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My dad recently brought me home a used laptop from his place of work. When I turn it on it goes to that Gateway screen they have for their computers,and it has the options: To go to BIOS settings,and To display System Messages. That's all it does. I tried using a reboot CD,and the Cd drvie starts,but nothing happens,also the lights that signal it's working only light up when I first turn it on. I don't know what originally happened to it,so I can only tell you what I know. I went into settings,and it recognizes the hardrive and RAM,but that's as far as it goes,and when I go to system messages,it loads a screen with the drive descriptions,and then it goes blank. I hope this isnt a sign of a bad motherboard,and if it is,is there still a way to save the rest of the hardware? If someone can help me I'd really appreciate it. As I said I don't know much about it,except what I saw,and the reason I put Windows 2000 as the OS,is because that's what the COA says. If there's anything I can do please someone let me know. Thank You.
"...from his place of work. When I turn it on it goes to that Gateway screen they have for their computers...That's all it does."
and later you say:
"...I put Windows 2000 as the OS."
Was there a problem after or before you installed Windows 2000?
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I didn't install Windows 2000 on it. It came with the laptop,atleast that's what the COA said,as soon as I got the laptop it started this. I haven't been able to do anything include install an OS I don't have. Sorry to have confused you,but I don't know if it actually has Windows 2000 on it or not,that's just what is on the COA.
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First, what is a "reboot cd?"
Are you using a Windows 2000CD?
Have you been able to get into the bios program?
If so, check that the CDROM IS IN FACT in the "boot order" before the hard drive.
Are you using a factory CD, in good shape (unscratched) or a burned copy? Some older drives have problems running a burned copy.
You should be able to get the "numbers" off the laptop, and go to Grateway support and look the machine up, as well as any possible diagnostics, drivers, etc.
This just might be an excellant opportunity to learn something.
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I think the software was wiped before the computer was let out. I've seen other companies do it. Just enough was put on to show that it can boot. All you have is the splash screen. To use it the OS has to be reinstalled.
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Well,One:,I can't look it up at Gateway,for certain reasons,and 2: no,I don't have a Windows 2000 disk,3:I can get into the BIOS,and have already tried putting the CD Drive first. 4: The CD IS Directly from Gateway,but it is a little rough. 5: Said Disk is for Windows 98. I'm really sorry for confusing you all. If I was explanatory enough,can anyone atleast tell me there's hope,to keep it running? As I mentioned in my first post,none of the lights stay on for very long.
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Oh,and sorry I didn't mentioned before,but yes,it does have a floppy drive,but If it works I do not know.
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If this laptop had win2k, it is formatted with NTFS. If the OS was removed prior to your getting the laptop, it is unlikely they would remove the NTFS partition. If your CD has Win98, it cannot install on a NTFS partition unless you reformat your HDD to FAT32 first.
Not sure what you are trying to do. Please explain what your objective is.
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""Well,One:,I can't look it up at Gateway,for certain reasons,""
WHAT "certain reasons"? You are able to get on the internet and poste here, so that means you can go to the Gateway site.""2: no,I don't have a Windows 2000 disk,"
Well, it's going to be a little tough to reinstall Windows 2000, then
""3:I can get into the BIOS,and have already tried putting the CD Drive first.""
Well, at least we know where you are, there.
"" 4: The CD IS Directly from Gateway,but it is a little rough.""That could be your whole answer, right there. Software CD's need to be protected, and not banged around. If it is scratched enough, it just might not work. There is always the possibility that the laptop CDROM is failed, too.
"" 5: Said Disk is for Windows 98.""
You might want to check that disk in a different computer, and see if it will boot. It may give some error about "not being a Gateway" but at least you'll know the disk is "starting to read."
I'm really sorry for confusing you all. If I was explanatory enough,can anyone atleast tell me there's hope,to keep it running? As I mentioned in my first post,none of the lights stay on for very long.
Check the CD you have in a different computer. It almost sounds to me like you don't have much in the way of software to even install, here.If the lights don't stay on "long" that could indicate a power problem. You might try pulling out the battery and use just the AC adapter.
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What I'm trying to do is to get the computer working,and I can't switch the HD format,because the computer only goes as far as the opening Gateway screen. The battery isnt the problem,by lights I meant the ones showing the system is working,and the reason I cant ask Gateway,iss because technically,I'm not suppose to have it,because my dad got it from his work,and the computer is registered with them,so I can't ask Gateway,because then I could get in trouble. Also,I have used the disk before and it worked fine,but when I put it in the laptop,the CD drive started up,but nothing came up.
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"...get the computer working." is a bit vague.
