NOOB Needs Help With Compaq (OLD!!!)

**Katt** · 01-31-2007, 09:14 PM

Where do I begin with the probelms I have with it. First off, i got it for free, so thats why I have. The only reason. Its a scrapped compaq, does not have word, or even paint. Running Win. Me. with a 2g hard drive. I'm not a totaly Noob, I've taken high school tech classes. I cna build a computer, instal programs, al that jazz. I just can't do the complicated stuff, and when I talk about it, I usually sound like an idiot. Baer with me. Anyways, my main problem I'm dealing with now is BIOS. I know how to use it. I just can't find it. I've tried all the keys. I can' get to it!! F1 gets me into some BIOS liek program, but its not BIOS, I've never seen it befor. Anyways, if anyone thinks they can take on my problem, let me know. If oyu need anymore specs about the comp, I'll post them. Just let me know.

**2k1Toaster** · 01-31-2007, 09:48 PM

BIOS is not a complicated thing.

I have heard of some Compaqs and Sonys that actually disable user access to the BIOS.

Most common are the F8 or Del key. Also if a logo pops up, press TAB to hide the splash and show the output. It might say there.

**gospeed.racer** · 01-31-2007, 09:55 PM

be specific...what Compaq is it? (Model number)

**DarquePervert** · 02-01-2007, 07:15 AM

Other keys to try: F1, F2, F10.
IIRC, many compaq models used F10 for BIOS access.

**bbalazs** · 02-01-2007, 08:08 AM

F10, WHEN directly after boot a white block blinks at the upper right corner.

If not, you have to prepare a boot-floppy and boot from that.
By means of that you will also be able to make a service partition that will contain the BIOS programs.
The program that produces those boot floppies is available at the web site of Compaq (or HP - devil knows which company ate the other).
You have to know the EXACT type of your laptop - it is usually at the bottom side on a label.