Weird OS encounters problems when used with the Compaq Presario PC.
Weird OS encounters problems when used with the Compaq Presario PC.
Attempted sharing this on the Reddit TechSupport forum, but a bot removed it instantly. A mod later replied with a humorous remark about old hardware and software moving to another place, saying "bye xoxo." I also tried on PCMR, which resulted in removal without explanation. This time, I reached out hoping for attention.
Some time ago, I bought a Compaq desktop at a very low price because it was having problems. I planned to turn it into a retro gaming setup with a GT710/30, aiming to run older operating systems and games. It came pre-installed with Windows XP. The main problem was it wouldn’t power on initially; after replacing the CMOS battery, it worked again. Booting took about an hour, especially when starting from USB to Linux distributions (after a RAM swap it functioned perfectly).
It turned out the issue stemmed from faulty RAM—specifically a DDR2 1.8V stick. A few days later, I upgraded my motherboard with similar specs and added two more RAM sticks for this purpose. Now came the next challenge: installing an OS.
I first tried various distros, but the graphics card was too outdated for modern systems. I attempted known compatible ones, though they didn’t help. Then I tried Windows Vista, which loaded extremely slowly—around 20 minutes to reach the language selection screen. I tested 64-bit and 32-bit images, Windows 7 in both modes, XP SP2/3, Windows 10, and even multiple USB ports. I disconnected everything, even removed the motherboard from the case and unplugged the PS/2 keyboard, but nothing changed.
I searched forums for solutions, finding some suggestions about enabling "Floppy A" for floppy disk speeds or AMD K8 energy management. None worked. I checked cables, tested HDDs on another machine with nearly identical specs, and even swapped an HDD, but the problem persisted only on this unit.
I also installed Windows Vista on another system, which loaded in about 30 minutes and spent roughly the same time waiting at the loading bar. Running out of ideas, I came here seeking help.
Here are the details of my struggling computer:
- Motherboard: MCP61PM-HM Rev 1.0b (Bios Rev 5.25)
- Processor: AMD Athlon X2 4050e Dual-Core @ 2111MHz
- RAM: 2 x DDR2 2GB @ 1.8V PC2-5300
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE
- Storage: WesternDigital 160Gb WD1600AAJS SATA, Lightscribe DVD-R, 550W PSU
- Power Supply: 400W
Anyone with insights or alternatives would be appreciated.
You were asked to hand over cash or something? They didn’t expect you to give it away? Some stuff has to be really old to be considered interesting. Older than computers. There are relics from the 1930s that hold no value. You might think a compact desktop is cool, but it’s not. Most people don’t see its appeal. Sleepers have their own vibe, but they’re not exactly sleeper cars. Could work as a decent base for something, maybe. A few early compaq models actually have some charm, though they weren’t desktops. Linux used to be better at older hardware, but it’s not as strong now. I’m not sure if it can handle Vista yet—or maybe it can. The hard drive could still be in good shape, which would need checking. Also, computers from that era sometimes develop a unique character where parts last longer than newer models. It might need some serious work soon, which is quite a task.
If a machine is taking a ridiculously long time to do something that shouldn't even take 60 seconds don't bother waiting for it. If it's taking 5 minutes just to load a simple screen when it should be 5 seconds don't wait for 20 minutes to see if it does something , it's already not working as is. As for your actual issue , when a machine can't load or boot simple screens or installation programs it more than likely is "waiting" for something to respond and isn't smart enough with the program it's running to know that that part of the machine should not take this long to respond. MY GUESS , is the usb controller may not actually be working very well which is expected in the usb 2.0 cheapo office pc era. This was a good idea however , xp/vista/7 need to be installed on the machine thats using it so the chipset drivers are correct otherwise they don't boot. It's not like windows 10 which is capable of jumping motherboards. My recomendation would be to bypass using the usb controller , and see if you can use an actual cd instead
I had a W7 started and put it on another machine first to see if it worked. It functioned there but not on the problematic one, and the DVD reader also gave the same results. Now I’m considering testing the CPU on the other machine—if it’s compatible, I’ll proceed. If either component is damaged, I’ll abandon the project. Appreciate your quick response!
Fair point. I’d have taken lunch from the value menu at a quick eatery. That’s my take, though. It won’t be smooth, but it’s quick enough for checking emails. If the situation holds up, you could craft a sleeper build from it. Some folks say no, though—these odd sideways-clamshell components are surprisingly usable, yet they’re usually meant only for their purpose. Compaq didn’t offer ATX support. Any changes would likely need cutting and drilling. Extra caution is needed with aftermarket parts. Swapping non-ATX items for ATX versions usually means modifying the existing ATX parts, if possible at all. Keep in mind the clock speed is outdated—modern chips run around 1GHz compared to a 2GHz old machine. If a newer board had half the speed or less with very limited bandwidth, it’d be about as fast as a Pi-0. Updated May 7, 2022 by Bombastinator