Have a compag prolinea4/66, I was installing win 3.11 workgroup for my cousin, when my little nephew can by and hit the power switch, everything when blank. When I try back on the computer said keeps saying "non-system disk or disk error Replace and strike any key when ready. I try putting back the same disk, but I keep getting the same message. Please help me (I am a novice)

Hi That error means the operating system is not install, you will need to boot with your DOS disk and refomat the Hard drive with the command : format c:/s, or using the command sys a: c:. to transfer the operating system,and installing windows 3.1 again, the setup disk of windows 3.1 does not contains the operating system ( DOS ). let me know if it work or you need more help. Bye Robert

Bullshit and Crap! There is no necessity to reformat! Error messages - from Pirate's archives. Non System Disk or disk error, Replace and press any key when ready Corrupt or missing system files. Boot off a startup floppy and at the A:\> type SYS C: and press Enter. Remove the startup disk and reboot. Booting - switching the computer on. Rebooting - restarting a computer that is going - either by pressing the keys Ctrl-Alt-Del all at the same time or pressing the reset/restart button on the case. Basic descriptions - from Pirate's archives Startup floppy/disk - floppy disk containing the basic operating system files. Each operating system has it's own unique files. Identical names can cause confusion - mixing and matching can cause later problems. Booting off a floppy - starting a computer using the operating system files on a floppy disk. To solve this particular startup problem - from Pirate's pen Use the first DOS disk - it can be used as a startup disk. Follow the above instructions. To remove Windows - files and directories - from Pirate's pen Making hidden files (and directories) viewable. Boot off the first DOS disk. At the DOS prompt. A:\> ATTRIB C:\WINDOWS\*.* -S -H -R (and press enter) This makes all files in the Windows directory visible A:\> ATTRIB C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\*.* -S -R -H (and press enter) This makes all files in the System sub-directory visible Deleting files - directory contents except for sub-directories - from Pirate's pen Still at the DOS prompt. A:\> DEL C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\*.* (and press enter - type Y at the warning) This deletes all files in the Windows directory A:\> DEL C:\WINDOWS\*.* (and press enter - type Y at the warning) This deletes all files in the System sub-directory Removing sub-directories and directories - from Pirate's pen Still at the DOS prompt. A:\> RD C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM (and press enter - type Y at the warning) This deletes the System sub-directory A:\> RD C:\WINDOWS (and press enter - type Y at the warning) This deletes the Windows directory To restore the old (DOS installed) startup files - from Pirate's pen Still at the DOS prompt - haven't rebooted yet. Check first. A:\> DIR C:\*.old (Shows the old - originally installed - startup files Autoexec.old and Config.old Includes file details) Removing the Windows modified versions - from Pirate's pen At the DOS prompt. A:\> DEL C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT (and press enter - type Y at the warning) Deletes the new - windows modified version A:\> DEL C:\CONFIG.SYS (and press enter - type Y at the warning) Deletes the new - windows modified version Restoring -the DOS installed versions - from Pirate's pen At the DOS prompt. A:\> REN C:\AUTOEXEC.OLD *.BAT and press enter) Renames the old startup file so DOS is able to start to start A:\> REN C:\CONFIG.OLD *.SYS and press enter) Renames the old configuration file so DOS is able to start to start Remove the floppy/startup disk and now reboot - first time this has been done Check to see that DOS starts Install Windows

Pirate Thanks, But I have another question, when doing what you recommended, I will the sound card still be installed correctly?

Pirate Thanks, But I have another question, when doing what you recommended, will the sound card still be installed correctly? or will I have to make so adjustments.

Pirate Thanks, But I have another question, when doing what you recommended, will the sound card still be installed correctly or will I have to make so adjustments?

For all yar peripherals, Windows will usually load generic drivers. But to get the best performance of yar peripherals, use drivers supplied by the manufacturer. Btw - install CD drivers before installing Windows.