Re-install Windows

[skyler]

How do I re-install windows 98 on a dell system when we never had the windows cd? I am responsible to keep our systems up and running and need to re-install windows on one of the systems that keep popping up error messages.
Please help.

Thank you,Skyler

[Paul Komski]

If there is no Dell restore CD nor a complete set of cab installation files on the hdd then you are going to have to get your hands on a new Windows Installation CD.

If you can grab the cd key of the current installation then you should be able to borrow another CD (same version) and use your current CD key to set up the new installation.

[skyler]

Where do I find the cd key? I'll check on the hdd for cab files.

Thank you,
Skyler

[Paul Komski]

There are both dos and windows based apps available that will dig out the value of the registry Key Name "ProductKey" at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion in the Registry but I guess you can just navigate to the key after running regedit.

Click the Help >> About button in MyComputer to know which version of Win98 you are running.

[classicsoftware]

You will need the contents of The Windows\options\cabs folder on your hard drive. Include all sub folders. Copy it over to a CD.

The key should be in your registry ay

HKEY\LOCAL MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION

If it's not there search for a key called ProductKey

With the Key and the files burned onto a CD you should be good to go....

[ErnieK]

You can get the Win98 key number if you do the following

Right click on my computer. This should show the key number for your installation as well as the amount of memory and OS installed

[skyler]

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how it goes.
Skyler

[classicsoftware]

Originally posted by ErnieK
You can get the Win98 key number if you do the following

Right click on my computer. This should show the key number for your installation as well as the amount of memory and OS installed

The number shown under properties is your serial number NOT your installation key. You must have the key in order to install windows. You can download software Lika Belarc, Aida, or Sisoft Sandra and get the key from them, but its just easier to get from the registry.

BTW Ernie, is the Avatar a Collie or a Sheltie?

[ErnieK]

Rough Collie. But she is small made due the ilnesses she was born with. See my site for details.

[classicsoftware]

We lost our sheltie a few years ago, looked alot like yours..... Great dogs...