Need Manuals or help updating a very old (Pavilion 8705) PC

[BigJohnny59]

I recently came into possession of a very old Pavilion 8705 desktop PC.  This was probably produced in 2000 or earlier, since it was designed for Windows ME (though it has XP installed).  It still turns on, but the Windows apparently was corrupted, so it cannot load the Windows XP installed on the hard drive (even in safe mode).  It just crashes every time.

I have an old copy of Windows ME that is not installed on any computer.  So I was going to take out the hard drive, format it, and install the copy of Windows ME on it.  But the case is designed in such a way that I cannot figure out how to remove the hard drive.  Does anyone have any idea where I can either get a copy of the manual for this computer (that would show me how to remove the hard drive), or else might know how to remove a hard drive from these very old cases?

Just in case anyone is wondering, this computer has a 3.5" floppy drive on it.  I have some old 3.5" floppies that my dad had when he died.  I have been wanting to see if they can still be read and see what is on them.  He used to write some pretty neat DOS games back in the day for us kids, and I hope I will be able to find some of them if they still exist.   If I can get this computer to work, I should be able to read them and hopefully see if they can be played (if they are still readable).

[erico]

Hp does not have any available manuals for the old Pavilion.
Unfortunately, our access to the FTP servers was taken away a year or so ago.

Since it is from around 2000, it will have a 3.5" HDD. 

Disassembling it look quite simple to me.

Take digital photos along the way
Disconnect the power and data flat ribbon IDE connectors for the 3.5" DD and both of the the DVD rewriters.

Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the two screws on the bottom of the drive cage.

Look at the yellow label for the instruction to unclip the drive cage and then remove it.

Now you should have access to the motherboard.

Just follow the IDE  cables to the 3.5"  HDD.

Undo the screws holding it down and remove it. 

There should be plastic clips that will release when pressed that are holding the from part of the case to the rest of it.

[BigJohnny59]

Unfortunately, I already removed the screws and pulled on the release tab, and nothing happens.  The previous owner installed a second CD drive, and I wonder if he messed up that release mechanism when he reinstalled everything.  I will keep trying.  Hopefully something will budge it.  I guess if I destroy it in the process, it didn't cost me anything.

Thanks for your help. 😀

[erico]

Those old drive cage release mechanisms were tricky. I would push and pull on that sucker. Use a flashlilght and carefully inspect it.

It is my pleasure to help you.  I haven't seen one of those old beasts in many years.

"I guess if I destroy it in the process, it didn't cost me anything."

I agree. Free is good. 😊

[BigJohnny59]

Just wanted to give you an update.  The secret to getting access to the drive cage was taking off both side panels, the plastic top cover, and the plastic front cover.  Then I could pull the little tab by the yellow sticker, and the cage with the drives slid out the front of the case. 

I was able to then remove the HD and test it.  Tons of bad clusters (which isn't surprising given that it's probably close to 25 years old).  Fortunately, I had another old IDE drive in my parts box, replaced it, and used an old 3.5" floppy ME startup disk to then be able to install an old CD of Windows ME that I had kept long after the original computer I installed it on had died.

My wife complains that I never throw out any old computer stuff.  But, occasionally, that pays off.  Thanks again for your help.