Japanese Compaq Contura Aero 4/25?

[Capt. 2110]

I recently was given a Compaq Contura Aero 4/25(my first WORKING vintage computer, finally!), and I wanted to know a little more about it.

1. The laptop thinks it is 1980. I can't find the CMOS/BIOS disk. Where would I get it?
2. The drive sounds terrible, especially on spin down. Should I replace it?
3. The CMOS/BIOS battery is dead(see #1). How do I replace it?
4. Everything I see says this display is STN. Is it? Because it seems like a slow TFT to me...
5. Where do I buy a new Ni-MH battery for it?
6. Is there a way to keep the keyboard from fading? I don't want to be the guy that wrecks a 22-year-old keyboard with Japanese text slapped on it from the factory.
7. What do all of the characters do? Win95 won't respond to any of them...

 

[krebizfan]

You are somewhat in luck. There is a website specializing in Aeros so check it out. Also, check the HP/Compaq website. Searching there is not easy but most everything from the last 30 years is still online.

http://remember.the-aero.org/aero/cmos-help.htm should give an idea of the very complicated method to get to the battery. Also, http://remember.the-aero.org/aero/doc/index.htm#manuals

Original drive was nearly silent. 20+ year old drive, replacing it as soon as convenient is prudent.

Battery: Double check model number but I think you can get a replacement for about $50 from several websites.

I don't know how to use the keyboard without wear and sunlight causing it to fade. Cover it and use separate keyboard maybe? I'd probably use a different keyboard because I didn't like the Compaq portable keyboards.