Wiping clean and installing 98 on a laptop?
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Wiping clean and installing 98 on a laptop?
...Just bought a used laptop, and would like to totally cleanup the entire system ( get rid of "ME" and install my beloved 98SE) and basically just start all over...The guy who had it before me has all kinds of garbage on it (AOL, anybody? How about the regular kaZAA?)....I'd like to just start of fresh with this old (2001) HP laptop...
Problem is....I have no original discs for the laptop...Is there any way to just delete the whole she-bang and start over with my original 98SE install disc from my desktop???...How involved would such a thing be?...Can anyone point me to a helpful link or links ....
Thanks to all for your help,
Matt
Problem is....I have no original discs for the laptop...Is there any way to just delete the whole she-bang and start over with my original 98SE install disc from my desktop???...How involved would such a thing be?...Can anyone point me to a helpful link or links ....
Thanks to all for your help,
Matt
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For the life of me I cannot understand how anyone could sell a computer but not either remove and replace the hard drive or at least reformat it (making certain to not do a quick reformat). When a computer has been used it contains files with all kinds of personal information on it. Bank account numbers, credit card numbers, social security number(s), you name it, they end up on the hard drive.
Almost as dangerous is for someone to buy a computer with a used hard drive that has not been reformatted. Should this person have a problem with their personal information becoming public knowledge, they could suspect you. At best this could put in the position of denying that you used their information in an inappropriate way. At worst it could put you on the wrong end of a criminal investigation. Now as long as you don't misuse any information you probably wouldn't get into trouble, but it could be a hassle.
Now for the bad news. You can't legally install Windows 98 without a legal copy. The copy from your desktop isn't legal, as long as it remains installed on your desktop.
If you can come up with a legal copy of Windows 98 then you can install it. As long as the laptop will boot from the CD you should be fine.
Almost as dangerous is for someone to buy a computer with a used hard drive that has not been reformatted. Should this person have a problem with their personal information becoming public knowledge, they could suspect you. At best this could put in the position of denying that you used their information in an inappropriate way. At worst it could put you on the wrong end of a criminal investigation. Now as long as you don't misuse any information you probably wouldn't get into trouble, but it could be a hassle.
Now for the bad news. You can't legally install Windows 98 without a legal copy. The copy from your desktop isn't legal, as long as it remains installed on your desktop.
If you can come up with a legal copy of Windows 98 then you can install it. As long as the laptop will boot from the CD you should be fine.
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how do i erase the hardrive...you've got me concerned now...i would never delve into anyone's personal business for any reason...but i understand exactly what you're talking about...
i will procure a legal copy of 98se to install, if you'll guide me through the steps...
thanks,
Matt
i will procure a legal copy of 98se to install, if you'll guide me through the steps...
thanks,
Matt
#5
You can get Win98SE really cheap now. I am not sure who sells it, but I am sure you can find a dealer. Maybe check places online or at your local computer dealer.
Last edited by tae; 12-21-04 at 05:00 PM. Reason: correct spelling error
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Computer trade shows are a great place to get cheap software. You can usually find an OEM version for quite a bit cheaper than a retail boxed version. You will know OEM software by the fact that it is usually just the disc and a cd sleeve - no box or literature.
#7
you can make a boot disk from here:http://bootdisk.com/
you can use that to reformat the drive, then install whatever operating system you want to. you also need to know what hardware is in the computer, i.e. sound card, video card, network card, modem. you will need the win98 drivers for them. If you are not sure what they are, you can search and get a copy of belarc advisor (free) and run it, and it will tell you what you need to know usually.
you can use that to reformat the drive, then install whatever operating system you want to. you also need to know what hardware is in the computer, i.e. sound card, video card, network card, modem. you will need the win98 drivers for them. If you are not sure what they are, you can search and get a copy of belarc advisor (free) and run it, and it will tell you what you need to know usually.
#8
Actually, aren't the 98SE CD's bootable nowadays? I thought they were, but regardless.
Get a 98SE boot disk from the site tae linked to. Once you have it, insert it in the laptop and boot from it. Also make sure the 98 CD is in the CD drive.
After running the boot disk, switch over to the CD drive by typing "d:" at the prompt. Then, type "setup.exe" and you should be all set from there.
I think that's all right, but it's been a while.
Chris
Get a 98SE boot disk from the site tae linked to. Once you have it, insert it in the laptop and boot from it. Also make sure the 98 CD is in the CD drive.
After running the boot disk, switch over to the CD drive by typing "d:" at the prompt. Then, type "setup.exe" and you should be all set from there.
I think that's all right, but it's been a while.
Chris
#10
Actually, aren't the 98SE CD's bootable nowadays?
of course, i made my own and slipstreamed the service packs in there, and it boots just fine.
Haven't used it for a couple years though, when i made the kids computer.
