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    jsteffer's Avatar
    jsteffer Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 29, 2005, 06:42 AM
    Need help with Compaq 5204 BIOS firmware
    I have an old 5204 that I installed linux on. Now I want to reformat it, put the orig Win98 (have CD) back on it and sell it.

    However, I can't get it to boot from CD. The BIOS menus doesn't have a boot sequence option (F10). Even though doco on HP site indicates that this should be an option when in BIOS setup.

    So I thought maybe if I upgraded the BIOS that would give me the option, but it seems HP doesn't keep that software out there anymore.

    So I need the newer (than the original) BIOS version. Anyone have it or other suggestions.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    John
    StuMegu's Avatar
    StuMegu Posts: 576, Reputation: 64
    Senior Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 31, 2005, 08:31 AM
    Don't bother with the bios upgrade if you're going to sell the machine - all you need is a Win98 boot disk. Find a friend with windows 98 on their machine and just make one. From memory it is in Control Panel -> Add/remove programs -> Startup disk.

    If you cannot find a Win98 machine easily, you can download a boot disk from here http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

    When you boot from this disk it will ask you if you want to enable CD support - click yes and when you are at a dos prompt type "d:\setup" - assuming this is the letter (d) that is given to your cdrom drive. And you're on your way.

    You may need to fdisk and re-format first as you say. Post back if you need help with this aspect.
    jsteffer's Avatar
    jsteffer Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 31, 2005, 09:17 AM
    Compaq 5204: Win98 and bios
    That worked. I did have to figure out fdisk and format but then it was straight forward. Thanks for the tip.

    I'd still like to find the bios upgrade though (as a personal challenge to my anal-retentiveness).

    Thanks again,

    John
    StuMegu's Avatar
    StuMegu Posts: 576, Reputation: 64
    Senior Member
    		  
    #4

    Jul 31, 2005, 09:30 AM
    They call it a rompaq! Check this link out for the bios update.


    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...wareitem=33322

    Make sure to follow closely any instructions you come across. Bios updates can muck your system up if not performed correctly but I've not seen this happen.


    Good luck!
    jsteffer's Avatar
    jsteffer Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jul 31, 2005, 08:13 PM
    Bios found
    Thanks for the tip. Looks good.
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