I have a Compaq Presario 5000, and am currently using Windows XP (it's default OS was ME). I'm trying to keep it from freezing (my computer is very freeze-prone) so what should I do? One suggestion I've received is to upgrade my motherboard/BIOS, but I can't seem to find out the manufacturer. BIOS Wizard just gives me "unknown" for the manufacturer and BIOS ID. So how do I upgrade it?! I've come to the conclusion (with the help of others) that the OS is not the problem. After so many reboots and clean installs, the OS just can't be. So what other things can I do? Instructions or links to a page with instructions would be helpful if you guys make suggestions. Thanks a lot!

If you don’t know the brand of your motherboard, you may be able to look up the manufacturer by doing an FCC-ID search. Of course you have to get the FCC-ID number off of the motherboard.(if it's listed) The Bios can be entered as soon as you boot the unit up. At the first or second screen you will see something that says "Hit DEL to Enter Setup" The "DEL" could be something else. Just look quick. There is a program called Sandra, that can be downloaded as a trial or from a warez site, that will(in most cases) tell you what the motherboard is. If you find out what MB you have, then download the most current Bios from the manufacturers website. Read the installation instructions carefully.

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/compaq/compidx.htm Enter BIOS by toggling F11 key at bootup... GL

Its probablly a Compaq 06E4h. download Belaric advisor http://www.belarc.com/Download.html It will give you more info about your system than you wanted to know about. I too have a Compaq 5000 that was freeze prone but by adding 256mb ram (total 320) and following most of Trevs suggestions in post http://www.computing.net/windowsme/wwwboard/forum/14062.html I havent had a freeze in 2 months. (thanks Trev)

Here is the address of a programme which is similar to Sisoft Sandra and it is completely free. It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your system and more. The programme is called "Aida32" and it is available from" http://hardware.jatekok.hu/aida32 Be sure and download the English version.

Go to compaqs support site http://web14.compaq.com/falco/sp_list.asp and select your system etc. and you will get a list of all your updates including your bios rom update.

And since your machine is a Compaq, if it is still under warranty, check your owner's manual and other Compaq literature to make sure that you can update the BIOS without invalidating your warranty. You may need the approval of Compaq.