Win98 Computer: Possible Future Repair Issue

Hi! I have a Win98SE minitower with a broken CD-ROM drive and a small hard drive (~2.1GB usable) and will want to experiment with file compression on it. Now, I'm likely to break it several times during the experiment. If I break it, how can I recover all the information? BTW, it has USB ports and drivers.

 

Did you not already do this? Get a USB drive, copy all you want to save. Go to ebay and buy an ide 20-40 gig hard drive, and do a fresh install and be done with it. An old ide drive cant be much, 20-25 bucks. Here, newegg has em starting at 14 bucks w/free shipping : https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100167523 600457697&Order=1

 

I recently tried having it upgraded, but the repair man said the computer is too old and fragile to upgrade.

 

Total BS. What he really said was I don't want to. If it is still running it can take upgrades. Buy a hard drive and do it yourself. There are countless utube videos on how to do it.
Replace ide hard drive:
Install windows 98se: https://youtu.be/iBNkicd10YM
Bootable 98se iso: https://archive.org/details/win98se_201801
How to burn ISO files to make bootable disk to install 98 from cd: https://youtu.be/eCRCPWhhxpo
He says dvd, but use a cd 98 fits on a cd.

 

Old hardware may die, but virtualization is forever.
Yeah, that 'repair man' didn't want to deal with it.

 

The biggest problem with the system is that the CD drive doesn't work. I can't reinstall Windows if the computer breaks. Otherwise, I could just reinstall Windows and restore all the software from flash drives if something happens. That's why I need your help.

 

He has been advised that.
But no...

 

You can get a PATA (IDE) CD ROM from Ebay for less than $20. Do you know of any computer refurbishing places (non profits) by you? They may even give you the old stuff.
If not does the Win98 system boot from USB? If it boots USB, you can make a bootable USB drive and copy all the Win98 CD files to it boot up in DOS, copy all the files to the hard drive and reinstall - or reinstall from the USB... since you wan to maximize your space.

 

I have a CD-ROM drive to install on it, but the repairman refused to install it. I also have a ~7GB hard drive and a Zip100 drive to install on it.

The Win98 system AFAIK doesn't boot from USB, but I need to check the CMOS settings. Should I install the CD-ROM drive myself? If so, how?

 

I know, I feel like there have been several threads where people have tried to explain what needs to be done, someone even posted a video here, but he always backs off because he is afraid of opening the case.

 

I guess I have to upgrade it myself. First, I need to replace the CD-ROM drive. Can I just unplug the old CD-ROM drive and plug in the new one? Then, I need to transfer the information on the old hard drive to the new one. How do I do that? BTW, I can format the drive myself, as I'm familiar with fdisk and format.

 

I have some issues with the system's start-up routine: first, a driver is loaded at start-up that's on the flash drive. The flash drive is not available at the time, so I want it removed. I was able to trace it to a Registry entry but didn't remove it, as I know nothing about the part of the Registry in which I found it. Can I just remove the entry? Second, a lot of programs load at log on, some of which display error messages. I have to remove some of these files.

 

Swapping the CD is simple, open case, unplug the power and IDE, remove 4 screws (normally), slide it out, look at the back jumpers and set the replace as the same (master/slave/cable select), and reverse the procedure. The hard drive, I'd go to the manufacture's site and get their "install" disk, it will image & resize the drive for you*. Also cable the drives together one master and one slave via jumpers and boot the CD.
*It use to work that way back in the 98 days.

 

Thank you, but I'm still worried about opening up the case. That fear came from my mother.

 

How do I transfer the contents of one hard drive to another? I have ~2.1 GB used for the system on a flash drive--much of the rest is unrelated to the purpose. Is there a way to transfer it from one drive to another?

 

What brand & size is the new drive going to be?

 

I don't remember the brand name, but the size should be around 7 GB.

 

If I replace the CD-ROM drive, I will eventually need a way to reinstall Windows and all my software. I'm waiting for two 16GB flash drives in the mail and can back up all my software to one of them. How do I back up everything but Windows to it and restore it later?

 

I'm sorry for the dumb question. Does anybody recommend a good backup program for Win98SE?

 

Harry. I am going to offer you a one time free service. You will however be responsible for all shipping cost. There are a few conditions. Anything you want saved, you save it to a USB drive, go buy one, borrow one, whatever you need to do. I will not be responsible to save your programs, information, ....etc. I will repair your PC with a new to you hard drive and CD ROM. I will also install windows back on it, along with basic programs needed to make it somewhat useful, and make sure it is working properly. All I will need is the main unit itself. No wires, extra drives, nothing. If you agree with this I will send you an email for you to contact me to start with, and set things up from there. THIS IS the BEST DEAL you will get anywhere. I have many years under my belt repairing PC's, that is what I do. I cut my teeth on Dos to 98 machines, then to date as I still have a repair center. I know what I am doing, I am not bragging, just telling my credentials, as I still learn something new everyday. On another note, I will not warranty this other that to say it works when I send it back, it is just too old. If I can not fix it, there will still be no cost other than shipping. If you turn this deal down, my suggestion is to go buy a new one, because not many will still work on PC's this old.

 

I actually already have the hardware to install on the system. I really don't want to part with it for too long. It is my computer, but I want to ask for my mother's permission first.

 

Where do you live? My mother doesn't want me to ship internationally.

 

I am just north of Jonesboro Arkansas. In northeast Arkansas. You can email me at nmf520 at g mail dot com. So as not to fill MG's forum with this.

 

I'm sorry, but my mother says it's too far away. I thank you for trying, though.

 

Does your mother understand this computer has no real value nor utility?

 

You're right. I enjoy using it, though.

 

Alpha, I feel your pain... had the same consideration.

 

Ok Harry. Hang on to my email for in case you change your mind. I actually enjoy working on some of the older stuff. If you would go ahead and send me an email anyway, I want to ask you a cpl of questions. I just dont want to do it on here.

 

I know you do, but it seems your mother does not understand.

 

She understands. The last time I asked her, she was worried about shipping and handling. Last year, due to the Covid 19 virus, I got a lot of extra money from the government, so I can afford it.

 

Harry are you going to email me?

 

I'm going to e-mail you now.

 

i know this is an old thread, but i am just seeing it now. alpha, how do I get in on this deal? i'll be glad to send u all sorts of old clunkers in exchange for new / fixed / upgraded versions! that is a steal!!!!

i will also send u a few CARS. same terms.

lastly, i will send u harry's MOTHER. she is clearly the first thing in need of upgrade!