[WinTopaz]

My son received this PC free. Packard Bell/Microsoft Multimedia Pack 1.0. My problem is that the hard drive or cd rom isn't reconizing the software and will not let me install anything. I keep getting a screen that reads:AMIBIOS © 1992 American Mega Trends Inc., BIOS Version 1.00.07.BCOR, 008192KB, press F1 if you want to run setup, Keyboard - Detected, Mouse - Detected, Hard Disk C: installed ST3491A, non system disk or disk error. I have tried the F1 key to no avail. Thanks WinTopaz

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First thing, try a new battery in the motherboard. Look for a nickle sized watch style battery. You should be able to buy one anyplace that sells batteries.

[admin]

First thing, try a new battery in the motherboard. Look for a nickle sized watch style battery. You should be able to buy one anyplace that sells batteries.

[WinTopaz]

Okay, I took the computer completely apart and I found nothing that looked like any form of a battery. Everything on the motherboard has been soldered to the board. I even checked under the motherboard and there was nothing. I've check every item in the PC for a battery and found nothing. Any other suggestion?? Thanks WinTopaz

[admin]

Fig. 1 Example of a typical motherboard battery


Fig. 2 Example of barrel style battery.

Do you maybe have Figure 2? If so, I'd probably just discard the computer.

To confirm the battery is dead, attach a volt meter. You should see around 3 volts.

You could try locating another motherboard, or soldering in a battery, but I wouldn't recommend either.

[WinTopaz]

Thanks a million for the pics. They helped greatly. You were correct, as to the battery being bad. There dosen't seem to be anyone around that carries a new mother board for this year and model without it costing more than it is worth. So thanks again. WinTopaz

[goladith]

but i woudl wecomend staying away from even free packard bells, they suck! i had one for 5 years, had to reformate HD 20+ times, no joke, and it pretty much has no upgrade capebiltys and tech support sucks, they are jerks, sorry about ranting, lol

[WinTopaz]

Thanks for your input. After everything I can believe it. They apparently didn't make them to last.