W98 SE boot/re-install problem

I'm having a problem with an IBM ThinkPad that won't boot into WIN 98. I
wanted to perform a rebuild, but the system has documents that need to be
copied.

Here's what's happening, the system boots and the Windows screen appears,
and it hangs at that point. I can boot into safe mode, however the floppy
drive, cd drive, and usb connections are not recognized. Hence, I can't
place an external drive on the system to copy the needed files.

The only option I came across is a 'quick setup' option (via the F12 key)
that allows one to temporarily boot from the cd rom drive. I can boot to
the cd (WIN 98), and begin the re-installation routine. However, I need to
know, during this re-install, will the documents in the 'my documents'
folder be wiped out, or will Windows only replace system files?

Are there 'any' options for transferring material from the hard disk while
in safe mode?

Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

Terry Coverson

Boot into safe mode and run msconfig.exe. On the general tab, mark
selective startup and remove the marks from autoexec.bat, config.sys and
startup group items. Click OK and reboot. Hopefully it will start in
normal mode. If not, try the technique described in this article to get
into Windows:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;249191

To answer your question, the W98 restore CD for your laptop may or may not
delete the non-system files you are concerned about--check your user's
guide. Custom restore disks do not always act the same as other restore
disks or retail versions of Windows.
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Terry Glenn Coverson" wrote in message
...
I'm having a problem with an IBM ThinkPad that won't boot into WIN 98. I
wanted to perform a rebuild, but the system has documents that need to be
copied.

Here's what's happening, the system boots and the Windows screen appears,
and it hangs at that point. I can boot into safe mode, however the floppy
drive, cd drive, and usb connections are not recognized. Hence, I can't
place an external drive on the system to copy the needed files.

The only option I came across is a 'quick setup' option (via the F12 key)
that allows one to temporarily boot from the cd rom drive. I can boot to
the cd (WIN 98), and begin the re-installation routine. However, I need
to
know, during this re-install, will the documents in the 'my documents'
folder be wiped out, or will Windows only replace system files?

Are there 'any' options for transferring material from the hard disk while
in safe mode?

Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

Terry Coverson