missing operating system??????

[silverfoxdjr]

When I boot up, the PC goes thru the post test and then after it reaches DMI pool data, it then says "missing operating system". I cannot even start from a boot disc or get to a prompt to direct the system. I have tried numerous attempts to reset the BIOS, but still no luck. The PC is a few years old (Cyrix). I got it for free, but I'm just futtzin around with it so it's not the end of the world, I would just like to get it running for my youngest daughter.
Silverfox

[Ghost_Hacker]

You'll need to change the order of your boot devices in the BIOS.
Make sure that the first boot device is set to "floppy", the second to "hard drive" or "drive C". ( your BIOS proably won't have the same wording, but you get the idea.)

Once this is done you can then start the computer from a boot floppy.
If you need a boot floppy go here : www.bootdisk.com (http://www.bootdisk.com)


Good Luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
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!"

[spaceAlien]

Does the bios detect any IDE devices?

Can you look inside the case? Is there a hard drive? (HA HA, just kidding http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif ) when I get rid of an old computer, I remove all the partions -- so exactly -- there is no operating system. Whoever gave it to you might have done the same thing?

Is there a light on the floppy? Does it come at all? Does the floppy make any noises?

Good Luck --


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[silverfoxdjr]

Hey Guys,
Thanx for your reponses, Naw nothin happens, no lights no nuttin' maybe I'll put it in the dishwasher and clean out the BIOS, that should work, ey? SpaceAlien, the hard drive, is that the shiny thingie with a purple wire going to it and it has all this foreign language written so small you need a microscope to read it, if it is, I unplugged it, didn't think it was important
silverfox
ps. have to laff at this crap...

[spaceAlien]

> Thanx for your reponses,

Don't mention it.

> Naw nothin happens, no lights no nuttin'

If we're talking about the floppy, try disconnecting and re-attaching the power and data cables. Make sure the floppy is at the end of the data cable, past were part of the ribbon cable is turned 180 degrees.

> maybe I'll put it in the dishwasher and clean out the BIOS, that should
> work, ey? SpaceAlien, the hard drive, is that the shiny thingie with a
> purple wire going to it and it has all this foreign language written so
> small you need a microscope to read it, if it is, I unplugged it, didn't
> think it was important

Sarcasim is contageous? Have to look closely to tell when you're on the level http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Seriously, "missing operating system" means the bios finds the hard drive OK, but there's nothing there -- as if it were a brand-new blank drive...


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HEY YOU -- MODERATOR -- CHANGE MY STATUS TO "HECKLER"