HI all,
I got this old computer with windows 98 running on it. It hasn't been used in a while now, so i thought about taking a look at it.
When I press the power button, the hdd starts to turn (can hear it) , but that's the only thing that happens. The screen doesn't do anything. Clearly windows 98 doesn't boot.
Anyone has an idea of what is causing this and what i could do to make it work ?
DraXter
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Answers & Comments
Verified answer
get a new computerr
Most computers will beep once after the hdd powers up--that's called POST (Power On Self Test). POST checks to be sure that you have a processor, memory, and some sort of video output installed--also usually checks for keyboard, mouse, and installed drives. If the machine doesn't clear POST, then you may have a defective vital part.
You can try downloading a Windows 98 boot disk (if you don't have an old one around) from Bootdisk.com here:
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm
Make the boot floppy, put it in the laptop, and see if it will boot from there. If not, you've probably spent as much time with the machine as it's worth.
Well you should atleast see the BIOS screen, if not, I would say your screen is broken. Try plugging it up to a monitor, with the monitor output on the laptop. Then hold ctrl + F7--This will switch it to the external monitor. If that work you know you have a bad screen.
My recommendation, if you plan to use this computer with the external monitor with 98 on it, you're setting yourself up to be hacked. I can hack Windows 98 in a matter of two seconds. Try intalling Ubuntu.
Is the BIOS booting? press the delete/f2/f8 key after switch on to see if the BIOS boots. If not. Give up. If it does bootcheck the HDD is selected as the boot device. If it is you have a problem. On another computer transfer the DOS start up floppy disk to a CD.
On the faulty laptop set the BIOS Start up device to CD.
Put the CD you have created in the drive and boot up.Use fdisk to examine your HDD etc. to establish whats wrong.
Make sure you VGA plug is in tight. From monitor to computer. Visa Versa. If you can see a little bit, try loading a version of XP on it.. Or maybe it's your monitor. Try using a friends.
Seriously, toss it. There's a reason why that computer hasn't been used in awhile. It's a piece of crap and no explanation of why it's doin that is worth the time to write.
Well, your HD is spinning up so you've got power. You aren't getting any picture at all? It's either your motherboard, video card, or screen.
we're in the 21st century, upgrade.
or you can reboot and do the advanced start up.
another possibility, your hard drive crapped out on u
use linux
FORMAT! :)