I have a compaq presario 722us laptop and it has a label 'designed for microsoft xp', i have tried to install linux (3 different versions) and all of them didnt boot on the screen just write 'li' then restart, even i use xp it didnt permit use another dvd player and cd burner exept the programs which they supply. finnaly i am stucked on xp and these programs, it is obivus there is bios lock if anyone knows how can i update the bios, please share with me. thanks

Hello,

If that's the case, this means war. How can Micro$oft devour a good piece of equipment like that!?

Did you try using a floppy disk to load up linux? Perhaps there may be some hard drive / MBR issues.

If you can get DOS working, you may want to try using loadlin to load Windows.

keep us updated,
Murdock

I have that specific laptop, and it is FAR from a good piece of equipment. They are VERY prone to overheating, frying the processor, melting the motherboard, and Compaq does nothing about it. Mine was serviced 20 times over the last two years (I sent it back roughly once a month). The motherboard has a fault on it that causes it to lock up if more than 256mb of RAM is in it (it can be upgraded to 384MB). Compaq knows this, and does nothing about it, despite the public outcry on the Compaq/HP forums.

Just as a sidenote, when my warranty expired this summer, I disassembled the laptop myself. Inside, I found metal shavings, extra pieces of the sauter (sp?) from when the laptop was assembled EVERYWHERE. It took me hours to clean it, I applied some Arctic Silver to the processor, and modified the fans inlets and outlets to allow more airflow. It runs Mandriva 10.2 now, albiet, the keyboard is always warm to the touch, as well as the bottom.

To the OP, the bios is locked in more ways than you can ever imagine. In my experience, I was never able to flash it. You may have to try booting off of a floppy disk rather than a CD. Good luck.

Kramer,

Well, then a match made in heaven.

Years ago, it was known that Compaq laptops were terrible. I thought things have changed. Guess not.

later,
Murdock