Compaq systems

[jpm]

Compaq computers.
I just bought an old compaq (P150) to play with only to find that it is quite different to other PCs. On boot there is no initial BIOS screen that checks processor, RAM, Hard drive etc just a big COMPAQ screen followed by a rather nice screen about choosing desktop user (this is a 4122 with telephone annoying answer machine built it). It appears that a lot of the components are made by compaq (ie motherboard) and wanted to know does compaq write its own CMOS that prevents people interfering or there a way round this. I want to and will take it to bits but wanted to know peoples thoughts.

[tjaymadison]

You'll find a lot of proprietary "stuff" in Compaq PC's, from what I've seen in posts here. The most restrictive "feature" is that part of the BIOS code is on a partition on the hard drive, making a HD upgrade difficult. As your system starts to boot, try pressing the <delete> key. You may have to press <escape> first to clear the Compaq logo. Good Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"When I nod my head, hit it with the hammer."
-- (Moe, holding nail, to Curly, holding hammer)

[bassman]

Hi JPM.

Compaqs contain a lot of parts made by other people for them. The best I have figured out is, these parts use special drivers to coordinate with the Compaq configurations. Two things I know for fact, (1)I had to find drivers for the exact make and modle cdrom drive (says Compaq but made by Panisonic) (2)I installed an old HDD when original died and all seems to be working well. I have heard that Compaq puts part of the bios on the HDD. This may be true in some cases and just not mine.
I have not drove it like I stoled it yet but all seems well after loading various software. I have no Compaq system disk and loaded everything from retail versions.
If you need any help, you can E-mail me as I would love to help bring another one back to life.

Posting questions here would be better though as others will be able to see any progress.... plus I dont know it all http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

good luck

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They say to eat before you go to the grocery store so you don't buy so much. That doesn't work at the liquor store does it!

[This message has been edited by bassman (edited 04-30-2001).]

[sea69]

This is a older laptop and great for experimenting.

if you want to get 'into' bios:

when you see the Compaq red insigia onscreen- at the top right you will (briefly) see a blinking cursor, Press F10 (sometimes it needs to be pressed repeatedly or held)

to just not see the compaq red screen, and get into Boot Options, press F8.

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 04-30-2001).]

[Rick]

Jpm.

What compaq stores on the hard drive is the setup and diagnostic program.
All of this and the drivers are available on there site.

I still have an old 4712 that I use to diagnose problems with.

Also all you need to do is uninstall the Phone center program to get rid of it.
BTW. If you give it the 3 finger salute and check whats in memory.
You'll find that control program for users is a memory HOG.

If you rename it on the drive .The system will still work but have 5 meg or more free mem.