Hi Elliot,
Have you tried contacting HP/Compaq support? They may assist you without
charge, depending on who you talk to. The one time I tried them (years ago)
they were friendly, helpful and there was no charge even though my system
was out of warranty. The support site on the Web is here:
Compaq Presario 5000 Series...
http://snipurl.com/9xf0
Also, more information is needed. What is the exact model number of the
Compaq? The model 5000 is only one of a series of 5000 models. Also, do you
have any disks other than the Rapid Restore disk? Some models came with both
a restore disk set and a recovery disk and other models only came with a
recovery disk. The restore set is used to restore the computer to it's
original factory-installed software state while the recovery disk restores
the hard disk from the last SystemSave. If a SystemSave had not been
performed by the user, the recovery disk is useless.
In your initial post you stated, "I had need to reboot my ME 2000 / Compaq
Presario 5000". Do you have Windows Millennium or Windows 2000?
If you have performed a SystemSave, start in safe mode again. For Windows
ME, press and hold down the CTRL key while you start the computer. For some
Compaq models tapping the "F5" until you get the start menu will work. If
not, try tapping the "F8" key. Once in safe mode, double click the "Compaq
Support Q" icon and select the appropriate options to perform the restore
operation. Compaq uses a second partition (D: drive) for SystemSave.
If you do get the system restored you need to do at least two things right
away. Starting with the Compaq Support Q icon, first create a backup by
performing a SystemSave and, secondly, create a Compaq Emergency Recovery
Boot Diskette to be used in case this situation happens again. Also create a
Startup Disk. There are many boot disks available for download on the
Internet. Free PC Tech Support has several here:
http://freepctech.com/pc/002/files010.shtml
An alternate solution would be to format the drive and install a retail or
OEM version of the operating system. If it comes to this, I recommend you
consider upgrading to Windows XP. Windows 2000 would be my second choice.
You may be able to find Windows Millennium at eBay but from what I've seen
of the operating system prices there, they are far too high. You can get an
OEM version of XP Home Edition for roughly $85 or less wholesale. Upgrading
the Compaq to Win2K or XP might necessitate other changes but they should be
minor and easily corrected.
Good luck and... don't "part it out". Keep it or donate it to a worthy
organization.
Sven Swanson, Sr.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elliot Vassilakos" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 1:08 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Compaq 5000 Rapid Restore Error #54
I have posted on the board regarding this problem. My Compaq 5000 will
not reboot, the rapid restore disc shows error 54. I tried a number of
things that were recommended by the board and did not work. I obtained
an operating system disk win98 and was able to get it started by pulling
out the rapid disk after hitting F8 and getting into the safe mode.
When I prompt it reads enter interpretative command e.g.
C:/Windows/Command.com. It reads A>, then I enter C:Enter or C:\Enter.
Nothing happens it asks for the interpretative command again. Is there
hope? Can this be resurrected or do I sell it for parts?
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