >> >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics >> >> >> program >> >> >> if >> >> >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see >> >> >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Guest John Posted August 8, 2007 Posted August 8, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? Brian A and Gary, I could not start the Compaq Utilities. The computer will constantly beep and I then have to shut it down. What cursor? Mouse or MS-DOS cursor (blinking cursor)? --------- "Brian A." wrote: > From the manual: > http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us.pdf > To access Computer Setup (or Diagnostics) on the Compaq Utilities menu, follow these > steps: > 1. Restart the computer by clicking Shut Down on the Windows Start menu. (Or turn on > power.) > 2. Press F10 as soon as the cursor appears in the upper-right corner of the screen. > > IMPORTANT: The cursor is displayed on the screen for about two seconds. If you do not > press F10 during this time, you must restart the computer and try again. > > > -- > > Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } > Conflicts start where information lacks. > http://basconotw.mvps.org/ > > Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm > How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 > > > "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:6CB83C17-7A90-4C03-859A-5E71BDC0EFE5@microsoft.com... > > Sorry Gary. F10 didn't work. However, you may be correct in some > > circumstances. My other Compaq laptop uses the F10 key to get into BIOS/CMOS > > setup... > > > > I will read the website and see what works and what doesn't! > > > > If I can or can't fix the problem, I will get back to the website and reply. > > Thank you for the link. > > > > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > > > >> Maybe this will help you. > >> http://tinyurl.com/3xu2ap > >> > >> Did you manage to get into BIOS yet? F10 work? > >> > >> -- > >> Gary S. Terhune > >> MS-MVP Shell/User > >> http://www.grystmill.com > >> > >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:ED095E07-DD46-4D09-88B0-1BA8F0D0516F@microsoft.com... > >> > Model Number? Sure! > >> > > >> > Compaq Armada 1592DT > >> > > >> > Hope it helps! > >> > > >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: > >> > > >> >> The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what > >> >> model > >> >> number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the > >> >> BIOS > >> >> battery that I came across: > >> >> http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has > >> >> some interesting hints. > >> >> > >> >> Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the > >> >> main > >> >> battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's > >> >> not > >> >> really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those > >> >> things are NOT fun to work on. > >> >> > >> >> -- > >> >> Gary S. Terhune > >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User > >> >> http://www.grystmill.com > >> >> > >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> >> news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... > >> >> > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key > >> >> > combination! > >> >> > > >> >> > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, > >> >> > no > >> >> > recovery disk etc. > >> >> > > >> >> > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my > >> >> > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts > >> >> > of > >> >> > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into > >> >> > BIOS/CMOS > >> >> > Setup. > >> >> > > >> >> > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. > >> >> > > >> >> > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: > >> >> > > >> >> >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: > >> >> >> > >> >> >> >| > >> >> >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in > >> >> >> >the > >> >> >> >| laptop does not charge at all. > >> >> >> > > >> >> >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* > >> >> >> > rather > >> >> >> > than > >> >> >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the > >> >> >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. > >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its > >> >> >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different > >> >> >> hard > >> >> >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed > >> >> >> to > >> >> >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. > >> >> >> > >> >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are > >> >> >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the > >> >> >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it > >> >> >> will > >> >> >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS > >> >> >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem > >> >> >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. > >> >> >> > >> >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked > >> >> >> the > >> >> >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd > >> >> >> want > >> >> >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics > >> >> >> program > >> >> >> if > >> >> >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see > >> >> >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). > >> >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> > >> > >> > >
