This project should start with a surf over to

http://www5.compaq.com/support/files/desktops/us/
with your exact model number because proprietary drivers are quite
likely and you may have to have them onhand before trying the reinstall.

Compaq's in more recent times have had something called a "diagnostic
partition", a smallish primary partition physically located before the
actuall primary partition you've experienced as the C: drive.  This
"diagnostic partition" is accessed by pressing F10 when a small white
square appears on your screen quite early in the boot sequence.  So,
regardless of whether this particular system has one, F10 might be your
"open Sesame"

Bonne Chance!
Matthew



Hal Jordan wrote:

> Relative with question:
>
>        Some one gave me an old Compaq Deskpro 66M computer to tinker
> with.
> This system does not have a cd-rom, so I will need to use an external
> cd-rom
> if I am to reload windows.  I will need to get one later.
>
>        Any idea on how to get into cmos.
>
>        The main problem is that it does not recognize C: Drive.  I
> believe
> that it will need partitioned then formatted.  Or do you think a new
> harddrive will work?
>
>        I have only been able to get to the Windows 95 Reinstall screen.
> Won't go any further, can not find C:/ Drive.
>
> ALSO: will DOS drivers be needed for CD ROM after format, and how to
> get /
> use them?
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
>
>               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
>              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
>         with our NOSPIN Power Linux CD...  at a great price!!!
>             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml
>
>

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
             Visit our web site to signup: http://nospin.com