Most basic query

  • Thread starter Thread starter KiwiBrian
  • Start date Start date
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KiwiBrian

If a PC does not have an OS installed, (for example at an auction) but the
bios is set to look for a floppy or a CD, what would I use for a floppy or
CD that would just allow me to ascertain how much RAM the system has, and
the CPU type and clock speed?
I hope this makes sense.
TIA
Brian Tozer
 
Hi

You may be able to enter the BIOS to check on those settings. Try pressing
the Delete button as soon as you boot the PC. Or have a look at the bottom
of the screen for a message similar to 'Press X to enter setup'. Where X
could one of any numbers of keys to press.

--


Will Denny
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups
 
You could also use a W98 emergency floppy to boot the
computer and you could have one or two system scanning
programs on floppies, such as EVEREST www.lavalys.com or
BelArc Advisor from www.belarc.com
You could also have these on a CD or perhaps even a flash
drive if the mobo supports USB.

EVEREST also reports on hard drive SMART, so it will help
determine condition.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm



| Hi
|
| You may be able to enter the BIOS to check on those
settings. Try pressing
| the Delete button as soon as you boot the PC. Or have a
look at the bottom
| of the screen for a message similar to 'Press X to enter
setup'. Where X
| could one of any numbers of keys to press.
|
| --
|
|
| Will Denny
| MS MVP Windows Shell/User
| Please reply to the News Groups
|
| | > If a PC does not have an OS installed, (for example at
an auction) but the
| > bios is set to look for a floppy or a CD, what would I
use for a floppy or
| > CD that would just allow me to ascertain how much RAM
the system has, and
| > the CPU type and clock speed?
| > I hope this makes sense.
| > TIA
| > Brian Tozer
|
|
 
Hi Jim

Everest/Belarc can't be used as no OS is installed - both are too big for
floppies. Surely, the BIOS would be the easiest way?

--


Will Denny
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups
 
I tried this with a PC and could enter the BIOS but could not find any info
regarding size of RAM, or CPU type and speed.
Brian.
 
Brian,

When you first switch the PC on it should display the post check screen
to display the installed memory and possibly CPU speed before trying to
boot to an operating system.
You can use the PAUSE/BREAK key to halt the BIOS at this screen so
you can take some time to see what you're looking for.

Regards
Arron
 
KiwiBrian said:
If a PC does not have an OS installed, (for example at an auction) but the
bios is set to look for a floppy or a CD, what would I use for a floppy or
CD that would just allow me to ascertain how much RAM the system has, and
the CPU type and clock speed?
I hope this makes sense.
TIA
Brian Tozer
Click to expand...

Many computers have an option to test the main RAM during startup,
displaying the amount of RAM tested as they go. It isn't a through test,
but is enough to tell it's there. As this test lengthens the boot time,
the test may need to be re enabled in the CMOS settings.

Some BIOS chips display the CPU type and speed during the Power On Self
Test (POST).

MS DOS and some EARLY versions of Windows included a DOS diagnostic that
provided some information about the system. I found the 162 KB file
named MSD.EXE in the \other\msd folder of an OEM Windows 95 CD. I don't
know if any of the boot floppies available on line include any versions
of this utility.
 
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