On Fri, 27 Feb 2004, B.Degnan wrote:
> I would not attempt to remove the 5 1/4" drive from the compaq, at least
> not yet. Someone someplace must have a 5 1/4 DOS disk and simple terminal
> program like Smart Term that you can use with a modem to download files to
> your compaq.
Forget about terminal programs and everything else until you get the
computer to boot.
> Possibilities:
> a) There is a program called Laplink that you can use to copy files to the
> Compaq without using the diskette drive. You'll need a straight-through
> serial cable, or a parallel cable that's made specially for
> laplink. Using serial mode only (somehow) laplink can install itself on a
> target computer (compaq) through the serial port without having to install
> software via the disk drive.
It can't install ANYTHING without software. MODE.COM is adequate, but
without software, (such as MODE.COM), you CAN NOT INSTALL ANYTHING.
> What I did for these situations was go to the Good will and find a PC with
> both 5 1/4 and 3.5" drives. Very useful! Every vintage computer hacker
> needs a system with multiple drive types.
Add a 3.5" drive to the Compaq.
The Portable and Portable 286 have enough room above the boards
to cut a hole to mount a 3.5" drive!
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin_at_xenosoft.com
Received on Fri Feb 27 2004 - 14:41:41 GMT