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted August 8, 2007 Posted August 8, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? When you say, "constantly beep", is that when you're pressing the FD10 key repeatedly, or holding it down? Does it quit when you stop pressing any key? If so, that's just the "stuck-key" error. The cursor we're talking about is similar to a DOS cursor, just a plain horizontal line fragment that blinks. IIRC, it might even be at the upper right instead of upper left. Do you see any blinking cursor at all? If so, as noted, it only appears for a short time, and you only want to try F10 when it appears, not before or after (so as to avoid the "stuck key" error.) Only other way I know to force BIOS is to replace the CMOS battery, and with Compaq, I'm not even sure that would work. Compaqs, especially of that era, were downright weird machines. Did a lot of things very differently from the rest of the crowd. Hmmm... Not sure about that machine, but seems to me that at least some laptops, if not most, have/had a Fn or F-lock key that you have to press before the F keys will work... I think... Not really too familiar with the things, not like I am with desktops. -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://www.grystmill.com "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:C1702973-B90A-4791-88B6-2DC257E2676F@microsoft.com... > Brian A and Gary, I could not start the Compaq Utilities. The computer > will > constantly beep and I then have to shut it down. > > What cursor? Mouse or MS-DOS cursor (blinking cursor)? > --------- > "Brian A." wrote: > >> From the manual: >> http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us.pdf >> To access Computer Setup (or Diagnostics) on the Compaq Utilities menu, >> follow these >> steps: >> 1. Restart the computer by clicking Shut Down on the Windows Start menu. >> (Or turn on >> power.) >> 2. Press F10 as soon as the cursor appears in the upper-right corner of >> the screen. >> >> IMPORTANT: The cursor is displayed on the screen for about two seconds. >> If you do not >> press F10 during this time, you must restart the computer and try again. >> >> >> -- >> >> Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } >> Conflicts start where information lacks. >> http://basconotw.mvps.org/ >> >> Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm >> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 >> >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:6CB83C17-7A90-4C03-859A-5E71BDC0EFE5@microsoft.com... >> > Sorry Gary. F10 didn't work. However, you may be correct in some >> > circumstances. My other Compaq laptop uses the F10 key to get into >> > BIOS/CMOS >> > setup... >> > >> > I will read the website and see what works and what doesn't! >> > >> > If I can or can't fix the problem, I will get back to the website and >> > reply. >> > Thank you for the link. >> > >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: >> > >> >> Maybe this will help you. >> >> http://tinyurl.com/3xu2ap >> >> >> >> Did you manage to get into BIOS yet? F10 work? >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Gary S. Terhune >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User >> >> http://www.grystmill.com >> >> >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> >> news:ED095E07-DD46-4D09-88B0-1BA8F0D0516F@microsoft.com... >> >> > Model Number? Sure! >> >> > >> >> > Compaq Armada 1592DT >> >> > >> >> > Hope it helps! >> >> > >> >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know >> >> >> what >> >> >> model >> >> >> number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing >> >> >> the >> >> >> BIOS >> >> >> battery that I came across: >> >> >> http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, >> >> >> but has >> >> >> some interesting hints. >> >> >> >> >> >> Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect >> >> >> the >> >> >> main >> >> >> battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, >> >> >> there's >> >> >> not >> >> >> really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- >> >> >> those >> >> >> things are NOT fun to work on. >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> >> Gary S. Terhune >> >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User >> >> >> http://www.grystmill.com >> >> >> >> >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> >> >> news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... >> >> >> > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key >> >> >> > combination! >> >> >> > >> >> >> > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no >> >> >> > instructions, >> >> >> > no >> >> >> > recovery disk etc. >> >> >> > >> >> >> > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see >> >> >> > if my >> >> >> > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large >> >> >> > amounts >> >> >> > of >> >> >> > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into >> >> >> > BIOS/CMOS >> >> >> > Setup. >> >> >> > >> >> >> > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. >> >> >> > >> >> >> > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >| >> >> >> >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery >> >> >> >> >in >> >> >> >> >the >> >> >> >> >| laptop does not charge at all. >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* >> >> >> >> > rather >> >> >> >> > than >> >> >> >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication >> >> >> >> > that the >> >> >> >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to >> >> >> >> its >> >> >> >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g >> >> >> >> different >> >> >> >> hard >> >> >> >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly >> >> >> >> assumed >> >> >> >> to >> >> >> >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped >> >> >> >> working. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the >> >> >> >> settings are >> >> >> >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what >> >> >> >> the >> >> >> >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then >> >> >> >> it >> >> >> >> will >> >> >> >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the >> >> >> >> BIOS >> >> >> >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the >> >> >> >> problem >> >> >> >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having >> >> >> >> checked >> >> >> >> the >> >> >> >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly >> >> >> >> you'd >> >> >> >> want >> >> >> >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics >> >> >> >> program >> >> >> >> if >> >> >> >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see >> >> >> >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors >> >> >> >> etc). >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Guest MEB Posted August 8, 2007 Posted August 8, 2007 Re: System is acting very strange - What do I do? http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=96537&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=96219&swLang=8&taskId=135&swEnvOID=20 - Download drivers and software http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/ProductList.