Here's part of my original post; two separate follow-ups can be found toward the bottom.
Specs:
Compaq Deskpro 4000 w/ Pentium w/MMX
4GB HD
32 MB RAM
CD-ROM & 3.5"
Integrated NIC (Network Interface Card)
I used FDISK and reformatted the HD (1 partition) to FAT32. I've tried to install both from the CD AND from the HD (c:\win9xflat\). I ALSO tried installing on a FAT16 format, but I keep encountering the same problem.
Setup hangs during hardware and Plug-n-Play detection. It usually gets stuck in a loop, where it searches for hardware and PnP devices; with 13 min remaining, it reboots by itself. Setup restores to 15 min remaining. When it reaches 13 min remaining, though, it reboots again. A few nights ago I let it go on for three hours that way.
During setup, I chose to install as few options as possible, but nothing has worked so far.
I have the full version of Win Me, an OEM version of Win 95 for an old HP, and a Win 98 upgrade CD. The used Compaq onto which I'm trying depserately to install Win Me used to have NT installed. Unfortunately, I don't have the NT CDs, so there's no going back.
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Follow-up #1:
A couple people have suggested removing all the cards and peripherrals. The network card is integrated into the motherboard, so I obviously can't remove it. The only other card is the factory-installed video card to which the monitor is connected. Only four wires are attached to the computer -- for the power, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Another person suggested disabling the network card in the CMOS setup. However, I can't seem to access this when booting from the Win Me bootdisk. If someone could post step-by-step instructions on how to do this, I'd be glad to give it a shot. Without an OS, the Compaq is just an expensive paperweight, so any help/advice is much appreciated!
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Follow-up #2:
STAR, who posted to my last message, suggested pressing DELETE to access the computer's CMOS (where I might be able to disable the NIC and/or antivirus programming in the BIOS). That did not work. The standard Compaq method of accessing the CMOS Setup is by pressing F10 when a cursor appears on the right during startup. That has not worked either (no cursor appears, whether I start with the bootdisk or not).
I checked http://www.compaq.com/support/ for help, but they have nothing posted for installing Win Me on a Deskpro 4000. Compaq DOES suggest (for other outdated models) to download updated versions of ROM before installing Win Me. HOWEVER, no new ROM is available for the Deskpro 4000. I posted my query for help on the Compaq website, but no one has responded yet.
My situation is looking more and more bleak - I've just bought the ugliest, most cumbersome paperweight/dust collector ever.
Can anyone help? Please? With sugar on top?
Thanks in advance...
