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Upgrading new PC using Compaq parts

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by twuf 1 view

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I have a Compaq Presario 5834 500MHZ Pentium computer which the motherboard crashed. We are trying to take the DVD-ROM, CD-RW and modem out of the Compaq (which came with the computer originally) and put them into a new Intel based motherboard computer. We can't figure out how to associate compaq's drivers with these devices. For instance, the old modem is in a PCI slot now on the new mothersboard which the computer recognizes as a device attached (not a modem though) and i can't figure out howto associate the correct driver. Compaq doesn't seem to use "windows" extentions like .vxd on their files so i don't know what file is the driver. Does Compaq use such a propriety system and parts that i cannot move them into another computer without it being another "Compaq" and am forced to use their "restore disk" on a compaq motherboard to get the devices to work? Compaq told me to take the old computer to a service center and let them fix it (put in new motherboard) but we had this great idea to build our own computer using the good(?) parts from the Compaq. Did i make a big mistake??

9 replies

by maxwell edison

This is just my opinion, but your situation illustrates why I stay away from "brand name" computers. Many times their parts are proprietary, and it causes problems when trying to repair and/or upgrade in the future. If it were mine I'd go ahead and buy the new (non-Compaq) parts required, and sell the remaining Compaq parts on ebay for whatever I could get.

Maxwell

by gigelul

I install other OS on a Compaq computer and I can't use the "restore disk" for drivers. I check for others driver on Internet and I found all I need. Check your cards for some identifiers like type of chipset, product type, etc. and use it to browseon Internet.

by shanghai sam

the CD-RW had only Compaq p/n stickers. DVD said "Philips" and its model number, but at Philips website it said SORRY, no such model number. Modem is listed at compaq's website for this computer model but i can't figure out how to install (same files that are found on the 'restore disk')

by nmax696

This is a typical nightmare with compaq parts. I found driver links on their site for modem, sound, etc ... if you are using win98. the link to that page is - http://web14.compaq.com/falco/sp_result.asp?Model=1441&Os=8

Their didn't seem to be a driver for your modem using XP. This is a larger problem with alot of modems, not just Compaq's. Compaq usually uses "Conexant LT" modems. You could try to search by your modems model # (the one on the modem) at www.driversguide.com . You should find something there.
The DVD and CDRW shouldn't need addittional drivers, though they both will need additional software to run them. There are alot of free utilities out there for watching DVD's and authoring CD's, you'll just have to poke around.

jb

by shanghai sam

I had gone to Compaq website & downloaded the drivers for the modem. They were .exe files that i executed inwhich they expanded in a dos window but i can't figure out how to use the file with the 'Add & Remove Hardware feature with windows. I'll keep trying. Thanks for your help.

by thechas

Figure out who made the parts, and download the drivers from them.

You shouldn't need drivers for the DVD and CD drives themselves.

You may need to INF driver for the chipset on the Motherboard from Intel.

For the DVD and CDRW drives, you need the software packages to use these devices.
As the software that came with the Compaq may not be trans-portable, you may be best to purchase the software.
I have seen Power DVD for under $5 on the web, I have not price shopped the CD software.The main players are Nero, and EasyCD Creator.

Chas

by shanghai sam

Dear TheChas:
You always have excellent answers. Thanks for taking time for this one. Anyway, that should help not needing drivers for dvd & cd-rw. I am familiar with EasyCD Creator etc. I had already installed the motherboard software which i assume your comment of needing INF driver for the chipset is the same thing.

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