repost: help! setting BIOS on Presario 9546 for slave hard drive

[Castleberry]

I'm trying to install a Western Digital 2.1 hard-drive as a slave in my
Presario 9546. The BIOS recognized the new drive but it installed as only a
528 meg drive. Please help: 1) how do I set up the BIOS to recognize the
full capacity of the drive; 2) how do I change path letters and 3) then
format the new drive (I've heard to run from the EZ-drive that came with the
Western Dig. HD). Any suggestions greatly appreciated :)

This article was posted from <A HREF="http://www.slurp.net/">Slurp Net</A>.

[Jeanne Markowski]

Castleberry wrote in message <34aec...@news3.kcdata.com>...

Hi,
I installed a Quantum Fireball 2.1 on a 9546 last year, and the bios will
not recognize the drive at its correct size. Even using the Bios upgrade
from Compaq's homepage didn't work. You have to use the disk management
software that came with the drive( like On-track). If none came with the
drive, go to Western Digitals Homepage and they will have it. Follow the
directions on screen when you install the software and it should tell you
how to format and when you do, you will "name" the drive a new letter. I
think you can also set the drive letter in System(right click on My Computer
and go to disk drives).
I hope that I remembered this correctly.
jeanne

[John Prill]

Do NOT use the disk management software.

Read below. There is a SP file that is listed for helping with this
issue...

Please read through this document entirely before proceeding. Not all
information will pertain to you. It is very likely that you will not see
your exact model # in this document. It is not necessary for your exact
model of Presario to be listed. This document is to be used as a reference
guide only, NOT as exact instructions for installing a new hard drive for
your exact model of computer.

Compaq has not tested any [E]IDE hard drive's larger than the one presently
installed in your computer. We do not have any information on which brands
work the best, any compatibility issues you may encounter, or a price. If
you do wish to replace the HD in your unit, you should know that the
software will need to be reinstalled by diskette. It is not possible to
Quick Restore a drive larger than what is preinstalled in the computer.

If you have a unit that is an All in One unit, (a 500 or 5000 series), or a
one of the 486 700 series (720, 724, etc) you cannot have 2 hard drives in
the computer. There is no room. You will be replacing the current drive
that is installed with the newer drive you purchased. If you have a 500
series computer, you may need to get a ROM upgrade. See Below.

If you have a 5000 series computer, you do not need a ROM upgrade. Your
computer should handle a larger drive without any problem what so ever. Be
aware of the operating system limitations listed below.

In both cases, you must boot the computer with a diagnostics diskette in
order to put the BIOS partition on the drive. You _must_ do this before
running FDISK or FORMAT on the new Hard drive. Diagnostics files are listed
below. If you install any kind of Disk Management software, you will not be
able to install the Compaq diagnostics/Computer Setup. Further information
is provided below.

You do not in any way, form, or manner need a "Compaq hard drive" to
install in your computer. That is a myth. Any [E]IDE hard drive from a
local computer store will work.

The files you may need to install a new HD include:

SP1363.EXE - 5, 7, 900 series -- Computer Setup
SP2141.EXE - 5, 7, 9000 series -- Computer Setup
SP2373.EXE - all series -- Diagnostics

YOU DO NOT NEED ALL 3 FILES. Choose the correct files for your model of
computer.
Download the appropriate file you need from www.compaq.com
save it to your HD, not a floppy disk
run the file off the HD, where it will ask for and use a blank floppy.
It will create a boot disk that will let you get into the appropriate area
you need, depending on which area of computer setup you need.

If you have a 5, 7, or 900 series computer with a 486 processor in it, you
may need to update the BIOS. The upgraded BIOS is NOT downloadable, but a
chip that needs to be replaced on the system board.
Order Part # 171154-001 from 800-952-7689 for 700 and 900 series.
Order Part # 177185-001 from 800-952-7689 for 500 series.
(From Customer reports, the upgraded ROM in the 500 series allows a 2gb
drive with no problem, (and no additional controller, or drive management
software.))

If you have a 742, 744, 748, 940, 942, 944, 954, or 948, you'll need to use
part # 200932-001 from 800-952-7689

If you are unable to get the ROM from that #, call Tech Support @
800-Ok-Compaq. They should be able to send the ROM out to you with no
problem. If you are outside of the U.S., Contact your local Compaq office.

