Compaq laptop help please

I've managed to optain a Compaq laptop that was destined for the scrapheap. If I can get it running OK, the intention is to use this laptop in the Fronty for memory map etc.
Basically, if somebody with a bit of IT know how could have a look at it for me, I might be able to get fit for purpose.
It does boot up, but going through a app. called SystemRescue but this is where I loses me.
The history was that it used to run windows OK then they started having issue with it. From that point, one of the IT minded fellas at work loaded Lynix (or however you spell it) and got it running. He as now left the company, and the now main IT fella at work is really a windows minded person and doesn't really want to be bothered with it, hence why it was destined for the bin.
I'm wondering if it could be re-formatted or something, then have windows reloaded so that I could then run memory map etc.
Cheers for any help on this one.

With my expeience of Linux, it uses it's own disk format.

If you are prepared to format the hard disk (in the process, loosing everything), you will need to fdisk it first.

From a boot disk, run the command FDISK /MBR wich should reinstate the Master Boot Record for use with DOS and Windows.

This is what I have done in the past (a long time ago - I had to look up the command parameters in my DOS 5.0 book) although someone with more up to date knowledge might know a better/easier solution.

Lawrence

Cheers Lawrence - I'll have a go at that - the thing is it doesn't matter what as to be done - I've got no data on there that needs to be rescued/saved - I believe all that needs to happen is to get Windows going again so I can load and use memory map and hopefully jobs a goodun.
I've got a copy of Windows XP somewhere that should suffice for the reload.

if you have the windows disk you don't need to fdisk the system windows setup will do it for you dead simple to do even for a novice :wink:

If you have an xp disc, set to boot from cd by pressing f8 when it starts.

windows will format the hard drive and install.

I would though first download [linkurl=]http://www.sysresccd.org/Main_Page[/linkurl], burn the cd and use that to format and erase the disk. Its kind of easy, and it helped me learn loads. It has a graphical interface. I use gparted to format.

You will have to find the windows drivers for the laptop they should be on the compaq website.[linkurl=]http://www.compaq.com/cpq-country/cpq_support.html[/linkurl] .

Linux usually uses EXT2 or EXT3 FS. It is possible to run it on FAT partitions though.

there are a lot of good GPS, Nav (etc) applications for Linux btw......

If you're set on using Windows an XP disc in the drive to boot from will do everything you need

Thanks for all the reply's - I've take the easy route and given it to daughter's boyfriend to take back to his base next week - to give him something to do next week (oops just remembered he might read this - hoping that he applies his IT knowledge and gets a result for me).
Harmed him with an original copy of Windows XP Small Business and just in case, Home. These are disc that were supplied with new computers and have got the product codes available.
Have to wait and see now.

The lads only done it, cheers Dave. Using it as I post.
All I've got to do is wait for the cable for the PDA gizmo to computer to arrive, latch onto somebody who knows how load Memory Map that I can use with the 2004 regions 2 and 6 that I've got, probably sort out an invertor for the car and hopefully bob's your uncle, fanny's your aunt and job done.

Great news Pete, sorry I have only just seen this thread coz I could of took it from you and done it.....

Would you be able to do the Memory map, PDA stuff Kel?
I have tried on the tower PC, but it kept telling me the 2004 maps needed a different level of Memory Map to run the older map versions. I guess the latest level is being downloaded which in turn, is not compatible to the older levels of the regions that I have got on disc. Or so I think.

TBH Pete I havent any experience with MM as yet so wouldnt want to mess it up. If I was to look at it I would be as much in the know as you....

Top draw Greg - made me chuckle anyway

if i remember you dont install MM on a pda you install it on pc or laptop then when its running ok

on the top toolbar there is a PDA tag (make sure its pda is connected to pc )then click tag that and choose install pocket navigator from the drop down window and it will install it all for you

Cheers John - Waiting to connecting cable to arrive, then I'll give that a go.