Help needed getting files off a Win98 Laptop

[Gerry]

I'm trying to get some files off a Compaq Armada 3500 with Windows 98 (not the SE version).

 

The floppy drive says my disk is write protected when it isn't.

Linux won't boot except for some basic boot disks off Ultimate Boot CD.

No network card.

HDD has strange connector - can't use it with my HDD2USB gadget.

Laptop won't boot from USB either.

 

Any ideas?

[jamesreedersmith]

Look at the hard drive and see if theres an adapter on it - most old compaqs were IDE with an odd connector - take it out of the caddy and pull off the adapter then it should be standard IDE.

 

THanks

 

James

[Michael]

Some older laptops have a non-standard connections too, but as above it should be removable to reveal IDE its real connection type. Never understood why manufacturers did this, but thankfully it seems to be a thing of the past.

[ICT_GUY]

Look at the hard drive and see if theres an adapter on it - most old compaqs were IDE with an odd connector - take it out of the caddy and pull off the adapter then it should be standard IDE.

 

THanks

 

James

Yes this is my guess too, unless you mean its because its too small, you can get 2.5 ide > 3.5 ide adapters.

[Gerry]

Thanks guys, you're all correct. Didn't realise it was in an enclosure! Got it connected via USB, just trying to get XP to recognise it now..........Wahay! After five minutes of waiting it's appeared.

[xygorn]

Gerry,

I know this is a long shot, but I am trying to revive a discarded Armada 3500 to use as a controller for a CNC hobby project (and other electronics fiddling), but I do not have the original hard drive, and therefore do not have the enclosure you described and cannot add a drive to the laptop. I was wondering if you still had that enclosure, and if you might be willing to part with it.

 

Please let me know,

Eli