Computer won't reboot to CD drive

[cgm707]

I have an Acer TravelMate laptop and Windows XP (SP3). I want to reinstall Windows.

I went into the BIOS and changed it to boot to the CD-Rom first. That didn't work, it rebooted normally. Then I changed it to boot to the CD-R drive or something like that, and that didn't work. Tried to reinstall using the Windows XP installation disk, but it says my Windows on the PC is newer and it won't install.

Tried F8 to get to the other boot screen (obviously, I'm not a techie, I don't know all the lingo :), tried Command Prompt, and format c:. Was told that drive is in use, and I couldn't unlock it.

I'd like to find out how to format my drive (if that is necessary first) and completely reinstall Windows XP.

Thanks!

Chip

[sabot105mm]

is the cd authentic? meaning not burned and not bootable?
you dont need to format the harddrive in the command prompt. once the cd boots you format the drive when you pick the partition

[willyj]

never mind (edited from original post)

[cgm707]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I was able to successfully reformat my Acer laptop. I also installed Windows XP Service Pack 3. However, I can't get the computer to recognize my wireless modem.

There are 2 other computers in my home with wireless connection. I thought installed SP 3 would fix the problem on my machine.

I was wondering if anyone might be able to give me detailed directions on how to setup my wireless connection. The modem is a Belkin. I did look at the user's manual, but if the answer is in there, it's beyond my understanding.

Any help is really appreciated, thanks.

[Wrench97]

Does it attempt to connect to the modem and can't or the modem does not appear on in the View Available Wireless Networks Dialog box?

[cgm707]

I don't even get a Wireless Networks dialog box.

When I click onthe Wireless Network setup wizard, do I choose set up a new wireless network? Somewhere I created something called the "JohnChip" nework (that's who will use this computer). The other option under the setup wizard is to add new computers or devices to the "JohnChip" network.

I tried both options with no success.

[Wrench97]

GO> Start> Control Panel> Switch to Classic View> Double click on Network Connections,
You should then see Wireless Network Connection if you do right on it and select View Available Wireless Networks,

If it is not listed did you install the motherboard chipset drivers and Wireless network card adapter drivers?

[cgm707]

In Classic View, when I double-click on Network Connections, there is nothing in the next window, it's blank.

Where would I find the chipset drivers and Wireless network card adapter drivers?

[Wrench97]

IF you received a cd with the laptop they should be there, If no Cd then the Acer web site under support / downloads. will have all the drivers that came on your laptop.

[cgm707]

I went to the Acer driver page and downloaded drivers that I guessed I needed and loaded them onto the laptop. But it is not clear where to extract some of the drivers to.

[Wrench97]

You have to install the drivers starting with the motherboard chipset, If they are packaged in a zip file create a folder named Drivers on the C: drive and extract them to the new folder, then run the .exe file to install.

[cgm707]

On the Acer driver page, the only driver I see for TravelMate 2480 is Flash BIOS 1.3223 for Windows Vista. I have Windows XP. The computer came with Vista, but I had XP installed on the PC instead. Will this driver work?

I have a driver folder entitled 802.11b+g Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver 4.102.15.61. I double-click on that folder, and see a setup icon. When I double-click on that, I get the Installation Wizard and follow the prompts, hitting next, check that I agree to the legal stuff, hit next, and the wizard disappears...I don't know what happened.

In Device Manager, under Modem, I see Agere Systems HDA Modem, and there is no yellow ? there.


I get a Found New Hardware Wizard popping up. It can't find the drivers automatically, so I try pointing it to either my flash drive or the Drivers folder. Every time I point it to my flash drive, the OK button grays out. When I point the wizard to the Driver folder, it seems to go through the process but the yellow ? remains.

[Wrench97]

No Vista drivers won't work on XP, Did you ever have everything working with XP?
Some newer Laptops do not have all the XP drivers needed some do.

What is the full model number for the laptop we'll have to find the specs to see what chipset and drivers are needed.

[TriggerFinger]

@wrench... if I may jump in...


