Replacing Master HD on a Compaq 5150

Hello, all! Posting this question on the slim chance that someone here has the arcane knowledge that I can't seem to find on the abominable Compaq support web site. Here goes.

I have a Compaq 5150, and installed a 20 GB Western Digital drive a few months ago to be my second hard drive. Now, the main hard drive, the one that came with the machine and on which Windows XP was installed, is busted. I am planning to replace it with another Western Digital drive, but I have two questions:

1. Can I install a 40 GB drive? This ROMpaq appears to be necessary to tweak the BIOS so that I can install a larger HD, but I was hoping someone here could possibly give me a little more sure of an answer. (I'm uncertain b/c when my dad bought the 20 GB drive, he was told he wouldn't be able to install a 40 GB b/c the BIOS couldn't handle it).

2. When searching on this BBS for an answer to the above question, I saw mention of Compaq storing its BIOS on the hard drive--does that mean a new HD won't work unless I get it from them?? Or does this mean I can install any old HD I want, but I have to use their wretched Restore disk, which will put a boatload of useless software on my computer? I talked to the techies at work and they said I can make a bootable disk from the ROMpaq, boot with that, let that update the BIOS, and then install the replacement drive normally...and I'm really hoping they're right, but now reading this stuff about the BIOS on the hard drive makes me nervous.


Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!!! (And if you're planning to advise me to never ever buy a Compaq again, I'm way ahead of you! )

 

Lucifrix

Bios for that model may or may not support the drive!

Unless you have other issues forget the Paq! I say this because of your appearent experience level!

Go here: http://support.wdc.com/download/dlgless137.asp

download WDs data lifeguard tools, make the floppys and it will test and format the drive for you! If your BIOS does not support the drive then the tools will install support on the HD itself! The diag prog will tell you for sure if it cannot install the drive! Then maybe the Paq!

I am sure this will do what you want!


Mike