A HowTo question

That won't work with an OEM disk Ben--the setup routine still sees the old
installation.

--
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



"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
If you have plenty of disk space and want a fresh installation, type
"rename c:\windows winold" at the A:\ prompt. Then try running
setup again.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
The Autodetect found the C: drive and the install setup worked great up to
the main 98 window where I used the mouse to click on "Continue". Then a
STOP window appeared stating that there is already an OS installed and
that
this method wouldn't provide the proper files(?) and that I needed "98
Upgrade". This CD is 98SE. When I clicked "OK" I got an A:\ command
prompt --that is where it sits.

Does that mean when Autodetect configured the drive it found the old 98 OS
and I can access that now? If so, last I remember that wasn't working.

What now?

Thanks, Pflu







"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
Go into the BIOS setup and make sure the hard drive is properly
configured. Use autodetect if available and be sure to save the
new settings when exiting. If this doesn't help, open the case
and unplug and reseat the cable that connects the hard drive to
the motherboard.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Ben. I encountered a problem I don't understand. I booted the PC
with the Bootup disk, followed your instructions and it ran to the
following
point:

"W98 has detected that drive C does not have a valid FAT or FAT32
partition." Of the given causes I assumed #1: "The drive may need to be
partitioned...FDISK with command prompt..." Typed FDISK, hit Enter, got
"No
fixed disk present."

I don't understand cause #2, and #3 deals with viruses.

What next?

Pflu


"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows
98 boot floppy. Start the computer with the floppy, select "With CD
support", insert the Windows 98 CD, type "setup" and press "Enter".

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I
could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen
that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as "BIOS
not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I
don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk
which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling the
OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP
window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will
accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or
possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

That comment about the BIOS may be the result of a bad battery as Don
suggested. I think that I would also determine the brand of hard drive, go
to the maker's web site, download their diagnostic software and check out
the health of the drive.

--
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



"Ron Badour" wrote in message
...
Information on reinstalling or upgrading with an OEM CD:
http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/upgrade.html

For information on installing W98, go to:
http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/w98_restore.html

--
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



"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I tried the "rename..." command and then SETUP and it got to the same
place
with the same STOP window --says the installed OS cannot be upgraded by
this
version of Setup --need W98 Upgrade".

Tried it again twice, response is now "file not found - c:\windows".

Pflu




"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
If you have plenty of disk space and want a fresh installation, type
"rename c:\windows winold" at the A:\ prompt. Then try running
setup again.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
The Autodetect found the C: drive and the install setup worked great up
to
the main 98 window where I used the mouse to click on "Continue". Then a
STOP window appeared stating that there is already an OS installed and
that
this method wouldn't provide the proper files(?) and that I needed "98
Upgrade". This CD is 98SE. When I clicked "OK" I got an A:\ command
prompt --that is where it sits.

Does that mean when Autodetect configured the drive it found the old 98
OS
and I can access that now? If so, last I remember that wasn't working.

What now?

Thanks, Pflu







"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
Go into the BIOS setup and make sure the hard drive is properly
configured. Use autodetect if available and be sure to save the
new settings when exiting. If this doesn't help, open the case
and unplug and reseat the cable that connects the hard drive to
the motherboard.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Ben. I encountered a problem I don't understand. I booted the
PC
with the Bootup disk, followed your instructions and it ran to the
following
point:

"W98 has detected that drive C does not have a valid FAT or FAT32
partition." Of the given causes I assumed #1: "The drive may need to
be
partitioned...FDISK with command prompt..." Typed FDISK, hit Enter,
got
"No
fixed disk present."

I don't understand cause #2, and #3 deals with viruses.

What next?

Pflu


"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows
98 boot floppy. Start the computer with the floppy, select "With CD
support", insert the Windows 98 CD, type "setup" and press "Enter".

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I
could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it
up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen
that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as
"BIOS
not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I
don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk
which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the
specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling
the
OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP
window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will
accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or
possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

I tried the sys c: command and it said "system files transferred" but it
made no difference.

I tried booting the old OS now that autodetect found the drive and it booted
right up to flashing the WIN 98 flag-window then says I am missing some
system files--tried to start with "Command prompt", "safe with command
prompt" as it suggests but nothing doing--it says win.com is missing
afterwards and gives me the A:\.

