HP Vectra VL420 MT

Hello guys and gals!

So I got this HP Vectra VL420 MT and it has some issues with the startup, first it says that the e-diagnostics tool is not located on the harddisk im currently using (only one installed), secondly i have run that e-diagnostics tool from a cd-rw disk and it says it is some problem with the BIOS, it says that I have to run a BIOS update but it says via a diskette, that is the problem I have right now this PC. My laptop that im currently on doesnt have an diskette station on it so I was wondering if someone on this forum could at least explain a way to install this update via a cd-rw drive.

Hope I gived enough information,

any help will be appreciatied.

Ricke95

 

Hi,

That is a 10 year old computer. I really doubt it requires a BIOS update. The last update was 2002. I would hold off on doing a BIOS update but I can give you the tools to do it if you want.

What happens when you try to boot the system? What do you see on screen?

 

It stands that the bootdrive doesnt have the HP E-Diagnostic tool it needs, that was why I cant get past the BIOS screen or whatever. And when i used the e-diagnostic too off a cd-rw drive it says that theres something wrong with the BIOS and that it needs a BIOS update or if that doesnt work replace the system board (motherboard).

 

I would unplug the computer and remove the CMOS battery for 5 minutes and then replace the CMOS battery, plug in and see if you get a different message. This will reset the BIOS to defaults. Which might be enough to clear the error.

CMOS battery is a small quarter-coin sized battery that should be visible on the motherboard.

 

Hi again,

This is how the screen looks after the cmos test (attachment).
And according to hp's downloads theres a bios and/or update from 2005 viewed here: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...Id=45010&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=20#120

Ricke95

 

What that screen is saying is that it is not finding your HD as a bootable device. It is also not finding a bootable CD in the CDROM so it is trying to boot to a network (PXE) as a last option and also not finding a network.

You of course don't have a network so that is normal.

Your BIOS is working fine. The problem is that your HD is not being recognized. Most likely that would be a failing/failed HD.

I believe F10 during the HP screen would get you into BIOS. If you see a heading such as Drive or System check that it lists your HD in the list. It should show model number and capacity. If it doesn't show then perhaps you could unplug the PC and try removing the IDE (wide) cable from the CDROM and attaching it to the HD. Then see if it will boot to the HD. That would eliminate a faulty cable as to why the HD is not recognized.

 

Hello again,

I think the hdd is ready for recycling, i am just gonna salvage the case and the optical drive figure its gonna be useful for my next build probably this fall. The case is a good case tooless design (for the most part).

Hoppfully you can give some advice later on.

Have a good one and thanks for the help.

Ricke95