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=96219&taskId=135 - Armada general - locate files Check Chapters 9 and 10 of the manual which Brian directed you to. -- MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com ________ "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:C1702973-B90A-4791-88B6-2DC257E2676F@microsoft.com... | Brian A and Gary, I could not start the Compaq Utilities. The computer will | constantly beep and I then have to shut it down. | | What cursor? Mouse or MS-DOS cursor (blinking cursor)? | --------- | "Brian A." wrote: | | > From the manual: | > http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us/TPM_284809-003_rev3_us.pdf | > To access Computer Setup (or Diagnostics) on the Compaq Utilities menu, follow these | > steps: | > 1. Restart the computer by clicking Shut Down on the Windows Start menu. (Or turn on | > power.) | > 2. Press F10 as soon as the cursor appears in the upper-right corner of the screen. | > | > IMPORTANT: The cursor is displayed on the screen for about two seconds. If you do not | > press F10 during this time, you must restart the computer and try again. | > | > | > -- | > | > Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User } | > Conflicts start where information lacks. | > http://basconotw.mvps.org/ | > | > Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm | > How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 | > | > | > "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message | > news:6CB83C17-7A90-4C03-859A-5E71BDC0EFE5@microsoft.com... | > > Sorry Gary. F10 didn't work. However, you may be correct in some | > > circumstances. My other Compaq laptop uses the F10 key to get into BIOS/CMOS | > > setup... | > > | > > I will read the website and see what works and what doesn't! | > > | > > If I can or can't fix the problem, I will get back to the website and reply. | > > Thank you for the link. | > > | > > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: | > > | > >> Maybe this will help you. | > >> http://tinyurl.com/3xu2ap | > >> | > >> Did you manage to get into BIOS yet? F10 work? | > >> | > >> -- | > >> Gary S. Terhune | > >> MS-MVP Shell/User | > >> http://www.grystmill.com | > >> | > >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message | > >> news:ED095E07-DD46-4D09-88B0-1BA8F0D0516F@microsoft.com... | > >> > Model Number? Sure! | > >> > | > >> > Compaq Armada 1592DT | > >> > | > >> > Hope it helps! | > >> > | > >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote: | > >> > | > >> >> The usual key for Compaq BIOSes is F10. It would be good to know what | > >> >> model | > >> >> number the machine is. Here's one set of instructions for replacing the | > >> >> BIOS | > >> >> battery that I came across: | > >> >> http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/armada/index.htm Kinda folksy, but has | > >> >> some interesting hints. | > >> >> | > >> >> Really, I've been into laptops a lot, and so long as you disconnect the | > >> >> main | > >> >> battery and give it some time for the capacitors to discharge, there's | > >> >> not | > >> >> really much risk, if any, other than you mucking something up -- those | > >> >> things are NOT fun to work on. | > >> >> | > >> >> -- | > >> >> Gary S. Terhune | > >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User | > >> >> http://www.grystmill.com | > >> >> | > >> >> "John" <John@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message | > >> >> news:20EEA03E-7263-4DBB-BCEA-931E20C5D532@microsoft.com... | > >> >> > Yes, I need to get to the BIOS setup, but I do not know the key | > >> >> > combination! | > >> >> > | > >> >> > We got this laptop from someone else, and yet, no CD, no instructions, | > >> >> > no | > >> >> > recovery disk etc. | > >> >> > | > >> >> > I do not want to look at all the components in the laptop to see if my | > >> >> > battery is dead, due to the fact that capacitors can hold large amounts | > >> >> > of | > >> >> > electricity. I tried one key combination, but it didn't go into | > >> >> > BIOS/CMOS | > >> >> > Setup. | > >> >> > | > >> >> > I would say it was probably manafactured in between 1996 - 2000. | > >> >> > | > >> >> > "Gordon Freeman" wrote: | > >> >> > | > >> >> >> "MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote: | > >> >> >> | > >> >> >> >| | > >> >> >> >| No, I couldn't check for CMOS/BIOS batteries. But the battery in | > >> >> >> >the | > >> >> >> >| laptop does not charge at all. | > >> >> >> > | > >> >> >> > That's not good. When those go bad [unless its a *new defect* | > >> >> >> > rather | > >> >> >> > than | > >> >> >> > too many deep discharges] you have a real good indication that the | > >> >> >> > interior batteries [CMOS/other] need checked. | > >> >> >> | > >> >> >> | > >> >> >> Yes, if the BIOS battery is dead the BIOS will probably reset to its | > >> >> >> defaults, which may assume a different configuration, e.g different | > >> >> >> hard | > >> >> >> drive - I had that once years ago: an 80MB disk was suddenly assumed | > >> >> >> to | > >> >> >> be a 60MB one by the BIOS, result being the laptop stopped working. | > >> >> >> | > >> >> >> I would go into BIOS setup at power on and verify all the settings are | > >> >> >> right. You may need the manual for the machine to verify what the | > >> >> >> settings should be. Note though that if the battery is dead then it | > >> >> >> will | > >> >> >> forget the settings again on power off, however if changing the BIOS | > >> >> >> settings fixes the problem you will at least have isolated the problem | > >> >> >> and can try and get the BIOS battery replaced. | > >> >> >> | > >> >> >> Of course it might be that the drive really is failing, having checked | > >> >> >> the | > >> >> >> BIOS settings and ensured the disk is being detected correctly you'd | > >> >> >> want | > >> >> >> to run a surface scan, (or preferably manufacturer's diagnostics | > >> >> >> program | > >> >> >> if | > >> >> >> available, these will usaully look at the SMART data etc and see | > >> >> >> information that is invisible to scandisk about failing sectors etc). | > >> >> >> | > >> >> | > >> >> | > >> >> | > >> | > >> | > >> | > | >
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