PC Can't Find OS on Bootup

[sonicblue]

I recently returned from a 10 day trip in Orlando to find that my
computer can't locate my operating system when it boots up. It was
working perfectly find before I left on my trip. Before leaving I
shutdown the computer and then unplugged everything. Now the damn thing
is totally ****ed. I can't find my Windows XP Install disc but it's not
like that would do me any good, because I tried a Windows 98 Install
disc and it wouldn't recognize it at all. Here are my specs and the
message I recieve on bootup, word for word.

"Operating System not found on any devices. Press any key to try
again."

Compaq Presario 7000T series
Pentium 3, 866 MHZ
Had Windows XP
1024 RAM

I tried loading my recovery discs and got this message.

RUN-TIME ERROR R6003
-INTEGER DIVIDE BY 0
A:\>

The OS was originally installed on the C drive. I do have recovery
discs to wipe the drive clean and back to what it was like when I
bought it, but if I can avoid doing that that would be great. Any and
all help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Richard Urban [MVP]]

You have an older computer. It could well be that lack of action for ten
days caused the hard drive bearings to seize up due to old lubrication. The
drive may not be spinning.

After determining that the drive were indeed seized I would, if it were my
computer (I am not recommending that you do this) give the drive a sharp rap
on the edge of the drive case with the handle of a screw driver to see if I
could jog it loose. The drive is no good at that point anyway so I would
have nothing to lose. If it freed up I would immediately copy what I need
off the drive and then replace the drive.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from: George Ankner
"If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!"