I have a computer that I have no history on. It is a Compaq nc6120. When I turn it on it says, "nonsystem disk or disk error, replace and strike any key", which does nothing and there is no disk in it. The HDD is a Seagate 40 GB AT disc drive 5400 RPM (IDE I think). I took a working HDD out of a Compaq nx9020, Hitachi 30GB 4200 RPM, IDE, changed the connector to the one that was on the 40GB, and put it in the computer. Now it says 163 time and date not set. A disk read error occured, Press Ctnl+alt+del to restart, which does nothing. If I put the 5400 RPM in the working computer, it says operating system not found. The CD does not seem to be working in the other computer. Would the 5400 and 4200 be interchangable? Would no operating system create that nonsystem disk etc error? Thanks for any help
Do you have a recovery disk for that machine ? A disk error means the hard drive is starting to go bad, You might be able to fix it, but it will take some work.. Does either one have an OS on them ?
Well,whats it doing then if it is working ? Yes! no OS will give you an error non system disk etc error.. Is there anything in that CD drive ? I need a little more info here Please ... Can you get this computer into safe mode ?
Sorry for creating confusion. The working computer is not the problem. I took the HDD out of that computer to try on the non-working computer. When I put the working HDD in the non-working computer, it comes up with the "163 time and date not set, a disc read error, etc. There is nothing in the CD drive of that computer, and I dont think it is working at all. No safe mode, the only thing I can access is the BIOS on the non-working computer with both the known working and unknown HDD. I am wondering why the known working HDD does not work when put into the non-working computer. Thanks for help.
In order for one hard drive to work in another , it MUST be the exact same computer, All the drivers for one will not work with the other.. that is why you get errors..You could take the non working hard drive and piggy back it to the working one and then use scandisk to repair the bad one..
I dont know if I can do the piggyback thing, I will research that. So if I buy a used HDD like from E-bay do you think it might work. I realize I will need an OS also. Thanks for your help again.
I would not buy one from ebay because you don't know what you are getting.. There are allot of places where you can buy new / refurbished for cheap..check here. Hard Drives, External Hard Drive, Computer Hard Drives, Cheap Hard Drives at Geeks.com
