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greencreeper · 28-06-2004, 23:04

You'll need to be able access a CD from DOS. This is tricky. A generic CD driver loaded in config.sys and mscdex loaded in autoexec.bat are needed. Copy the driver and program to c drive after doing the fdisk. Both are available on the Net or lift them from someone. I have them

If the system already has 98SE installed, mscdex will be in windows/command and oakcdrom.sys in windows/command/ebd. They might even be on the 98SE CD - never checked. If you've no idea what I mean when I say "loaded" then don't attempt an install - talk to someone who does

[assuming a dirty drive]
* format drive using the /s switch
* use fdisk to create three partitions c, d and e. Make c the largest and bootable
* reformat
* reboot

* insert the windows 98SE CD and copy the the win98 directory to e drive - rename it if you wish
* change to e drive and cd to the win98 directory. Run setup and away you go

* put all essential drivers and programs on e drive - e.g. NIC drivers (stuffed without them) and your firewall setup program
* put all your personal files on d drive - it's possible to make d the default. There are options in Office, for example.
* you'll never need the Windows 98SE CD again - all the cabs are on e drive. No desperate hunting in drawers

You can delete just the windows directory and do a reinstall of the OS. Most programs you reinstall will pick up your existing settings and files as you left them in program files, but obviously any configuration settings in the registry will have been lost. I don't recommend this method of reinstallation. Best to do a backup of anything important and then do a clean install.

Have I missed something? Been years since I did any of this.

28-06-2004, 23:04	#22
greencreeper Inactive Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Leeds - the dog house Age: 49 Services: Email me for a current price list Posts: 8,270	Re: How to format your hard drive You'll need to be able access a CD from DOS. This is tricky. A generic CD driver loaded in config.sys and mscdex loaded in autoexec.bat are needed. Copy the driver and program to c drive after doing the fdisk. Both are available on the Net or lift them from someone. I have them If the system already has 98SE installed, mscdex will be in windows/command and oakcdrom.sys in windows/command/ebd. They might even be on the 98SE CD - never checked. If you've no idea what I mean when I say "loaded" then don't attempt an install - talk to someone who does [assuming a dirty drive] * format drive using the /s switch * use fdisk to create three partitions c, d and e. Make c the largest and bootable * reformat * reboot * insert the windows 98SE CD and copy the the win98 directory to e drive - rename it if you wish * change to e drive and cd to the win98 directory. Run setup and away you go * put all essential drivers and programs on e drive - e.g. NIC drivers (stuffed without them) and your firewall setup program * put all your personal files on d drive - it's possible to make d the default. There are options in Office, for example. * you'll never need the Windows 98SE CD again - all the cabs are on e drive. No desperate hunting in drawers You can delete just the windows directory and do a reinstall of the OS. Most programs you reinstall will pick up your existing settings and files as you left them in program files, but obviously any configuration settings in the registry will have been lost. I don't recommend this method of reinstallation. Best to do a backup of anything important and then do a clean install. Have I missed something? Been years since I did any of this.