I recently acquired a Compaq LTE 286 and at start-up it shows the memory, beeps loudly 4 times and says:
1790-Disk 0 Error
167-RTC Lost Power
162-System Options Not Set-(Run Setup)
Insert DIAGNOSTIC diskette in Drive A:

(RESUME = "F1" KEY)

I dowloaded the diagnostic diskette off HP's website and when inserted the PC says:
Starting MS DOS
It searches for the mouse and then says it is unable to execute set-up.
I insert an MS-DOS 3.2 Disk (Disk 2 I think) which contains a file Setup.exe, it then says to re-insert the Diagnostic disk, once I do that and press Enter it says "Bad or missing command interpreter".

Another forum found on an internet search suggested using a MS-Dos 6.22 Boot Disk, so I made one and inserted it when the first error comes up (after the 4 beeps) and it says "Starting MS-DOS" and then stops doing anything.

How can I fix this? Do I need to purchase MS Dos? Because I'm using a version downloaded from the internet

Hi Zanc,

1790, actually relates to a HDD failure of some kind. It is unable to read from the Hard Drive itself.

Can you check to make sure the HDD is properly connected to the motherboard. Try using a different IDE cable if possible, and make sure the HDD is powering up when you turn the PC on?

I opened it up and the HDD appears to be connected to the motherboard, there are no IDE cables, it has thick orange-ish tape (like the kind on laptop keyboards). It's late but tomorrow I can post a photograph.
I'd like to install Windows 286 on it (which I have a legal copy of), is that possible without MS Dos?

Hi Zachary - Im not entirely sure but I believe that MS don't charge for such old copies of windows anymore.

However...Windows was never an entity in itself (as it is now). Infact, it wasn't until Windows NT that DOS wasn't required to run.

Win95, 98 and ME (and all before hand) all required a base of DOS to install.

Here's a photograph of the Hard Drive


GarHar, I already have the copy of Windows 286, I got it off eBay some time ago and bought this old laptop with hopes of using it...will I have to buy DOS also...or can I use the version I have downloaded?

^older windows rely on MS-DOS. All they are is GUI for MS-DOS. ME was the last Windows to rely on MS-DOS. So, yes, you need a working copy of DOS, the you can install windows.

Hope it helps

~Quarsar