Windows 98 extremely slow to install

[Fra]

After fdisk and formatting a 3.2gb hard drive in a Dell xps r350, 64mb ram.
I am trying to install win 98, but every step is slow. Particularly when the screen shots change.
I stopped and change the graphics card but it made no difference.
It really struggles at the file copy process. Taking about 5mins for the new screenshot to appear and the copying to continue.

This system is new to me, it ran OK before formatting (just had another persons programmes and data). There are no extra cards in the pc.

TIA

[Rick]

A 350 isn't noted for being the fastest thing around.
Add to that you are copying and displaying graphic's files all at once it will be slow.

One way to speed things up a lot.
After you format the drive and reboot from a floppy allowing cd-rom support.
Is to Copy the WIN98 folder and all the files in it from the CD to the hard drive .

I use c:\windows\options\cabs
You will need to create these folders using dos.
Then just run setup from that folder.

BTW.
This help with future installs of included software and drivers.
From this point forward any time windows needs drivers from the CD it just pulls them from the cab folder.
Saves the hassle of putting up with the Please inset win98 cd-rom disk to continue http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

( It only takes 121 meg of disk space)

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 04-06-2001).]

[Randy_tx]

The other thing that could be hampering your install is the condition of the CD Rom unit in your computer...It might be having trouble reading the info on the Win98 cd (which could also be dirty[clean with damp rag]. Either way, the process will go much faster if you follow Rick's idea of putting the win98 directory on the cd ...on your hard drive.

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[sea69]

yep, one of the few 'good' things about a compaq, its in there . http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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*another 'toaster' bites the dust*

[Fra]

Not being the most patient l let the machine install anyhow.
I know that a 350 in todays terms is slow, but l've had p133's with 32mb ram do a install far quicker.
I knew there had to be a easier way, that's why l posted, thanks for the work-around Rick, it sounds like it would be good practice to do that all the time.
The cd-rom is a new unit, l will have to keep an eye on it just in case it's faulty. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif Thanks Randy

Cheers, thanks for the help.

[tk421]

Was smartdrv.exe loaded when you started the install? If you try to install without it, it's PAINFULLY slow. I'm guessing that was your problem.

tk

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[Paleo Pete]

Could also be something in BIOS. Look for an option to set BIOS defaults, or Performance defaults, and some list it as Optimal defaults. Set that, recheck the hard drive and floppy parameters, I usually set hard drives to autodetect, and try it, I've seen that make tons of difference when something was out of whack in BIOS.

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