Want to erase Laptop BIOS???!!!

[SPK]

I have a Compaq Presario 1220 200Mhz MMX Notebook with 32Mb RAM and a 2.1Gb Hard disk. I use it only to retrieve e-mail (sometimes surf the web) and word processing using Microsoft Office 97. It is painfully slow!!!

The OS is Windows 95 and after any reformat I can only install the Compaq software (which I don't want) and Windows 95 (also which I don't want) from the Compaq Quickrestore CD. I cannot partition the hard disk. Partition Magic 6 will not run on the machine.

I would like to partition the hard drive and install nothing but a free copy of Linux and a compatible word processor to see if it speeds up a little but also just to get rid of all those rubbishy Compaq bits.

I am assuming there is something in the BIOS which prevents me from installing anything but the Compaq Quickrestore CD software. So does anyone know if it's possible and how to erase the BIOS in it's entirety and install/configure a new unfettered BIOS which will allow me to install the software I want on MY machine and to partition MY drive the way I want it.

Thanks
Stefan at spkuc@bigfoot.com

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SPK
E-mail address is spkuc@bigfoot.com

[kenja]

Have you tried partitioning and formatting using FDISK and FORMAT from a Startup floppy made on Win95?

"...erase the BIOS in it's entirety..." Can't get there from here, as far as I know.

[iisbob]

Can you get a copy of Win98se? if so, use the boot floppy to fdisk( repartition your drive and delete old partition) then format , then install a fresh copy of 98-you'll see more improvement with 98 as far as programs and equipment running better. I would also see if you could get at least another 32 mb of RAM, more memory will help the OS run multiple applications.

Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

[ranchdog]

SPK -- Man you are stuck. The QuickRestore Disk is the only thing you'll be able to use. Say Thanks, Compaq. With Compaq it's "what you got is what you see." Their theory on upgrade is come in and we'll sell you a bigger and better machine for an upgrade. In my travels I haven't seen a BIOS upgrade and/or flash for a Compac PC. Paleo Pete taught me a new word the other day propietary. It fits here. Just my 02.

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"Lemmee Fix That Thing......."
-Beauty is only a light switch away.-

[This message has been edited by ranchdog (edited 07-18-2001).]

[sea69]

Compaq Softpaqs (http://www.compaq.com/support/files/13501.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 07-20-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Was wondering when the forum's Compaq expert would chip in http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[MindessAndInJeopardy]

I may be straying off the topic a little but i just want to say that compaqs are ok running machines but they are an ABSOLUTE BIZNOTCH to upgrade (hardware and softare wise). I had one and after a year I gave it away for free to some old lady that was my neighbor.

[Paleo Pete]

I would advise against trying to install anything but the OS on the restore disk. Compaq stores part of the BIOS on a hidden partition on the hard drive, and if you fdisk and format it you lose that hidden partition. along with it goes part of the BIOS. The only way to get it back is by using the restore disk, and with it comes the proprietary Compaq OS. That's their way of making sure you don't switch to a better OS.

The best suggestion I can make is add more memory and deal with win95.

The only other viable option is to get another brand laptop, which I realize may not be an option due to finances.

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