My old computer wont start up!
 

Hi I have a very old "Packard Bell" computer that hasnt been booted up in three years. I tried to start it up today but it says:

Fixed disk 0 failure
Invalid configuration information - please run setup program

When I run the Phoenix SETUP Utility (Version 1.00) I get the error:
*Fixed disk failed initialzation. Review settings.

Ive tried a lot of the settings but I get this error every time i boot up. What should I try?

try kicking it. (*in the monitor usually works for me*) If that doesn't work, you could use it as a fish tank or a plant potter. :)

lol, thanks.. i guess heh

i need some serious help tho :)

I would imagen that after sitting for so long your hard drive would be either dead or very close. There not made to sit around for an extended amount of time :) if you have another HDD laying around try that one and see if it boots.

Or, it could be that the IDE cable has come loose, maybe from the case getting moved around or whatever. Check all cable connections for secure fit.

Ill try that bigblue thanks.

1. Does the hard drive spin up on boot (at all)?
2. Are the cables tight?
3. Have you tried a new drive? New cable?

Just a thought...

Good luck!

I would have tried pulling out the power cable and remove the bios battery. After that i would have tried replacing the hd ( as stated)..

I bet the HD is toast. Steal another from somewhere and try it.

Plenty of "reconditioned" drives around. Be careful where you shop, though. I bought one after an old 120mb drive (woo-hoo! big in its day) died and the "new" one died six months later. If you can get a new one (and it is compatible with your old puter board/cables/wah-iz-its) then do so. If not, and you don't want to put in a reconditioned one...then cannibalize it for parts and build a new one. Or use it as a planter :)

try a boot disk (win98) get one from www.bootdisk.com and see if u can boot up to that

Looks like all the bases are covered on this one.