What is an LS-120?

[WeeGeordie]

I bought a used Compaq Deskpro small form factor system and I'm trying to install Windows. The drive bay is too small for my CD drive so I'm connecting it externally to do the install.

The case indicates that there is a 'P32 CDROM Connector' but it won't take the ribbon cable, (too small and too many pins). There is a 'P21 LS-120 Connector' that looks right for the cable but will the CD drive work on it?

Thanks ...wee

 

[Snickle]

Not familiar with 'P32 CDROM Connector' but the LS-120 is a SuperDisk 120MB originally by 3M but changed to Imation. It could read both a 3.5" floppy disk and the LS-120 disk.

'(too small and too many pins)' sounds like a SCSI fitting.

The exact model number of the Compaq would have been quite helpful as Compaq has made many variations of computers.

 

[franklin97355]

a ls-120 drive is a super disk 120mb floppy drive. How many pins do the connectors have? an IDE connector should have 40 pins in two rows. You may have SCSI connectors with 50 or 68 pins.

 

[WeeGeordie]

The only identification of model is the COMPAQ DESKPRO stamp on the front panel. Sorry.

The smaller connector has 2 rows of 25 pins each. I'll assume that to be SCSI.

The larger connector has 2 rows of pins, 1 with 20 pins, the other with 19 pins, (the middle pin is missing).

In the process of counting all these d*#n pins I see the stamp 'SECONDARY IDE' on the board beside this connector. I'm guessing it to be a more accurate description than the stamp on the case.

I'll try hooking my CD drive to that connector.

Thanks ...wee

 

[Mulga]

The LS 120 is (was) an IDE device so the data connector should work for a CDROM. Having said that it is a Compaq so anything is possible. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.

 

[WeeGeordie]

'Oh Bother' said Pooh...got the drive hooked up only to discover that the BIOS is password protected.

I've found a utility call KillCMOS on the net. Does anyone know if it is reliable or should I just pull the battery and go to bed?

Thanks ...wee

 

[Mulga]

Pull the battery is my advice, never heard of KillCMOS but the name is not encouraging..... All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.

 

[Mulga]

Just remembered, the word compaq is a generic password for some Compaq systems, worth a try. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.

 

[WeeGeordie]

tried that password...didn't work. Thanks anyways.

P.S. The model is a Compaq Deskpro EN series SFF

 

[Stealer]

Funny enough I just downloaded KillCMOS today. Have not had a chance to try it yet. From what I read it just sets your bios back to default.

I'll try it on one of my spare computers tommorrow.

Stealer

 

[Mulga]

Stealer,
Let us know how it goes, if its ok it would be a useful tool All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.

 

[WeeGeordie]

KillCMOS didn't work but I think it is because password's are enabled/disabled in the hardware.

On this machine there is a SW1 switch on the MOBO that disables passwords when position 1 is set to ON.

I still can't get it to recognize the CD so I'm not done yet.

Thanks ...wee

 

[Cindy1]

On your Compaq the cdrom should be on your secondary and the hard drive will be the master controller. The zip drive can be on either controllers as slaves. The drives should be jumpered Cable Select(that's a Compaq thing). You could cable the zip with the cdrom that's possible.
Hope that helps,
Cindy

 

[WeeGeordie]

Thanks everyone for your help and your patience. I've got the CD running and am installing Win98 as we speak..er..type..you know what I mean!

It's not going to be neat but I will be able to hook up the internal CD drive externally by running the power and ribbon cables through the cd bay door on the front of the machine and manually grounding the drive to the chassis.

Thanks...wee