Re-installing windows 98 se

[modalman]

Hi, I have a PC with windows 98se installed. Its not running correctly though so I need to re-install it. Is there a way of doing this without loosing any of my files? (I have the full windows 98se on disc, not an upgrade in case thats important.) Many thanks in advance. ASCII silly question, get a silly ANSI

 

[craigey]

You can just run the setup from windows and overwrite the existing windows install. Bu if it's a performance or compatability issue you would be best to back-up your files and do a fresh install. Windows loves a fresh install.

 

[modalman]

I should have mentioned that I have tried running setup from windows but it each time it says 'you already have an operating system installed so you need a windows upgrade disc' or something similar to that. Am I doing something wrong here? ASCII silly question, get a silly ANSI

 

[craigey]

Try creating a 98 boot disk. boot your Pc using the disk, choose the option run with CDROM support (or something similar). Then go to your cdrom drive D:\ and just tytpe setup. See if that works.

 

[mainegeek]

What isn't running correctly? Re-installing windows isn't
going to help if you have a virus.

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

I agree with Mainegeek. Why blame Win98 if there is something else wrong with your system. Try clicking on "start", "run", then type in "sfc" and let the machine "scan for altered files". If there are any system files missing, you can reinstall them individually from there.

If your problem is virus related, then you may have to wipe your HDD and start again (not a bad idea sometimes). Die dulci fruere!
Phil
24 Beers in a case, 24 hours in a day.......coincidence??

 

[Brolloks]

IF you need to re-install win98, delete the win.com file in the windows folder. You'll be able to run setup from cd or HDD. Remember to install the win98 in the windows folder and don't let setup choose any other location.

 

[modalman]

The problem I have with win98 is as soon as it boots up there seems to be a lot of 'unknown' programs running. When I click Ctrl,Alt,Del to view the programs that are running there are on average about 30 'Ob1' and a few '<unkown>' items listed. I can delete these but they return again each time a window is created on the screen and drastically slows the computer down. I'll try the suggestions you have given me so far. ASCII silly question, get a silly ANSI

 

[mainegeek]

Click Start, Run type in msconfig. Under the startup tab try unchecking things that unknown or unfamiliar, also check the atutoexec.bat

You might want to consider updating your virus definitions and running that as well.

 

[craigey]

Surely the quickest way is to backup/reinstall?? Rather than mucking about. If modalman wants to re-install then let him do so!

 

[mainegeek]

Just trying to be helpful. At least update your virus definitions and run a full scan before you backup anything?

 

[mainegeek]

If you re-install windows, do it from a boot disk and type in the letter of your cdrom ie: D:\setup /d (this should bypass the existing copy)

 

[Guest_imported]

I had to format my disk but everytime I try to install windows it wont let me. It gives me a VXD something error and wont even go into windows. IT just gives me a blue screen with that error. I've formatted it numerous times and I still cant get a clean install. What am I doing wrong here? Any help is appreciated. I'm about to have a nervous breakdown. I cant live without my home computer.

 

[rockerfellerz]

The best way I have found to install windows is to copy the contents of the win98 folder to a folder on the root of your c:\ drive ; name this folder win98fla. then run setup from there.this works better than installing from the cd, and you won't ever have to insert the windows disk when it is called for. As to the bsd's make sure you have proper cooling on your cpu as this can cause a lot of these.
hope this helps

 

[flashtek]

Go in to DOS and rename the win.com file in the windows directory and then reinstall normally.