Windows Vista shows BIOS screen 2nd picture below, and after exiting BIOS, it goes to be a screen like 3rd picture... well.

[lsepolis123]

A photographer friend of mine has an old PC running Windows XP/VISTA. He only needs to use the Scanner connected to this PC with an expansion card ["2"=in the picture].
The expansion card ["1"=in the picture] is a graphics card only with a VGA Slot.
"3" = should be SATA Disk
"4" = should be IDE Disk

well,

"2" SCANNER CARD WHAT TYPE IS?

The PC for 1 year has not turned on and is unable to boot now.

Initially showed monitor VGA NO SIGNAL
After cleaning from dust expansion CARDS + MOTHERBOARD + RAM Chips - booted but shows BIOS screen 2nd picture below, and after exiting BIOS, it goes to be a screen like 3rd picture... well...?

can the scanner card ("2" in the 1st picture), be removed to be inserted in another old functional PC?

try fixing the PC - must be HDD failure[?], so... alternatively what to try, ... ? boot from CD/DVD to repair the HDD?

 

[ChatGPT]

Your friend’s old PC seems to be experiencing some issues, and it’s great that you've already cleaned out the dust from the components. Here's a breakdown of the situation and suggestions for moving forward.

Components and Questions​

1. Scanner Card ("2") – What Type Is It?
   • To determine the exact type of scanner card you're dealing with (e.g., SCSI, USB, parallel), you’ll want to know the specific model number on the card itself or any details from the manufacturer. Generally, scanning cards are used to connect scanners to PCs, and they can vary significantly in type.
2. BIOS Issues
   • The images show that the PC can get into the BIOS setup but experiences issues afterward, indicated by the "Floppy disk(s) fail (40)" message and a "VGA NO SIGNAL" error initially. This suggests potential hardware failures or configuration issues.
   • The second image is the BIOS setup, where you'd typically see hardware configurations.
   • The third image shows the boot sequence with detected hardware, and the error can indicate that the system might be trying to boot from a non-functional floppy drive or another issue with the drives.
3. Removing the Scanner Card
   • Yes, the scanner card can be removed and installed in another functional PC, provided that the second PC has compatible slots and drivers available for the scanner. This is often a good way to determine if the issue is with the scanner card or with the original PC.
4. Troubleshooting HDD Issues
   • If you suspect an HDD failure, booting from a CD/DVD (or USB) to run diagnostics or repair tools can be effective. Tools like Hiren’s BootCD or a Windows install disc can help diagnose or repair the problem without relying on the existing HDD.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps​

• Check connections: Ensure that all cables, especially SATA or IDE cables for drives, are properly connected.
• RAM issues: Reseat the RAM sticks; sometimes simply taking them out and putting them back in can improve connectivity.
• Replace components: If you have access to spare components, testing with another power supply or even another HDD may help confirm where the fault lies.

Conclusion​

Consider running diagnostics with bootable media and checking the scanner card compatibility with other machines as a next step. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need more specific guidance about any aspect of this situation or if you find different behavior after troubleshooting!
Here’s the detailed breakdown of the images you've provided:

1. First Image: Internal Computer Components - Displays various internal components, highlighting the scanner card.
2. Second Image: BIOS Setup Interface - Shows the BIOS settings, which allow you to check hardware configurations.
3. Third Image: BIOS Boot Sequence Information - Displays detected hardware and errors encountered during the boot process.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need assistance with anything specific!

 

[lsepolis123]

Hiren’s BootCD Can run on old PCs --- as old as Windows XP or Vista?

 

[ChatGPT]

Yes, Hiren's BootCD can indeed run on older PCs, including those with Windows XP or Vista. Hiren's BootCD is a bootable collection of various diagnostic and repair tools, and it is designed to be versatile enough to work on older hardware.

Key Features of Hiren's BootCD:​

• Compatibility: The earlier versions of Hiren’s BootCD support systems as old as Windows XP, so your photographer friend's old PC should be able to boot from it without major issues.
• Tools Included: It includes a suite of utilities for troubleshooting problems, such as data recovery tools, partition managers, antivirus utilities, and various system diagnostics.
• Booting Options: You can either burn it to a CD/DVD or create a bootable USB drive, which allows for flexibility depending on the PC's capabilities.
• Ease of Use: The interface is generally user-friendly, making it accessible even for those who might not be technically inclined.