#11
look here for some good tutorials on installing/reinstalling win98:
http://www.probz.com/win98/
http://www.probz.com/win98/
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I just wanna say thanks to all of you who have supplied some very valuable information within this thread....I'm a firm believer in DIY, no matter what the subject matter or forum, but you guys have really helped me out alot with my novice-style PC questions...
I'm gonna get to work on the previous suggestions and let you know my results....
Thanks again,
Matt
I'm gonna get to work on the previous suggestions and let you know my results....
Thanks again,
Matt
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OK, now what....??
followed WorldBuilder's advice...got the bootup floppy, was preparing to install 98SE, and got the warning that "Your computer already has an operating system installed, which cannot be upgraded by this version of setup. You need to obtain the Windows 98 upgrade."....
Please help,
M-
Please help,
M-
#14
you need to boot the computer with the floppy, and then run the command "format c:\"
this will format(wipe ) the drive.
if you go to the link i posted earlier, there are good tutorials on exactly what you need to do.
this will format(wipe ) the drive.
if you go to the link i posted earlier, there are good tutorials on exactly what you need to do.
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Originally Posted by racraft
Now for the bad news. You can't legally install Windows 98 without a legal copy. The copy from your desktop isn't legal, as long as it remains installed on your desktop.
If you can come up with a legal copy of Windows 98 then you can install it. As long as the laptop will boot from the CD you should be fine.
Actually, Matt *MAY* be able to "downgrade" to 98SE from ME. Certain MS Licenses allow you the right to use a previous OS instead. Since this laptop apparently came with an ME license, he may be allowed to downgrade to 98SE. If depends on how the actual license for ME reads as to whether this applies. A Google search can give more info...
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Ok guys, I think I'm in business...Installing my beloved Win98Se now...I may pop back up on this thread with a few more questions on getting set up on the internet, etc., if that's ok and you guys have time to reply...
Thanks again for all the good help,
Matt
Thanks again for all the good help,
Matt
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OK, issue numero uno...I'm setting up 98SE...copying files...was prompted to insert the 98SE install disc, and now a window comes up that says "the file icmp.dll could not be found"...i keep clicking "ok" but the same thing comes up...another one came up before this one, and I accidently hit "skip file"...have I screwed up already?
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks,
Matt
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OK, now I need serious help...
Apparently, I shouldn't have skipped all those files (see above)...I cannot set up a connection to the internet...New account, existing account, or mannually create an account...none work...various error messages...
HELP!
Matt
HELP!
Matt
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On bootup, I get the following lengthy message..
"Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application.
The windows registry or SYSTEM.INI file refers to this device file, but the device file no longer exists.
If you deleted this file on purpsoe, try uninstalling the associated application using it's uninstall or setup program.
If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling the application to replace the missing file.
vnetbios.vxd
Press a key to continue..."
"Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application.
The windows registry or SYSTEM.INI file refers to this device file, but the device file no longer exists.
If you deleted this file on purpsoe, try uninstalling the associated application using it's uninstall or setup program.
If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling the application to replace the missing file.
vnetbios.vxd
Press a key to continue..."
#21
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Maybe I made a wrong bootup disc?...The link Tae gave me listed two different Win98SE items:
Win98SE OEM Alt1 Alt2
Win98SE Custom, No Ramdrive Alt1 Alt2 Alt3
I think I used the OEM one...
Matt
Win98SE OEM Alt1 Alt2
Win98SE Custom, No Ramdrive Alt1 Alt2 Alt3
I think I used the OEM one...
Matt
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Matt,
START OVER...If you have errors during the install, its not gonna come out right.
I'd also recommend doing the following:
Boot from your newly created 98SE Boot disk (OEM is fine)
1. Take note of the drive letter the MSCDEX driver assigns to the CD-ROM drive (one of the last things you'll see before you see the A:\> prompt)
2. At the A: prompt, type "format c: /u /s" (u = Unconditional format, s = copy system files)
Enjoy a Coke...this'll take a while (You can add a /q at the end of the format line to do a quick format, but since you've had problems, I'd recommend doing the full format)
It'll ask you for a label when its done. Put in anything or nothing, it doesn't matter.
3. When the format completes, type the following commands hitting enter after each:
c:
md windows
cd windows
md options
cd options
md cabs
cd cabs
4. Put your Win98SE disk in the CD ROM drive and type:
copy d:\win98 (***If your CD ROM is NOT D:, change the letter to the letter you noted in step 1)
Watch for error messages. See note below if you have any errors.
5. Remove the boot floppy, the 98SE CD, and reboot
6. At the C:\> prompt, type c:\windows\options\cabs\setup
7. Follow the prompts. At some point, you will be asked where you want to put the windows files, and it will *probably* default to c:\windows.000 Change it to c:\windows, and say OK to the warning that the folder exists.
