Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

k so it didnt boot from xp cd first time, now I just have to figure out how to get to bios settings :S

You usually press DEL or one of the F keys while it's doing the POST (Power On Self Test). It should say on the screen too I think.

EDIT: Hmm. Maybe I've misread the message you posted above. The checksum error could be a lot more serious and the prompt for a system disk may actually be for one with a BIOS on it or something, not the normal prompt for a bootable disk.

Looking at this thread someone has the same problem as you but no solution to the problem as far as I can see. Could be the chip the BIOS is on is damaged, or the battery has run out or something. The previous owner didn't try (and fail) flashing the BIOS or something? Maybe something happened there? It might be worth checking that everything is seated properly on the motherboard too. Cards, batteries, connectors, jumpers.. that kind of thing.

im just not too sure what key(s) would do the trick

Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

im just not too sure what key(s) would do the trick

Well, if the BIOS is indeed corrupt (and I'm beginning to think it is), you won't be able to enter it at all.

Not sure what you can do if that's the problem. It may be possible to flash the BIOS to a working version, but I'm not sure how you'd go about doing that without being able to boot an actual OS. Calling HP support may be the best option. Also talk with the previous owner to see if he's been fiddling with the BIOS. Could be he screwed it up and that's why you got it for free.

yeah, im prolly gonna chat with hp people, btw the pc id from my friends parents and they prolly screwed it up

Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

btw the pc id from my friends parents and they prolly screwed it up

Heh, okay. Well if worst comes to worst, you can always replace the motherboard (which is what the BIOS controls). Shouldn't be too hard/expensive to do if you can find one that supports all the existing hardware... and fits in the case obviously.

what is this thing I hear about "flashing" the BIOS?

Flashing BIOS is an operation when data stored in CMOS memory are being overwritten by some another(usually a new version of BIOS). You will flash your BIOS most likely when there is some bug in it preventing your computer working properly(BSOD crashes and so). Tough 95% of mainboards have Crash-free BIOS nowadays, it can be a bit dangerous operation, because when BIOS is not flashed properly, your computer won't boot up at all.

So don't flash BIOS when everything works all right...

Flashing the BIOS is the process of replacing the BIOS program currently on your motherboard with another version. This is not usually something you have to do, but it can be useful if there's a specific bug-fix you need in a newer version.

It can be dangerous if you're not careful though, and if you screw it up it can render your computer unusable. (Which is why I brought it up in the first place.)

EDIT: Too slow.

Flashing the BIOS might help you in your case, but before doing that you shoud try following. There is a small coin-like battery on mainboard. Put it out and keep it away for at least 10 minutes. If is your BIOS only somehow "confused" it will brihg it back to life(it happened to me once or twice). Otherwise borrow a floppy and flash the BIOS.

Quote from MadCatX :

Otherwise borrow a floppy and flash the BIOS.

Can't flash the BIOS if the computer won't boot though. Apparently it never reaches the boot point, the BOIS craps out due to the checksum error.

Quote from MadCatX :

There is a small coin-like battery on mainboard. Put it out and keep it away for at least 10 minutes. If is your BIOS only somehow "confused" it will brihg it back to life.

So theres a "battery" the size of a small coin, and if I take that out for 10 minuets while the power is ...

when do I take it out? im guessing before I start my computer

Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

when do I take it out? im guessing before I start my computer

Yes, the PC should be powered off and unplugged from the wall for the entire period.

ok ill try that after im done talking to the hp people

Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

im chatting online with one of the HP people, hopefully they can help me too

"Sir, you need an HP-certified HDD from a HP Technician, for him to install it and an HP warranty plan"

grr /me finds a clue

CMOS battery is gone missing!



EDIT: its time to go CMOS battery shopping!

next question: where do I find it

Every half-intelligent computer vendor should be able to get you one...

ok then TO RADIOSHACK! :P

mmmkay I bought a CMOS battery () now what I do is...

Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

CMOS battery is gone missing!

Well that explains it doesn't it.

Quote from imthebestracerthereis :

mmmkay I bought a CMOS battery () now what I do is...

There should be a slot somewhere on the motherboard that seats it. Usually there's some kind of latch to hold it in place too. Slot it in there, and fire up the computer.

GUESS WHAT!



...





it didnt work....

Actually installing the battery, or the computer after the battery was installed? What happened?

same thing as when it wasnt in place


EDIT: bought new battery, but no luck

Hmm. Well, I'm out of ideas. Have you talked to the HP people to find out what the message you're getting is, and more importantly, if it's possible to fix it?

they said replace the battery, tomorrow, hopefully, I will get the floppy from my friends

Quote from Krane :

I don't know what people have against Maxtor, I have 3 Maxtors currently 2 160Gb (5200&7200) and 20Gb that is already 7 years old and has been lugged around with and without external casing for the most of its life. And I haven't had single problem with them

I've heard from alot of people that newish maxtors have quite a high failure rate, and from "people" i mean good friends i see once a week or more...

Older hard drivers seemed to be built better, Ive had hard drives that are 10 years old and haven't failed (althrough they don't get used much these days) and newer ones of any make are more prone to failure. But still western digitals are damn good drives and seem to last longer then most.

Dustin: If you can then just send it to HP, let them deal with it.