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Compaq FAQ



 
 
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  #1  
Old August 7th 03, 04:24 PM
HH
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Compaq FAQ

Helpful Links:

For drivers, software, manuals/docs
http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/
For Compaq spare parts
http://sparesstore.compaq.com/sparesstore/default.asp?
For the Presario Customer Communities (Forums)
http://communities.compaq.com/servle...=121&RPAGEID=0


Q) How do I enter the BIOS on my Presario?
A) Normally, hitting F10 at the Compaq logo (cursor to upper right corner)
at bootup. If this does not work, it means you have an earlier model, 1996
or earlier, that retains Setup info on a small non-DOS partition at the
front of the hard drive, not in ROM, and this partition is damaged or
missing. Most Commercial desktops/notebooks (DeskPros, Prolineas,
Armadas/Elites, etc.) also have this partition. If this is the case, go
he

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/

Select your model desktop or notebook and download the Softpaq for Computer
Setup. Run this SoftPaq and it will create a boot floppy from which you can
enter the BIOS. You might want to download the Personal Computer Diagnostics
SoftPaq as well.

Q) Can I disable the onboard video/audio on my Presario and install
different ones.
A) Yes. As for video, installing the new card normally will disable the
onboard video. Sometimes, you may have to reset your video to Standard VGA
in Device Manager in Windows first, then shut down and install the PCI video
card. On Presarios with an AGP slot, this is not necessary.
The onboard audio is disabled in Windows device manager, then shut down and
install the PCI audio card, reboot and install the drivers.

Q) How do I get QuickRestore Discs for my Presario?
A) In the U.S., call 800-841-2761. Have your model number or serial number
(it's usually on a white barcode sticker on the back or side of the PC).The
cost is $10 for the discs.
Outside the U.S., contact Compaq support in your region for more info.

Note: Since Microsoft no longer supports operating systems earlier than
Millenium, Compaq may not have QR CDs left for those models that came with
Win 95, 98, or 98SE.


Q) How can I reinstall my audio (or video, modem, etc.) driver or specific
software without doing a full restore?
A) Most newer model Presarios have a Selective Restore Option. Double click
on the Compaq Support desktop icon, or select it from the menu. Select
QuickRestore, then Selective Restore. you can then select which driver(s) or
software you wish to reinstall.
NOTE: If you have upgraded the operating system or if the Compressed Compaq
folders (CPQDRV, etc.) on the System Save partition have been deleted, or if
the Presario model is an older one without Selective Restore, the above may
not apply. In this case, check the website link above to see if the driver
is there for your model and OS. For software, go into the icons directory on
the QuickRestore CD and and open each image. Once you find the image for the
software you wish to reinstall, then the file name is the directory name of
the software install directory.

That said, some of the programs are not separately installable.


Q) I've installed a new hard disk (or CD-ROM/DVD drive) in my
Presario/DeskPro etc., and it is not recognized. Why?
A) Compaqs come with Cable Select IDE cables. Any drive attached to them
must be jumpered CS for Cable Select. You will also have to partition (using
FDISK) and format the drive before it will be recognized.

Q) I've installed a new 80 GB hard drive in my older Presario, but only 8
GB is recognized. Where is the other 72GB?
A) Unfortunately, many older Presarios ( Pre-1996) have an 8GB hard drive
size limit in BIOS. There are no BIOS upgrades from Compaq to raise this
limit, however, there are two ways to overcome the limit:
1. The best way is to install a PCI IDE controller card with its own BIOS.
These cards are not expensive, less than $50, and also allow full ATA100/133
transfers as well. Promise and SIIG both offer these cards.
2. the other way is to install BIOS overlay software, available from the
hard drive manufacturer's website. This method will slow down drive
operation however.

Q) Can I put a different motherboard in my Presario/DeskPro?
A) Yes, but not really. The problems would be many, including:
1. Physical layout. Finding one with the same Input/output connector layout
at the back would be very difficult.
2. Onboard connectors. The front panel wires for the onn/off switch and hard
disk/power LEDs go to a single connector designed to fit the pins on the
current board. So, unless you feel comfortable cracking connectors or
re-splicing wires, don't try it.
3. Power Supply connectors on earlier models may be proprietary.
So, generally speaking for most users, the board is NOT easily upgradeable.

Q) How do I prevent getting Blue Screens or freezeups while using the Compaq
DVD player?
A) Look for a file named SCSI1HLP.VXD(or SCSIHLP.VXD) in the
Windows\system\iosubsys directory. If there, rename it toSCSI1HLP.OLD, then
reboot.

Q) Is there a different or later BIOS for my Compaq that allows more
adjustments?
A) The only BIOS updates that are safe for your Compaq are those listed for
your specific model on the Compaq/HP website. Occasionally, a BIOS update
from Compaq will provide a few new settings, but not as a general rule.
Installing any other is risky and may render your Compaq unbootable.

