Enum trick and Compaq 5690

[tranman]

I need some help. I would like to try the Enum trick on a hard drive that I am taking out of a Compaq 5690 and installing into a computer that I am building. I'm a little nervous about it, and I'm unsure if Compaq has some proprietary junk in their Windows version that is going to make it difficult to do the trick. Has anyone done this same transfer before with a Compaq? Is the Windows98 that Compaq installs on their machines the same as what I would install?

Thanks for the help...

[GaryRouth]

If it's possible to copy the files you want to keep, do that instead, and completely erase the hard drive (with fdisk or a zero-write) & do a clean install.

What do you plan to do with the old Compaq? If you try a different drive in the Compaq, you'll need to use the Recovery set of disks from Compaq (not the Quick Restore, which needs the proprietary partition).

Sounds like you have a Windows 98 disk? . . . or do you only have a Compaq recovery disk?

If you are stuck with only the win98 on the hard drive, I suppose you theoretically could try the Enum trick: but I can't guarantee it will work. Partition Magic might take the old Compaq partition off, and let you resize Win98 to use the full drive.

I don't believe Compaq does anything peculiar to Windows 98 itself, other than probably putting their splash screens, links, and logos here and there.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[tranman]

I have a fresh copy of Win98 available for the new HD that I also plan on installing in the new machine. The old Compaq HD has all of my stuff on it, and I would rather do the enum trick than have to reset all of my shortcuts, find my installation disks, etc. I did some poking around on the PcMech site and the general consensus is that you are better off not trying the enum on Compaq stuff. Do you find that is true? And if it is, is there an easier way to re-establish your shortcuts and/or transfer essential programs onto the new HD without all of the Compaq junk coming with it?

Thanks...

[GaryRouth]

Sometimes I actually advise folks building a new computer not to reuse parts from the old one, but to keep the old one as a 2nd computer (or spare) - a network switch only costs about $30 nowadays, a new 40gb hard drive can be had for $40-$50 - all your old files are accessible over the network & you can copy those that you want on both machines easily.

However, things like monitors can be pricey (though good value-line CRTs can be had for $100) - so . . . do you have so many files that saving to a few CDs is unmanageable?

. . . the Enum trick might be possible on your Compaq drive, but it would be an adventure. And the space used by the Compaq proprietary partition will be wasted unless you either use something like Partition Magic to delete it & then resize the Win98 partition. I suppose you could reformat that Compaq partition. . . I just haven't had to try this.

Although you can't install the programs from the Compaq Recovery set (your bundled office software, for example) onto a new non-Compaq build (assuming you keep the Compaq running), you might qualify for the upgrade price for a more recent version [or if you are a student, go for a student version at about the same price].

If you decide to try the Enum trick - post with your results.

Best of luck
. . . Gary


Best

[Confused]

Gary that is good advice about keeping the 2nd. PC. I did what you are suggesting and picked up a used 15" monitor for $45.00 (that was couple of years ago, probably cheaper now). Now makes a great test PC.
Chas