@cgm707: Go into Device Manager and look for devices with yellow marks or those unknown devices. Right click (do this for each one), select Properties, click on Details tab and copy the Device Instance ID... post each one in your reply to this post.

[cgm707]

I sure appreciate this help, thank you guys.

I have a Acer TravelMate 2480.

Ethernet Controller
PCI\VEN_11AB&DEV_4352&SUBSYS_01101025&REV_14\4&192AC53F&0&00E0

Mass Storage Controller
PCI\VEN_104C&DEV_803B&SUBSYS_01101025&REV_00\4&6B16D5B&0&4AF0

Network Controller
PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4318&SUBSYS_11011A32&REV_02\4&6B16D5B&0&18F0

By the way, on the computer I am using now, an hP compaq nc6000, there is a yellow ? in Device Manager under Blue tooth.

[TriggerFinger]

Originally Posted by cgm707

I sure appreciate this help, thank you guys.

I have a Acer TravelMate 2480. -- download drivers from here:
http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers...k/tm_2480.html

Ethernet Controller
PCI\VEN_11AB&DEV_4352&SUBSYS_01101025&REV_14\4&192AC53F&0&00E0 -- from the link above try both LAN drivers. If that does not work try this: http://support1.toshiba-tro.de/tedd-...0530083017.zip

Mass Storage Controller
PCI\VEN_104C&DEV_803B&SUBSYS_01101025&REV_00\4&6B16D5B&0&4AF0
-- from the link above (acer website) get the Card Reader driver

Network Controller
PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4318&SUBSYS_11011A32&REV_02\4&6B16D5B&0&18F0
-- again from the link above get the Broadcom Wireless driver or if that does not work try this http://www.wireless-driver.com/drive...rv_4102284.zip

By the way, on the computer I am using now, an hP compaq nc6000, there is a yellow ? in Device Manager under Blue tooth.

[cgm707]

The Marvell driver worked (yahoo!). I have the Local Area Connection icon with a red x through it at the bottom of my screen now.

When I go to Local Area Connections Properties, the Wireless tab is not there, only the General and Advanced tabs.

Under "this connection uses the following items" I have all the same items listed as I do on my working laptop.

So...how do I connect to my wireless router? I thought it was supposed to be automatic and detect it.

I still have yellow ?s for Mass Storage Controller & Network Controller.

[TriggerFinger]

See my previous reply.. I updated just now.

As for the other laptop that you are using... include details (Device Instance ID) in your next post.

[cgm707]

OK, I downloaded the Card Reader driver, tried all the LAN drivers, and they seemed to install alright, and I rebooted. Thanks again.

But still, I only have the Local Area Connection icon with a red X, and when I double-click it, it says Network cable unplugged.

Under Device Manager, the only item with a yellow ? is the Network Controller.

I am wondering why when I try the Found New Hardware Wizard, the Flash Drive keeps graying out, even though I have drivers there that I transferred?

I fixed the issue with my other PC (Bluetooth).

Thanks.

[TriggerFinger]

Originally Posted by cgm707

OK, I downloaded the Card Reader driver, tried all the LAN drivers, and they seemed to install alright, and I rebooted. Thanks again. -- so you mean you no more yellow marks/unknown devices in Device Manager?

But still, I only have the Local Area Connection icon with a red X, and when I double-click it, it says Network cable unplugged. -- Is the cable plugged into your laptop's ethernet port? Is the other end of the cable plugged in your router/modem? If so, replace the cable and if it does not help, make sure your router/modem is in good/working condition. If all of that has been ruled out may be you need to replace the network controller which I think is integrated with the motherboard.

Under Device Manager, the only item with a yellow ? is the Network Controller. -- See my reply in post# 16.

I am wondering why when I try the Found New Hardware Wizard, the Flash Drive keeps graying out, even though I have drivers there that I transferred? -- my apologies but I do not think I get what you are trying to say here... may be you need to describe this more. My advice at this point is use another flash drive.

I fixed the issue with my other PC (Bluetooth).

Thanks.