I eventually got this old Compaq 2000 5120 up and running with Win 95.
But I cant access the BIOS setup at the start. At startup there is the POST memory check, and then it goes on to boot with none of the usual setup info. I've tried the usual keys (F1, F2, DEL etc)
Any tips would be appreciated!
Bob (in UK)

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Bobbybee

Hey Bob,
Try F10, F11, or F12. (Dooh, can't remember which one http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif )

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Waiting patiently for the future to arrive. Frank's Place (http://dreamwater.net/tech/frankscomp/)

On old model Compaq's they actually stored the BIOS data in a small partition on the drive ( usually around 25 mb's or less and hidden ).

So if you format the drive all you are left with is the basic hardware BIOS with no data option's to choose from.

Modern BIO's give you dynamic data qualifiers that allow you to change them via their own built in programmed menu; including newer Compaq's. However the older Compaq model's came out when Compaq thought that " average " users didn't know or couldn't comphrend the BIOS and it's function's in a PC.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

So, unless you re-format your drive, download and install/enable their " diagnostic " software, you're stuck with no editing option's in your current configuration.

Unless you're having specific IRQ problems i wouldn't be concerned about it.



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iisbob

CPU= 5mhz
Memory= 16 K
Storage=10.2MB's
Video=Onboard S3 4K
Modem=14.4 baud
Sound=ISA Yamaha 8bit
Mouse=2 button MS
Monitor=ACER 12.5"
OS= { dual boot }DOS 2.1 & WIN 3.1

My ultimate gaming system :)

No the keys dont work Bassman. Thanks a lot iisbob for that explanation.
Now I wont worry about it anymore! Before I formatted the drive I did make a Compaq diagnostic/setup disk that was offered but its very limited in scope.
Thanks again
Bob



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Bobbybee

are you certain that F10 won't work??


{{it needs to be pressed [sometimes repeatedly] when you see the blinking cursor in the RED compaq screen}}


that's the key for compaq BIOS.

(keeping in mind what iisbob posted above)

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 02-24-2002).]

Maybe F10 might have worked but not after I formatted the hard disk and never had a Compaq screen as you describe. iibob's info fits in with the probs I had at the beginning. It wouldnt boot and i got an error message from "intellisafe" advising to replace the hard drive. Intellisafe (now known as Smart?) is also built into the hard drive. Anyway it wasnt so smart coz i think the HD is OK! So if you format yr Compaq remember to make a setup/diag disk from it first.
Cheers!
Bob

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Bobbybee

well, there's always this (http://www.compaq.com/support/files/deskpro/us/locate/3_61.html) in case you didn't already have it.


and in particular this (http://www.compaq.com/support/files/deskpro/us/download/303.html)!


http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 02-24-2002).]