Format PC Back to original configuration

[IAmCica]

Hello. I'm new here. I hope you all can help me. I have windows 98 with 256mb ram and an 80g hd. I downloaded the updates from microsoft, and now I can't get rid of some stuff I want off the pc. What I want is to <b>reformat to the original configuration</b>. but when I started pc with the cd that came with it, it still keeps EVERYTHING on the pc. I have already saved those things I want to keep on disk. Can anyone help me? If you can, Please give step by step instruction. I thank you sooooo much in advance!

IAmCica

 

[lesgray]

First of all, do you have Win98 or WIn98 2nd edition. If the latter, then there won't be any problems reformmating your HD. If the former, then you have to update your version of fdisk as in this article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;263044

This will install a FRESH COPY OF WIN98 on your drive with NOTHING ELSE> Your PROGRAMS, DATA DOWNLOADS etc will be GONE. You'll have to reinstall everything, including all the drives for your hardware that is not integrated into Windows 98.. Make sure you have all your files backed up BEFORE you start this, inculding your email, address book, favorites, game saves, accounting information - yada yada yada. Programs will have to be reistalled, so make sure you have all your install CDs/Floppies available. Of course, if you have a brand name PC, like a compaq or ibm etc, then you should have a restore CD with all the original programs and drivers on it.

BEFORE YOU DO THIS< IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS OR QUESTIONS ASK BEFORE YOU REFORMAT YOUR DRIVE. AFTER YOU REFORMAT YOUR DRIVE, IT WILL BE TOO LATE.

To reformat your drive, set your computer to boot from CD in the bios or boot from a Windows 98 boot floppy with the Win 98 cd in the drive. When the various choices come up, select boot with CD support. When the cursor comes up, type the following:
A:/>D: (where D is the drive letter of your CD-Rom drive)
D:/>CD win98
D:/win98>format c:

You should then get the format command sequence and can reformat the drive. Once the drive is formatted you can then type:
D:/win98>setup

and setup should start up. Follow the istructions on screen and have your WIn98 serial number handy.

ANY questions - ask now, before you reformat!

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[IAmCica]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I have windows 98... but had updated it from windows update site. That's when the problem started. I have an 80g hd. I don't mind having to reinstall what I need if it will get rid of the other junk that's there... and fix the incompatibility issue there is somewhere. I had never had a problem like this til I did the updates. I will try to do a scanreg/fix first before I do anything. And let you know... lol

 

[IAmCica]

Ok... I tried doing the scanreg/fix. But I got:
"Cannot find the file'scanreg/fix (orone of its components). Make sure the path and filenaame are correct and that all required libraries are available.

 

[IAmCica]

I also have a maxtor 60g grapics drive... but had to remove it... don't remember why tho...lol... I do want it hooked up!

 

[IAmCica]

Sorry to keep buggin ya... but I wanted to let you know what I have so you can be able to help me better:
Operating System:
Windows 98 SE (build 4.10.2222)

Processor:
500 megahertz Intel Celeron
32 kilobyte primary memory cache
128 kilobyte secondary memory cache

Drives
81.94 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
77.64 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

Memory Modules:
256 Megabytes Installed Memory

I hope this helps.....

 

[lesgray]

DO you know what motherboard you have?

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[IAmCica]

is this what you mean?:
Board: TriGem Computer, Inc. COMO3 1.00

Microsoft - Windows 98 SE

 

[lesgray]

Is this an eMachines?

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[IAmCica]

Yes. it's the H series

 

[lesgray]

The Windows CD you have, is it a resotre CD?

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[IAmCica]

Yes

 

[lesgray]

So, when you boot with the restore CD, does it not offer to do a complete restore warning that you will lose all your data?

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[IAmCica]

It does offer... and I do put in the #1. But that doesn't work! Everything is still on the pc... all the shortcuts, etc., (but they don't work) and I still have to reinstall the programs. In other words, it's not ALL deleted... not clean like I want it... like it's done before. I've been told that it should be done at least every 5 years... and I've had this pc since '99... but have reformatted it before with no problems!

I do appreciate your help. Thank you.

 

[lesgray]

what are the options when you boot from CD?

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[IAmCica]

ummmmm let's see if I can remember lol...

1. reformat drive c: All data will be lost
2. reformat windows
3. I forgot lol

I hit 1.

 

[IAmCica]

oh.. boot to dos.. . (I think) I'm not gonna try it!

 

[IAmCica]

can I just put:
format c:/ ??? will it tell me to put in the restore cd? or will that REALLY screw things up? lol

 

[IAmCica]

Still needing advice. See top of thread. PLEASE!

 

[lesgray]

Yeah, boot to dos, then format your hd in dos (format c, then restart and pick restore.

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com