Steps to Use Hiren's BootCD on the Old PC:​

1. Download Hiren's BootCD: Obtain the ISO file from the official site.
2. Create Bootable Media: Use software like Rufus or UNetbootin to create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a CD.
3. Boot from the Media: Insert the bootable media into the PC and restart. You may need to enter the BIOS setup to change the boot order, prioritizing the USB/CD drive.
4. Run Diagnostics: Once booted, you can run the various tools available to check for hard drive issues, recover data, or create partitions.

This should be a solid way to address potential issues with the hardware or software on the machine. If you encounter further questions or need more specific instructions about the tools or processes, just let me know!

 

[lsepolis123]

How understand if a PC is 32bit or 64bit? from BIOS?

 

[ChatGPT]

To determine whether a PC is 32-bit or 64-bit, you can't directly identify this from the BIOS alone, but there are some clues that may indicate the architecture. Here’s how you can find out if your PC is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version:

Steps to Check Architecture via BIOS​

1. Access the BIOS:
   • Restart the computer and press the appropriate key (usually Del, F2, F10, or Esc) to enter the BIOS during boot-up.
2. Look for Processor Information:
   • Once in the BIOS, navigate to the section that shows processor details. This section usually contains information about the CPU model.
   • Note the model of the processor, which you can check online for specifications to see if it supports 64-bit architecture. Most newer processors (from Intel and AMD) will be 64-bit capable.

Alternative Methods from the Operating System:​

Since BIOS may not explicitly state whether the OS is 32-bit or 64-bit, here's how you can check the architecture through the operating system (if it can boot):

1. On Windows XP/Vista:
   • Right-click on My Computer (or This PC) and select Properties.
   • In the System Properties window, look under the General tab. If it says "X64 Edition", your OS is 64-bit. If it doesn’t mention that, it's likely 32-bit.
2. Command Prompt:
   • Open the Command Prompt and type:
     

     cmd echo %PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE%

   • If it returns “AMD64”, then your system is 64-bit. If it returns “x86”, it's 32-bit.

Summary:​

While BIOS can give you valuable information about the processor, confirming if the OS is 32-bit or 64-bit is often more straightforward from within the Windows environment. If you’re unable to boot into Windows, using the processor model from BIOS to check specifications online will be your best bet.
If you need more assistance with any particular step or have further questions, feel free to ask!

 

[lsepolis123]

Hiren’s BootCD iso, where find to download the 32bit version?

 

[ChatGPT]

You can download the 32-bit version of Hiren's BootCD from the official Hiren's BootCD website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to Hiren’s BootCD.
2. Selecting the Version:
   • Look for the section that provides the download options. Hiren’s BootCD has different versions, including a 32-bit version.
   • There is typically a link for the Legacy (32-bit) version or a mention of 32-bit in the download section.
3. Downloading the ISO:
   • Click on the link that leads to the 32-bit version download. It will typically be an ISO file that you can save to your computer.
4. Creating Bootable Media:
   • After downloading the ISO, you can create a bootable USB drive or burn it to a CD/DVD using tools like Rufus or ImgBurn.

Note:​

Make sure to choose the appropriate version based on your friend's old PC specifications. If he has a 32-bit processor, the 32-bit version is necessary for it to work properly.
If you have any trouble finding it or need further guidance, just let me know!

 

[lsepolis123]

Is the: Hirens.BootCD.15.2.zip of Old Versions | Hiren's BootCD PE the newest 32-bit Hirens Boot CD Toolbox available?

 

[ChatGPT]

The Hirens.BootCD.15.2.zip you mentioned from the old versions section is not the newest version of Hiren's BootCD, but it is one of the earlier builds. The latest versions, particularly Hiren's BootCD PE (Preinstalled Environment), are more updated, and they focus on providing a better range of tools and support for more modern systems.

Current Version​

As of now, Hiren's BootCD PE (often just referred to as Hiren's BootCD) is the more recent iteration, but it primarily supports 64-bit architecture. The 15.2 version is indeed an older version and includes the 32-bit environment.

Recommendations:​

1. For 32-Bit Needs: If you specifically need a 32-bit version, the Hirens.BootCD.15.2.zip will work, but keep in mind that it might not include the latest tools or drivers that are found in more modern versions.
2. For Newer Functionality: If your friend's old PC can be upgraded in terms of hardware or if using a newer PC with 64-bit is an option, the latest version of Hiren's BootCD PE would be more beneficial for a wider array of functionalities.
3. Download Link for Old Versions: For your reference, you can find the old versions, including 15.2, on the old versions page at this link: Old Versions | Hiren's BootCD PE.

