Need computer guru!!!

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

OK, this is whats up.<br /><br />I just got ahold of another computer to use for a back-up and I want to wipe it clean and start from scratch.<br /><br />1) How do I go about wiping it clean and<br /><br />2) How do I go about loading another operating system on it?<br /><br />It is a Compaq computer.<br /><br />It was suppose to have windows 95 on it but can not get to internet explorer.<br />Says file not found, so I figure I will just start from scratch.<br /><br />Thanks for the help.

 

[martyscher]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

The easiest way is to just run install from the operating system CD (if you have it). Of course, you want to make sure you have the proper software license. <br /><br />You should get to a point where you have the opportunity to delete the existing disk partition(s), an area of the hard disk, where the files are stored.<br /><br />Just delete the partition(s), create a new one, and finish the install.<br /><br />You will be starting fresh and from there, you can start loading it with cr*p all over again <br /><br />Good luck

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

This is what I'd do if your Win95 disk doesn't offer to partition as martyscher suggests.<br /><br />Make a boot disk by going to:<br />-My computer<br />-Control panel<br />-Add/remove programs<br />-Make startup disk<br /><br />Restart computer with startup disk inserted in drive:<br />Select start with CDrom support:<br />Once up, type in:<br /><br />Format c: /q/s<br />Fdisk /mbr<br /><br />Then run "setup" from the CDrom drive.....

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Thanks Marty, but I don't have the OS cd.<br />Thats the thing.<br /><br />Any other advise?

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

well SBN, you're gonna need an OS to load it back up with. win98se is probably cheap these days. i'm sure there are even cheaper ways of obtaining a new operating system, but that's another story. you should try to follow what schematic said, if possible, just to have a bootable floppy to use when troubleshooting.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Spinner_bait Nut<br />Unless the last person to load the computer was smart enough to copy the OS files to the computer manually, you are sunk. See if you can find a directory called "win95" anywhere on the computer. If not, you can't wipe it clean without the "Restore" disk or OS disk.....

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Can I just load another OS on it?

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/ <br /><br />Try this link Spinner bait Nut.Lots of info here.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Says some of the files not found or corrupt and cannot continue to load windows.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

man, i started home, planned on gettin back to you sooner, and got distracted by cohabitants of my home <br /><br />i guess you've already gone taken the green mile path now (from last comment). i was gonna mention that we could try to help you gather the serialization info off the orig OS... but if it were me, i'd at least go with 98se(2nd edition). then you don't hafta worry about cdrom support, crappy web browsers,etc.<br /><br />there might be a way to get that OS and some directions via snail mail. unless you've got until sept to wait

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Just as long as I can get some kind of OS on it.<br />I don't care.<br /><br />Just wondering if I can load a new OS on it the way it is?

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

sure you can. you will need an OEM cd. unless you're patient enough & lucky enough to find the OEM OS on floppies. <br /><br />if you go with win95, then you will hafta become "one... with the -"(a spinoff of starwars) cdrom drive- in order to get it to 'talk' to your boot floppy. if you go with later windows it gets ez'r...

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

So I can load windows me or something right from a cd then?

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

yep. <br /><br />there is a glitch to get over tho... its called by many names, but in laymans' terms it means 'hardware limits'...<br /><br />you might not have a machine tough enough to handle winME. <br /><br />BTW- winME is crap <br /><br />MHO

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

lemme rephrase that! winME is what you want - if its free! kinda like having a boat with no motor, and someone offering a free motor... <br /><br />you just gotta learn all the quirks of it, keep it smoothed out, don't stress it, and get rid of it when you get a chance to upgrade. from winME, you should look at win2kpro

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Wonder if there is anyplace to pick-up win98 pretty cheap?

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

probably.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

Where would I start looking?<br /><br />Just do a search to find it or maybe ebay?

 

[Homerr]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

What model Compaq? I might have a restore disc for you.<br /><br />You need the RESTORE disc(s) to do it back to factory original.<br /><br />I own a few early Compaq's, and they can be a real pain in the arse when it comes to restoring them. Some Compaq's need all of it's OEM stuff for it to restore right.<br />I build all of my computers from scratch now. I'll never purchase a 'pre-made' computer again!<br /><br />The last Compaq I restored for a friend didn't want to accept its' original restore discs, so I had to do it from scratch. <br /><br />You can do a format C: (wipe drive) and then install a FULL (not upgrade) version of Windows.<br />BUT be prepared for it to get confused and ask for Compaq drivers and such. <br />The computer I did managed to install some basic Windows drivers until I was able to get to the internet and Windows update.<br /><br />You might as well 'UN-COMPAQ' it. Get rid of all the garbage that normally comes on a restore disc. They run better anyhow.<br /><br />You have your hands full my friend!<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />H.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need computer guru!!!

you have mail