Paul,
You didn't mention the model of DeskPro.  Quite often on DeskPros, Compaq
would store the BIOS information in a small, non-DOS partition on the hard
drive.  If you change the drive, you also remove your way to get into the
BIOS.  Check the HP Compaq website for your model for more information.
Ron Jobe

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Ecclestone" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 1:42 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Compaq DeskPro - can not get to bios!


> Here's what happens.  Turn on the computer, it runs through the memory
test. I tried
> holding down F10, del - neither worked.  I get a black screen that says
"163-Time
> and Date Not Set".  In the bottom left corner, I get "F1:  Boot".  I press
F1.  With
> windows 95 setup disk in drive A I get a message that setup cannot install
on the
> hard drive.  Soooooo.....
>
> I went to Maxtor, download their testing software - the drive passed.
>
> But let's not stop there.  Sometimes when the computer fires up, I get a
black screen
> recognizing the drive but still no go.
>
> If I get to a DOS prompt (which is not always easy), the drive cannot be
formatted.  It
> gives me another error message.
>
> All the above is true if I try a 2nd hard drive.  I am really baffled.  I
was told that the
> computer ran fine when it was given to this student I am trying to help.
Any
> suggestions would be appreciated.
> --
> Regards,
>
> Paul Ecclestone
>
> Success comes in cans, failure in can'ts
>
>                The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
>               Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
>              with the OpenOffice CD...  at a great price!!!
>              http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.sht

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
             with the OpenOffice CD...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml