Trying to delete my hard drive to start new.

[llcoxir]

I have windows 98 SE. I need to restore my computer to  it's original state. I don't want any of my personal info on it. PLEASE GIVE ME  STEP-BY-STEP instructions on how to do this?? I'm giving it to someone and I need my info erased.

[Fed]

Put your win98 disk in then boot your computer hitting whatever key you use to get into bios.
In bios change the boot order to cdrom first then let it boot to the win98 disk.
There you will get an option to do a clean install.
Don't forget to save all of the things you want to keep to disk first.

[Raptor]

1. Create Boot diskette
2. Insert Boot diskette in FDD
3. Restart computer
-- Be certain to set FDD as the first boot device in the BIOS
4. Start computer without CD-ROM support
5. Type A:\
6. From A:\ Type Format C:\ or Format X:\ where X is the station or partition you wish to format.

[merlin_2]

why do you wish to *re-install win98?*?........make sure you have the drivers for you sound/video/modem etc.....

you could do this locate the* c:\windows\options \cabs folder......next to regsvr32 icon.........is one called setup.....if you were to click the icon.......is will take win98 back to the day it was first installed*..........this is most handle for people who have a pre-installed system....<win9x>

[hywaydave]

technically, formatting the drive is not enough.  It is still possible to recover data.  You'll want to use something that'll completely wipe the drive.  You can download and use this tool, it works great and then there's no way any data can be recovered.  If you need additional assistance, you can reach me at ResourcePC.

Dave

[merlin_2]

you mean this >>..http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/download.shtml

i would invest in a new hard drive.....and keep the old one for storing important data on.....slave it.

[careless]

i'm new here, just joined.  but if i was wanting my info off first thing i would do is make a bootdisk,after starting without cd-rom support, run fdisk and delete the whole partition including the logistical drive.  then just for good measure after creating a new partition and restarting i would do a unconditional format.  

[llcoxir]

With the forums help, I reinstalled windows 98SE. I was having resolution problems with my moiter, but I resolved this problem. (With help from the forum) I had my resource CD, so I didn't know that I needed my drivers for my modem. My computer does not recognise my modem: Aztec MDP 3900. I went to drivers.com and found a driver for this modem and download it. I tried  to load it but I received this message:
"PCI COMMUNICATION DEVICE?"
HARDWARE VERSION 008
DRIVERS NOT INSTALLED (CODE28)
TO REINSTALL DRIVERS FOR THIS DEVICE, CLICK "REINSTALL DRIVERS"
THERE ARE NO PCI DEVICES LISTED ON MY HARDWARE PROFILE!  PLEASE HELP

[Raptor]

You will need to obtain drivers for all hardware not detected and/or installed by Windows 98SE.

PCI drivers can be obtained from the mainboard CD or from the mainboard manufacturer their website.

[Fed]

You need to be 100% sure which moden you have, this 'may' help.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
There are a lot to choose from
http://www.modem-drivers.com/companies/152.htm

[merlin_2]

if you can.......take out the modem.... from the case>..*esd* caution >>>>>>if unsure dont do it???.......download the modem driver to floppy disk........ and re-boot pc.....now shut it back down again....<there are resond for this?> now reinstall modem........and reboot.......now palce the modem driver floppy in.....windows will do the rest

[llcoxir]

Raptor,
How can I be sure which Hardware I have installed?
The recource Cd has many devices listed.



I will try to uninstall my modem and reinstall it.

       Thanks.

[Gustaaf]

Try using BELARC advisor. http://www.belarc.com

It will audit software and hardware on your pc for free. Then simply download new drivers etc to CD before reinstalling the pc. The audit will be displayed in HTML page, so print-out is easy.

[LaVerne Cox]

Gustaaf, Can I make a CD and load it on my windows 98 computer, to get this info?

       Thanks.

[merlin_2]

if you typed msinfo32 in the run box ......it will display all your systems info......