By doing what I prescribed, you will eliminate the need to do the install directly from the CD. If the CD has problems, they will be found in step 3, not during the actual install process. If you get error messages in step 4, you have either a bad 98SE disk, or a bad CD-ROM, and you will need to get a replacement/loaner.
The other advantage of this is that whenever your computer needs something off the 98SE CD, it shouldn't have to prompt you for the disk since everything it needs will be in the C:\windows\options\cabs CD.
I've done this proceedure dozens of times (perhaps closer to hundreds). Works like a charm...
START OVER...If you have errors during the install, its not gonna come out right.
I'd also recommend doing the following:
Boot from your newly created 98SE Boot disk (OEM is fine)
1. Take note of the drive letter the MSCDEX driver assigns to the CD-ROM drive (one of the last things you'll see before you see the A:\> prompt)
2. At the A: prompt, type "format c: /u /s" (u = Unconditional format, s = copy system files)
Enjoy a Coke...this'll take a while (You can add a /q at the end of the format line to do a quick format, but since you've had problems, I'd recommend doing the full format)
It'll ask you for a label when its done. Put in anything or nothing, it doesn't matter.
3. When the format completes, type the following commands hitting enter after each:
c:
md windows
cd windows
md options
cd options
md cabs
cd cabs
4. Put your Win98SE disk in the CD ROM drive and type:
copy d:\win98 (***If your CD ROM is NOT D:, change the letter to the letter you noted in step 1)
Watch for error messages. See note below if you have any errors.
5. Remove the boot floppy, the 98SE CD, and reboot
6. At the C:\> prompt, type c:\windows\options\cabs\setup
7. Follow the prompts. At some point, you will be asked where you want to put the windows files, and it will *probably* default to c:\windows.000 Change it to c:\windows, and say OK to the warning that the folder exists.
By doing what I prescribed, you will eliminate the need to do the install directly from the CD. If the CD has problems, they will be found in step 3, not during the actual install process. If you get error messages in step 4, you have either a bad 98SE disk, or a bad CD-ROM, and you will need to get a replacement/loaner.
The other advantage of this is that whenever your computer needs something off the 98SE CD, it shouldn't have to prompt you for the disk since everything it needs will be in the C:\windows\options\cabs CD.
I've done this proceedure dozens of times (perhaps closer to hundreds). Works like a charm...
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..naming my next kid "chirkware"....
Success!....Chirkware, I followed your instructions to the letter and everything worked great, no hitches whatsoever....I saved those directions for future reference....
But now I have another minor (I hope) problem...I can't get online...It seems the laptop cannot find or recognize the modem to dial up...Even though there is one there..(Compaq 144 data+fax enhanced com slot)....I've tried to access the internet many different ways, with no luck...heck, I never even hear a dial-tone, much less connection noise...Afraid a new modem may be in order?
There's only one slot for a phone line, so I know it's hooked up right...and the phone line is fine...That's how I'm sending this reply...
Any help greatly appreciated...
Matt
P.S. to Chirkware....I was out of Coke to enjoy, so I had to have a brewskie instead..
But now I have another minor (I hope) problem...I can't get online...It seems the laptop cannot find or recognize the modem to dial up...Even though there is one there..(Compaq 144 data+fax enhanced com slot)....I've tried to access the internet many different ways, with no luck...heck, I never even hear a dial-tone, much less connection noise...Afraid a new modem may be in order?
There's only one slot for a phone line, so I know it's hooked up right...and the phone line is fine...That's how I'm sending this reply...
Any help greatly appreciated...
Matt
P.S. to Chirkware....I was out of Coke to enjoy, so I had to have a brewskie instead..
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Hey guys...
I know and love Belarc advisor...have it on my desktop PC...but, you have to be able to get online to get it , correct?...Online on the laptop to get it to install in the first place?...I can't get online w/thw laptop...
Thanx,
Matt
Thanx,
Matt
#28
ok, I get ya. Go to a friend house who has a cd burner drive. And download Belarc adviser and burn onto CDR. Then take home to your laptop and install it. It will use the internet explorer browser, but will not need internet access.
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Can't I do that from my own desktop here at home?...I have a burner of my own..But I could "send" it to my floppy drive and save it that way...
Even so, if I install it onto the laptop, and Belarc "advises" me to update or install certain items, I still can't click on and use the links it gives me because I'm not able to get online in the first place???...
Wondering,
Matt
Even so, if I install it onto the laptop, and Belarc "advises" me to update or install certain items, I still can't click on and use the links it gives me because I'm not able to get online in the first place???...
Wondering,
Matt
#30
Well, if you can not connect to the internet on your laptop, that means you can't download it right? You would have to go to a computer that can connect to the net to go to there website and download it.
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Let me clarify...I'm on this thread through my desktop...Which has Belarc advisor installed on it....the laptop is to my side...but, I only have one phone connection jack here at the house...So, I could unplug it back and forth to each PC, and connect alternately...Which I've been trying to do...
