Not all devices have the option to change IRQ's in Windows. However, you can check this to see if you can manually change the IRQ. Right-click on 'My Computer', choose 'Properties', then find the device you want to change IRQ (or find Device Manager if you have Win2k or WinXP), double-click on item, click on 'Resources' tab, scroll down to find the 'Interrupt Request' entry and highlight it. If you can change the settings, it will give you an option to unselect the automatic settings and also assign another IRQ number. It will also be kind enough to let you know if there is another device on your newly chosen IRQ.

There are not many devices that allow you to do this anymore. Usually, older motherboards and lower quality motherboards have problems like this. It sounds like you have quite a bit of hardware installed in your computer so it may be difficult to get everthing to work right. Ocassionally, I have gone out to purchase a new modem or Ethernet card of another brand to get the right IRQ's on older boards. Just be carefull, too much hardware adjustments can lead to an unhappy BIOS.

Good luck.

Computerpilot

Did you recently add hardware? Compaq is infamous for particular hardware configuration problems. If you have, then remove the device and try again. If, for example, you added a network card, then you might return the network card and purchase another brand. I know this sounds stupid, but every card has a favorite IRQ address(es) they like to use. Most times, this address can be shared. In some configurations, they cannot and the computer will not automatically switch to an unused address. I cannot always blame Compaq for these problems as they usually stem at the BIOS (motherboard) programming.

If you do not get the Compaq logo, then that would indicate you are not 'posting'. This means that your bios will not even start. You may even get a series of weird beeps every time you try to start. I think if you hit any key at the compaq logo, you should be able to see the post and what is going on. I am not sure with presarios...

If you did not recently add anything, then check the hard drive. A new hard drive is reasonably inexpensive and can be replaced at your local computer/electronics store (they will install for free, usually). It sounds like your problem is indicative of a bad hard drive. Of course, they would probably be willing to test your hard drive as well.

I hope this helps. Feel free to post back if you have tried these solutions and they do not work. Whatever you do, don't bother calling Compaq technical support. They are a realy pain to deal with at times!

I would think that your assessment of the power supply would be right; however, you mentioned that the fan was turning on the processor. This would indicate you are getting power. You could try switching power supplies from your deskpro to your other system. They should be compatible. As a matter of fact, you should be able to get the machines close enough to just hotwire the other board. Then you won't have to remove it from your deskpro. Another thing to consider, are you getting fan movement in the power supply? This could also create a problem if it is not turning. If this is the case, then get a new power supply.

Good luck.