[OKDXA] Computer Help

[Nelson Derks]

> I forgot to mention one thing that may be the root of the problem.  I am
replacing another computer, so I took the hard drive out of the old computer
and installed it in the Compaq.  That way I don't have to reload all my
software.  I suspected that the adapter was the problem but when I tried to
change it, nothing changed.  I will try your suggestions later today.  Would
reinstalling the Compaq hard drive give me a clue as to what they had in
there?

Yup... That makes a huuuuuuge difference!

Windows (any flavor since 3.0 in 1991) is a collection of drivers and
patches that loads itself to match your particular hardware. The setup on
your old hard drive understands your old machine pretty good, but dropping
the drive into a different computer would be like you moving to Omaha and
expecting to know your way around town on the first day. Ain't gonna'
happen...

Plunk the proper drive back in and you should be able to read the video
driver details (through control panel) as to make, model and revision.
Although the update section of the Compaq web page is daunting at first,
give yourself some time to poke around and you'll figure it out. Ton o'stuff
up there. The machine will run more reliably with the correct Compaq drivers
for the motherboard, video, drive controllers and all the rest. Don't be
surprised if re-loading your software ends up being the shorter path, and be
sure to visit Windows Update from the START menu. It's an automated hardware
sniffer that knows more about your computer than the two of us put
together...

- AC5UP