hamptonfan2

Hi. I have a Compaq Presairio computer that is running Win98. When I try to start the computer it shows the COMPAQ logo. The little white box in the top left corner blinks for about 5 seconds then disapeers. Another one comes right after it right under where the first one was then also disapeers after 5 seconds too. About 3 seconds after another one slightly larger appeers in the top right corner and disapeers. After all the boxes have disapeered the computer just freezes and does not continue to the Windows screen. I have tried to hold Ctrl, F8, and Esc. When I do that instead of asking me if I want to boot in safe mode it says there is a "keyboard error". I have many, many downoads on the computer and it has been freezing before this problem. I would try a system recovery disc but I don't have one for Win98. I think I might have a virus even though I have Norton Anti-Virus.

If you have any idea at all please,please reply.

Thank you.

Immortal

Since you have Norton boot from it use the Emergency Repair. Tell us what it found.

batty_professor

Holding F10 at boot should get the Compaq utilities up if that partition isn't corrupted. If the unit will boot from CD rom then try to boot it with the Norton disk you used for the Norton installation. If you don't have that, then see if a friend will make you a bootdisk from any 98, or ME based machine, or will download one for you at www.bootdisk.com.

hamptonfan2

I'm sorry I didn't realize this the first time but my computer is running XP. I also forgot to tell you that (without Norton repair) the hard drive light doesn't flash. It stays constantly lit up (does not move at all). I'm sorry but I have no idea what Norton Emergency Repair means or ho to get to it. My dad says to tell you that I am ten years old (yes for real!) too.

batty_professor

I promise I won't let the "10 year old" thing become an issue for me. Since this computer has XP, that tells me it's not too old either. Was it bought new? and do you still have the manual that came with it? (The manual would explain for you in text and illustration what I was talking about with the F10 key and the associated utilities.)Using the utilities on the Compaq, you may be able to restore the system using the special diagnostic partition found on most Compaq hard drives.. Perhaps you could also find the model number on the machine?

hamptonfan2

The computer came with Win98. I did try to press F10 but the screen said "44 - 130 Keyboard Error". I have no clue what that means. Thanks for the idea about http:/www.bootdisk.com/ . I will try it I'm not sure if it will boot off the floppy. My computer seams dead.

hamptonfan2

I'm not sure if I have the wrong boot disk (from bootdisk.com ) or not. I don't think my computer will even boot with a boot disk. you know that sound a floppy makes when it is loading? It does not make that sound. If you can tell me which disk I need that would be helpful.

kodi

Do you know the boot order set in the BIOS,EG floppy first followed by CD etc? What recovery or setup discs do you have.
The floppy from BOOT DISC COM can be either 98 oem,98se OEM or ME oem,all will boot the computer for you
You could try just tapping the F10 key every second or so instead of holding it down (might not work but worth a try)

batty_professor

If you would post the machine's model number we can find more specific things for help, particularly support documents, drivers, and restore options, available through HP/Compaq website. If you find your model number and wish to see for yourself the options available through the website, here is the link. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...eC?lc=en&cc=us Now that I know the computer was upgraded from 98 to XP, It's assumeable that the previously mentioned diagnostics partition is long gone, since the XP install would normally re-format the hard drive. This leaves you unable to get to the Bios from ANY AND ALL keys on the keyboard. And since from what you have told us about the computer not seeming to access the floppy, it would seem that the "boot up floppy seek" feature has also been disabled in the Bios. Therefore, given all this it would seem that the only way into the Bios options will be to actually remove the cover from the computer and restore the basic defaults of the Bios system by manually resetting, using a small jumper on a set of connector pins on the motherboard inside. Now, I know I'm out on a limb for you here, so PLEASE, for the benefit of yourself and all of us, DO NOT attempt any cover removal operations without the direct supervision and assistance of an adult.

If your attempt to reset the Bios is successful, I would expect some or all of the following default messages to be displayed.

Memory size doesn't match
defaults loaded
F1 to boot
F2 for setup

kodi

Batty is correct in asking for the Model wich will be the best way to go but if you are not able to locate a model number you could remove the CMOS Battery for at least half an hour and see if it restores the System Defaults