error recieved during reboot

While I was performing a system restore, my power went out. Since then when I turn on my computer it will go as far as showing the Compaq sign then goes to a error message: Operating system not found on any devise push any key. When I push a key the screen goes black and the same message returns. I have tried using F8 but nothing happens. The only function key the will display anything is F10. But nothing happens there either. Is there anything that I can do to restore my computer?

Jan

 

Questions:
1) what OS is on the comp ?
2) Just what do you mean by system restore ?
3) Compaq model number ?
5) do you know how to get into bios setup ?
6) just what is displayed with F10 ?
7) number of hdd's ?
8) do you have a floppy drive ?

 

reply to top farmer

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier but this problem actually happened to a friend and since his computer won't boot, Ill try to answer what I can. He is still at work.

1. Operating system is Windows ME

2. His son download some games and when he got home nothing was working so he decided to restore the computer to a time before his son downlload these games. What I mean by nothing was working is that he tried to get into his own programs and they would not come on.

3. an find out when he gets home the compaq model number

5 No I do not know how to get into BIOS

6. Not sure will find out

7. 1 hdd

8. yes he has a floppy drive

One more thing, he tried to load Windows XP because he thought he wiped out his operating system. It would not load.

Thank you for your help

 

Explain more in detail.
find out just how he did it, IE: tried to upgrade or did he format ?
Does he have a Win ME cd or a Compaq restore cd ? If he has neither , he may need to get one or explain problem in loading XP.

If he formated then there is no OS on comp.

 

reply to Top Farmer

He put the windows XP disc and then started the computer. Nothing happened. The windows XP disc was a full version for computers without windows. I'm not sure if he has a ME disc but I do. Can he use that one? I also have a Compaq restore disc but I'm not sure if they are interactive with other computers. His computer is much older than mine.

I really think his computer is done for and I appreciate all your help.

Jan

 

Start Non Restored XP Computer

Your computer may not be booting off your hard drive if the OS is there.
Step 1:
When the computer boots try to get into the bios.
Depends on your computer as to what the command is - try delete , F1.esc.
There are lists of the commands by manufacturer - google it.
When you are in the bios - go to restore factory defaults. Save and reboot.
Or look at the startup sequence and make sure that it is pointed to the correct drive.
This is the first step . Hope that it works.
Once you are able to get the computer going you can go into safe mode and try the system restore again.
If you cannot get into the bios take out the battery on the motherboard that looks like a watch battery. Make sure the computer is unplugged. Wait several minutes. Your bios will be restored to defaults. However your clock will have to be set again.

 

Will say up front that I do not have Win ME, so not sure just how much is the same as 98. Some things will not work the same.

Use a boot floppy (98's or ME will do) and run FDISK ,say "Yes" to large disk support-select option #4, under Status should have an "A" (active) for the partition. If not go back to main menu and select option #2, set partition active. If questions post back what is displayed on option #4.

If he has important data the first thing should be to save the data. The hdd can be connect to different comp as a slave. If above does not work.

"ME disc but I do. Can he use that one" legally no if it is installed on your comp, but if he has his KEY code then there would be no problem.

Your restore cd is a guess if it would work. The same ME KEY code can not legally be installed on 2 different comps at same time.

Edited: try "visionof" post first, as that may be the problem.

 

Thanks Guys!

Thanks for all your help. My friend decied to junk his computer. Which I think it's about time. It's only about 12 years old.

Once again, Thank you for trying to help. we really appreciate it

Jan