Win98se hangs on install

Hello,
I could sure use some help! My sister brought home her old work computer, which was running Win95. I intended to install Win98se, so I formatted the HD ( but forgot to save system files Win98se startup disk hangs while trying to start with cd rom support, but I was able to boot with my Ontrack Fix It Disk. Install starts from the cd. "Preparing to install windows" reaches 100%, then just hangs. Any suggestions?

 

The only time I've ever seen a problem like this is when there is a dead CMOS battery. Its a relatively cheap and easy fix. I think I paid less than $5 for a replacement for my parent's computer.

I would recommend you try that. They're USUALLY CR2032s, but you can open your case to check. Its a thin, round battery attached right to the motherboard. Very hard to miss. Replacements should be available at any electronics store (Radio Hack, Future Slop, etc)

The lifespan on these batteries is about 3-5 years, so this is common for older computers.

 

Thank you for your suggestion. I am not sure about the battery, because the computer worked fine until I started messing with it
Since I posted my problem yesterday, I tried installing several different hard drives, and none of them will boot to windows. I was able to transfer some files from my Fix It Disk to the Ram drive on one of them, and it finally booted to Win95. Of course that wasn't good enough, so I began installing Win98se, and now I am in a worse mess because it did not complete. I am going to see which HD gives me less problems, and I will be back. Thank you again for taking the time to help me.

 

Pull all unnecessary cards from the PC... modems, nics, soundcards,..

 

I can't believe that never crossed my mind. I thought that I had an extra HD with the OS already installed, but discovered that all my extra drives have problems (which they didn't have when I got 'em). I am self taught on the computer, and though it seems I learn the hardway, I usually figure it out eventually. I did decide to use a clean HD that seems to have one problem.
When I try to install Windows, I get this message:
Windows Setup requires largest executable program size to be
at least 442368 bytes to run.

I got this on several of the drives I checked earlier. I am going to do as you suggested, and remove everything. I will check back here before I do anything else. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

 

Have the minimum hardware required, then go into the Bios and select "Fail-Safe Defaults" or similar, then format and install Windows.

The simpler the setup, the more likely the install will work.

 

Wow! I got it!!
I removed all cards, and could not resist trying one more thing. I entered setup, switched to boot from Cd first, and Windows installed! Computer boots to Windows and runs fine. I have doubled the size of my sister's HD, and upgraded her OS. I am so proud. Thanks a million........... I think I will try to upgrade her CD ROM to a CD BURNER.............. let me see what I have in this box......... see ya soon!

 

That went smooth. I added the burner, and left the CD ROM alone. I have put the cover back on, and am now adding music from her favorite artist, and a photo of her and her daughter for the wallpaper. She will be very pleased. Thank you all

 

Glad it's working.

I have photos of myself if you want to add them?