The prob is, the laptop won't connect, or even try to, period...I think it's a modem issue, but don't know for sure...Heck, this laptop's 4-5 years old, and the modem could be shot for all I know...But every attempt I've made to connect w/it has failed...
My point earlier was, even if I could transfer the Belarc advisor I have on my desktop computer to the laptop, no matter what the method, Belarc STILL wouldn't help ...it needs to "get online" to help....
Hope this makes some kind of sense...Thanks to all you guys for your support..
Matt
The prob is, the laptop won't connect, or even try to, period...I think it's a modem issue, but don't know for sure...Heck, this laptop's 4-5 years old, and the modem could be shot for all I know...But every attempt I've made to connect w/it has failed...
My point earlier was, even if I could transfer the Belarc advisor I have on my desktop computer to the laptop, no matter what the method, Belarc STILL wouldn't help ...it needs to "get online" to help....
Hope this makes some kind of sense...Thanks to all you guys for your support..
Matt
#32
OHHHHHHHHH I see. Thanks for clerification
To see if your modem is working properly, right click on my computer, and click on properties. Then go into your system manager. Find modem devices. Usually if a piece of hardware is not working or drivers not installed, it will let you know. Alterntivily, you may have to take the modem out to get the numbers off it to look it up on the net.
To see if your modem is working properly, right click on my computer, and click on properties. Then go into your system manager. Find modem devices. Usually if a piece of hardware is not working or drivers not installed, it will let you know. Alterntivily, you may have to take the modem out to get the numbers off it to look it up on the net.
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Originally Posted by Slaphppy7
Success!....Chirkware, I followed your instructions to the letter and everything worked great, no hitches whatsoever....I saved those directions for future reference....
Originally Posted by Slaphppy7
But now I have another minor (I hope) problem...I can't get online...It seems the laptop cannot find or recognize the modem to dial up...Even though there is one there..(Compaq 144 data+fax enhanced com slot)....I've tried to access the internet many different ways, with no luck...heck, I never even hear a dial-tone, much less connection noise...Afraid a new modem may be in order?
Should just be a matter of getting the driver. Go to www.hp.com and you should be able to find them. HP bought Compaq, so any needed drivers for your HP Laptop with Compaq modem should be found there. May take some digging.
Of course, if its just a 14.4kbps modem (or is it just the fax part thats 14.4?), I'd be getting a faster PCMCIA modem if I had to use that often. A PCMCIA Network Adapter would also be nice so you could network your laptop and desktop together and share the internet connection.
Did you install drivers for your Video adapter, or is it just showing "Standard VGA Adapter" in device manager? If it is, you'll want to get those drivers from HP's website while you're there. Look in Device Manager for anything else that has a yellow exclamation mark or "Unknown Device"--they will all need drivers. Likely the sound card (not really a card since this is a laptop) will need drivers.
Good luck!
#34
you should of ran belarc before you formatted and installed the O.S., and made note of the hardware, so you would know what drivers you need.
when you find out about the hardware, you can then go get all your drivers with the other computer, burn them, and then install them to the laptop. keep that disk for the future.
when you find out about the hardware, you can then go get all your drivers with the other computer, burn them, and then install them to the laptop. keep that disk for the future.
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Hello Guys....
OK, to start, I followed Term20's advice above and went into my device manager...The modem is listed...It is a Compaq 144 Data+Fax (Enhanced Com Slot)....It appears OK......BUT, below it, "Other Devices" has the dreaded yellow question mark...Upon expanding "other devices" , both "PCI Communication Device" and "PCI Multimedia Audio Device" both have the yellow ? mark with a small ! in a yellow circle...
This has got to be it, right???
You guys have given me some great advice, and I appreciate it...What would be my most prudent way of continuing to try to get this laptop up and online??
Will I need to know more specifics about that modem, or the HP laptop itself?...(It's a HP Pavilion...Manufactured 2001)...
Thanks so much,
Matt
This has got to be it, right???
You guys have given me some great advice, and I appreciate it...What would be my most prudent way of continuing to try to get this laptop up and online??
Will I need to know more specifics about that modem, or the HP laptop itself?...(It's a HP Pavilion...Manufactured 2001)...
Thanks so much,
Matt
#36
Have you checked Windows Update to see if it has drivers for those devices? It might. If it does, that would be the easiest way to get them.
Chris
Chris
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No luck...
..I went to the HP site, but couldn't figure out which driver I needed...Not even sure which HP Pavilion Notebook I have....Maybe the "CE 0197x"???...The serial number is (S) TW027 12396...Anyhow, went to the device manager, right clicked on the PCI Comminication device, chose "properties", and reinstalled the driver...now the yellow ? mark is gone, but still can't get online...same error messages...
Matt
Matt