If you require more help with downloading or using Hiren's BootCD, just let me know!

 

[lsepolis123]

how to do a chksdk of c:/ system disk with 32-Bit Hirens.BootCD.15.2, how do you launch the Cmd prompt, and what command should you give?

 

[ChatGPT]

To perform a chkdsk operation on the C: system disk using the 32-Bit Hiren's BootCD 15.2, you can follow the steps outlined below:

Steps to Launch Command Prompt in Hiren's BootCD 15.2 and Run CHKDSK​

1. Boot from Hiren's BootCD:
   • Insert the Hiren's BootCD into the CD drive or connect the USB drive if you created a bootable USB.
   • Restart the PC and ensure it boots from the Hiren's BootCD. You may need to enter BIOS to change the boot order if it doesn't boot from the CD/USB by default.
2. Select Mini Windows:
   • Once Hiren's BootCD loads, it typically presents you with a menu. Select the option for Mini Windows XP, which allows you to access a Windows-like environment.
3. Open Command Prompt:
   • After entering the Mini Windows XP environment, you can access the Command Prompt:
     • Click on the Start menu in the lower-left corner.
     • Navigate to Run or simply click on Command Prompt from the list of programs.
4. Run CHKDSK Command:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to check the C: drive:
     

     cmd chkdsk C: /f /r

   • Here’s what the parameters mean:
     • /f: Fixes any errors found on the disk.
     • /r: Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.
5. Execute the Command:
   • Press Enter to execute the command. The process may take some time depending on the size and condition of the disk.
6. Review Results:
   • Once the chkdsk operation is complete, it will report any issues it found and any actions it took.

Important Notes:​

• If you encounter any errors that CHKDSK cannot fix, further steps may be needed, such as using more advanced recovery tools available in Hiren's BootCD.
• Running CHKDSK can potentially fix filesystem errors, but it’s always good practice to have backups of important data when performing disk operations.

Feel free to ask if you need further clarification or assistance!

 

[Neemobeer]

It's trying to detect a floppy disk, just follow the prompt and press f1 it should move on to the HDD to boot

 

[Mike]

It's trying to detect a floppy disk, just follow the prompt and press f1 it should move on to the HDD to boot

Now we need a reasoning model I guess. It can only see what it writes back to itself, maybe it didn't know the F1 was there.

 

[ChatGPT]

Yes, Hiren's BootCD can run on old PCs, including those as old as Windows XP or Vista systems. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

---

Key Points about Hiren's BootCD Compatibility​

1. Legacy Versions Support Older PCs:
   • Older versions of Hiren's BootCD (e.g., 10.6 or earlier) are well-suited for older hardware and operating systems like Windows XP or Vista, as they use lighter tools designed for non-UEFI systems.
   • You can download older legacy Hiren's images from archive sites, but ensure the source is trustworthy.
2. Current Hiren’s BootCD PE (Preinstallation Environment):
   • The modern Hiren's BootCD PE is based on Windows 10 PE 64-bit and requires at least 2 GB of RAM and a processor that supports 64-bit architecture.
   • This version works better for newer systems and might struggle to run on older PCs without sufficient hardware.

---

Evaluating Your PC:​

Check the following to decide which version of Hiren’s BootCD to use:

1. Does the PC Support 64-Bit?
   • If it’s a legacy 32-bit system (common for XP-era PCs), you’ll need an older Hiren’s BootCD.
2. Boot Mode:
   • Older BIOS-only systems (non-UEFI) will support legacy boot disks easily.
3. RAM Requirements:
   • If your PC has less than 2 GB of RAM, stick to Hiren’s older versions, as modern PE environments require more resources.

---

Recommended Tools for Older PCs:​

• Hiren’s BootCD 10.6 or older:
  • Ideal for diagnostics and troubleshooting XP/Vista-era machines.
  • Includes tools like MiniXP for lightweight environments.
• Alternative Lightweight Boot Disks:
  • Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD): Another versatile diagnostic CD focused on older hardware.
  • SystemRescueCD: Linux-based, lightweight bootable environment for system recovery.

---

Let me know your PC's specs, and I’ll refine the recommendation to match its capabilities!