Reformat & install windows

[irishblue]

I intended to reformat the hard disk and install a fresh copy of windows. However, I accidentally formatted c drive with:
format c: /s
from the c command prompt instead of from the boot disk.
Now the computer is unable to detect the boot disk or the a drive.

How to I go about installing windows? Do I need to find all the drivers again?

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Tell us more about your system but if you know how to get into the BIOS you should be able to correct it from there by making your pc read the floppy then C then CDROM Some systems press delete as you boot up, some F1, F2, depends what you have.

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This space for George Carlin quotes:

You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.

(He should broaden that to pc's.)

[irishblue]

It's a Compaq Presario 4780. Pentium 1 I believe. 32MB RAM.
I tried Ctrl-Alt-Esc and F1 and F2 but it doesn't seem to enter the BIOS screen. When it boots up all I see it the ram count and a huge COMPAQ text across the screen.

[skhips]

f10 can be a favourite

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[Fruss Tray Ted]

What Operating system is always the most important information to give first. Assuming because of popularity, in Win 98:

On boot up, try just Delete not CTRL+Alt+Del, just delete. If that doest work, try any ONE of the F commans usually a lower one. Sooner or later you'll find it if Compaq puts it in an odd place.

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This space for George Carlin quotes:

You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.

(He should broaden that to pc's.)

[ski]

If the F10 key does not get you into CMOS setup, then check for a virus.

[old_kid]

Could try these:

POP out CMOS battery for a few minutes Might reset CMOS to something useful

Try using CMOS clear jumper same as above

Boot with keyboard unplugged - Might get keyboard error and instructions how to get into CMOS

Try another copy of boot disk if you can get one or...

Try booting to original HD floppy if you have it - can reformat HD etc

The last 2 just to make sure you really don't have a drive A



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Old dogs CAN learn new tricks

[skhips]

With respect "Ted" it will not matter what O/S is installed as when you are trying to get into the BIOS the HDD has not even yet been detected (you could have it disconnected and still get in) let alone started to have an O/S start to load.

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

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Skhips,
Maybe what I should have said what make of pc? As in why is it that some pc's want delete others F1, F10 and so forth? To get into setup?



[This message has been edited by Fruss Tray Ted (edited 06-05-2002).]

[sea69]

F10 for BIOS in a Compaq.


once you get into the BIOS set the boot order to default (which should be a, c, other)

in other words make sure its seeking A drive to boot from

are you sure you don't have a Compaq "Restore CD"??

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

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

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 06-05-2002).]

[Paleo Pete]

With Compaq it's the [F10] key, AND at a specific point in the boot process. Look for a large blinking cursor at the top right corner of the screen during the boot process. I think the Compaq logo should still be onscreen, you'll have about 5 seconds to use [F10] to get into BIOS.

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[sea69]

Pete's correct in some older compaqs it has a blinking cursor in the RED Compaq insignia screen and only during the time it is blinking is the BIOS available.

In newer compaqs (like mine) you can press F10 at anytime as soon as the red compaq screen comes up, and until it dissapears.

additionally, if you press the "Esc" (escape) button when you see the red compaq screen, it will dissapear, showing you a "normal" post- system ram.. bla- and also at this point you will have additional choices to boot from cdrom, network, HDD, or whatever you have, without actually entering the BIOS.

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[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 06-05-2002).]

[Paleo Pete]

Sea Thanks for the update, I didn't know the newer Compaqs didn't use the blinking cursor method to get into BIOS. Knew about the [Esc] key clearing the logo screen, but I usually only point that out with people I know are fairly experienced users, less chance for confusion.

------------------
If your nose runs and your feet smell...
You're built upside down!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.dreamwater.com/paleopete/computer.htm) has been moved, please update your bookmarks.

[sea69]

yeah Pete- on mine, there isn't a blinking cursor at all.

but I know what you mean and see it all the time on older models.

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