Tired of fixing this computer, who wants to help?

[TrueBlueLS]

Okay, I fixed the computer for the person who does my hair. They couldn't figure out why the computer wouldn't go any higher than 16 colors and a resolution of 640x480 (I think that's what it is). As I kept working on it to find out what the contents of the computer were, I realized Windows 98 SE isn't recognizing the CD-ROM. I've checked both the IDE and power cable on it and they are seated fine. The BIOS also detects the CD-ROM. Anyone want to take a guess at how to fix this without reformating the drive and putting Windows 98 SE back in?

 

[freakflag]

Make sure the CDROM is set as master?

 

[xcript]

Hmm, this appears distinctly ON topic.

Edit: Slightly more helpful: make sure the device type isn't set to 'None' in Device Manager -> IDE Controllers -> Primary/Secondary IDE Channel.

 

[conjur]

Is it going into safe mode on boot or compatibility mode?

Tell them to fork over $400 for a new Dell.

 

[milagro]

assuming there's no virii on the box, perhaps the jumper is not set and/or the driver is corrupt (mscdex.dll something or other). I'd try reinstalling it..

 

[milagro]

but as to the original problem..just remove and then add the appropriate video driver and set the properties accordingly..

 

[Eli]

Try removing and reinstalling the IDE channels?

Shrug. Win9x gets fscked so easily, it's best just to do a fresh install.

 

[Freejack2]

Are they using PcAnywhere? If so only way I knew to fix that was to uninstall pcanywhere, change resolution/colors, then reinstall it.

 

[zCypher]

Maybe windows is just messed up and isn't recognizing it for some reason? Try mscdex drivers? Win9X is teh suxors for cd device detection sometimes.

 

[OverVolt]

I think you should stop working on their POS computron and let them learn to use their OWN computer themselves.

 

[AnyMal]

Originally posted by: milagro
but as to the original problem..just remove and then add the appropriate video driver and set the properties accordingly..

yep, that's what I'd do.