recyling network computer

[kathlita]

I was given an old 486 computer for the music room at my school. It used to be in the computer lab, so it was networked. I can't get to program files or control panel, etc. Is there a way to restore it to normal without re-installing Windows 3.11?

[Eeyore]

At DOS use:
dir *.* /ar
dir *.* /ah
in the directories. This will show file that are write protected (R) and hidden (H). I recently worked on an ex-school computer and almost all the files were hidden. You can have all but the:
c:\io.sys
c:\msdos.sys
files without attributes. To remove the attributes on all files in a directory type:
attrib -r -s -h *.*

It is also possible that the file control.exe has been deleted to prevent tampering. If you have Windows install disks, you can expand missing files from those disks.
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Dennis
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[This message has been edited by Eeyore (edited 01-09-2001).]

[kathlita]

There were no hidden or read-only files, except the ones you said were supposed to be there. Someone at school suggested taking out the network card---the computer had a lot to say about that afterward, but nothing changed. I also tried to re-start and get into SETUP, but it wants a password. I wouldn't know what to do when I get there anyway! I'm checking into the password, meanwhile any other ideas would be appreciated.

[Robert M]

Try to search for a a backup file of the progman.ini file. This file might be named progman.bak or something like that. If found perform the following steps: Rename the current progman.ini to progman.ren and
rename the progman.bak to progman.ini
Quit windows if you were in windows.
Start windows. If no joy reverse the steps.

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I never say thingy.

[Vernon Frazee]

How to Reset/Disable the BIOS/CMOS Setup Password (http://www.gate.net/~vfrazee/killcmos.htm)

[Eeyore]

Let's go a little slow here. You say that you cannot get to the control panel or Program Files. does that mean you are in Windows? If so, you don't need to get into the BIOS at this point.

At the prompt type:
dir c:\*.* /a

What is there? Do you see a bunch of files and directories?

Removing the NET card should only give you an error that the device can't be found. But Windows should still function.

Please let us know.
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Dennis
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[kathlita]

Windows works, but I can't exit, have to re-boot or turn it off. I can't get to DOS except through the Windows Dos Prompt. There is no file manager or control panel listed under windows. I assume these are hidden by the network. Since I removed the card, when I boot the computer, it complains about not finding the network, etc, but still flashes a picture of---Novell?? Can't remember. Windows is still incomplete. I tried hitting delete at setup to see if there was anything obvious there, but it asks for a password. How do you get rid of the network? That's my dilemma. Still waiting on help from the school...........

[Eeyore]

Ok! The computer is operational.

If you don't have a BOOT disk you can make one (assuming they didn't remove the C:\DOS\SYS.COM file too). See Boot Disk (http://www.geocities.com/politalk/dos/bootdisk.htm#dos) for making a boot disk so you have an alternative way to boot the computer. Be sure to test the disk to make sure the computer is set to allow booting from a Floppy disk. If not, you would have to get into the BIOS Setup. If you have a boot disk and using the method Vernon suggested to access the BIOS, you will have the tools to get going again.

Now back to the prompt. When the computer first boots you should see "Starting MSDOS" (unless it is running on DOS 5.0). In the DOS windows type:
ver

This will display the version number for the DOS installed.

When you get to the prompt follow the previous post for finding what files are on the computer.
Type:
DIR C:\DOS\*.* /a
If you see a lot of files, then you may have something to work with. If security was the first order, most of the DOS file will be gone. In that case files like attrib.exe and will be missing. You would then need a boot disk (any version) that has those commands on it so you can change the settings of file on this computer.

Let us know where this gets you. See Windows 3.1/3.11 Menu (http://www.geocities.com/politalk/win31/index.html) for more information. The Troubleshooting section will most likely be of little help as you are suffering from security limitations, not malfunctions. If files are missing, you will need another source for replacement files such as install disks for the Windows.
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Dennis
Politalk (http://www.geocities.com/politalk)

[This message has been edited by Eeyore (edited 01-11-2001).]

[Robert M]

Sounds to me like the computer is already going into Windows, therefore you don't need to make a boot diskette to accomplish your goal right now. To get to a DOS prompt before running Windows, press the F8 key when the computer is starting up and displaying "starting DOS". Answer Y to the prompts except the one that prompts for win. Answer N for no to that one. You should be left at a DOS prompt. Making boot diskettes is a good idea if you don't have any yet. You can try typing "help" <enter> at the prompt for instructions on how to create them. See the "format" and "sys" commands on the help menu.

[kathlita]

The school won't pay for a computer guy to fix the problem---not worth it. I'm home, away from the computer for the weekend, but I'll fill you in and welcome any new suggestions.

Okay---there's no progman file of any sort. Windows is functionl (in the previous limited capacity), and the DOS files---version 6.2 (or 6.21?) is semi-complete. It includes an attrib.exe file, no command.exe file. Hitting F8 at the startup of DOS did get me to a c: prompt, thank you. I tried re-installing windows 3.1 and removing references to the network from the autoexec.bat and config.sys files, to no avail. I have disks for DOS 6.2 I could try re-installing. I didn't have a boot disk, didn't create one, seemed too complicated, not convinced it would help. Any other ideas???

[Eeyore]

If you have Windows 3.1 or 3.11 install disks, then you could start from scratch. If you have DOS 6.21, you can format the drive and start over. Test the disks with scandisk to make sure they are still good.

To start over, boot with DOS 6.21 Setup Disk 1. You should get to an install menu. Since you have data on the drive you will not be able to install yet.
2. Press F3 and exit the install program.
3. Type:
format c:
4. Reboot the computer from that boot disk (the hard drive is not now bootable). This will call up the install menu again.
5. Select install.
6. When the installation is finished, remove the disk from drive A and reboot the computer. You should now get C:> prompt.

7. Insert Windows 3.1 or 3.11 setup disk 1. Type:
a:\setup
8. Follow the instructions and install what components you want.
9. Now you are ready to make it your computer your way.

Mind you, you still have to overcome the BIOS password. Depending on the computer age, you may find the hard drive settings on the drive itself. You will not lose any data on the drive if you clear the BIOS with the program Vernon posted a link to. But until you set the drive back up, you will not be able to use the computer.

Unless you need to change something in the BIOS, reinstalling will not be affected. You can still use the computer.

Good luck in this learning experience.
Some info about DOS Installation (http://www.geocities.com/politalk/dos/install.htm) is here.
Step by steps for Windows 3.1/3.11 Installation (http://www.geocities.com/politalk/win31/install.htm) are here.

Let us know how it goes.
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Dennis
Politalk (http://www.geocities.com/politalk)

[This message has been edited by Eeyore (edited 01-12-2001).]

[kathlita]

Not sure I understand the last part of your message. If I wipe the hard drive and start over, will the computer work like normal, or will it still act like it's got an administrator, and not let me into things? I formatted a hard drive on a 486 once before and had trouble because I lost the mouse drivers. I'll try to copy those first, this time. Awaiting your go ahead!

[Eeyore]

When you FORMAT the drive, there will be nothing left of what is there now. So unless you add the Administrator functions, they will be gone. The Step-By-Step installation link suggests that you make sure you have such drivers as mouse CDROM, Modem, and Soundcard. If you have all the install disk, you will be putting it back to new condition (sort of).
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My
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Dennis
Politalk (http://www.geocities.com/politalk)

[kathlita]

Thanks for all your help! But I give up. I have mouse drivers, no CDRom drive or modem to worry about, but the sound card....there's the rub. No idea where the disks would be. And after all, this is for music programs! I found a technician who claims he can restore everything without wiping the hard drive, so I'm through bugging you guys! (Sure hope he lets me watch!)