Device Manager Disables IDE Controllers in BIOS

ID: Q192987

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you start your Gateway 2200 Solo laptop computer, you may receive an error message stating that no fixed disk is present or you may receive a "Missing Operating System" error message.


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Device Manager settings to disable the Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) controllers are enabled. The problem occurs because Device Manager writes to non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), resetting the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) to disable IDE controllers.


RESOLUTION

To prevent this issue from occurring, do not disable the IDE controllers in Device Manager if the only bootable device is an IDE hard disk.

To work around this issue, re-enable the IDE controllers in the computer's CMOS settings. For information about modifying your computer's CMOS settings, consult your computer's documentation or manufacturer. When Windows 98 starts, enable the IDE controllers in Device Manager. If you do not enable the IDE controllers in Device Manager, the problem reoccurs the next time you start the computer. To enable the IDE controllers in Device Manager, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click System, and then click the Device Manager tab.


  3. Double-click the Hard Disk Controllers branch to expand it.


  4. Click an IDE controller, and then click Properties.


  5. Click to clear the Disable In This Hardware Profile check box.


  6. Click OK.


  7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each IDE controller.


  8. Click OK.




MORE INFORMATION

Please contact Gateway Technical Support to obtain any updates available for this computer's BIOS. 


Keywords          : kbenv kbhw win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 29, 1999