Desperate College Student needs computer help fast! HELP ME!!

[Boo's Mom]

I have a compaq presario 5000 series. (I don't know much about computers and its obvious). we were trying to restore the computer back to factory condition and the disk froze and now it says " no operational system found" has anybody ever had this problem and does anybody know how to fix it. I just started college thursday and I need my computer. This computer of my dad's just isn't going to cut it. Its slow...like me :lol: Help me!

 

[Tim G]

Broken Harddisk

Have been into the (Qompaq) Setup?

 

[SirNim]

Do you have the Windows OS disc that came with the computer?

If you can find it, or any Windows OS disc, and can open the CD-ROM (or DVD-ROM) drive on your computer, put the disc into the drive and see what it does. I'm not 100% sure, but I think you erased your OS in the process of restoring it to "factory condition."

 

[barnum42]

I second Sir Nim's observation. It sounds like you may have erased everything from your hard drive, including the operating system.

What operating system are you using, and do you have the CD? If it's a certain version of Window 98 and upwards, which will include ME & XP then if you put the cd in the drive then reboot the PC it should be able to install Windows - just follow the onscreen instructions.

If it's an older version of Windows you will first need a floppy disc that will let you boot up so that the computer can see the Windows CD in the CD drive. Your PC should have come with one of these.

 

[Computer Magic]

Most newer PC's come with a set of "System Restore Kit" CD's, which is what I'm assuming you mean by "restore to factory condition". There are usually several CD's. You first need the CD that states "Operating restoration program". If you have that do the following:


1) Insert disk into CD "Operating restoration program"
2) Restart Computer
3) Follow the on-screen instructions.

This will get you restored back to the Windows Operating System.

You will then need to install any additional software you have, for example Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.

If you don't have "System Restore Kit" CD's then the restore is more complicated. Which was stated above. You will need a "System Boot Up" floppy disk, then WIndows Operating System CD.

 

[daddyphat808]

It does sound like the hard drive may be bad. Has the computer been apart? Maybe the cable is loose. Why are you restoring it?

 

[dreamteacher]

I know a little about computers Right now I am taking a programming course in college and do what everone is saying they sound good and like they know what they are doing

 

[bhg469]

i would try to format if you can get it to the command prompt. that way you know everything causing the problems is completely gone. if your running 98 you may need a boot disk there are some versions that will boot right from the cd rom but i dont htink many versions of 98 did that at all.

 

[Figment1986]

Most Compaq/HP Computers come with a factory setting disk...

(I know my 2 old compaqs and my new HP did...)

Prior to booting the computer, since it seams to not have an OS and you are restoring it to Factory setting, incert this disk then reboot the computer. It should ask you if you wish to resotre the computer... Choose yes, and it "Should" work... if not have you upgraded your computer at all, since my old compaq persario was upgraded to have a 40gig harddrive from it's original 4 gig.... it didn't work well restoring, I tried about 5 times each time.. (only 3 times) to get it restored....

 

[Boo's Mom]

It does sound like the hard drive may be bad. Has the computer been apart? Maybe the cable is loose. Why are you restoring it?

because my sister downloaded everything imaginable to the point it took 5 minutes just to get the computer booted up and it took 10 minutes just to sign on the internet and about 2 minutes just to get a folder open. She slowed it up big time and there would be no way I could get any work done on it so we tried to restore it to factory but the disk would freeze 20% into the process. I finally got in touch with compaq and they are sending me a disk to fix it. it had windows ME in it before the screw up lol. hopefully the disk they are sending me will work. keeping my fingers crossed. thanks everybody for the suggestions. I greatly appreciate it!

 

[maelstrom]

You need to reinstall Windows. It's no big deal. Pop the CD into the drive and boot from it. I did it by myself when I was 12 years old, it's that easy.

 

[DigitalDisney]

You also need to use some preventive maintainence. Install a virus checker. Use Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Only read emails in text mode. Etc

 

[imagineer99]

Get a spyware checker (like ad aware), as well. Spyware tends to crud up your harddrive without you even noticing...

 

[PhotoDave219]

Heh.... Sorry, i'm just laughing because of Boo's former VCU avatar and his now comp problems. Somehow, i gotta think the two are connected, going to vcu and the inability to fix the computer.

VCU postseason wins: 0
GMU postseason wins: 2

 

[Tim G]

Good point...

 

[Boo's Mom]

Heh.... Sorry, i'm just laughing because of Boo's former VCU avatar and his now comp problems. Somehow, i gotta think the two are connected, going to vcu and the inability to fix the computer.

VCU postseason wins: 0
GMU postseason wins: 2

first off I'm not a him, I'm a HER! and I just started going to VCU on thursday. lol Its close to home (about 15 min.) so I don't have to keep up an apartment or anything right now (and I don't have to pay rent either...spoiled..sorta). I get my pre-vet qualifications at VCU so thats all I'm worried about. I could care less about their postseason wins. not my to priority