Os Change, Need Help Re-formating Drive.

msperry · Dec 28, 2004

Computer = Toshiba Notebook Satellite-Pro 440
Hardrive = 1.4 G, 133 Mhz Pent.
Operating System (present) Win 95
Operating System (future) Win 98
CD-ROM

I have reposted my original question (below) and added additional info. My computer will not allow new (98) full Window versions to overwrite existing (95).

Will I loose my CD ROM driver when I re-format? How do I reinstall if I do?

ORIGINAL QUESTION:
I have had many problems with both the OS and applications for some time. I have decided that it would be best to reformat the drive and install a full version of 98. I also have a full version of 95 and ME as well, however, considering HD space and performance my thinking is 98 as the best compromise.
I need guidance; I made a "Backup Disk" which contains FDISK. I assume this is a good place to start. Please advise!
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Major Attitude · Dec 28, 2004

CD rom drivers are built into Windows. Your BIOS will also detect it on boot. Do not install Windows ME. XP is preferred, otherwise 98 will do. Either choice, I am not a fan of installing an operating system over another, I prefer a clean install.

First, make sure your Windows 98 CD is bootable. If it is, you need to boot from your floppy disk, go to your c drive like by typing:

c:\ (enter)
format c:\ (enter)

--------------------------------

WORST case, again if your CD is bootable, and the floppy fails to work right, you can go to:

cd Windows (enter)
format c:\ (enter)

--------------------------------

It will warn you all data will be destroyed, select ok, then reboot when done and install from the CD.

g1lgam3sh · Dec 28, 2004

Grab a win98SE bootdisk, http://freepctech.com/pc/002/files010.shtml make sure your BIOS is set to boot from the floppy first, insert floppy, restart.

At A: prompt type format c: and follow procedure through. (If this doesn't work repost and we'll guide you through repartioning with FDISK)

Restart, go into BIOS, ensure you change boot sequence to A: CDROM IDE0, if you only have two options then CDROM IDE0.

Remove floppy from drive and reboot, it should now boot off the CD and start the install routine

Edit: Sorry MA didn't see you there

msperry · Dec 28, 2004

Tried web address for Win 98 boot disk. Site comes up ok but tried 98 and several other OS offerings. None will work! These attempts are on "good working" computer, not problem notebook. I have Powerquest "PartitionMagic" which contains "BootMagic". Should I try this?
I don't know what the problem with your recommended site is. Advice???

DavidGP · Dec 28, 2004

Try this site for a boot disk for 98 http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm ( the other site is normally ok but as this is the holiday season you do tend to see some servers go down until admins are back off festive break )

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Os Change, Need Help Re-formating Drive.

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