Need help with an ancient PC Vectra QS/20

[Bruno Ganino]

Michael, look with attention the link
"IntelliStation Troubleshooting" into link of the my previous post.
HTH
Bruno

[Michael_569]

What do points do? I gave everyone a 10.

Do you guys work for HP?

[Bruno Ganino]

Michael, we don't work to HP.
I am into this Forum for to help all the people like You and Me.
Hope to Help.
Bruno

[Michael_569]

Well thank you Bruno very much.

By the way, I realize its a problem with the board, I just want to determine what it is by a test of some sort.

I need to know if this computer will handle running programs or it will lock up.

I just wish there was a way to know definatively whether this 386 will work or if I should search for a new 386.

Regardless though, I forgot to mention in my previous post, thanks alot for your help.

Im going to look at the crystal on the board, try to replace it with one from a good 486 board and see where that leads me.

I think im too spoiled with windows, i dont remember any dos applications any more. :)

[Bruno Ganino]

This is manual for support Vectra
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/bpv02560/bpv02560.pdf

I believe that system 386 is very old; but system 486 Also.

If upgrade is possible without money the you can try else it is not convenience.

Good afternoon.
Bruno

[Ganesh Babu]

Hi ,
Even if u bring the 386 to work, it is difficult to maintain, i would suggest to go for a brand new ones with latest configuration..

Ganesh

[Antoniov.]

Michael,
sorry I was busy.
Using MSD you could post IRQ list; however IRQ9 must be set to IRQ2.
Then look about memory (you should see 4Mb).
What program you have to run on this machine?

@Antoniov

[Michael_569]

IRQs are all fine, and indeed IRQ 9 is set for IRQ 2 as you mentioned.

I believe I have found the problem this error is causing me. And if indeed this is all, then I would be fine I gather.

The problem is the clock does not function when the computer is turned off.
This means I can set the clock for 02:00 am and run the computer and the time works.

But when I turn off the computer the time stops. It does not reset as a dead battery would. Instead time stops and at the moment the computer turns off.

I can turn the computer off at 02:30am and then turn it back on in an 30 minutes, 2 hours, a day, and when I type in time in DOS it tells me 02:30:15 am. Time didnt roll while power was off.

Could this be the result of "Timer 2 failed to register"

If battery was dead every time I turned off the computer all my bios settings would be wiped, as would time and date. As right now time just halts but is not erased when power off.

[Antoniov.]

Yes,
may be this; battey backup can't keep bios informations so you read error at booting time.
Wanrnig you could lost other info, such as HD type. I hint change Battery Backup or else write all BIOS data on paper when you'll need of it (obviusolsy until you will use this old PC).
Good Luck
@Antoniov

[Brian Sergeant]

Michael,

I just inherited a repair job on an antique QS/20 that needs a setup disk -- courtesy of a professor who was bargain hunting. I see from the posts that you have a copy ---it is hard to find. If you have a moment could you email me the setup program? I think it is just one file -- setup.exe or setup.com.

Sorry for the intrusion.

Thanks,

-- Brian