Need help with drivers for an HP
 

I recently rescued a HP 6638 from the trash. I figured this would be a good computer to set with some simple games for my 4 year-old. Upon testing it, I found a dead HD. I replaced the HD and loaded a spare copy of Win 98 on it. I down loaded the drivers for it from HP's website, but when I attempt to install them I get an error message stating that they can not be installed "due to restrictions on this computer." What restrictions? This is a clean install of an over the counter verson of windows 98. I attempted to locate drivers from an alternate source like driverguide.com., but none worked. Why won't the HP drivers work? Is there a way to get them to work? Or, where can I get the right drivers? Thanks in advance.

Sounds like HP has a boobie trap on it restricting the drivers to it's own version of the OS. Probably programmed into the bios. No suggestion on how to fix or if that's whats wrong. Maybe someone else has a idea.

I used to Repair HP's compaqs ect and they have a special part in the bios that keeps a list of what hardware is in the pc. This is normaly used with the HP restore cd's to make sure the restore uses the correct drivers.

If you use a non hp install disk it shouldnt look at this part of the bios just ignor it.

What motherboard is in it ? there is a good chance it's not made by HP and just from an OEM. If you find the model details of the motherboard try looking for a bios at the manufacturer's website and flash it so it's no longer an HP machine (at your own risk i might add)
then you can use the drivers too.

Thanks, I appreciate the suggestion. I will attempt to find a replacement bios to download, and flash it. I was afraid it was a boobie trap.

yea...looks like your HP requires a master boot cd....you can still get one, but you'd have tp purchase it off HP for a fee...don't ask me how much

I checked, HP does not sell the restore disks for this model any longer.

I am still searching for a replacement bios.

FYI, I thought that I would pass on what I found in case anybody runs into a simular situation. I discovered that E-Machines use almost identical hardware to HP. Their drivers are available on line, and the ones that I found are not locked to their bois like HP's.

What drivers are you trying to install, the only propritary driver you will need is if it the stupid combo sound/modem setup HP used to use.

Ps. I've reloaded tons of HP's and never had that sort of error. You state a spare copy was used. Is if from another name brand PC (ie. Not a true Microsoft disk), if so that could be the source of your problem.