First try at this hope it works ok Laptop DECpc325P, windows for workgroups 3.1, dos 5.0 and upon turning on the following messages appear (in order) (18) invalid configuration information-please run setup program (13)diskette drive 1 seek error (22)strike F1 key to continue computer is locked up, striking f1 or any key has no effect. Made setup disk, but will not read. Friend's computer and is trying to get info off hard drive. Wadda ya think? Thanks in advance!!! disregaurd os, cpu/ram, & manuf info above (that's system currently using-oops) aubiee

first and foremost this has nothing to do with DOS/W3, the error messages are related to the BIOS Configuration. Therefore it would appear the CMOS battery has died, you need to open up the PC to identify the battery type. If a new battery is required you will need to reset the BIOS settings afterwards.

i unhooked my laptop to clean it and when i rehooked it as soon as i started it back up this message appeared saying disk read error replace and press any key to continue i never had a disk and there to start with and if i did where is the opening for it?

1st- be sure that the HD is well connected 2nd- run the BIOS setup and be sure the HD is the 1st (or 2nd, if you want it to read floppy boot disks first) boot device

I have a very similar problem with an old (very old) laptop that I am trying to resurrect. However, I let is charge for a day and then tried to start it again. It did so, and I can get into the setup pages to redefine things like the type of HD drive. However, when I try to save my changes or even to set the defaults I cannot do so, becuase the escape key that I need to use to save my changes does not respond. Does anyone know if this is because the BIOS battery is dead, or is there something else causing a problem like this? Tortie85