need to install OS on old laptop

10leej · May 3rd, 2009, 01:56 PM

I have a compuadd 425TX laptop the FCC ID is GXLD4X2MA and I'm getting a message saying "Operating System Missing" and I need to figure out how to put an OS on it cause I use it for note taking in class.

I have heard that you can install windows using a floppy disk but I don't know how. I do have a linux disc and I would prefer if that was the OS.

**GroundZero3** · May 4th, 2009, 06:01 AM

Does your computer have a cd rom? If so you will need to boot to a operating installation disc to install an os

10leej · May 4th, 2009, 04:55 PM

it has a 3.5" floopy drive

**GroundZero3** · May 4th, 2009, 05:01 PM

Well do you have windows on a floppy?

10leej · May 5th, 2009, 08:14 AM

no but i have heard that you can set up windows to install through a floppy.

**GroundZero3** · May 5th, 2009, 08:19 AM

Older windows versions could be installed on a floppy, however that hasn't been done in like 10 years? They were released in floppy formats

Nude_Lewd_Man · May 5th, 2009, 12:11 PM

I know that Windows 2000 was released on CD, as was everything else since. At work we have a CD with 98 (and possibly 95 too), but these may have had an option of installing with (around 6) floppies...

I know that I'm bearing off topic, but:
You wouldn't have a hope of installing Fista with floppies though..!!

Just thought about how many you would need...... Around 4 GB on floppies....

electric · May 5th, 2009, 02:38 PM

setup floppies just prepares the HD to install windows ,you
will still need a disc drive and a CD-ROM disc with windows on it

the highest you can install windows with floppies is Win 3.1
and thats with DOS install [6.0 ]

10leej · May 5th, 2009, 06:13 PM

my laptop had windows 95 on it before it started telling me that the OS was missing. and I don't think the hard drive in it died because it is still shown in the bios.

cksboy15 · May 6th, 2009, 05:35 PM

It is possible for a hard drive to die and still be recognized in the bios. That Laptop is 14 years old so I wouldn't be surprised if that's whats happening. Either way I suggest you look into a new laptop.

The Asus eee comes with linux on it and its under $300. Unfortunately its a netbook and what the difference between a netbook and a laptop is I do not know. It does have a 20GB hard drive in it so it can probablt hold a lot more stuff on it.

Newegg.com - ASUS Eee PC 901 20G - Pearl White NetBook Intel Atom 8.9" Wide SVGA 1GB Memory 20GB SSD Integrated Graphics - Netbooks