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Resolved Question

Format & Install issues w 2 laptops, no internal CD-ROM

Jan 12, 2012 11:48PM PST

I need help formatting two old, half-crippled laptop's hard drives and re-installing Windows XP.

Both will be used in workshops for mundane record keeping or at the most demanding, possibly to view a random Youtube "how-to" video.

One of them (yet undecided) will be donated to a church's workshop so deleting all the old data by way of formatting would be best for both.

Both have problems with their built in flatscreens, so both will in the end use their external video connector and surplus monitors I have.

Both will also end up being used with the lid shut and use of an external keyboard.

Both have problems with their built in CD-ROM drives that make installing via the normal route problematic.

Both have battery issues that make mobile use impractical.

Note that I do have an external USB interfaced DVD drive to help with any installs. I've not had success with booting from this drive and the relevant Windows XP CD (home/Pro - OEM both).

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The older one is a "Winbook M221" (Model no. 8640).

This one has a license for XP Pro.
This one's Wi-Fi card doesn't seem to work _OR_ I don't know how to turn it on; thus I expect that in it's final destination, this one will be hard-wired to anEthernet cable.
This one has a 15" screen resolution of 1024x768.
This one will be connected to a LCD monitor of the exact same dimension and resolution.
When it worked, the video connector appeared to only duplicate the video shown on the built in screen; this is a good thing.

The older one's Windows installation is so damaged that I can not get the "System Properties" window.

Upon startup, I pressed "F2" and acquired the following additional information:

Devices:
Floppy Drive A = None
Primary Master = 40 GB
CD-ROM = None (this is because of the bad internal connector)
Serial Port = IR2, 2F8, IRQ 3
Parallel Port = LPT1, 378, IRQ 7

System:
CPU = Pentium 4CPU
Speed = 2400 MHz
System BIOS = 1.01 EC
BIOS = 1.02

Memory:
Base = 640 KB
Extended = 490496 KB
Video = 32768
Total RAM = 524288 KB
Cache (Ext) = 512

The Winbook's Boot sequence is: CD-ROM Drive, Hard Disc C, Floppy Disk Drive & LAN Boot.

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The newer one is a Gateway "7410".

This one has a license for XP Home.
This one's Wi-Fi card DOES seem to work, thus it may end up on a rolling cart of some sort.
This one has a 15 & 3/8ths inch screen with a resolution of 1280x1024.(Note that it is NOT a 3:4 ratio screen.)
This one will be connected to a 15 & 5/8ths inch CRT; The Max. resolution of this CRT is not known, but it appears to be able to handle 1280x1024(It's an "Envision" EN-710e, with a 3:4 ratio).

The built in video connector/interface (for use with the external monitor) does not seemto allow me to ONLY duplicate/mirror the built in monitor. I've only been able to make it to extend the desktop.

The newer one's "System Properties" window states:
- Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 3
- Gateway 7410GX
- Mobile AMD Anthalon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+
- 1.80 GHz, 768 MB of RAM
- Physical Address Extension

Upon startup, I pressed "F2" and aquired the following additional information:
BIOS Version 52.00.01 (no mention of WHO made the BIOS)
KBC Version K52.33.08

The Gateway's Boot sequence is: "CD-ROM Drive", "Removable Devices", "+Hard Drive", "Network Boot" & "Intel UNDI, PXE-2.0 (build 082)".

-----

Thank you.

Discussion is locked

WorkerBee42 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
Huh?
Jan 13, 2012 1:43AM PST

I _HAVE_ an external USB interfaced DVD drive.
That doesn't seem to do any good.
I can't seem to "Boot" off of it.

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Good to know that.
Jan 13, 2012 1:48AM PST

If the units don't boot from USB then we fix whatever it takes to get them booting from install media.

If the units are not worth 10 bucks to fix then you move on.

Some get upset about this but how to discuss this as plainly as possible? Example? You are on your bicycle and come across a motorist that has a flat. But they don't have a lug wrench. They might get upset if you don't have a solution to that or say they need to buy one.
Bob

Best Answer

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PS. Can't find the 10 buck CDROM. Only the 16 buck CDRW
Jan 13, 2012 2:16AM PST
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BTW...
Jan 13, 2012 11:10AM PST

BTW, the reason why I didn't replace the CD-ROM drive is that the existing CD-ROM drive is perfectly fine.
Now you may be thinking... Huh?

The problem is with the CONNECTION on the laptop's side.
I can replace CD-ROM drives "until the cows come home", but it doesn't do any good if there's not a good reliable connection internal to the machine.

later, and thanks anyway.
.

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Sounds like the motherboard is next part?
Jan 14, 2012 4:58AM PST

Ebay is filled with such things. But as I see refurb'd Core Duo or better laptops for under 199 I rarely suggest repairs past a few parts.
Bob

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Answer
Are they worth saving?
Jan 13, 2012 1:38AM PST

Here I can replace the CDROM for about 10 bucks. And I can reinstall the OS if the laptop boots from my USB DVDRW.

Some refuse to get the USB DVDRW and those folk often suffer for a long time till they discover "yep, I need that."
Bob

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Answer
Partial solution
Jan 13, 2012 7:46AM PST

We live near one of the 14 or 16-ish Microsoft Retail Stores.
I went there this afternoon.

Dude used some "handwavium" to get the Newer (Gateway) started on the format & install.
The older one (Winbook) looks like it's due for the scrap pile.

Oh well.
The church gets the better one donated to its Maintenance shop...
and my shop gets nothing, gotta walk the steps.
Gosh shucks.

Thanks anyway.

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Last thing you might try ...
Jan 13, 2012 11:15AM PST

re-installing XP from within Windows as follows (I know you said that your CD drive is broken but you also said you have a USB external optical drive - you just can't boot from it):

Reinstall Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, try either of the following methods. If the first method does not work, try the second.

Note You may want to disconnect from the Internet during the installation. This helps protect you from malicious users.
Method 1: Start the reinstallation from Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP by using Windows XP CD, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer.
2. Insert the Windows XP CD in your computer's CD drive or DVD drive.
3. On the Welcome to Windows XP page, click Install Windows XP.
4. On the Welcome to Windows Setup page, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type box (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
5. On the License Agreement page, click I accept this agreement, and then click Next.
6. On the Your Product Key page, type the 25-character product key in the Product key boxes, and then click Next.
7. On the Get Updated Setup Files page, select the option that you want, and then click Next.
8. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP.

You might want to refresh yourself on the other things you should have handy such as the NIC, Graphics Card, Chipset, etc. drivers - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978788