I looked up ways to reinstall those sys and win.com files but I don't think
it is possible under these conditions.

How about if I could just Format it to get rid of the old OS, then clean
install the WIN98SE? I have no files to lose. It seems ready to install up
to the problem over the existing old OS.

If so, what are the steps to formatting? Can I do it from the A:\ prompt? I
have no idea where to get a 98Upgrade CD to do otherwise.

Pflu



"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as "BIOS not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling the OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

To format, just type "format c:" at the A:\ prompt and confirm the operation.
Be advised that the entire disk will be erased.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message ...
I tried the sys c: command and it said "system files transferred" but it
made no difference.

I tried booting the old OS now that autodetect found the drive and it booted
right up to flashing the WIN 98 flag-window then says I am missing some
system files--tried to start with "Command prompt", "safe with command
prompt" as it suggests but nothing doing--it says win.com is missing
afterwards and gives me the A:\.

I looked up ways to reinstall those sys and win.com files but I don't think
it is possible under these conditions.

How about if I could just Format it to get rid of the old OS, then clean
install the WIN98SE? I have no files to lose. It seems ready to install up
to the problem over the existing old OS.

If so, what are the steps to formatting? Can I do it from the A:\ prompt? I
have no idea where to get a 98Upgrade CD to do otherwise.

Pflu



"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as "BIOS not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling the OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

You sure you don't have the 98SE UPDATE CD rather than the upgrade?

--
Jonny
"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I tried the "rename..." command and then SETUP and it got to the same
place
with the same STOP window --says the installed OS cannot be upgraded by
this
version of Setup --need W98 Upgrade".

Tried it again twice, response is now "file not found - c:\windows".

Pflu




"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
If you have plenty of disk space and want a fresh installation, type
"rename c:\windows winold" at the A:\ prompt. Then try running
setup again.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
The Autodetect found the C: drive and the install setup worked great up
to
the main 98 window where I used the mouse to click on "Continue". Then a
STOP window appeared stating that there is already an OS installed and
that
this method wouldn't provide the proper files(?) and that I needed "98
Upgrade". This CD is 98SE. When I clicked "OK" I got an A:\ command
prompt --that is where it sits.

Does that mean when Autodetect configured the drive it found the old 98
OS
and I can access that now? If so, last I remember that wasn't working.

What now?

Thanks, Pflu







"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
Go into the BIOS setup and make sure the hard drive is properly
configured. Use autodetect if available and be sure to save the
new settings when exiting. If this doesn't help, open the case
and unplug and reseat the cable that connects the hard drive to
the motherboard.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Ben. I encountered a problem I don't understand. I booted the
PC
with the Bootup disk, followed your instructions and it ran to the
following
point:

"W98 has detected that drive C does not have a valid FAT or FAT32
partition." Of the given causes I assumed #1: "The drive may need to
be
partitioned...FDISK with command prompt..." Typed FDISK, hit Enter,
got
"No
fixed disk present."

I don't understand cause #2, and #3 deals with viruses.

What next?

Pflu


"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows
98 boot floppy. Start the computer with the floppy, select "With CD
support", insert the Windows 98 CD, type "setup" and press "Enter".

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I
could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it
up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen
that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as
"BIOS
not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I
don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk
which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the
specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling
the
OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP
window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will
accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or
possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

Thanks Ben (also Ron & Don),

All is well after format and install. I should have done this in the first
place I guess. I have a "98 for Dummies" book, but I'm sure I will have more
questions for you in the future.

Pflu


"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
To format, just type "format c:" at the A:\ prompt and confirm the
operation.
Be advised that the entire disk will be erased.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I tried the sys c: command and it said "system files transferred" but it
made no difference.

I tried booting the old OS now that autodetect found the drive and it
booted
right up to flashing the WIN 98 flag-window then says I am missing some
system files--tried to start with "Command prompt", "safe with command
prompt" as it suggests but nothing doing--it says win.com is missing
afterwards and gives me the A:\.

I looked up ways to reinstall those sys and win.com files but I don't
think
it is possible under these conditions.

