Some computers do not tell you how to enter the setup. For these computers you must read the manual to find out. Once you get into setup mode there are several parameters that you can set. The one in particular that we are interested in is the hard drive setup. Newer computers have an automatic detect function to setup your hard drive.
Older computers require the hard drive type to be entered manually.
If the latter is true, you must enter all of the information on cylinders, heads, etc. If you don't know this information you can find out by looking at your hard drive. This involves removing the computer's casing, but you'll need to do that anyway to replace the battery. Some hard drives have the cylinder and head information written right on the hard drive itself, if not, write down the brand and model number of the hard drive and the information can be obtained by either calling the manufacturer or calling a dealer that carries that brand. The information can also be found on the manufacturer's web site if you have access to a working computer with Internet access.