Compaq - no way to get files on it

[shorthair]

I have this Compaq presario 2266. Don't know anything else about it besides it has win98 on a 4 gig drive. I was thinking of seeing what I could do with it, mame-wise, but the usb port won't recognise my external drive, I can't link with my XP computers through the serial port, and not even the cd drive on it is getting power. Anybody have any idea what I can do here?

[Thenasty]

repalce the CD drive, or your LAPLINK on the LPT port or through your LAN.

[Bloinkxp]

Get a usb to HD cable for the notebook drive and copy the WinXP i386 directory on it.

Pop it back in and run setup...

-or-

Get a USB thumb drive and copy the i386 directory that way.

[BobA]

For W98 you need a driver to use a thumb drive.   Probably the same problem with the USB HD.

[shorthair]

I tried another cd drive. Nothing. And it's a desktop version.

[SirPeale]

Pop the drive into another machine that has a working CD drive.  Make it slave.  Boot it up, and manually copy the Win98 files into a dir on that drive.  Then, replace the drive back in the original machine and go from there.

[shorthair]

That might work. Except I'd need a 98 disk, huh?

[fjl]

I dont understand here, why are people telling you to copy Win98 files? Doesn't this Compaq computer already have Win98 running on it?

As for your CD drive, it's either unplugged or simply not working check the connections. If its broken, just buy a new one. You can even get a cheap DVD-burner for like 20 bucks now from Newegg.com or simply replace the CD/DVD drive from an existing machine temporarily.

As for the USB drives, just like Bob A said, you need to run certain drivers for USB Hard drives/thumb drives on old Win98 computers. Get the manufacturer name of the USB drive and go to their website to download the drivers.

Last and perhaps simplest thing to do is to network the computers with a hub/switch/router. Or just a peer-to-peer connection from one pc to the other with a cross-over cable.

[fjl]

oops, double post.

[shorthair]

efjayel, I think you missed my initial and second posts. Also, the compaq doesn't have ethernet, so I can't download anything to it. And, I can't even get my two XP computers - one home, the other Pro - to talk to each other. Run the wizards many times. Nothing. It did work very early on, then quit. Router manufacturer says it's a windows thing. Microsoft won't help me unless I spend some cash.

Anyways, I think it's more than I'm interested in. I was just asking to see if someone might say it was a setting in 98 I had to find or something. Thanks all.

[TOK]

I thought that Windows 98 had really bad USB support before the 2nd edition. Is this 2nd edition?
If not, ethernet cards are way cheap now, just be sure to get one with 98 drivers.

[knave]

Similar to what peale suggested...you can pop the HD into one of your XP PC's as a slave and copy the mame files you want into a Directory. Then put it back in the compaq. you should now be able to run mame...

Finding Win98 USB drivers for a flashdrive or your external HD still might be a good idea.

Finding out what's wrong with the CD-Rom drive is optional at this point.

(Oh, and in case you care. in order to network your two XP computers you need to turn on "file and print sharing" on both. If that doesn't work check to make sure that they are each in the same "workgroup".)

Hope that helps.

[unclet]

Perhaps your external drive is USB2.0 and the Compaq computer does not support USB2.0?

[knave]

Perhaps your external drive is USB2.0 and the Compaq computer does not support USB2.0?

USB2.0 is fully compatable with usb1.1 (the older kind) but Win98 still needs a driver from the manufactuer.

[leapinlew]

It could be a combination of a junker compaq computer and the infamous ID 10 T error.

[CheffoJeffo]

It could be a combination of a junker compaq computer and the infamous ID 10 T error.

PEBKAC

[knave]

PEBKAC

I've always called it:

P.I.B.K.A.C.

But it's the same thing. (Have you tried turning it on?) 

[shorthair]

The 'e' might be emanates? I surely claim little OS experience with computers before my first one in '02. And, likely, like many of you, a lot of it has been through some trial and error or/and serendipity. A lack of intuitiveness about how they operate is  something someone can only accept. Being berated for it only clutters things...but entertains others.

I obviously wasn't getting it about the type of files to transfer...but some others weren't, either. I, if not anyone else, was focused on getting the ability to put files on. But that would surely work.

