buying a laptop

Hi all.
I am thinking of buying a laptop and came across this one:
Compaq EVO N610c P4 1.8GHz 60GB 1GB CD-RW + AC
It also lists the following error:
When powering up it boots to bios then upon loading Windows gives error: Non-system disk or disk error, Replace and strike any key when ready.

Would that mean that the hard drive is shot or something is wrong with the window installation, or something different altogether?

Thanks for your help
Sven

 

Non-System disk or disk error means that the system cannot boot from the disk(s) present, the fact that the system entires BIOS Setup first could indicate a Hard Drive failure. It isn't even attempting to load Windows though, it may be as simple as a non system disk left in the floppy drive (or a failed floppy drive). If possible set the only boot device to be the Hard Drive and see if the error persists.

 

Wildfire,
Thanks for your help
The thing is, I don’t own it yet, but I would buy it if the hard drive is bad or the operating system needs to be repaired. I don’t think it has a floppy drive, only a cd drive and hard drive. But I think you answered my question. Either the hard drive is bad or it can not find a boot sector.
Thanks again
Sven

 

Sven

Although this may sound a little presumptuous, perhaps the more important question relates to the pricing of this laptop. I would agree with Wildfire's comments and add that a potential fix could be nothing more than a quick setting change in the BIOS. If it turns out that the HDD is going bad, that too can be a pretty inexpensive fix under certain conditions.

I have been seeing some very good deals on both new and used laptops so I'd encourage you to evaluate this potential purchase compared to what else is available in a similar price range.

 

Additionally it could be the CMOS/NVR battery has failed, I'm no expert on laptops and to be honest I wouldn't know how to change the battery on this one (or if there is even one) but it's another thing to consider.

Agree with Rockster2U though, if the HD has failed it's relativley easy and inexpensive to replace and as long as you have the product key (Usually on a label underneath) and can source OS disks the laptop may still be a viable purchase depending on cost.

 

Thanks to both of you

The reason this interested me was the price.
It list on E-Bay for $9.99. the price might go up, but I don’t even have to buy a hard drive , because I have one. An old one out of the same model computer.
If the price stays low, I will go for it and take a chance. You might be hearing from me after the purchase to help me.

Thanks
Sven

 

I'd say there's no might about it , but keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Regarding the HD you have, you may be lucky if a recovery partition was available and is still intact so don't mess about with it in the mean time.

Do you have any other spare parts for that laptop? They could come in handy if there are other unforseen faults.

 

Hi wildfire,

The only part I have is that HD. I used to own the same laptop, but the video card went bad and that card is on the MB and that meant I would have to replace the MB. A new MB would cost 300 to 400 dollars according to HP and I decided not to do that. A friend of mine wanted to see if he could make it work, so I gave it to him without the HD (for privacy reasons). I don’t remember if there was a recovery partition on it, but all the drivers and XP are on it and it was working at the time.
We will see.
Sven

 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your good luck.

 

Hi all,

The laptop I was watching on E-Bay just came to a close. I am amazed what people will pay for a used, and in this case, non functioning computer. The final price was 197.00.

I can get a new laptop for 300.00 and don’t have to worry about it being broken when I get it. Needless to say, I did not bid on it.

Sven

 

Tough Luck Sven, Maybe next time.