You're also going to need a ROM Removal Tool. These are available as part
of a standard Computer Tool Kit from places like Computer City, CompUSA,
Best, Buy, etc. The tool itself is a small piece of plastic that works like
a tweezer except that it has a slight claw pointing inwards. (A technician
at one of the store's above _should_ be able to identify one for you.) One
of those kits prove to be a worth while investment over time. You certainly
don't need one of the deluxe kits, there's usually a 10 or 12 piece kit
with about 4 screwdrivers, a ROM Removal Tool, and a few other pieces.
(Another place to get the kit is a local technical college.)

The following is meant to be used as a guide only. This information is NOT
to be taken as installation instructions for the new hard drive. If you
have any questions on the installation of your new Hard Drive, you should
contact the drive manufacturer. Compaq does not have detailed installation
instructions for third party products.

The preinstalled HD is labeled enough to determine what the jumper settings
should be.
Here are some common definitions for jumper labels on HDs

CS = Cable Select
AC = not used (ie: ignore it)
CD = Master on/off

Compaq does not have jumper settings to provide for specific settings.

The computer you have should fully support that new drive, although you may
need an additional item or two...

a different HD cable than what is in your computer (as in a standard IDE
dual HD cable available from any local computer store).

You do NOT need a new BIOS chip/upgrade if the drive in your computer
currently is larger than 540mb.
You do NOT need a new Controller installed if the drive in your computer
currently is larger than 540mb.
You do NOT need any Disk Manager software if the drive in your computer is
currently larger than 540mb.

If the drive in the computer is currently larger than 540mb, then the
computer DOES support LBA mode.

Some models of Presarios, (742, 744, 748, 920, 924, 940, 942, 944, 948, or
954), only have 1 IDE controller in them. If you have one of those models,
you will need to purchase another controller for unit. If you get a full
controller, you must disable all items on that controller except for one
IDE controller. (Turn off the printer port, serial port, joystick port, and
the secondary IDE controller.) There is no way to disable the on-board
controller. Compaq does not test third party controllers in the Presarios,
so we do not have any information as to what works "the best", installation
instructions, compatibility issues, or a price. Some third party
controllers have an on-board BIOS that allows for larger HD sizes. Some
customers have reported that disabling the BIOS on these controllers has
resolved some conflicts on boot.

Then, you would connect both Hard Drives to the primary controller jumpered
as master & slave accordingly, and the CDROM would be jumpered as master on
the secondary controller.

Your computer should automatically detect the new drive configuration and,
if the HD that came with your computer is the master, should boot directly
into Win95. DO NOT GO INTO COMPUTER SETUP TO MANUALLY SETUP THE NEW
DRIVE!!!!! You should have no problems with either of the drives or the
CDROM. (The only thing you _may_ need to do is to go into F10 Computer
Setup and enable the secondary controller, but not likely. This means that
when you go to F10 Computer setup, click on Storage, and then Advanced, and
make sure IRQ 15 is selected.)

If the new HD is the master drive in your configuration, then you would
boot up with the diagnostic diskettes. It would then walk you through a few
steps to get everything taken care of. DO NOT MANUALLY SETUP THE NEW DRIVE
IN COMPUTER SETUP! You should have no problems with either of the drives or
the CDROM. (The only thing you _may_ need to do is to go into F10 Computer
Setup and enable the secondary controller, but not likely. This means that
when you go to F10 Computer setup, click on Storage, and then Advanced, and
make sure IRQ 15 is selected.)

If you have a 5000 or 9000 computer, jumper both HDs as Cable Select, and
the CDROM as Master on the secondary controller. The CMOS on your computer
should automatically detect the new drive and a newer version of
diagnostics OR the disk manager software included with the drive should NOT
be needed. (The only thing you _may_ need to do is to go into F10 Computer
Setup and enable the secondary controller, but not likely.)
You are more than welcome to jumper the HDs as Master/Slave if you wish.
There is nothing forcing you to configure them as cable select.

If you install/use any kind of Disk Management software, you will
either....

a> not be able to install the Compaq diagnostics software
b> screw up the Compaq diagnostics software.
c> cause "MS-DOS Compatibility mode" in Win95

Avoid using Disk Management software when possible. Compaq does not
recommend that you use Disk Management software. If you absolutely have to,
then do so. You will simply need to have the Compaq Cmos Computer Setup on
diskette that you can boot to.