[leapinlew]

The 'e' might be emanates? I surely claim little OS experience with computers before my first one in '02. And, likely, like many of you, a lot of it has been through some trial and error or/and serendipity. A lack of intuitiveness about how they operate is  something someone can only accept. Being berated for it only clutters things...but entertains others.

I obviously wasn't getting it about the type of files to transfer...but some others weren't, either. I, if not anyone else, was focused on getting the ability to put files on. But that would surely work.

seriously... do people talk like this? I mean, do you read what I'm writing half a dozen times like I have to do with your writing?

While I fail to understand what your saying, I did read "berated". You might want to look that one up in the dictionary before throwing around such harsh terms.

[scotthh]

Your computer is about 9 years old. I wouldn't pour much money (more than $10) into it.

"The Presario 2266 is just $699...with a M II 300 MMX enhanced processor, 64 MB of memory, 512 KB L2 cache, 32X MaxCD-ROM drive, a 4.0GB hard drive, a 56K V.90... the Presario 2266 offers expandability for tomorrow with room to add PCI Cards, extra hard drives...The Presario 2266 also comes equipped with a standard floppy (and) two USB ports"

It has a floppy drive. If you have access to another computer with a floppy drive, you can go to Compaq's website and download updated drivers.

Since two CD-rom drives don't power up, I'd try another internal power connection. Even if the computer doesn't recognize the CD-rom, it should still spin it.

A Network Interface Card is under $10, no computer should be without one.

  It took me a little time to decipher shorthair's response from 6:11 today. But I had to look up Lew's ID10T error and Cheffo's PEBKAC comment as well. I don't know, but being called in idiot in 3 posts is certainly being scolded if not berated...

[shorthair]

Could be scotthh. But take them individually and maybe not. I wasn't sure with lew. I am sure with cheffo (though I suppose I could be wrong; he might chime in to confirm).

Yeah, that's the compaq I have. And, yeah, I wasn't planning on spending any cash on it. The extra cd drive was free and delivered. I don't even have any floppies about. I may see if there's anyone local who wants to trade for something they might have. Thanks, though.

lew: I write like I talk. I can't always write, here, like I talk.

[CheffoJeffo]

I am sure with cheffo (though I suppose I could be wrong; he might chime in to confirm).

Mostly I was just stacking another acronym on Lew's post, but if the acronym fits ... store it in a WordPad file. 

FWIW, I thought that linking through the serial port was a good idea (did you use a null modem cable ?) as I have used old school YModem/ZModem on more than one occasion to move files to/from an otherwise inaccessible, but bootable machine.

[shorthair]

Duly note{ed}. Um, I picked up some kind of serial cable at a surplus place. The problem I had was interfacing the OS's. They had different protocols that didn't match. All my first time with this stuff, and I don't know what a null modem cable looks like. All more than I wanted to get into. And it occurs to me this could seem like an interest in keeping ignorant of older hardware - which would be sorta true. Anyways, thank you.

[knave]

Wow, serial (nul-modem) connection would work fine...I just havn't thought of them since I had to make one in hardware class...

If it were me I'd find a surplus Network card and pop that in there.  Win98 should recognise the older ones without drivers. 

I think for ease of use considerations taking a look at the cd-rom drive power connectors is a good idea. It might be unplugged or that particular molex connector could be dead (like scotthh suggested)

And if it matters Shorthair I never have any trouble reading your posts...
...and I totally understand what it's like to be working with uncooperative hardware.

Imagine my embarassment when I tried to hook up a wireless router for my parents and my dad had to watch his cisco certified son call the ISP's support line.  In the end both me and the tech called it a faulty router.  So any ribbing on my part was purely to reduce tension and perhaps create some smiles. 

[RayB]

There are ALOT of old ethernet cards just lying around in people's basements, old used computer stores, etc. They are worth about $1. So just ask around and you should be able to find one. (Just remember to check the slot type you need. It's probably PCI or even ISA)

[rovingmind]

heh, if i were closer to my moms house i could send you a pair of cards, some cable, some tees, some null terminals, and some rg59 for a token network.

