drive reformat and win98 install

[nipdog001]

I have a co worker who is tired of junk and slow computer, I am going to reformat and reinstalll Windows, I know this is any easy question, but what are the exact steps I take to do this, Do I format, partition then install or Do I partition reformat install, I always seem to get it done, but it seems maybe I am doing it out of order or the slow way, thank for any advice you could give

[Abbadon]

You probably know this already but just to be safe: The first important thing would be to backup all important data & make sure you have all the drivers for his machine handy. (also think about network & emailsettings and such)

After that it's a bit up to you. Personaly I like to partition first, then format and then install. However, I know of no reason not to format --> install --> partition (this doesn't mean there is no reason :) ), espesially if you use partitionmagic.

Partitioning first may take longer if there is data to move. Once a few gigs need to be moved halfway accross the HDD, you're looking at a long wait. However, I like to do it like this because then, when I format, the format happens while the partition is on the size it will be used. Like I said, I don't know if that matters much, maybe someone else does.

(heck, my new system I build last weekend: I formatted the HDD, installed, used Partitionmagic to partition it and then formatted each partition again before installing, just to be sure! but that's just crazy oll' me :D )

[classicsoftware]

1) Find the name of the hard drive manufacturer and download the diagnostic tools disc and make a bootable disc.

2) Backup any important data.

3) Procure your Windows 98 CD and certicicate of authenticity

4)See # 2

5) Prepare a Windows startup disc.

6) test the Windows startup disk and make sure you can access the CD-ROM.

7) Check #2

8) Get the drivers for any peripherals in your system, modem, network card, video card, motherboaed, etc.

9)Insert the diagnostic disc and test the drive.

10) Insert the startup disc and CD-ROM.

11) At the A:\> prompt type format c:\/s

12) Go to the Cd-ROM and and run setup.

13) Follow the instructions and provide driver disks and re-start computer as directed.

[Sylvander]

How to re-partition & re-format a HDD
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;255867
It’s easier, though, to use the HDD manufacturer’s utility program [probably available free at their website] to do the work.

How to Install Windows 98 on a PC with no O/S
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;221829
It’s also a good idea to copy the Windows installation files into a folder on a partition other than C: and use the startup disk to issue a command to run “Setup.exe” from there, then leave the files there permanently. This means that whenever, in the future, a programme needs a Windows file, you don’t need to supply the CD-ROM and hope that the CD-Drive letter allocated has not altered [causing difficulties because the PC expects to find the files at the original drive letter]. Instead, the necessary files will automatically be found [provided you don’t change the address of those files] and you’ll wonder how it’s all so easy. It’s also quicker to install from a HDD to a HDD.