laptop boot problem

[wkr]

I have done multiple searches and have not found a solution.

Compaq Presario laptop
AMD 500 192megs 6gig hd, dvd, W98se

Unit failed to start one morning, would come up to red Compaq screen but would not advance. Could not view boot process with esc. or enter setup with F10. After trying several options including a boot disk with no sucess, I followed a sugestion to disconnect the hd. After doing that I was able to hit esc and watch the boot process which proceded through all ram checks including the extended memory, mouse initialization, and id of the DVD. I could also go into setup and change and view items such as the boot sequence. No changes made any difference. When I put the cable back on the HD, I can still use esc to view the boot, but I cannot enter setup. The boot does properly id the HD when attached. I left the HD unattached over a long weekend, and a boot today advanced to starting Win 98, but of course no OS found.

It sounds like the HD to me, but I have little experience with laptops. If it were one of my desktops I would switch it out.

Basically I am trying to be certain I am working to a correct solution. I can get a new 10gig HD for approx 80.00, which is fine if I know it will solve the problem.

Thanks in advance for any help.


As an additional question, is it considered bad form to post to multiple help sites? I appreciate the help and don't want to offend

WKR

[AllGamer]

yes it's Definitely a HDD problem

a new HDD soounds like the best idea

you can always try to Boot from a FDD/CD
and do a LOW LEVEL FORMAT on the Old one, and you can use the Old FDD for backups and stuff

[wkr]

Thank you for your reply. The HD replacement site that I went to stated that the travelstar HD's will fit any computer with a bios later than 1998. Mine is dec. 1999, so I should be OK. I read some post on Compaqs from previous questioners, and was concerned with the info that is on the HD (setup info). Should I be able to use my W98se disk to do a clean install if I do not want to use the Compaq restore disk. I would rather setup my own system.

I also did some research on the COMPAQ site, and the answer to one question about HD replacement on my exact model was that it would take up to a 30 gig.

Many thanks
WKR

[rangeral]

Like AG said try the llf.

Yes don't post in multiple forums within this site.

EZ-bios would help you get over a large hdd if you have a problem with larger than 30, can be easily found on google.

[wkr]

Thank you. One of the problems is that as soon as I reattach the hd the floppy does not work. I just did a test using a w98se boot disk, with the hd cable off. The floppy worked correctly, and even did several systems checks, until of course it did not find the HD. As soon as I reattached the hd, it will not read the floppy, it says it is entering setup but will not go farther.

But at the least I do from all the responses feel that a HD replacement makes sense. Many thanks

By the way, I was talking about other sites. I have found many great forums that are also very supportive.

WKR