Old computer clean-up.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Magic069
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Magic069

Magic069

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Ok, I need help. I have an older computer that I want to wipe clean, and start all over. I want to re-install win 98 and then just put my drawing programs on it. I realize I will have to re-install some drivers, and that won't be a problem since the Gateway web-site has everything I need. I just can't figure out how to wipe it clean. Is there a site I can download a system disk, or something to inable me to do this? Thanks guys for your help!
 
The way I had to do it on my old IBM was to go into the BIOS and then adjust, so that the CD drive was the first to start-up. Then, I had to restart with the system recovery disc in the drive. Maybe, you have to restart with the Windows CD?
 
I presume you have the original Win98 disk?

If so you can either use fdisk or the format commands in the \windows\command directory on the HD or on the CD.

My personal recommendation is get a blank floppy disk, run up the command prompt, go to the \windows\command directory and type format a:/s

This will create a bootable system disk, then copy the format.com, fdisk.exe and any cd drivers you need to rebuild the machine to the floppy.

next boot off the floppy and either run fdisk to blow away the old partition or just type format c: /s at the A:> prompt.

Finally install the cd drivers or copy them across and edit the autoexec.bat and config.sys files, insert the CD and reboot. Then run setup from the CD when you can see it again.

Oh and make sure you have everything you want to keep before using Fdisk or format :)

Hope this helps
 
Ok, guys thanks for all the help. I got it last night I did some research and found out the infomation basicly what Scooby said.

Its working now, and I got what I need on there thanks!
 
It's amazing how formatting and reinstalling the OS can renew an old computer. I have a P3 600 with 512mb of memory that absolutely screams. Basically because I reinstall it about every six months (:

To make that process more simplified, I've partitioned the hard drive to a 6GB system partition and an everything else GB partition. That way I keep my data on the second partition and just have to reinstall the OS and programs. My data never moves.
 

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