fixing laptop os

[patrickv]

im trying to fix a laptop, compaq armada 1590DT (cannotget into OS at all,not even boot screen)
now when i boot up using the boot diskette, when i try accessing the cd-rom i get the error 'cdr101:not reading drive F: ' .

i went here
http://www.computerhope.com/cdromd.htm and here
http://www.computerhope.com/ac.htm#5
to get help. the cd-rom is NEC.
now when i edit the config.sys it's nearly empty so is the autoexec.bat file.
so i edited them accordingly.placing the MSCD001 line where it shud be but when i boot up i still get the error saying 'cdr:101'.

so if i use the boot diskette and reformat the thing, when i boot will i have access to my cd-rom ?

 

[tlarkin]

I don't think your problem is software related. What OS is on the laptop?

If you have access to a windows XP cd rom you can boot off that and go into recovery console to try to fix it, assuming you are running xp. The same thing can be said about every OS, the installer CD/DVD for the OS should have some sort of recovery built into it.

 

[patrickv]

i don't know what OS it is because i can't even go there.can't even get to boot screen either.Also the cd drive is not functioning (i pressume its not good anymore).
i have already format C but the problem is still there.I will try to get an alternate drive for the laptop

 

[JlCollins005]

try using an external drive or puttin os on a flashdrive

 

[patrickv]

try using an external drive or puttin os on a flashdrive

your idea is good but how do i know which drive letter,note i will be working in command prompt here. I will try though. I am thinking of putting the win98 folder on a pen drive and see if i can locate it. i'll go from F to Z one by one..lol

 

[patrickv]

oh sh*tes, the laptop has no USb ports ? am srewed now !!

 

[JlCollins005]

if its that old i say trash it lol