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Windows ME Hardboot versus Softboot

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by wsimpson

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I recently installed a DVDrom for some friends in their relatively new Compaq computer. Granted the machine is choked on memory, only 64 MB, and it is a 800/100mhz computer. Regardless windows never recognizes the DVD on the hardboot, but as soon as a softboot is done the DVD is recognized and functions find. I have tried everything I can think of, deleting both the CD/RW and the DVD via Safe mode, changing the drives from cable select to Master/Slae configurations, repeatedly having the BIOS search for drives, etc. I really don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions?

4 replies

by raffi_

In the BIOS (near the line that reads (PNP OS Installed) there will be a switch that asks "Update Configuration?" with Yes/No. Change this to YES. Leave the PNP OS switch alone. On next cold boot BIOS will change this back to NO and alert the OS that there is new hardware installed. I can't remember exactly how it works but if you need more info I'm sure I can find my notes.

by wsimpson

I still have this problem. The DVD is obviously usuable after a soft boot, but this is unacceptable. One thing that might clarify the problem, is the fact that this is a Compaq.

by wsimpson

I tried updating the BIOS, but I don't remeber seeing any options for PNP OS. I went through the different down menus and looked at all the options. Is there multiple interfaces to the Compaq BIOS? About the best I was able to do was select "Detect Drives, and Save" or something close to that. I entered the BIOS via the key, rather than the key as on some systems. Someone else I talked to said that some of the options have to be changed on the motherboard with Compaq machines, is this one of those cases?

by wsimpson

I was recently told by a person who refurbishes compaqs that flashing the BIOS should resolve the problem. I don't like flashing the BIOS until I have a reasonable idea of what the changes are. It is easy to do, but it is also possible to fry the mainboard doing it, so it is definitely a last resort.

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