Formatting a Compaq Hard Drive...

[datalink7]

Hi All,

Can I format the hard drive of a compaq and reinstall a different OS on it? I ahve always built my own computers, so haven't had to deal with manufactured ones. What worries me is that there is no option to go into bios settings on bootup, and there isn't a windows boot up screen. I am doing this for a friend... do I need the compaq specific recovery disks or can I use my win2k disk to reinstall?

Thanks.

 

[HalfCrazy]

You can format and install any OS of your choosing without harm. Most Compaq's systems 'do' have two partitions on the hard drive. The 2nd partition has the info 'need' in order to use the 'recovery disks' which is used to restore the system back to it's default OS and ect. As long you leave the 2nd partition alone you will be just fine. Just format the first partition and install the OS you wish to run. Then it's smooth sailing from there.

 

[IndyJaws]

Compaq (more specifically, Compaq Presarios) will "hide" the message to get into the bios settings. This is to prevent many of their more basic users from getting into areas where they don't belong. If memory serves me correctly, if you hit F10 or F12 during POST or when the Compaq splash screen comes up, it should get you into the BIOS. If I were you, I would just boot to a floppy that was system formatted with the OS you wish to install. Make sure it also has fdisk (if necessary - often Compaq Presarios will have a separate partition with system save info on it that you'll want to remove) and format. After reformatting, just change the BIOS settings to boot from CD (if necessary), pop in your OS install disc, and voila!

 

[HalfCrazy]

<< Compaq (more specifically, Compaq Presarios) will "hide" the message to get into the bios settings. This is to prevent many of their more basic users from getting into areas where they don't belong. If memory serves me correctly, if you hit F10 or F12 during POST or when the Compaq splash screen comes up, it should get you into the BIOS. If I were you, I would just boot to a floppy that was system formatted with the OS you wish to install. Make sure it also has fdisk (if necessary - often Compaq Presarios will have a separate partition with system save info on it that you'll want to remove) and format. After reformatting, just change the BIOS settings to boot from CD (if necessary), pop in your OS install disc, and voila! >>



But, if he formats/removes the info on the 2nd partition. He will 'not' be able to use the 'recovery disks' any more. He is doing this for a friend which might want to be able to restore his system back to default for some reason. My self I would leave this info alone or 'burn' it to cdr if you wish to use the whole HDD for the new OS. Just in case you again wish to restore your system back to default.

 

[Goldfish]

My Compaq has had the partitions merged, and formatted many times over. Actually, merged only once. I've probably formatted half a dozen times with no problems.

 

[datalink7]

Alright, thanks for the info all.