Compaq Deskpro 4000 restarts when trying to install Win98SE
Like many another person [!] I've been given one of these, previously running Win95.
It seemed to be working, so I used my universal boot fd to erase the hd and install Win98.
Trouble is
a] I've lost the F10 bit and can't get it back no matter how many versions I downlaod from Compaq etc.
b] As soon as I start the Windows install the machine reboots. Well, not necessarily as soon - it got half way through at one point...
Have run Micro-Scope 8.11 and the processor and memory pass - tried others, also other CD drive - same thing.
Machine on;
Intel MMX 233 / 66 bus processor
96Mb ram
3.5GB hd
Network card / modem / expansion board - haven't investigated those yet
Any clues?

Oh dear!
Why did you do a reformat?
You should have just installed windows 98 from within Windows 95.
[It would have asked if you wanted to save the Windows 95 files in case you wanted to go back (just an aside)]
You would still have had the drivers and configuration settings that were being used by Win95 and the installation would [probably] have been a routine process.

Does the trouble start when Windows 98 restarts so as to initialise and configure the hardware?
My guess is that there is hardware installed for which Win98 does not have drivers, so the initialisation halts.

1. When this happens Microsoft has arranged that you should SWITCH OFF the PC, then switch back on and select “Safe Recovery” when prompted.
This by passes the attempt at initialisation and configuration of the first troublesome item of hardware and proceeds to the next item.

If all the other items of hardware are ok, then you have only one item not functioning that you need to fix by installing the drivers.
If more troublesome items of hardware are encountered as in 1, you repeat this switch off and switch on for each until all such are by passed. All of these will need to be made functional after Windows is installed [probably by installing drivers].

An alternative solution would be to strip out all unnecessary items of hardware leaving a keyboard, monitor/video card, FDD, HDD, mouse, CD-ROM and see if you experience less trouble.
In the end you will still need drivers for all your hardware. When you put the hardware back in and restart, Windows should detect its presence and ask for drivers.
Do you have them?

I reformatted in my innocence because that's what I always do with rebuilt PCs.
Didn't realise that Compaqs were awkward.
We're not even getting to the driver stage [I do have acces to them, BTW]
The furthest along I've got is about 40% of the copying process.
There does not appear to be any pattern to it, although it's always when there is activity from the CD drive.
Have replaced that twice to no avail.

I am guessing that drivers would not be a problem with an old Compaq like that, the generic drivers in Windoze would probably be enough. I am also guessing that erasing the BIOS Setup partition is not the problem since I have installed Windoze on a Compaq that I had erased in similar fashion. This leaves the probability that you have a hardware problem. I would run diagnostics from the hard drive maker on the hard drive to see if it is ok. It sounds like you already checked the RAM, so that isn't too likely.

When you say you tried downloads from Compaq, are you referring to ROMPAQs (I may have the name wrong, the programs that let you access the BIOS setup)? If you aren't, I would do that and see if you can get into the BIOS, you should be able to from a floppy. I would also try resetting the CMOS either way since that is what I did when I successfully loaded Windoze onto a similar Compaq. Let us know how it goes...

I've managed to find the set up utilities from Compaq.
Computer Setup/VP and PC Diagnostics
version 1.76 A (27 Aug 98)

Downloaded the exe., run the Batch File disk create on my computer, and put them into the Deskpro.
The F10 utilites work fine, but the Diagnostics keep hanging on the welcome screen.
I've wiped the floppy and tried again to no avail.
In order to recreate the partition for the setup to be reinstalled I need the PC Diagnostics and I can't get it to work...

Getting there, I suppose...

Not a help to your problem, but you should ALWAYS remember that Conpaq (I believe Packard Bell now as well) Dell and other such names make engineers start to twitch. They have some pretty weird set ups, and if you receive one in future, consider it a 'special' child:D

Try a brand new floppy or at least run scandisk on the one you have.

OK.
I've tried three different fds, two hds, three CDs, several fdisks, three ide cables.
It doesn't seem to want to restart itself since I stopped trying to install Win 98 - what it does do is lock atrandom points when I try to reload the PC diagnostics recommended by Compaq.
All the components are passing under Micro-Scope 8.11, and Scandisk through DOS tells me the hd seems OK.
Very mysterious.
I've actually been passed onto to a 'second level technician' with Compaq now.
Has anyone else had any of this sort of hassle before with a Compaq?

I've just bought a compaq deskpro 4000 (266) as a second pc. it had just had a clean install of w98se (sounds like a may have a aquired a bundle of fun from your comments.)

however it seems to run ok. so if you want me to check anything out or copy drivers etc. give me a shout.

It really sounds an awful lot like bad RAM or hard drive failing. I would still try the hard drive maker's diagnostics and maybe try a different RAM tester. You can get a free one at www.bootdisk.com

It's still not clear if you have set up your F10 bios.

Download the Rompaq from:-
Title: software and drivers - download ROMPaq for Deskpro 4000/6000 (686G5 ROM)
URL: http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/deskpro/us/download/288.html

... if you haven't already done so.

edit: sorry - somehow missed it on first read.

In order to recreate the partition for the setup to be reinstalled I need the PC Diagnostics and I can't get it to work

Only other thought would be to wipe your current partition(s) and mbr and try from start. The attached zip has a small utitlity that does this very quickly by writing zeros to just the mbr and partition tables.

edit: The HDD should then "think" that it is a brand new drive! :D I can't remember where I got it from but it has always worked very well.

Don't think it's ram - have tried various, including some new.
Maybe hd, but if so I have three failing ones in my collection, two of which were bought as working.
F10 setup works from disk, but can't install without partition, and can't do partition because Diagnostic disk locks up.
This is getting a bit 'Dear 'Liza'...

Also came across this:

Title: Compaq.com - Customer Advisory: DH990629_CW01 - What to do if PC Diags does not Pass the Read and Random Seek Tests with a 22 GB Hard Drive
URL: http://wwss1pro.compaq.com/support/reference_library/viewdocument.asp?countrycode=1000&prodid=16&source=DH990629_CW01.xml&dt=3&docid=3238

Thanks for that, Paul - have downloaded wipeout and will try tomorrow.
Am getting 'page not found' for the other one though.
Cheers for all your help you guys.

sorry the url was wrong

it's corrected and repeated

HERE (http://wwss1pro.compaq.com/support/reference_library/viewdocument.asp?countrycode=1000&prodid=16&source=DH990629_CW01.xml&dt=3&docid=3238)

Maybe you need to clear your cmos before trying wiping. THIS COMPAQ THREAD (http://forums.itrc.hp.com/cm/QuestionAnswer/1,,0x1f2f63f96280d711abdc0090277a778c,00.html) is regarding a 2000 but the thoughts are similar.

The same forum maybe worth a perusal or a post to. ;)

He he: I'm going purple julia trying to post links today. Don't know what I'm doing wrong but I have to go back and edit every one. Geeesh!

btw I'm interested in the outcome since my sister has the same pc and it could be handy to know what to do if her hdd ever fails.