installing new hard drive

[Homer_6]

I have been given an old Deskpro computer with a single hard drive that has failed. I have previously not had any experience with compaq systems and I am having problems setting up a new drive. From what I can find out the system seems to be a Deskpro EP Ex/C300a (DPEP-C300a/4.3/W5 AUST). I have a spare 8 gig drive sitting around and wish to use that if I can, but the system doesn't want to recognise it. Can someone help me with the steps involved in setting up the hard drive on the system please.

[Michael Steele_2]

Go to the BIOS first and make sure the new drive can be seen here. Often time 'AUTO' selection is all you need.

If the BIOS can see it then boot the system and check the driver. This is often under 'device manager' in the system icon under the control panel. But it depends on the O/S. For NT 4.0 it's a little different, for example.

Back to the BIOS. If the disk failed then its possible the BIOS defaults are reloaded and need reconfiguring. If the BIOS system time is wrong then everythings in default.

When connecting the hard drive ensure that you're using IDE Controller 0 and the disk is in the Master slot. Also check the bootup settings. You'll have to boot from CDROM first. This is where you'll install the O/S from.

Note this link below about a new ROM for the EP.

http://wwss1pro.compaq.com/support/reference_library/viewdocument.asp?source=PCN0585W.xml&dt=24