incorrect ms-dos versioni

older lap top that had window98. A friend tried to put windows xp not knowing that you can only put it on one computer. I tried to put windows 98 cd in and tried to installed about 85 percent it then gave a error message. and now when it boots it goes in the option for safemode and the other choices . I choose safe mode and it said warning: windows has detected a registry /confirguration error, choose command prompt only scanreg. When I tried that it does not reconize that command. Should I reformat and start over. I have never formatted . I have the windows98 installatin disc.

The normal way to install Windows 98 is with both a floppy and a CD.
The inhalation will do the format.

[Moderator]

Since 98 didn't have safemode it's still trying to boot into XP...
Try re-installing Win98.

98 didn't have safemode

You'd better tell the guys at Microsoft quick, because they've been mistaken for, oh, more than 11 years...

How to Start a Windows 98-Based Computer in Safe Mode

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/180902

And I must have been having hallucinations in the period before Oct 2001...

the only window98 is for distribution for a new pc .Tried to install. it just goes to the microsft windows 98 startup menu doesn't give the operation to install the cd.I also have a windows 98 upgrade and windows 95 ( for new pc).the error message says cannot find win.com in the startup memu.at one point I was able to installation starated and was in 89 % installation when the suwin error message pop up and now I am not able to install.

older lap top

SUWIN issues can occur because of any of the below reasons.

   1. Incorrect BIOS settings or system is overclocked.
   2. Computer date is set improperly.
   3. Incorrectly configured Windows.
   4. Memory management software is incorrectly configured.
   5. Computer has a GSI BIOS.
   6. Double Buffering is required for your hard disk, but is not enabled.
   7. Cirrus Logic video card driver installed that is incompatible with Windows setup program.
   8. There is an antivirus enabled in your computer's CMOS settings.
   9. More than 1200 True Type fonts installed on the computer.
  10. Computer using mismatched memory.
  11. Faulty hardware / motherboard.

is it best to format and reinstall wins98

is it best to format and reinstall wins98

Yes.
All data will be lost.

this is my first time ever formatting. at the A:\ type in format.Will  I have any problem with the cd rom drive .Also the install disk is cd that came with the comuter that says distritubtion only with a new pc . I do have the certificate of authenticity.My concern is will it  boot with that cd and install the operating system.

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000569.htm
Please look this over.
The floppy drive normally starts the installation.
It does not boot the CD.
 It starts the install from the CD.

[Moderator]

You'd better tell the guys at Microsoft quick, because they've been mistaken for, oh, more than 11 years...

How to Start a Windows 98-Based Computer in Safe Mode

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/180902

And I must have been having hallucinations in the period before Oct 2001...

Well i guess i will sit corrected...
I've never personally seen it in Win98...

Somethings at Microsoft never change, enter F8 & select Safe Mode.  Been there since Windows 95.

it cannot find win.com unable to continue loading wndows from safemode. the windows 98 pops up shortly and goes to operation for normal , logged ,safe mode, step by step confirmation command prompt only, safe mod comand prompt only. It gives a warning: windows has detected a registry/configuration error. choose.command prompt only and run scanreg. the following file is missing or corrupted: c\windows\himem.sus, c:\windows|dbbuff.sys,c:\windows\ifshlp.sys. I tried scanreg and bad common or file name. from here dir to see the drectory and it has the setlog old not sure   how to restore.AT this point I tried to put the windows98 back in but nothing happens.

It's an "older laptop". Given what I wrote above about the SUWIN message, and the repeated install failure at 89%, I suspect possible hardware failure.

can I try to format at this point  and see if I can reinstall.

You can try.

I get the microsoft wnidows 98 startup menu. the command prompt only i receie the c:\> when I put the format c : . I receive bad command or file name. I do not have bootable disk.I look in boot disk .com  not sure  what boot disk for window98 to download. Also I do not have a floppy drive I would have to download on cd. The lap top has both.