ok i suspect the computer im trying to basically have no OS coz when you booted up both monitor and cpu it only brought up the compaq screen...
i tried to do f8 about multiple times it doesnt direct me to the BIOS....im still trying to perfect the timing on how to do f8..and somewhat by soome stroke of luck or so...i mange to pull up these windows config system where you have 7 choices like safe mode normal mode selective etc.... and then when i try to open the same screen again it doesnt pull it up....basically occassionally the keyboard's numlock or capslock would sometimes work sometimes its off...so mebbe somewhat i couldnt access the windows config system because...a. the computer sucks b. the keyboard is not working???

do i need to reinstall os? coz im only seeing compaq text LABEL on black backgroundF8 brings up the Windows Boot Option screen. It sounds like the OS is failing to boot up in a few different spots each time if you're loading boot options infrequently. Try pressing F10 to get into the Compaq's setup. Once you're in, try multiply times after that. Are you able to get into it everytime?

Gizmo73That's quite a rambling paragraph there...
Try a new keyboard first. Power down before plugging it in. Don't hit F8 this time just see if it will boot.
If not again try F8 and choose last known good configuration....if this does not work start looking for your XP CD, it will be needed to go any further.thanks a lot for that help you GUYS. one other question...do u think buying a window installlation cd would resolve the problem if for EXAMPLE a. thekeyboard is ok b. i coouldnt seemed to access the last known configuration but i suspect window installation is what is required.

the pc im working on has a gateway keyboard(basically its a ...mix and mismatch). i long to have a pc on my own eversince i work for a tech support.

btw the cpu has no cover...i think static electricity also killed it.If the machine came with XP it's silly to re-purchase the OS...
Keyboards are universal ...there is no mismatch.
The CPU is inside the case itself and they are usually not COVERED with anything but a fan...please CLARIFY this and provide more info on the machine so we can help you out of this.

p.s. Where do you work for tech support ? ?the pc isnt even mine, just found it in the house one day..decided to tweak it for a hope and a dream..*sigh*

i mean there is no cover on the outside "skin" of the cpu tower.

oh heck, i kept fancying myself as a "tech".anyway ill provide basic info the moment that i reach my home again coz im living in a dorm at this moment.

i cant give up on my hope and dream after all

anyway ill just save money and have a tech fix thsi for me

i dont know if its preequip with os coz i havent even see it operating not even once! Just found it in the house one day ? ?

There are ways to find out what's in there