help, i got an old 386/486 computer on the 386 i get the error ' nonsystem disk insert boot disk on the 486 i get cant' access c: drive any suggetsion

For whatever reason(s), it appears that your hard drive is no longer bootable. Did this thing ever work while it was in your posession? Check the easy things first, does the bios see the hard drive? (You can hit the "Pause" key to freeze screen during the boot up Do you see the hard drive listed during the boot up? hit enter key to continue booting). Obtain a bootable floppy disk put it in your A drive start the computer. Can you see anything on the hard drive?

If the 486 has not been used for some time, the cmos battery may have discharged, and if so the bios loses its settings - date/time/hdd params. Then it cannot 'see' the hdd. If this is the case, the battery may simply require recharging (rather than replacing), which is achieved by leaving the pc switched on. Then input the hdd params and away you go. For the 386 - are you sure the floppy you are trying to boot from is ok. If so, the fdd may have failed or need cleaning out as they can become clogged by fluff and dust over time. Good luck - Keep us posted.