I got Compaq Contura 3/25 just recently (mom gave it to me) but I don't have it's manual or anything. I tried searching the net but didn't find anything. Second, how is it's battery charged? When I connect the computer to the outside power supply and turn it on it works great, and when it is turned off and connected to the outside power supply it looks dead. Nothing blinks or anything that suggests battery is recharging. Is the battery dead? Third, what software to install on it (386 25Hz, 4Mb RAM, 60 Mb HDD (compressed))

Have you checked the Compaq website? I have a Compaq Contura Aero 486/25, and I've found lots of information for it on the Compaq website. Had to hunt around and dig for the information, but it was there. Haven't checked since they merged with HP, but hopefully they still have lots of the information on their older models.

i own a 3/25c, they are about 10 years old so the battery is long since dead and will not take a charge,you can buy a new one for 100 bucks or break open the battery case and see if you can replace the batterys inside by matching them up from radio shack(they sell those batterys. my o.s. is dos6.22/win3.11.

Here are some useful links; Software and Drivers (just select your os): http://www.compaq.com/support/files/contura/us/family/model/880.html Batteries/Power Supplies; http://www.batterycountry.com/ShopSite/COMPAQ_Contura_3_20_3_25_3_25C_386_laptop.html Manual/Documentation; http://wwss1pro.compaq.com/support/reference_library/viewreferencelibrary.asp?countrycode=1000&catid=763&famid=2265&prodid=475|Contura I own two of these laptops, both have dead batteries and behave in the manner you described. Good Luck