It's very possible that the CMOS on your computer will not recognize the
larger HD even after an upgrade.
If that happens, then download and install SP2824.EXE from www.compaq.com

The following is what customers are reporting works in their unit

720 --> 3.5gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned
774 --> 3.1gb, no BIOS upgrade, no disk management sw, no additional hw,
partitioned
520 --> 1.6gb,
520 --> 3.1gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, no disk management sw, SIIG EIDE
controller, ?? partitioned.
524 --> 2.5gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned
524 --> 3.1gb,
528 --> 4gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, no additional hw,
partitioned
528 --> 7gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw,
partitioned 4x
924 --> 2.1gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned
924 --> 2.4gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned
924 --> 3.1gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned
942 --> 1.6gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned
972 --> 6.4gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk Management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned, as slave
982 --> 3.1gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? disk management sw, ?? additional HW, ??
partitioned
992 --> 2.5gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? disk management sw, ?? additional HW, ??
partitioned
992 --> 6.4gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk Management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned

7180 --> 5.1G, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk Management sw, ?? additional hw, ??
partitioned, as slave

9232 --> 3.2gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw,
?? partitioned
9232 --> 5.2gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk management sw, ?? additional hw,
?? partitioned
9548 --> 5gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk Management sw, ?? additional hw,
partitioned
9548 --> 4.3gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk Management sw, ?? additional hw,
?? partitioned
9564 --> 4.3gb, ?? BIOS upgrade, ?? Disk Management sw, ?? additional hw,
?? partitioned
9642 --> 2.6gb, no BIOS upgrade, Maxtor disk management sw, no additional
hw, partitioned.

This does not mean in any way that the same configuration will work for
you. Your results may vary. This list does not mean that Compaq will
guarantee the same configuration will work for you.

You can easily setup a second hard drive as a SLAVE on the Primary Disk
Controller with your current hard drive as the MASTER. You can install any
size SLAVE, but the computer will not recognize anything over 2GB when
using DOS 6.2, Windows95, OSR1. THIS IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM LIMITATION,
NOT A BIOS LIMITATION. Therefore, if you add one that is 3GB, you will
have to partition it down into smaller drives or "logical partitions",
using FDISK or a reputable hard disk partitioning application. For
example, for a 3GB you can have two partitions of a 2GB and a 1GB. Its
still all one hard drive, just divided into sections so the computers BIOS
will see its total size. In this instance you would then have the drive
letters of:

A = floppy
C = current drive
D = 2GB
E = 1GB
F = CD ROM drive

The CD ROM drive is always pushed down the last letter designation. The
programs you have installed which require a CD to run, will most likely
have to be reinstalled to the path change to the files on the CD. IF you
have another drive attached to the system like a Zip drive or tape backup,
and are running Win95, you can change the drive letter of the CDROM drive
in case the letter gets switched with the other drive.

Make sure in your Config.sys you have the LASTDRIVE line =Z.
[in Windows, go to Start/File, Run, type in "Sysedit", and hit <enter>.
Click on the window that says "Config.sys", and there should be a line that
says something like

LASTDRIVE=E

just change the E to Z.]

Keep in mind that the smaller the partition the fewer KB's are in each
storage cluster and the less space is wasted. For example, in a 2GB
partition the clusters will hold 32Kb. If you save a 5KB file it will
occupy a 32KB cluster and 27KB's will be wasted space because it's one file
per cluster. As opposed to a 1GB partition where the clusters hold 16KB
and only 11KB's would be wasted. And so on.....

Partition Size Cluster Size
0 - 127MB 2KB
128 - 255MB 4KB
256 - 511MB 8KB
512 - 1023MB 16KB
1024 - 2047MB 32KB

After the partitioning is complete, all the new drives that were created
have to be FULLY FORMATED
before they can accept data.

Depending on the hard drive brand you choose, you may have to purchase
rails (brackets) to install a 3 1/2" hard drive into a Compaq's 5 1/4"
drive bay. The service center where you purchase the hard drive will
probably have them on hand. All you need is a pair of rails. The
alternative is to order a rails kit from Compaq @ 1-800-345-1518.

NOTE: The QuickRestore kit is programed to install on the Active Partition
of the Primary Dos Partition, which is your C-Drive. When QuickRestore is
run, it reformats and restores the Primary partition as part of the
process, and it will NOT successfully restore on a multiple partitioned
drive. So, if you ever anticipate needing to run the QuickRestore kit, it
would probably not be wise to setup a new larger hard drive as the Master.
If you plan to make a clean install of Windows95, without any of the Compaq
software, then it would be feasible to use it as the Master.

If you set up the new drive as a partitioned Slave, if you ever need to
QuickRestore, hopefully not, all you have to do to be safe is disconnect
the second drive from the ribbon cable and power source. This will prevent
its detection and possible erasure of data.