How about if I could just Format it to get rid of the old OS, then clean
install the WIN98SE? I have no files to lose. It seems ready to install up
to the problem over the existing old OS.

If so, what are the steps to formatting? Can I do it from the A:\ prompt?
I
have no idea where to get a 98Upgrade CD to do otherwise.

Pflu



"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen
that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as "BIOS
not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling the
OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

I'm a little late in this thread but it sounds like you may have had Win98
(first edition) on it which a Win98SE CD is not (meant to be) capable of
upgrading it.

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
Thanks Ben (also Ron & Don),

All is well after format and install. I should have done this in the first
place I guess. I have a "98 for Dummies" book, but I'm sure I will have
more
questions for you in the future.

Pflu


"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
To format, just type "format c:" at the A:\ prompt and confirm the
operation.
Be advised that the entire disk will be erased.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I tried the sys c: command and it said "system files transferred" but it
made no difference.

I tried booting the old OS now that autodetect found the drive and it
booted
right up to flashing the WIN 98 flag-window then says I am missing some
system files--tried to start with "Command prompt", "safe with command
prompt" as it suggests but nothing doing--it says win.com is missing
afterwards and gives me the A:\.

I looked up ways to reinstall those sys and win.com files but I don't
think
it is possible under these conditions.

How about if I could just Format it to get rid of the old OS, then clean
install the WIN98SE? I have no files to lose. It seems ready to install
up
to the problem over the existing old OS.

If so, what are the steps to formatting? Can I do it from the A:\
prompt?
I
have no idea where to get a 98Upgrade CD to do otherwise.

Pflu



"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen
that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as "BIOS
not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I
don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk
which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling the
OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP
window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu

That was exactly it. The reason I bought that older PC ($40) in the first
place was to learn on. I started out by wrecking it, than the learning
began. You people on this newsgroup are a great resource for that --patient,
supportive, and knowledgeable.

Thanks, Pflu


"mdp" wrote in message
...
I'm a little late in this thread but it sounds like you may have had Win98
(first edition) on it which a Win98SE CD is not (meant to be) capable of
upgrading it.

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
Thanks Ben (also Ron & Don),

All is well after format and install. I should have done this in the
first
place I guess. I have a "98 for Dummies" book, but I'm sure I will have
more
questions for you in the future.

Pflu


"Ben Myers" wrote in message
...
To format, just type "format c:" at the A:\ prompt and confirm the
operation.
Be advised that the entire disk will be erased.

Ben

"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I tried the sys c: command and it said "system files transferred" but
it
made no difference.

I tried booting the old OS now that autodetect found the drive and it
booted
right up to flashing the WIN 98 flag-window then says I am missing some
system files--tried to start with "Command prompt", "safe with command
prompt" as it suggests but nothing doing--it says win.com is missing
afterwards and gives me the A:\.

I looked up ways to reinstall those sys and win.com files but I don't
think
it is possible under these conditions.

How about if I could just Format it to get rid of the old OS, then
clean
install the WIN98SE? I have no files to lose. It seems ready to install
up
to the problem over the existing old OS.

If so, what are the steps to formatting? Can I do it from the A:\
prompt?
I
have no idea where to get a 98Upgrade CD to do otherwise.

Pflu



"Pflueger" wrote in message
...
I got hold of an old ATT PC awhile back with WIN98 installed so I
could
have
something to fool around with as a second PC. I managed to mess it up
royally to where, when turned on it will now only show a text screen
that
goes to "Press F2 to enter SETUP", pauses, then goes as far as
"BIOS
not
installed", and "Operating system not found." SETUP works OK.

I remember that I had mistakenly deleted some type of dll(s) and I
don't
know what else. Then I tried fooling with some kind of bootup disk
which
got
me where I am now. It's been awhile so I don't remember the
specifics.

I have borrowed a friend's WIN98SE CD so I could try reinstalling the
OS,
but I don't know where to start. One thing I noticed in the SETUP
window
is
that it asks to boot to A: or C: only --the CDROM was possibly
retro-installed (?).

Can I use some type of Startup floppy to get it going so it will
accept
the
OS from the CD? Can I get the WIN98SE in there and working (or
possibly
repaired)?

Thanks, Pflu