10base null cable and old pci nic would be easier though. 

Oh and RayB, I have one of those Robots partially disassembled and in a box, needs a minor board resolder and a battery.

[leapinlew]

I think shorthair is done trying to figure this out

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67492.0

[rovingmind]

the token ring network scared him off 

(yeah i know the times dont jive but its still funny)

[shorthair]

rovingmind: I didn't get it. I thought you were serious.

From what I can tell, and what my computer builder guy said, it takes ISA cards. The thing is, I have a PIII that was given to me. It probly would've had more resources to give effects in Mame (I like using RGB sharp), and perhaps even properly display Daphne, with only the 64mb AGP card I put in it (or maybe even just using the 32mb internal graphics, which as it was wouldn't allow hwstretch in Mame) if it had win 98 on it. But it came with XP. I don't even know how to format a hard drive manually, and I didn't know where to get a 98 disc, even, so I just ended up getting a 128mb Nvidia for 20 bucks and that did the trick.

I was trying to locally sell the compaq for maybe $50, or less, and got no bites so I thought I'd check it out. Never messed with anything that had 98 on it. Which would've been fine, even if I hadn't been able to get anything useful to me out of it. But to have to go to some length just to get it functional in whatever way was outside the park. Again, thank you for your responses.

[rovingmind]

Oh i was serious about the token ring.  i have a box full of parts for doing it and enough connectors to hook up 4 computers,  I probably have isa cards in a box right beside the stuff.  Grr at having your stuff in multiple states.

Do you still need the win98 disc?

[leapinlew]

rovingmind: I didn't get it. I thought you were serious.

From what I can tell, and what my computer builder guy said, it takes ISA cards. The thing is, I have a PIII that was given to me. It probly would've had more resources to give effects in Mame (I like using RGB sharp), and perhaps even properly display Daphne, with only the 64mb AGP card I put in it (or maybe even just using the 32mb internal graphics, which as it was wouldn't allow hwstretch in Mame) if it had win 98 on it. But it came with XP. I don't even know how to format a hard drive manually, and I didn't know where to get a 98 disc, even, so I just ended up getting a 128mb Nvidia for 20 bucks and that did the trick.

I was trying to locally sell the compaq for maybe $50, or less, and got no bites so I thought I'd check it out. Never messed with anything that had 98 on it. Which would've been fine, even if I hadn't been able to get anything useful to me out of it. But to have to go to some length just to get it functional in whatever way was outside the park. Again, thank you for your responses.

That computer is a freebie. We are getting to the point that you'd be lucky for someone to take it off your hands and not charge you.

[shorthair]

Possibly. Depends on who you are. I've only recently been able to get one free PC (besides my dead grandpa's compaq), and it was a PIII, and everything on ebay that and above is going for at least $50 before shipping. For a person who couldn't afford that, but wanted a basic surfing computer, I'd think this would be good. And I bet some of these folk who are DOS nuts could probly do something with it, though of course it's not worth shipping. But maybe someone local. We'll see. Maybe I'll donate it. I'd do the freecycle thing, but I haven't yet gotten a confirmation back. Given the username, they probly think it's a bot.

[rovingmind]

my mom was using an old 233 mhz (have a stack of them) i had set up for her 5 years ago until it finally crapped out last year (motherboards button battery died and i'm not going to attempt talking her through a bios setup).  She was happy just to be able to go online and use messenger. 

If ya have nothing even an old one makes you happy.

[leapinlew]

a 233mhz is inadequate for online use. For starters, the amount of websites you could actually go to is very limited. The online experience would be very very poor. Another issue would be the lack of security on a windows 98 system (or lower) since these are unsupported OS's. The lack of security in the browser that would run at any acceptable speed.

Sure, your mom may have been happy, but she probably didn't understand the risk she was under. I say it's a pretty reckless thing to do. Factor in:

all the bad things happening online
+
old computer that can't run the necessary security software
+
user who doesn't know any better
=
identity theft
personal information stolen
etc.

