Cannot run system recovery

[rickpill]

I am in dire straits, I've tried bringing up my PC using the recovery cd with no luck. I cannot reboot as well. It's Windows 98 and I was planning on using this PC as an Internet server. Here's how far I've gotten:

1. I've created a reboot diskette and managed to bring it up to where I see the Windows 98 blue screen displayed in a flash and then the A prompt.

2. I've tried running system recovery, after a few steps I get to point where it trying to get the C drive. It displayed for a few times, fading to dark screen. I can barely make out the display but it seems to be a problem with accessing the C drive. It then restarts itself.

How do I get the system rebooted and run the recovery process. I don't care about what's on the machine now. It's a Compaq Presario 5204.

Thank you, any help will be appreciated.

Rick

 

[franklin97355]

Fdisk, Format and reinstall. That's the cleanest way to do it. You might also check memory and hard disk with a testing utility before you reinstall the OS.

 

[rickpill]

Thanks,

I'll give it a try. I know I've been down this road, but I'll attempt in the order you suggest. Another point, I have the Recovery and Driver/Application CD, no OS CD. Do you see a problem?

Rick

 

[rickpill]

Help please!

I have run fdisk and format. I now have the C prompt and Application/Driver CD - how do I install the OS. I do not have a Windows 98 CD.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[micker377]

I have the Recovery and Driver/Application CD,"

Set the BIOS to boot from CD first, and put in the "Recovery" CD. It has the OS on it.

 

[rickpill]

Thanks, it sounds like the way to go. I have one problem though, I have no way of setting my BIOS to boot from CD. On checking Compaq site I see an update for BIOS settings. I downloaded the exe file to diskette but I have no idea how to install this update.

Rick