This Guide was compiled in response to requests for help in Newsgroups and because there was nothing comparable in sites devoted to Windows 95/98 problems. Although dated by the arrival of later versions of Windows, it will work for most of those PC users still running Windows 9x. The Guide is written in some detail with both novices and "average" users in mind. It tries to cover a lot of ground reasonably fully, to ensure it is comprehensible to those unfamiliar with jargon and working in DOS mode.
| Note: This Guide assumes the main drive is C: and the CD-ROM drive is F: And in the case of partitioned hard drives, that there are drives D: and E: It also assumes you do have a Windows CD! Except where noted procedures are common to Windows95 and 98 |
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| Page | Main Subject | Page Sections |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windows95 - Alternatives to Formatting The Hard Disk suggests ways of avoiding the full re-installation process. It includes the "Refresh" & "Verify" options and how to invoke them. Worth trying unless your system is so far up the creek that you know this won't work! |
Refreshing Win95 suggests the simplest ways to try this. Verifying Win95 - a less simple method involving DOS mode. Notes: some extra points to consider. |
| 2 | Windows Boot Disks covers how to create both a standard "bootable floppy" and a usable Boot Disk for re-installing, based on the Win95 Startup floppy. Start here if you had no idea your Win95-created Startup floppy is useless and needs work done on it before risking it with a full re-installation from scratch. Or if you just want to know how to create a decent Boot Disk. Background for Page 6 - the Win98 Boot Disk. |
The Boot Disk: the Win95 Startup disk, and what to do with it. Boot Floppy Files: files a proper Boot Disk should contain. The OEM Floppy: the dealer floppy which may be useful, if ... |
| 3 | MSCDEX & the CD-ROM explains what Mscdex.exe does, its usage, why it is needed and covers how to get the Boot Disk set up to enable access to the CD-ROM drive. This is essential if you are creating a Boot Disk and are unsure how to get it working and test it. Background for Page 6 - the Win98 Boot Disk. |
Background: why certain files are esssential. Dosstart.bat: the role of this file. Switches: Mscdex switches. A:\Config.sys & A:\Autoexec.bat: ensuring the Boot Disk's initialisation files work. Testing the Boot Disk: how to test it. Ensure it works! |
| 4 | Preparation covers the reasons for formatting, preparation, and tips to ensure the process is both as smooth as possible and results in a stable platform. | Points to bear in mind: reassurance and initial suggestions. Preparation: ideas on how to prepare to format the hard disk. |
| 5 | Let's Do It! walks you through the formatting and re-installing process. | This is going to be fun! |
| 6 | Windows98 - Differences. The main changes between Win95 and Win98, using the System File Checker to make repairs, and re-installing. | The Win98 Boot Disk: create a simpler, faster alternative. |
| 7 | A Registry Problem. Explains the Registry error caused by Windows Setup with a ZIP drive under Win95, and by the Win98 Setup Disk's RAM drive, which make Windows later fail to find the Windows CD on the CD-drive. Editing the Registry to solve the problem. | RAM and ZIP Drives - The background to the problem. |
| S | Summary. A "Check List" of the steps in pages 4 and 5. ~ Print this page! | |
| If you think a page is useful, print it. It can't help you if you haven't and your PC is dead! | ||
It's Quite Easy Really - Good Luck!
~ Bob Downing ~
| Disclaimer & Legal Bit |
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~ Guide to Re-installing Windows9x © BobMoCo 1998-2004 ~ ~ This guide is offered in good faith but with no guarantee or warranty. ~ ~ Any corrections, additions etc much appreciated. ~ ~ It results from much wailing and gnashing of teeth, suicidal depression, and intense feelings of hatred. ~ ~ No responsibility will be accepted for any loss, damage or injury which may result from following any suggestions, comments or directions. ~ ~ All Trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. ~ |
| Acknowledgements Particular thanks to George Snell, Patrick Wullaert and Steve Walker for proof reading, corrections, sympathy and sanity. |
| Last revised 2004 |
BobMoCo