What OS do you want to install? If you want Win2k, you need to get the installation CD.
If you want to install Win98 from your CD, you will have to change the NTFS partition (delete and create a new FAT32 one). As suggested, the CDROM drive could have failed. But you do some diagnostics first with a floppy based startup disk (like Win98 start up disk) or DOS.
First you have to decide on your choice of OS.
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I only have the Win98 disk,and as I said I don't think the floppy drive works,and how exactly do i change the HD parition?
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First, let's see if we can bring your computer to life. A floppy drive is a fairly robust device, and it is unlikely, but not impossible, that it is not working. You need to get a boot disk of any kind.Can you get hold of a Windows 98 startup disk? Ask a friend who has Win98 to make one for you.
Or else, you can make one from the computer you are posting from. Go to Bootdisk.com. Most of the files there are disk images. Download the file called "Windows 98" to your C: drive, put a fresh disk in your A: drive, then click on the file to create the bootdisk
Once you have a bootdisk created, go to the BIOS of your laptop and set the boot sequence to boot from floppy first. It may be set up that way already. Next put the boot disk in the floppy drive and turn the power on. Post back on what happens.
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The Floppy drive isn't listed as one of the boot drives,it says First HD,2nd HD,Cd/DVD Drive,and Removable Disk.That's one of the reasons I think the floppy don't work.
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OK,but I did try a floppy,that came with the laptop,I checked it in a different computer,and the contents looked important. When I tried it nothing happened? Is there a chance the motherboard might be bad?
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WAIT A DAMN MINUTE HOLD THE PHONE,
"""the reason I cant ask Gateway,iss because technically,I'm not suppose to have it,because my dad got it from his work,and the computer is registered with them,"""
So if I might put this a little more simply, and bluntly:THIS LAPTOP IS STOLEN
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No it's not stolen,my father was able to take it,because they no longer use it. It isnt stolen,so dont try reporting me because it won't work. It is none of your business,so stay out of it.
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Another reply,this laptop IS NOT STOLEN! My father was given permission to take the laptop,because it was in a discard pile of sorts,this may be because of the problem I am asking for help with. It is not your concern where it came from because it is not i repeat NOT stolen. Besides,this particular problem,I dont even think Gateway could help me anyways.
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Everyone, stay cool! Many companies dispose of old equipment via internal auctions or giveaways via a lottery system, so let's not be too quick to jump to conclusions.
On the other hand, manufacturers like Gateway have no interest in transfers of ownership, informal or formal, provided they are legal. So they may not provide technical support but are usually happy to answer basic questions about your equipment. For problem solving, as in the case here, they could very well tell you that you are on your own.
Now, you say you made a boot disk. Did you test it to boot another computer? This will tell you if the boot disk is OK.
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Well,unfortunately,I don't have a test subject,all my other computers have XP on them,and I'm not exactly a genius in computers,and I'm afraid I could easily do something wrong,that could damage my computer. I have been told by several people who are very skilled with computers tell me there is a chance the motherboard is shot,which I hope it isn't because I don't think I can find a new motherboard. Did i mention the Floppy drive doesnt seem to show any signs of function? If it doesn't work,I think this is a lost cause,because I think a floppy start-up would be it's only help.
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Two points:
1. You cannot damage a computer with a boot floppy, assuming you don't have any viruses floating around in your computers. Go ahead an test your boot floppy. It's a good thing to have anyway. Do a virus scan of the floppy first from XP if it will make you more comfortable.
2. When you inserted the disk that came with the laptop in the laptop computer and turned the power on, did you see any lights come on or hear the noise of floppy drive running? This is a key issue. If your floppy is set up properly in BIOS and shows no signs of life during a floppy boot, you likely have a major problem.
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Yes,It has been setup in the BIOS,yet no signs of function. What is the major problem you speak of?
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Well,I dunno how to verify,I did put it in one of my other computers,and there was a bunch of important looking files on it,but that's as far as I went. What I meant by mess things up is I could end up rebooting my comp. as Windows 98,and I dont really want to do that,and I told you the Floppy drvie shows no signs what so ever it's actually working,could it be the floppy is bad?
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In order to solve a problem, you need to have a certain amount of courage and be willing to learn. People reading this thread have assessed your knowledge of computers and are not going to ask you to do anything that will damage any of your machines. That is a matter or trust on your part.
I doubt anyone on this forum can help you as you are not doing what is being asked of you. Most have given up already. Please take your laptop to a knowledgeable friend and ask him/her to help you. I sincerely wish you good luck!
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I have done what was asked "before" i even posted. I came here for additional help. But if no one can help me,then I will stop the post.
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