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Re-installing Windows9x

Summary

This is a summary of the guts of this Guide. You may wish to print it.
If you don't understand any points, please read the appropriate pages first.

Preparation
  • Find your Boot Disk and test it.   Stop now if you cannot access the CD-ROM drive from it.
  • Ensure you have the Windows CD (or floppies).   Stop now if you do not.
  • Backup all Data to another drive, floppies, zip disks or wherever is appropriate to your setup.
  • Backup program configuration files if possible.
  • Backup address books, mail folders etc if possible.
  • Backup non-standard Fonts.
  • Find all hardware installation disks and upgrade files.
  • Find all installation notes, including Internet connection settings.
  • Find your Program installation disks (or files if on another drive).
  • Find the disks for previous versions of Windows and Programs if you will be installing 'Upgrade' editions
  • Find the serial numbers & CD keys you will need to complete Setup routines.
  • Determine the order in which you need to install components.   Important for hardware.
  • Unplug & disconnect unnecessary hardware, especially Twain devices (eg scanners).
  • Ensure the BIOS boot sequence is set to A,C (ie floppy drive first).
  • Disable the BIOS Anti-virus check if enabled.
Let's Do It
  1. Insert your Boot Disk and reboot the PC.
  2. At the command prompt ( A:\> ) type:    Format C:    (assuming your Hard Drive is C: ).
  3. Load the Windows CD.
  4. At the command prompt type:    F:\setup    (assuming your CD-ROM drive is F: ).
  5. Choose 'Custom' when asked what type of Windows Installation you want.
  6. Skip the option to make a new Startup floppy. Remove your own Boot Disk.
  7. Choose 'Standard VGA - 640x480, 256 colours' when asked what Display you have.
  8. Choose 'Microsoft or PS/2 Mouse' initially.
  9. Skip steps where minimal information is required and full details can be given later (eg Internet connection).
  10. Complete the initial Setup and reboot as instructed.
  11. Once free to do so, install USB support if required (Win95b / OSR2 or later).
  12. Install any motherboard chipset upgrade for Windows after USB support.
  13. Run Windows a couple of times, ensuring all seems OK. If new hardware is now detected, install it via the 'Have Disk' option if appropriate.
  14. Install your Display Adapter software and change the screen resolution.
  15. Install your Mouse if it is not a standard one.
  16. Install your Sound Card software.
  17. Install your DOS Mode CD-ROM driver, then check Autoexec.bat & Dosstart.bat.
  18. Connect any peripherals (scanners etc) and install any software for them.
  19. Complete Setups for things like DialUp Networking, Modem dialling, Internet preferences.
  20. Test everything, then start loading programs one or two at a time, and test them.
  21. Add further updates, plugins etc. Don't rush it.

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BobMoCo