I have just fixed the screen on my old IBM Thinkpad 240 and now want to update the OS from Win95 to either Win XP or Linux but I have a problem.

I have an external CDROM drive that works perfectly when windows is booted yet I cannot get it to be installed when booting. This is stopping me from installing a new OS. I've upgraded bios etc and tinkered with the Autoexec and configsys files but still no luck.

Can anyone help?

Many thanksWhat's wrong with the internal drive? Is the external one "PLUG and play"?

FlameSome things to keep in mind once Flame helps you get the external drive to work:

Since you had Windows 95 on the computer, you cannot upgrade directly to Windows XP. You must either upgrade to Windows 98 and then upgrade to Windows XP, or use a full installation Windows XP CD and reformat the drive (losing all your documents, etc.):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/292607/

The computer with Windows 95 must be old and, therefore, the hardware might not be COMPATIBLE with Windows XP. Check the Windows Catalogue to be sure, and REPLACE any drives, expansion cards, etc. that are not compliant:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx

Also, make sure your old PC meets the minimum requirements to run Windows XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/sysreqs.mspx

Best regards,
Doc

PS. Good to see you again, Flame!
8-)


And if the machine is that old it will NEVER boot from an external CDROM. Never.

So you have several issues to deal with. That machine is over 6 YEARS old and no doubt does NOT have enough RAM for XP to be pleasant. You didn't say, so convince me I'm wrong.Thanks for the replies.

The Thinkpad does not have an internal CDROM drive. Both the 4.25" and CDROM are connected to external ports. The 4.25" is connected through it's own port whilst the CDROM is connected through PCMCIA card. The attached image should help explain.

As for Win XP issues I'm sure your right. My ideal upgrade is to load Linux onto the laptop but as things are getting increasingly 'tricky' I'll be happy to get anything working.

Thanks again.Cool. Keep it in good working condition and it might appraise for some high value on the Antiques Road Show some day!