Castleberry <castl...@graphix.com> wrote in article

[Jeanne Markowski]

John Prill wrote in message <01bd19df$0be80b80$6a281cac@JLASatellite>...

>Do NOT use the disk management software.
>
>Read below. There is a SP file that is listed for helping with this
>issue...
>

>
(SNIP)

When I called the Compaq service center last January with the same question
regarding installing a Quantum Fireball 2.1 HD, the only advice that the
tech would give me was to use On-Track because "there was no other way to do
it". I asked if there was a ROM upgrade and was told that the one in my 9546
was the most recent one. I later found that this wasn't true. I upgraded the
ROM at that time. I have since reformatted and partioned my HD's and found
the same problem with the bios only finding the 528 meg HD. I again called
tech support, and was told to use the On-Trak software. Perhaps if the techs
had the same information that you do, it would make life easier for all
concerned.
BTW, I had also gotten the "Installing a 2nd Hard Drive" information off of
Compaq's web site, and it contained NONE of the above information.
To get into setup, I simply boot a floppy with the Compaq setup on it, and
have yet to have a problem.
One other problem that I had was finding the rails. I called all of the
Compaq resellers and authorized repair facilities in the Northern Metro
Detroit area, and not one had rails for sale. I had bought my machine at
Sears and they had no idea what I was talking about. I happened on a tech at
Best Buy who had an extra set of his own and he let me have them.

Jeanne Markowski
jmma...@cardina.net

[Mark]

I had the same problem with my 9240. I have gotten all of this crap from
them saying don;t use disk software, but, I can't figure out how to get
around it. I guess Compaq's real goal is to get you to buy a new computer
when your HD gets full. Why would anyone want to just add a new HD with
more space??

Mark

--
If e-mailing me, remove the XX
from in front of my e-mail address.
Jeanne Markowski wrote in message <68r2cn$k...@snews1.zippo.com>...

>
>John Prill wrote in message <01bd19df$0be80b80$6a281cac@JLASatellite>...

>>Do NOT use the disk management software.
>>
>>Read below. There is a SP file that is listed for helping with this
>>issue...
>>
>
>>

[John Prill]

well, if all else fails you can upgrade the BIOS with SP1588.EXE from
www.compaq.com, but that's rarely needed...

Mark <XXmm...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
<691ufm$a...@sjx-ixn1.ix.netcom.com>...

> I had the same problem with my 9240. I have gotten all of this crap from
> them saying don;t use disk software, but, I can't figure out how to get
> around it. I guess Compaq's real goal is to get you to buy a new
computer
> when your HD gets full. Why would anyone want to just add a new HD with
> more space??
>
> Mark
>
>
> --
> If e-mailing me, remove the XX
> from in front of my e-mail address.
> Jeanne Markowski wrote in message <68r2cn$k...@snews1.zippo.com>...
> >
> >John Prill wrote in message <01bd19df$0be80b80$6a281cac@JLASatellite>...

> >>Do NOT use the disk management software.
> >>
> >>Read below. There is a SP file that is listed for helping with this
> >>issue...
> >>
> >
> >>

[Jeanne Markowski]

The ROM upgrade IS SP1588, and, I had already done that.
Jeanne
John Prill wrote in message <01bd1c3e$10198560$6a281cac@JLASatellite>...

>well, if all else fails you can upgrade the BIOS with SP1588.EXE from
>www.compaq.com, but that's rarely needed...
>
>
>
>Mark <XXmm...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
><691ufm$a...@sjx-ixn1.ix.netcom.com>...
>> I had the same problem with my 9240. I have gotten all of this crap from
>> them saying don;t use disk software, but, I can't figure out how to get
>> around it. I guess Compaq's real goal is to get you to buy a new
>computer
>> when your HD gets full. Why would anyone want to just add a new HD with
>> more space??
>>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>> --
>> If e-mailing me, remove the XX
>> from in front of my e-mail address.
>> Jeanne Markowski wrote in message <68r2cn$k...@snews1.zippo.com>...
>> >
>> >John Prill wrote in message <01bd19df$0be80b80$6a281cac@JLASatellite>...

>> >>Do NOT use the disk management software.
>> >>
>> >>Read below. There is a SP file that is listed for helping with this
>> >>issue...
>> >>
>> >
>> >>

[Justin Law]

Perhaps Compaq doesnt want their customers to use disk management software
because it could damage the non dos partition on the master disk where the
compaq bios information is stored.
Just a thought.
Jessica