Q) Is my Compaq Compatible with Windows XP?
A) There is a compatibility app on the MS site. It attempts to examine all
installed hardware and software and to let you know if you might have a
problem. It's fairly conservative and may warn about things that might later
prove to be trouble-free.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...ng/advisor.asp

Also check to see if the Compaq website has XP drivers posted for your
model.

Q) How can i uninstall MSN Messenger on my Windows XP Compaq? It does not
show up in Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Windows Components.
A) To make it visible, you first must make a slight change in Sysoc.inf in
the C:\Windows\Inf directory. The line now reads:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7

make it read:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7

In other words remove "hide" from the line. Then be sure to save the file,
exit notepad, then go to control panel and it will be visible so you can
uncheck the box to uninstall it, which merely removes the entries for it
from the registry. It does not remove the folder from C:\Program files.
You can always reinstall by going back to Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs, Windows Components and rechecking the box.


  #2  
Old August 7th 03, 11:24 PM
Me
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I started writeing up one once and then switched jobs and it got forgotten
about. Here is if you want to add to yours:


1. Common Questions

a. What is a SoftPaq?

A Softpaq is a self extracting software solution. They can contain
drivers, software packages,
BIOS updates etc. They are a convient way to compress and archive
downloadable files. Since they
are self extracting they are easier to use than other formats such as
..zip files. You simply download
the appripriate softpaq and run it then follow the prompts. It will
either ask for blank disk(S) for
things like rom and setup software, or prompt for a directory to
extract the driver / software to.

b. What is a ROMpaq?

A ROMPaq is simply a name for a SoftPaq that contains a ROM image.
You download the ROMPaq and extract
it just like any other SoftPaq, and it should create a bootable disk
which will flash upgrade the BIOS.

c. How do I enter BIOS Setup?

On Compaq's you use the f10 key to enter BIOS. Press f10 when the red
Compaq logo is displayed,
or when the cursor moves from the left to the right of the screen. If
the cursor never moves see
question c and d.

d. What is the small non-dos partition on my hdd?

If you look at the partition structure of the HDD in a Compaq system
you will see a small non-dos
partition (Note Windows NT Disk adinistrator calls this an EISA config
partition, more on this later).
This is where the CMOS setup program is located along with diagnostic
programs. If you go back in time
a few years when IBM was on top of the PC world you will remember that
Compaq among others adopted the
open architecture of the IBM PC/AT. IBM, after noticing that everyone
else was making more money selling
'clones' based upon their open ISA standard decided to bring out micro
channel architecture. The big
'clone' makers joined together to create the EISA standard. Part of
this standard was to have cards
that were software configurable through the use of config files
provided by the manufacturer of the cards.
The configuration of these cards was done through a program called the
EISA configuration utility by loading
.cfg files which containes resource information about the card being
installed. The EISA configuration
program and its associated .cfg files were typically loaded on a small
partition on the HDD since you could
not copy the .cfg files to a ROM BIOS. Compaq later extended this to
include a diagnostic prgram as well as
a GUI based setup program. This partition still exists today on all
but the latest Compaq products (The New EP
and EN were the first to go back to a ROM based text only setup
program although you can still load and use
the partition since it has other features such as remotly flashing
BIOS).

e. How do I install the setup / diag partition

If you have replaced the HDD or deleted the setup / diag partition
you can create it easily. Goto Compaq's
www site. Choose software and drivers under the support heading.
Choose the product group, i.e. desktops,
portables, servers. Then you can choose the machine type and model
and choose as OS that you will be installing,
or simply choose Rompaq's and system SW. Once you hve choosen and
downloaded the correct setup / diag Softpaq you
run the softpaq and it will create floppy disks. Boot the system off
the first diskette and it will ask if you want
to install the partition. Note some systems ship with a Quick restore
CD which will recreate the setup / diag
partition as well as restoring the rest of the drive to factory
original configuration which makes this step
not necessary if you plan to use the QR CD.

f. Do I need the setup / diagnostics partition?

The setup / diag partition is not necessary for normal operation of
the PC. The BIOS can auto detect IDE drives,
floppy drives, etc. You only need it to run setup / diagnostics from
the HDD. You cam boot off the setup floppy
disk and choose do not install and run setup from there (although
slower). This could be used for security purposes
such as not installing the partition in a corporate environment to
prevent access or you may have a system that already


"HH" wrote in message
m...
Helpful Links:

For drivers, software, manuals/docs
http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/
For Compaq spare parts
http://sparesstore.compaq.com/sparesstore/default.asp?
For the Presario Customer Communities (Forums)
http://communities.compaq.com/servle...=121&RPAGEID=0


Q) How do I enter the BIOS on my Presario?
A) Normally, hitting F10 at the Compaq logo (cursor to upper right

corner)
at bootup. If this does not work, it means you have an earlier model, 1996
or earlier, that retains Setup info on a small non-DOS partition at the
front of the hard drive, not in ROM, and this partition is damaged or
missing. Most Commercial desktops/notebooks (DeskPros, Prolineas,
Armadas/Elites, etc.) also have this partition. If this is the case, go
he

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/

Select your model desktop or notebook and download the Softpaq for

Computer
Setup. Run this SoftPaq and it will create a boot floppy from which you

can
enter the BIOS. You might want to download the Personal Computer

Diagnostics
SoftPaq as well.