[rovingmind]

a 233mhz is inadequate for online use. For starters, the amount of websites you could actually go to is very limited. The online experience would be very very poor. Another issue would be the lack of security on a windows 98 system (or lower) since these are unsupported OS's. The lack of security in the browser that would run at any acceptable speed.

Sure, your mom may have been happy, but she probably didn't understand the risk she was under. I say it's a pretty reckless thing to do. Factor in:

all the bad things happening online
+
old computer that can't run the necessary security software
+
user who doesn't know any better
=
identity theft
personal information stolen
etc.

The amount of time she went online was spent on yahoo, it worked fine.  Software firewall, some freeware antivirus from the time, it worked fine.  No viruses ever.

We're also talking pre-java flooded internet and early simple flash, it worked fine.

No online gaming, no massive online video downloads, no music downloads. 

Did i forget to mention she lives 5miles out in the country and dial-up 56k connection is all she can get? ( not counting satelite) Antique phone lines, no dsl, no t1 line unless you want to pay the phone company to run a line for 2 miles underground.  no cable, unless you want to pay them to run a cable for 3 miles underground.

Also no credit card ordering, so no info to steal other than the log-in info for win98 (which pointed at fred penner) at most, they could get physical location via finger, when she was logged in, and that she was on a computer named GAAAACKKKK


she said, and i quote, "i just want to be able to use yahoo messenger and email" 

one happy mom, i'd say it worked out rather well. 

It all depends on what you want to do.  Yes NOW it is inadequate, it wont run the current versions of messenger.  now she would need at least a 350mmx and a 32 meg vid card because she uses myspace. 

I'd be more worried about somebody hacking myspace for info than her landline connection.

Her computer gaming is limited to freecell and solitaire and thats the way she likes it.

[ahofle]

all the bad things happening online
+
old computer that can't run the necessary security software
+
user who doesn't know any better
=
identity theft
personal information stolen
etc.

Identity theft (and most other illicit online activity) is pretty much all "social engineering" now.  You can't really have a security patch to prevent a naive user from giving a password or credit card to the wrong party.  So really it should be:

user who doesn't know any better
=
identity theft
personal information stolen
etc.

[leapinlew]

The amount of time she went online was spent on yahoo, it worked fine.  Software firewall, some freeware antivirus from the time, it worked fine.  No viruses ever.

We're also talking pre-java flooded internet and early simple flash, it worked fine.

No online gaming, no massive online video downloads, no music downloads. 

Did i forget to mention she lives 5miles out in the country and dial-up 56k connection is all she can get? ( not counting satelite) Antique phone lines, no dsl, no t1 line unless you want to pay the phone company to run a line for 2 miles underground.  no cable, unless you want to pay them to run a cable for 3 miles underground.

Also no credit card ordering, so no info to steal other than the log-in info for win98 (which pointed at fred penner) at most, they could get physical location via finger, when she was logged in, and that she was on a computer named GAAAACKKKK


she said, and i quote, "i just want to be able to use yahoo messenger and email" 

one happy mom, i'd say it worked out rather well. 

It all depends on what you want to do.  Yes NOW it is inadequate, it wont run the current versions of messenger.  now she would need at least a 350mmx and a 32 meg vid card because she uses myspace. 

I'd be more worried about somebody hacking myspace for info than her landline connection.

Her computer gaming is limited to freecell and solitaire and thats the way she likes it.

So your saying last year your mom was using a computer with a software firewall, yahoo messenger, antivirus and using the internet on a 233mhz computer?

You selling any bridges?

[knave]

A Pentium 200 with win98 will be able to surf just fine...You'd want to have as much ram as possible but 64 would probably do.  Especially if it's over a dialup. 

I set up an old 200 for my mother in law a while ago.  She eventually got a newer PC and gave it back but it did exactly what it needed to...write email.

You can also pop linux on these older PC's to give them some new life...lots of the distro's run fine on older hardware.

I have a PC running windows 2K that only sports an AMD 350.  It's still going strong.

[rovingmind]

So your saying last year your mom was using a computer with a software firewall, yahoo messenger, antivirus and using the internet on a 233mhz computer?

You selling any bridges?

nope, i maxed out the ram