Possible battery failure?

[smilingroadrunner]

My son has been using our previous desktop since Dec 2004, this original Gateway was purchase in Dec 2000. Last evening he brought to my attention the computer screen was blank with the message "cannot find operating system" I believe he said he had turned it off once or twice to see if it would start up. I believe he said that it brought up the initial 'Gateway' logo and then goes to the blank screen with the above message. My intent when he awakes this day is to initially see if I can F1 enter the BIOS on start up to see if the internal battery may have failed, if BIOS appears to be ok would the next logical step be to simply try the Gateway System Restoration CD, and the option to reinstall Windows over the current Windows installation. This system is still based on Windows 98 SE operating system, and probably will be replaced next year, but it does give him a resource when other family members are using the other computers.

[classfour]

I would more likely guess a hard drive failure.

If you have the original restore disc, a replacement can be found for a reasonable price in the under 40GB 2.5 inch type drives.

[classfour]

I would more likely guess a hard drive failure.

If you have the original restore disc, a replacement can be found for a reasonable price in the under 40GB 2.5 inch type drives.

My bad - 3.5 inch drive - they're cheap these days. On some MOBOs you can even go over 100GB.

[smilingroadrunner]

Well, that's a good possibility; and probably likely because he mentioned that there was a sound coming from the Hard Drive occasionally yesterday. The system seemed to be working fine, at the time it stopped I believe he was online. I appreciate the quick thoughts. I was hoping that it might be a more simple problem, rather than a hardware replacement. I'll know more later this day. Thanks again !!!

[smilingroadrunner]

I'll also have to show my middle son your graphic signature. He also loves his Jeep "Mountain Goat"

[smilingroadrunner]

Thanks 'classfour' It sounds Baaaaad---fortunately nothing of importance on old harddrive, so we'll replace.