Questions on 486

[jak]

My 80 year old parents have been given a 486 with Windows 3.1. I am trying to help them get it running with my limited knowledge of computers. ( I have a G6 300 MMX Gateway with Windows 95) My first question is: They would like to update to Windows 95 or 98 and I guess we first need to find out how much hard drive space is left on this computer. How do I do that? They don't have the "My Computer" icon to click on like I do! Thanks for any input.

[Randy_tx]

Get the computer to a DOS prompt and type chdsk......it will tell you in bites how much space is on HD. If it is the original HD.....it is probably 800 MB or smaller. Win 95 takes up at least 75 MB when installed in a MINIMAL way. It will be easier for them to use it if you are able to load Win 95......dont even think about Win 98 for a 486.

------------------
I sometimes think like a 286

[Randy_tx]

Sorry.........TYPE: C:\chkdsk !

------------------
I sometimes think like a 286

[jak]

Originally posted by Randy_tx:
Sorry.........TYPE: C:\chkdsk !



Thanks. I will try that today.

[hacker]

Also, look for "File manager", a yellow file cabinet icon. Double-click it then click on the "C" drive. Look for a text discription of drive size and unused space.

Memory amount might also be a problem with running any newer OS.

A 72-pin, 32Mb stick goes for around $100.

If you look around, you might be able to find a processor upgrade that will run at a pentium 133 level.(Put one in mine a few years back)

What were they going to use it for? If just internet stuff(e-mail, surfing, etc), consider one of those web-TV systems. Not expensive, easy to use and works on your TV.

Upgrading a 486 to run minimal applications can be more expensive than a newer comp because there are fewer parts for them being made, if at all.

Good Luck!

------------------
I was called "hacker" before there was a HeathKit.

[Paleo Pete]

If you plan to upgrade to win95 what you need to know is how much drive space you have total. Same thing, look in file manager, it will tell you in the status bar at bottom the total drive space, and free space. The File Manager is located in the Main program group, and if you don't see the status bar at bottom click Options in the manu bar at top, and click Status Bar to turn it on.

You can also exit Windows and run msd in DOS, that will give you the hard drive size. Type msd at the command prompt. MSD is supposed to work in windows but will give you incorrect information.

If the drive is about 340MB or larger it should handle win95, but be careful about how much software you install, and install win95 using the Custom option and choose to install only what you think you will need.

If you plan to install from a win95 upgrade CD you can copy the first couple of win3.x disks to a directory on the hard drive, or all 6, and install to a clean, formatted drive and when the setup program looks for a previous version of windows browse to the disks you copied. After the installation you can delete the copied disks.

If you use the Compact install I think it takes less than 100MB, but it installs a very basic OS with no frills at all, and if you have a drive smaller than about 300MB or so you'll still barely have room for a decent sized swap file. Try to keep about 50MB or more free space at all times for the swap file.

------------------
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[Randy_tx]

Web TV is starting to look better all the time over a 486 http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
Wore out my Ctrl/Alt/Del keys with Win ME

[jak]

Thanks everyone for your help. I was able to get in and find out the amount of C drive left. We are considering other options as I am afraid they will have more in upgrading this 486 than a Pentium 200 (for example) would cost, if we could find a good used one. Don't know much about Web TV but I'm sure we will continue to hear more about it.

[Paleo Pete]

If you decide to go shopping, you might check CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com)

Pricewatch (http://www.pricewatch.com)

They usually both have older parts listed, and at good prices.

------------------
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)