I know this isn't in the write category, but I have this old low spec laptop with no os on it. I don't really know the specs but it has a 10gb hdd. It won't install XP or 2k, it hangs at "Setup is starting Windows". does anyone know of on operating system that can run very basic tasks on a low spec system. And if possible, make it free. Thanx 4 your help.

what is the make & model# of the laptop?

Just gauging by the HDD size of 10 Gb, you won't be able to reasonably run an OS past Win98..maybe even Windows 95.

Even then, it'll run like a slug.

@ddp it is a compaq presario 1235 (very old thing)
@Dunker I have a desktop pc i got for free that has a 10gb hdd and it runs win2k pretty good.

10GB was top at about the end of the P2 era. Since it's a laptop it's probably a bit newer than that. If it's P3 spec or above, it should be able to run XP, just a bit slowly.

dunker, i've loaded xp pro with sp2 onto a 6.4 gig hd with no problems.

gt500kr, check this link to confirm this is what you have tho your hd has been upraded from original 4gig to present 10gig. what is the total amount of ram installed on laptop as it came with 32meg & supposedly maxes out at 96meg? that is why you can't get xp on it as needs at least 128meg to install but have ran it on less after xp is installed.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/docum...n&product=94988

@sammorris the problem with xp is that it won't install. it hangs at setup is starting windows. the reason probably is what ddp said.
@ddp i have the original 32mb ram. what are the requirements for win2000, because that hangs at setup is starting windows 2000. thanx 4 all your help.

- 133 MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU.
- 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM recommended minimum; more memory generally improves responsiveness.

Ahh right, yeah I didn't even consider that.

What about Linux? Xubuntu minimum requirements:

300 MHz x86 processor
64 MB of system memory (RAM)
At least 2 GB of disk space (for full installation and swap space)
VGA graphics card capable of 640x480 resolution
CD-ROM drive

abuzar, the laptop has a 266mhz cpu with 32megs of ram which can be upgraded to 96meg.

Oh then, I guess not lol!

You could try older version no?

small linux.. damnsmalllinux will go on with no trouble, as will debian in low memory mode ;) but it will be slow because it will insist on installing a huge gnome desktop.. which you certainly don't want:)..

I have an old pc (p1-133) with 32mb ram that runs a homebrew concoction of linux.. debian core system with fluxbox window manager plux rox, kazehakase css equipped browser, xmms music player, xchat irc client and gaim im client.. Everything running all together uses just over 17mb of the 32 available.
It's a pretty sharp little machine.. seems about as responsive as a p4 1.2 with 380mb ram running xp ;)

It takes a fair bit of skill to get anything running in a low memory environment, but that's the best option for an old system like that.. and it's fun setting it all up.
You would be surprised what is possible.. have a look at this for possibilities.. there are some clever people out there, as long as you get out of the XP/M$ mindset http://www.youroot.com/howto/4mb-Laptops.html#ss2.1

I'm sure someone got XP running on a 486 somewhere... Man that must have taken some doing!

I am gonna try Xubuntu today. Thanx.