[computermom4]

The computer I'm trying to restore is a Compaq Presario 5150. I initially tried to restore it a YEAR ago!
From the countless hours of research I did back then, I THINK I have a problem with cdrom drives, but my memory is a little fuzzy on what I all found out. I DO remember that evidently plently of people had problems with their Compaqs! I DID try to use the tutorial on this forum, but I couldn't get to the BIOS/Startup.

Here's the background:
I tried to use the "Quick Restore" cd that came with the machine, but it just sat there, so removed it, and have had nothing but problems since!
I've tried numerous things including using (HP) Compaq help desk -- that was a bit of a joke! They advised me to get a new CD, that the one I have is "gone". It's fine I looked at it on this computer
It has a pre-installed CDrom, as well as a CD writer that we installed

Here's what happens:

When using the upper CD drive, I get the following:

Screen when computer is restarted:
<Black screen with "Compaq" Logo>
<Blue Screen with the following: >
Screen when computer is restarted:
<Black screen with "Compaq" Logo>
<Blue Screen with the following: >
< when I choose option 1 or 2, it quickly flashes thru a few error messages that go too quickly for me to read, then continuously displays the following>
PLEASE INSERT QUICK RESTORE CD
<over and over and over again>
I'm pretty sure my problems are stemming from the cd drives not being recognised.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Thanks,
Jane

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Hello and welcome to Geeks to Go.

When you put the CD in the drive, does it spin normally, or does it sound weird or have spinning problems?

[computerwiz12890]

Hello and welcome to Geeks to Go.

When you put the CD in the drive, does it spin normally, or does it sound weird or have spinning problems?

[computermom4]

As far as I know, it spins normally --- how does one tell?
It definitely doesn't sound wierd

[computerwiz12890]

When I say, does it spin normally, I mean does it spin up and then stay spinning? Or does it slow down and speed up constantly, like it's struggling to stay spinning?

You said you had more than one CD drive, have you tried it in the other drive?

I don't know if this applies to old Compaq computers, but most Compaq users will usually have to press F10 to get into BIOS. Usually you will have to press it at the first screen you see when the computer starts up, whether that screen is a black screen or the logo. You can get into BIOS to confirm that the CD drives are being recognized.

[computermom4]

Okay,
F10 got me to the "Computer Setup" screen
took forever though!
What do I do now?
Don't have the "restore" disk in either drive right now, as all it gets me is the aforementioned:
"PLEASE INSERT QUICK RESTORE CD"

[computerwiz12890]

The BIOS screen differs from model to model. Search around for any sign that the CD drives are being detected. Don't make any changes though!

If you need me to be more specific, let me know. I'll see if I can find some info about old Compaq BIOSs so I can guide you.

Edited by computerwiz12890, 09 February 2006 - 12:18 PM.

[computermom4]

would it be in "Input Devices"?

[computermom4]

across the top of the screen is the following:
System Communications Storage Input Devices Multimedia Exit
you navigate via the arrow keys
within the "Storage" option is the following:

Diskette drive A: 1.44 MB or 128 MB (3.5 in)

Diskette drive B: Not installed

Select Operating System Type: DOS only or DOS and Windows

Enhanced IDE transfers Enabled

Ultra 33 Enabled

Primary IDE Controller Enabled

Secondary IDE Controller Enabled

(arrow keys select items, and +/- change values)

[computerwiz12890]

It should be on the main screen. Does your BIOS setup look like this?:

[computerwiz12890]

If it does look similar to that, go the the main area and tell me what's under:

First Channel Device 0
First Channel Device 1
Second Channel Device 0
Second Channel Device 1

[computermom4]

No,
I'm in "Computer Setup"

[computerwiz12890]

F10 may have been the wrong button. Here's what I found for you:

http://h10025.www1.h...en&lang=en#N359

Follow the instructions there for Entering the BIOS Setup utility

[computermom4]

wish I could figure out how to get INTO BIOS setup

[computermom4]

okay,
I'll try again.
Thanks,
This will probably take a bit

[computerwiz12890]

I will be leaving soon and I won't be back for a few hours. Here are instructions about what you can do while I'm gone, and what information you can collect for me for when I return:

1. Use the website I gave you to get into BIOS. After getting there, find the screen like the one I posted. You should see both CD drives there. If you continue to have trouble getting into BIOS, we will skip this step. If both CD drives are not there, you will have to stop here and wait for further instructions. Let me know what you find.

2. Try the restore CD in the other drive. In the first post, you said, "when using the upper drive", have you tried it in the lower drive? If not, try it and let me know how it goes.

3. Download Nero CD-DVD Speed onto a computer that has Win98 or above. Unzip it and run it. Put the restoration CD into the drive. In the dropdown menu at the top, select the drive that has the restoration CD in it. Now, in the menu at the top, click on Extra > ScanDisk... Check the options at the bottom that say File Test and Surface Scan. Now click on Start. When the scan is finished, click on Save and attach the report to your reply to me.