OS missing after updating critcal updates

[Condorx]

I attemped to updated my daughters
Compaq Preasrio 722US laptop last night.
It is running XP SP1 and I was ging to update to SP2.
I went to Windows Update and checked for criticla updates as instructions for updating suggested. There were 15.
I downloaded them and updated. When system said to reboot to apply updates I did so.
System now says No operating system found.
So far I have tried the following.
1. Tried Quick Restore CD's from Compaq they will not run.
2. Tried an XP install cd from another system to use Recovery console. Will not work says no hard drive.
3. Reset BIOS got same results.
4. Noticed on this site similar problem because of missing HD drivers on a DELL with SATA drives..
5. Called Fujitsu and they said it uses generic drivers.
6. Said hard drive (MHR2020AT) is dead.
7. Tried to used hard drive from another Compaq laptop but different connectors.

I have gone about as far as I can go.
Hate to replace the drive if not bad plus not sure what daughter has on it.
One other point system has not been used for several months so clock was wrong indicating batterry was dead. Could this cause a loss of BIOS info?
Any help will be appreciated.
Merry Christmas.

 

[micker377]

1. See if the hard drive's manufacturer has a diagnostic program to check hard drive.
2. Does the hard drive show up in "BIOS setup?
3. Use Win 98 boot disk, and run "Fdisk" to see what it shows for hard disk. If the drive is NTFS, it will say "Non-Dos Partition".
4. Re-partition and format the hard drive, and use the "Quick Restore CD's" to start over.

 

[Condorx]

Thanks.
I did get a diagnostic from Fujitsu but have not tried it yet since BIOS dooes not seem to recognize the drive.

I tried FDISK from Windows 98 boot disk just now and it says no fixed disks present.

I am now planning to reload the BIOS from an update at the Compaq support site. I guess I can do that using the DOS OS created by the boot disk?
Jim

 

[Condorx]

Downloaded and tried the DOS version of Fujitsu hard drive diagnostic.
It can not find a hard drive.
Tried to run BIOS update but it will not run in DOS mode.
Looks like Catch 22.
Jim

 

[jurgen36]

Resett the cmos. The drive should then be recognized. good luck.

Jurgen

 

[Condorx]

Thanks Jurgen I tried that but to no avail. See 3. above.
Or maybe I do not understand is that the same as resetting the BIOS? ie Hit F10 on start up then F9?
Thanks
Jim

 

[jurgen36]

:Condorx
No this is not the same. Take the battery out of the mainbord, leave it out for 2 to 20 minutes, reinstall the battery and then boot up. The computer must be disconnected from the mains during removal and reinstal. During boot up hit the del key or f4 and go into cmoss. It should come up with a menue. Check if your drive is recognized. then boot up normally and all should be ok.
Regards


Jurgen

 

[micker377]

To clarify jurgen36's post, he means the CMOS battery inside the computer. Removing the main battery won't help, the purpose of the CMOS battery is to save the settings you are trying to cancel. You may need the manual to find the CMOS battery.

 

[Condorx]

Thanks Guys.
I looked for a watch type battery could not find one under any of the easily opened covers on bottom of the computer. Nor could I fnd anything searching the Compaq website.
Will try again tomorrow to find where it is.
Jim
Hope You had a good Christmas

 

[micker377]

You may have to contact Compaq, or take it to a shop. On my Gateway Solo, you have to open the laptop and remove the keyboard.