is it ok to fomat new compaq turion laptop?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ~1Alex~
  • Start date Start date
1

~1Alex~

I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating system
on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?

thanks,

alex
 
~1Alex~ said:
I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating system
on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?

thanks,

alex
Click to expand...

The restore disks may have certain proprietary drivers from Compaq. Why
not just uninstall the programs you don't want? I do understand about
your desire to start with a 'clean slate' though.

Ari

--
spammage trappage: replace fishies_ with yahoo

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/
 
spodosaurus said:
The restore disks may have certain proprietary drivers from Compaq. Why
not just uninstall the programs you don't want? I do understand about your
desire to start with a 'clean slate' though.
Click to expand...

Although, s/he may want to put 64bit windows on it.

MC
 
ModeratelyConfused said:
Although, s/he may want to put 64bit windows on it.

MC
Click to expand...

If there's proprietary Compaq hardware in that laptop, they may not have
released drivers for it for download at all, much less for the 64 bit
windows (will new drivers be needed or will there be a driver
'compatibility mode' sort of deal?)

--
spammage trappage: replace fishies_ with yahoo

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/
 
....
If there's proprietary Compaq hardware in that laptop, they may
not have released drivers for it for download at all,
Click to expand...

Really? Not on a driver/restore/recovery disk either?






much less for the 64 bit
 
John said:
...



Really? Not on a driver/restore/recovery disk either?
Click to expand...

Assuming the OP is able to dig them off the disk images on the recovery
disk. Are you going to talk him through that?
much less for the 64 bit
Click to expand...


--
spammage trappage: replace fishies_ with yahoo

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/
 
I have done this many times on older Compaq's. however as spodo said, and
the introduction of GPS, your going to have problems getting the stuff you
forked out the dough for, to work. Maybe after a year or so someone will
have posted the drivers or have a procedure to get it done. Laptop theft is
really high, and the more they try and address this, the more proprietary
junk is going to get installed and manufacturers want to make it as useless
to a thief as possible.
 
~1Alex~ said:
I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating
system on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?

thanks,

alex
Click to expand...

There may be driver issues
 
~1Alex~ said:
I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating
system on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?
Click to expand...

You might see if HP's support site has specific directions on either how to
install NOT from the recovery CD or an inventory of drivers needed.
I've never had a Compaq or HP notebook, but for the IBM ones I've had I've
always found the inventory of proprietary/unique drives at IBM's support
site.
 
Why not call Compaq and ask them why they got paid for a computer that
microslut owns? Ask them if there is any reason you could not replace their
OS with GNU/Linux?
Even if you don't want to install GNU/Linux, the answer to that question
should give a clue about 'proprietary drivers from Compaq'.

Sorry spodosaurus, I didn't have the OPs OP. Thanks for the use of your
post.
 
I would like to read the exact wording of that.
You might see if HP's support site has specific directions on
either how to install NOT from the recovery CD or an inventory
of drivers needed. I've never had a Compaq or HP notebook, but
for the IBM ones I've had I've always found the inventory of
proprietary/unique drives at IBM's support site.
Click to expand...

One would think so. Dell even includes its desktop PC hardware
drivers online.

They might be on one of the included CDs.

Being a laptop, I guess they are proprietary drivers, but that
doesn't mean you won't find them on Compaq's web site.

There was a time when Compaq might have been a renegade PC maker,
but I think that has changed.

Another possibility is an installation that does not include all
of the "trial versions".

If all else fails, maybe do a fresh install and use some program
to remove any unwanted software.
 
....
Ask them if there is any reason you could not replace their
OS with GNU/Linux?
Click to expand...

When ever, if ever somebody follows advice like that, Microsoft
racks up gobs of public relations points resulting from the
extreme user frustration.

Microsoft appreciates your help.
Even if you don't want to install GNU/Linux, the answer to that
question should give a clue about 'proprietary drivers from
Compaq'.
Click to expand...

Good luck finding Linux drivers for hundreds of common Windows PC
peripherals.

"Somewhere, over the rainbow... la la la"
To the U.S. Senate: Let's go ahead with that monopoly lawsuit
against the microgiant!!
Click to expand...

In the current political climate, not a chance.
 
~1Alex~ said:
I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating
system on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?

thanks,

alex
Click to expand...

I remember buying a comcrap laptop a few years ago, and at that time all the
system recovery disk did was point to a hidden partition on the hard drive
from which to copy everything from. Unfortunately I was not aware of this
when i Fdisked/formated away an overburdened winME installation (why oh why
oh why must computer manufactures insist on installing loads of software
that the buyer didnt' order?). Had to pay fifteen bux and wait a week to
get fully functional Restoration CDs... which conviniently enough were not
in a format to include windows install CD's. Fortunately that computer took
a big dump shortly afterwards and i was able to return it to bestbuy and
exchange for an HP that had everything i needed on its "recovery cd's",
except for the OS, which i had an install CD for from another computer, just
put the HP;s cd key in during installation. Another thing i liked about HP
was the website had ALL the drivers needed, even when XP became available
they had the new drivers for it. I can STILL go on there and get drivers
for my laptop five years later! After going to the HP I can never go back
go compaq, they left a bad taste in my mouth, and now that HP owns compaq,
dont know if I'm going to be willing to get an HP either. Next time I guess
It'll be Dell or IBM.

