Windows 98 won't start

I have a Compaq Presario 5000 w/Windows 98. My problem is that it won't boot. I have tried everything that I could find on search and still nothing.
I'll try to keep it in a nutshell.

I can get into BIOS and the harddrive is listed. The Start-up self-test runs,while the Compaq logo is onsreen, and stops at 400MB OK. Then the screen goes black with the upper left cursor blinking. No keyboard response at all.

I've checked the internal connections and I think they are alright. I don't know much about the hardware part of things. I don't have a start-up disk and have no clue how to start in safe mode or how to boot to DOS.

I do have the Recovery disk and the QuickRestore disks that came with it, but they don't work either. The QuickRestore will go all the way through to the final warning message, then when I hit ENTER I get an error number and message. Same with the Recovery disk.

However, I do get the Starting Windows 98 message when I put the disks in. But not when I start it empty.

Also, when I first turn the computer on all the lights are on and flashing while it goes through the logo, then they go out, even with the disks in, they stop once the screen is blank.

Turned out to bee a pretty big nutshell, but I tried to cover everything. Sure hope there is someone out there who can help me.

 

Could be a failed HD, memory (400Mb is an unusual amount to have).

The actual error number and message may help, can you post this?

 

I think you might be right about the HD, but there's always hope. It really is a better computer than my current one.

The Recovery disk goes immediately to a red screen with a flashing yellow message to contact tech support. (Which has been no help) The QuickRestore is a blue screen with yellowand white text. The error number is 50:4 and the message says to contact support or the dealer. At the bottom of the screen it says Press Enter to continue. When I do it changes to a blue screen that says Working...., but it just stays there. I've left it for up to 45 min. with no change. Also there are no lights on the drive the disk is using.

Thank you.

 

This is for ME but same error, worth a try. Read the last post and let us know how things go.

 

THANK YOU. So far, so good. The QuickRestore is working as we speak. I'll be sure to let you know if it works.

 

It worked! Turns out it has Windows Millinum not 98. I followed the instructions on the link and everything did just what it was supposed to. Thanks again.

 

No problem.

Happy to help and thanks for the feedback.

 

After all of that, the display won't support my dial=up service. The screen resolution can't be changed. So I'm back to useing my XP on my so slow CPU. Thanks for the help though.

 

Hi murff48,

Sorry for the delay.

Can you elaborate on this? Is it just a matter of the resolution being too small?

You may need to install drivers for your graphics adapter, what is showing up in device manager under Display Adapters? Whilst you're their are there any !,? or anything listed in unknown devices?

EDIT: You'll have to bear with me I skipped ME but my 98 knowledge should be enough to assist you.

 

It just says Standard Graphics PCI (VGA).

Can I swap out the graphics card from my HP Vectra? It works with the Compaq monitor, resolution is just fine. But when I hook up to the Compaq unit, it has the lowest resolution and it can't be changed.

 

You need drivers for your hardware. If the system is a Compaq Presario, go to the Compaq website (www.hp.com/support) and find the drivers for your system. The drivers may outdated, so you may be able to go to the individual hardware manufacturer's website and get more updated drivers.

means it is using Windows standard drivers. You need to install the hardware manufacturer's drivers.

Swapping the hardware (graphics card) won't mean the correct drivers will be installed. Drivers will be supplied on a CD that came computer system (or graphics card), otherwise you can look for updated drivers at the hardware manufacturer's website.

Matt