claude-5 Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 well i have this computer, useless as shit, but i want it to work at least, it has windows already on the HDD, but how do overwrite that?? im sure you an just re-install windows on it, but i dont know how, if it helps, specs: 950 MHz P3 (OC'd from 750 MHz) 256 MB or ram (did have 320 MB, but the other chip failed) 128 MB nvidia geforce FX 5200 (it works because stuff comes up on screen, but if it matters, i have a 16MB ATi Rage 128 pro) some maxtor 20GB HDD (i know it works, because it comes up on the hardware list when i start up the pc) 3 disc drives (only 1 plugged in) DVD Drive (plugged in) lite-on CD-RW drive samsung CD Drive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Assuming you have a CD with Windows on it... Insert the disc Restart your PC, press Del or F8 key at the POST screen (the first screen you see when you start your computer, loads of text on it etc.) (usually says at the bottom of the screen to change boot order, or enter the BIOS, you need to do one of those, doesn't matter which) Look for a menu specifying the boot order... move your DVD ROM drive (or whatever you put the Windows disc in) to the top so it boots from it first. Save and exit It'll reboot and ask you to press any key to boot from disc. So press something. Go through the install process. You'll probably get stuck on step 3 though so we'll wait for your reply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 i do have a CD, ive used it before, ive did it without getting stuck, it says, updating ESCD.... Boot from ATAPI CDROM..... Failure... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustADummy Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Weird, are you sure your copy isn't pirated? Pirated copies don't have decent boot loaders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 (edited) nah, its legal, i got it whenthis pc was built Edited March 16, 2009 by claude-5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ray Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Exactly what OS are you installing? If it's XP, your hardware may be the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 Exactly what OS are you installing?If it's XP, your hardware may be the problem. it is XP, & why is my hardware a problem?? im sure this pc has run xp b4, just with a diff gfx card Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ray Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Well, it meets the requirements, but your hardware is still pretty weak. Try getting another XP Disc, or using another disc drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstarrem Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 i do have a CD, ive used it before,ive did it without getting stuck, it says, updating ESCD.... Boot from ATAPI CDROM..... Failure... Your drive is broken etc. If you have another one use it or if you don't they have a good CD burner I just ordered on NewEgg for $16.99. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 i do have a CD, ive used it before,ive did it without getting stuck, it says, updating ESCD.... Boot from ATAPI CDROM..... Failure... Your drive is broken etc. If you have another one use it or if you don't they have a good CD burner I just ordered on NewEgg for $16.99. good idea, i believe $17 is about £8 so thats pretty cheap, im gonna do that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ray Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 or using another disc drive. Quoted for my continued belief in this statement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstarrem Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 As I said, use another one if he has it, if not buy a new one. Check if it's SATA or IDE first because I thought mine was IDE and it's SATA... yeah, need to do an online return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 (edited) ive used all 3 disc drives, same result, im thinking its mydisc anyway, i might d/l windows 95 from a torrent hahaha and its an IDE, if that matters Edited March 18, 2009 by claude-5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstarrem Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Oh if you've tried all the disc drives then yeah, it's probably the CD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX22B1998 Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 you could always get linux ... since your probably just using it for internet n stuff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstarrem Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Yeah I run Ubuntu right now, I'd go with that dude. It's a fun learning process if your into that. Not the choice for gaming though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX22B1998 Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Not like you'd get much gaming on a p3 Could do with old gaming though i guess... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 (edited) haha, very funny, this computer is awesome anyway, tbh i dont care what anyone says bout that computer, its the first rig ive actually been able to take apart and then put back together myself ive installed windows 98 on it, i found a disc, like omg how crap, i havent played 98 in ages, thwe only game it played properly is abe's exoddus Edited March 19, 2009 by claude-5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claude-5 Posted March 21, 2009 Author Share Posted March 21, 2009 (edited) woohooo, i got it working on XP, i was right on the fact i could overwrite the existing installation of windows , my stap dad is dumb Edited March 21, 2009 by claude-5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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