First thing i'd check would be the comcrap website, see if it has all the
drivers you need, and i'd be surprised. Then i'd load the "recovery CD's"
and see if the drivers are on the disks in an format that you can redilly
use (doubtful). It's rare that a you can't install a different/clean OS on
any system, however the companies may be to cheap to offer adequate driver
support, in which case you really have to hunt for drivers to get full
function out of the system. Almost be nice if we could go back to the day
of installing our OWN OS on a computer we buy, and those without the skills
can pay extra to have it put on for them at the factory. Don't think ANYONE
offers an option to buy the computer without an OS anymore. Which is why i
homebuild desktops, and dread the day my HP laptop finally dies, cus they
arent' exactly a practical project for a homebuilder.
 
I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating system
on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?
Click to expand...
There's no truth whatsoever. Just install the OS and download the
Softpaqs from the support page for your laptop to give you the drivers
and touchpad/hotkey software.
 
nooneimportant said:
I remember buying a comcrap laptop a few years ago, and at that time all the
system recovery disk did was point to a hidden partition on the hard drive
from which to copy everything from. Unfortunately I was not aware of this
when i Fdisked/formated away an overburdened winME installation (why oh why
oh why must computer manufactures insist on installing loads of software
that the buyer didnt' order?). Had to pay fifteen bux and wait a week to
get fully functional Restoration CDs... which conviniently enough were not
in a format to include windows install CD's. Fortunately that computer took
a big dump shortly afterwards and i was able to return it to bestbuy and
exchange for an HP that had everything i needed on its "recovery cd's",
except for the OS, which i had an install CD for from another computer, just
put the HP;s cd key in during installation. Another thing i liked about HP
was the website had ALL the drivers needed, even when XP became available
they had the new drivers for it. I can STILL go on there and get drivers
for my laptop five years later! After going to the HP I can never go back
go compaq, they left a bad taste in my mouth, and now that HP owns compaq,
dont know if I'm going to be willing to get an HP either. Next time I guess
It'll be Dell or IBM.

First thing i'd check would be the comcrap website, see if it has all the
drivers you need, and i'd be surprised. Then i'd load the "recovery CD's"
and see if the drivers are on the disks in an format that you can redilly
use (doubtful). It's rare that a you can't install a different/clean OS on
any system, however the companies may be to cheap to offer adequate driver
support, in which case you really have to hunt for drivers to get full
function out of the system. Almost be nice if we could go back to the day
of installing our OWN OS on a computer we buy, and those without the
Click to expand...
skills


that will happen...and it will be on an EPROM / BIOS similar chip that you
will plug in
 
~1Alex~ said:
I bought a new laptop, but it's loaded with stuff I don't want, trial
versions of this that and the other, etc.
I was going to just reformat and go from there, but
reading the lit that came with it, it said to never put an operating system
on it
except for the one on the restore CD because if you do, things won't work
right.

Is there any truth to that? It's a Compaq V2000, AMD Turion 64

Has anybody loaded a normal OS on one with success?

thanks,

alex
Click to expand...

Gee whiz. From all the driver 'speculation' you'd think no one has an
internet connection.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...y&lc=en&sw_lang=8&product=435602&cc=us&os=228

And if yours is one of the other gazillion variants of 'v2000' the drivers
are on the web site for them as well.

The "it might not work right" is just their way of saying don't call them
with questions if you're not using what they put on it because that's all
tech support is going to know, if that.
 
The original author was correctly pointed to Compaq's web site to
search for the drivers.

Conor even gave specific instructions:
"Softpaqs from the support page for your laptop"
 
Thanks for all the replies and pointers on this. Indeed, I found what
appears to be all the drivers for the machine on the compaq website.

Yes, it's a variaion of the V2000 laptop. Incidently, it works great so
far, and has a very bright screen. I hadn't realized how dull the screen
was on my old HP!

The deal I got on it was at Best Buy for $700 after rebates. It has a 14"
screen but it's not a normal aspect ration, it's wider then normal, fully
12" wide, xphome, 1.6gig cpu, 512 mb ram, 60 gig hard drive, DVD player / CD
R-W optical, 2 usb 2's, wifi g, card reader for 5 different kinds of cards,
one cia slot or whatever you call it, 56k modem, and an ethernet port, and
mike in and audio out. The sound is also impressive for such tiny speakers.
Also has video out, s-video port, and the hp docking port thing. Oh yeah,
and a firewire port.

Thanks again to everybody who took the time to clue me in. It was a real
education.

alex
 
~Avery Anderson~ said:
Thanks for all the replies and pointers on this. Indeed, I found what
appears to be all the drivers for the machine on the compaq website.

Yes, it's a variaion of the V2000 laptop. Incidently, it works great so
far, and has a very bright screen. I hadn't realized how dull the screen
was on my old HP!

The deal I got on it was at Best Buy for $700 after rebates. It has a 14"
screen but it's not a normal aspect ration, it's wider then normal, fully
12" wide, xphome, 1.6gig cpu, 512 mb ram, 60 gig hard drive, DVD player /
CD R-W optical, 2 usb 2's, wifi g, card reader for 5 different kinds of
cards, one cia slot or whatever you call it, 56k modem, and an ethernet
port, and mike in and audio out. The sound is also impressive for such
tiny speakers. Also has video out, s-video port, and the hp docking port
thing. Oh yeah, and a firewire port.

Thanks again to everybody who took the time to clue me in. It was a real
education.

alex
Click to expand...

On my last two laptops I formatted and installed XP Pro on them after going
to the manufacturers web site and getting the correct drivers. One was a
Sony Vaio and the last was a Toshiba. I put the drivers on a usb thumb drive
and just pointed XP there for the drivers. Both went just fine. The XP disks
were OEM that I had in inventory but since I have scaled back (retired)
building systems, I decided to use them for something.....:-). Since I
mainly use the laptops on photo shoots and for sitting out on the back deck
in the morning reading the email and news, I didn't need the plethora of
garbage that most laptop makers stick on their systems.

Ed
 
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