Q) Can I disable the onboard video/audio on my Presario and install
different ones.
A) Yes. As for video, installing the new card normally will disable the
onboard video. Sometimes, you may have to reset your video to Standard VGA
in Device Manager in Windows first, then shut down and install the PCI

video
card. On Presarios with an AGP slot, this is not necessary.
The onboard audio is disabled in Windows device manager, then shut down

and
install the PCI audio card, reboot and install the drivers.

Q) How do I get QuickRestore Discs for my Presario?
A) In the U.S., call 800-841-2761. Have your model number or serial

number
(it's usually on a white barcode sticker on the back or side of the

PC).The
cost is $10 for the discs.
Outside the U.S., contact Compaq support in your region for more info.

Note: Since Microsoft no longer supports operating systems earlier than
Millenium, Compaq may not have QR CDs left for those models that came with
Win 95, 98, or 98SE.


Q) How can I reinstall my audio (or video, modem, etc.) driver or

specific
software without doing a full restore?
A) Most newer model Presarios have a Selective Restore Option. Double

click
on the Compaq Support desktop icon, or select it from the menu. Select
QuickRestore, then Selective Restore. you can then select which driver(s)

or
software you wish to reinstall.
NOTE: If you have upgraded the operating system or if the Compressed

Compaq
folders (CPQDRV, etc.) on the System Save partition have been deleted, or

if
the Presario model is an older one without Selective Restore, the above

may
not apply. In this case, check the website link above to see if the driver
is there for your model and OS. For software, go into the icons directory

on
the QuickRestore CD and and open each image. Once you find the image for

the
software you wish to reinstall, then the file name is the directory name

of
the software install directory.

That said, some of the programs are not separately installable.


Q) I've installed a new hard disk (or CD-ROM/DVD drive) in my
Presario/DeskPro etc., and it is not recognized. Why?
A) Compaqs come with Cable Select IDE cables. Any drive attached to them
must be jumpered CS for Cable Select. You will also have to partition

(using
FDISK) and format the drive before it will be recognized.

Q) I've installed a new 80 GB hard drive in my older Presario, but only 8
GB is recognized. Where is the other 72GB?
A) Unfortunately, many older Presarios ( Pre-1996) have an 8GB hard

drive
size limit in BIOS. There are no BIOS upgrades from Compaq to raise this
limit, however, there are two ways to overcome the limit:
1. The best way is to install a PCI IDE controller card with its own BIOS.
These cards are not expensive, less than $50, and also allow full

ATA100/133
transfers as well. Promise and SIIG both offer these cards.
2. the other way is to install BIOS overlay software, available from the
hard drive manufacturer's website. This method will slow down drive
operation however.

Q) Can I put a different motherboard in my Presario/DeskPro?
A) Yes, but not really. The problems would be many, including:
1. Physical layout. Finding one with the same Input/output connector

layout
at the back would be very difficult.
2. Onboard connectors. The front panel wires for the onn/off switch and

hard
disk/power LEDs go to a single connector designed to fit the pins on the
current board. So, unless you feel comfortable cracking connectors or
re-splicing wires, don't try it.
3. Power Supply connectors on earlier models may be proprietary.
So, generally speaking for most users, the board is NOT easily

upgradeable.

Q) How do I prevent getting Blue Screens or freezeups while using the

Compaq
DVD player?
A) Look for a file named SCSI1HLP.VXD(or SCSIHLP.VXD) in the
Windows\system\iosubsys directory. If there, rename it toSCSI1HLP.OLD,

then
reboot.

Q) Is there a different or later BIOS for my Compaq that allows more
adjustments?
A) The only BIOS updates that are safe for your Compaq are those listed

for
your specific model on the Compaq/HP website. Occasionally, a BIOS update
from Compaq will provide a few new settings, but not as a general rule.
Installing any other is risky and may render your Compaq unbootable.

Q) Is my Compaq Compatible with Windows XP?
A) There is a compatibility app on the MS site. It attempts to examine all
installed hardware and software and to let you know if you might have a
problem. It's fairly conservative and may warn about things that might

later
prove to be trouble-free.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...ng/advisor.asp

Also check to see if the Compaq website has XP drivers posted for your
model.

Q) How can i uninstall MSN Messenger on my Windows XP Compaq? It does not
show up in Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Windows Components.
A) To make it visible, you first must make a slight change in Sysoc.inf in
the C:\Windows\Inf directory. The line now reads:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7

make it read:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7

In other words remove "hide" from the line. Then be sure to save the file,
exit notepad, then go to control panel and it will be visible so you can
uncheck the box to uninstall it, which merely removes the entries for it
from the registry. It does not remove the folder from C:\Program files.
You can always reinstall by going back to Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs, Windows Components and rechecking the box.




 




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