System Software & Restoration

6.The program will prompt you to remove your CD-ROM Drive and insert the Floppy Drive. The CD-ROM and Floppy Drives are hot swappable; there is no need to power down the notebook before swapping drives. Replace the drive now. There will be a short delay as system the recognizes the new drive. When touch pad/mouse functionality returns, insert the first formatted diskette and click [OK].

7.When prompted to insert a second formatted diskette, remove the diskette 1 and label it Armada Boot Diskette 1. Then insert the second diskette and click [OK].

8.When complete remove the second diskette and label it Armada Boot Diskette 2. Write protect both diskettes.

AMI Diagnostics

Both Windows 95 and Windows NT users receive AMI Diagnostics, a DOS-based diagnostic utility, found on the Compaq Software CD. AMI Diagnostics is designed to help isolate hardware failures and identify important system configuration information prior to requesting on-site service, or returning your computer to a service center for repair. In addition to being able to run AMI Diagnostics from the Compaq Software CD, the AMI Diagnostics utility can as be run from the bootable diskette set created via the Make Boot Diskettes utility.

Using AMI Diagnostics on CD

In the event of a hardware failure, your system can be booted from the Compaq Software CD. The AMI Diagnostics can then be used to examine the computer’s current configuration, locate faulty components, and troubleshoot problems. If your system fails to boot, proceed as follows:

1.Insert the Compaq Software CD into the CD-ROM Drive and power on the notebook. Enter the System Setup Program by pressing [fn]+[F3] key combination when the Compaq logo appears.

2.Ensure that the Power Savings option on the Power menu is set to Disabled. Also ensure that ATAPI CD-ROM is the first entry in the boot priority list found on the Boot menu. Then select the Exit Saving Changes option found on the Exit menu. The notebook will automatically reboot. Refer to Chapter 4, “Configuring Your Notebook” for more information on making configuration changes in System Setup.

3.When the Compaq Armada Boot CD screen appears, press [Y] to proceed. The Armada Boot CD menu will appear.

[1]FDISK to partition your Hard Drive

[2]Format your Hard Drive

[3]Run AMI System Diagnostics

[4]Quit

3-4

Page 36
Image 36
Compaq 6500 manual Using AMI Diagnostics on CD

6500 specifications

The Compaq 6500, a significant entry in the realm of computing, emerged in the mid-1990s as a part of the Compaq Presario series. This desktop computer was designed to meet the demands of both home and small business users, offering a reliable and powerful solution for various computing needs.

One of the standout features of the Compaq 6500 was its robust performance. It was equipped with Intel's Pentium processors, which provided significant processing power for the time. Users could choose between different configurations, which made the 6500 versatile for tasks ranging from basic word processing to more demanding applications like graphic design and multimedia.

In terms of memory, the Compaq 6500 supported significant RAM upgrades, accommodating up to 64 MB of DDR RAM, which enhanced its multitasking capabilities. This was particularly useful for users who ran multiple applications simultaneously. The system also offered an array of storage options, featuring hard drives with capacities that ranged from 1 GB to 8 GB, allowing for ample space for documents, images, and software.

The Compaq 6500 showcased advanced technologies for its era, including support for Plug and Play devices, which simplified peripheral connections. This feature allowed users to easily add and remove devices like printers, scanners, and modems without extensive configuration, streamlining the user experience.

Another crucial characteristic was its graphics capabilities. The desktop came with integrated graphics technology, allowing for decent video output and enabling users to enjoy multimedia content. For more demanding users, the system could be equipped with dedicated graphics cards, enhancing its performance in gaming and graphics rendering.

In terms of connectivity, the Compaq 6500 was equipped with various ports, including serial and parallel ports, and later models introduced USB support, paving the way for a broader range of peripherals and external devices.

The design of the Compaq 6500 also deserves mention; it featured a compact and functional chassis that was relatively easy to access, allowing users to upgrade components as needed. Its attractively sleek design made it a fitting choice for both home environments and office settings.

Overall, the Compaq 6500 was a well-rounded desktop computer that balanced performance, usability, and upgradeability, making it a notable choice during its time. It exemplified Compaq's commitment to delivering reliable technology to consumers, solidifying its place in the annals of computing history.