Dead (?) NEC Laptop

[beliefmask]

I have a hand me down NEC Ready 340T that I am not able to get up and running.

When I first recieved the laptop, it would boot as far as bringing up the desktop backround, and then an exploer.exe error message pops up, and the computer won't boot any further (does not hang, mouse is still useable, but booting windows halts).

I tried to format the HD, and it would not format past 23percent (it says 'drive is not ready' and quits out) This happened repeatedly (stopping at 23percent each time)

I installed a new HD, which on first boot, booted to windows without a problem (although the color and resolution settings seems to be locked at their lowest vaules, with no option to increase). Upon trying to format the 'new' HD, the same problem occurs, except it wont format past 19 percent.

In my limited computer knowledge, this leads me to believe that there is an issue with the motherboard. but I am wondering if it may be something that is easliy fixed (perhaps a BIOS flash, but I have no knowdledge or experience with this). Most likely I think, it may be a lost cause.

Looking for some hope!

Again, its a NEC Ready 340T. AMD K6 300mhz, 64 megs of Ram. IBM Travel Star 4.32 DKLA-24320 hd

Thanks!
Tim

[brad]

[beliefmask]

[brad]

First I'd enter the Bios and get the Brand and Model. Go to the Manufacturer's site and check on updates. If there is one, follow their instructions on downloading and installing (Flashing)
Ok...You're using a Win98 Boot Disk, right?
Start the Computer with it in the Drive.
At the A:\ type in fdisk Hit "Enter"
Next screen Type Y Hit "Enter"
Next select #3 and Hit "Enter"
Next select #1 and Hit "Enter"
Now select the Partition (probably #1) Hit "Enter"
Enter a label, if you want Hit "Enter"
Type a Y Hit "Enter"
Now Hit the ESC Key and select #1 Hit "Enter"
Next select #1 Hit "Enter"
Now select Y Hit "Enter"
At the prompt, restart the Computer. Select #1 Hit "Enter"
Now proceed with format C: at the A:\ prompt.
If you get errors or it won't fdisk/format let us know.
Hope this helps.
brad