Install Win98SE method needed.

[jagwinn]

After spending time in the spyware/virus forum here, my last recourse is to reinstall Win2000Pro, however, I do not have a disk.
I do have a Win98 full install that came with an old Packard Bell.
When I try to catch the CD on startup to install, it doesn't . . .
When I type RUN setup.exe, It tells me that I cannot install with Win2000 running, that I must go into DOS first.
I cannot figure how to startup in DOS!
Any leads or tips??
Broni??

Thanks,
John

[WillyW]

...I do have a Win98 full install that came with an old Packard Bell.

That's a full install CD?    not a OEM CD made just for that Packard Bell?

...
I cannot figure how to startup in DOS!

Does that computer have a working floppy drive in it?

[jagwinn]

It (CD) was purchased when upgraded by a tech in a Mom & Pop store, went from Win95 to 98SE.
It is a cd with a handwritten title WIN98-Full followed by a 25 character key code.
This was 1996.
I asked for and paid for a legal software as it was part of my AutoCAD business, MechArt.

That is as far as I can verify the authiticity of it.

[WillyW]

Does that computer have a working floppy drive in it?

[jagwinn]

So sorry, missed the 2nd question!
Yes, it has a 3-1/2, a cd and a 1GB USB flash drive.

[jagwinn]

Computer is a Dell Inspiron 7500 lappy.

[WillyW]

You could visite   www.bootdisk.com   and download what you need to make yourself a bootable floppy with CD-ROM support.

It is free.

After you do that,  boot using that floppy.   Now when you access the CD and run setup.exe,    you're not running Win2000.   

Let's go back to the beginning though.
Before you do this,   you've exhausted whatever other options you may have?    I see you mentioned that you've been in the virus forum....   you've come to the conclusion that you want to do the install of '98?

You are willing to lose everything that is on that drive now?


You may have to fdisk the drive and format it too.   

[WillyW]

Computer is a Dell Inspiron 7500 lappy.

Be prepared before you start.   Drivers,  etc.

[jagwinn]

WillyW,
Thanks for the time you are giving me.

Yes, I was in the virus section, and would really like to re-install Win2000, I do like that OS the best.
However, the lappy was a gift from a FORMER employer, and when contacted for a copy of the OS, was refused.
Contacted DEll support, also could not get me a refreshing of the OS.
Have been searching for Win2000 or XP on ebay and Craigslist but no funds for the price yet. Staples has XP Pro for $199. If I have to fork over cash to get out of this delima, the that is the way I will go.
The lappy is the 4 computer in the house, and I use it mostly for AutoCAD. It has a tiny HD, hence the flash drive I use for storage of dwg files.
Win98 is just sitting in the drawer, and I thought that I would use it as AutoCAD likes it just as well as Win2000.

All in all this is not a desperate situation, two other desktops and another lappy (wifes) more just an agrivation.

Always liked  Win98 and tried to put it on the lappy.

[WillyW]

WillyW,
Thanks for the time you are giving me.

No problem.   

Although I am soon to be away for a few hours.

Yes, I was in the virus section, and would really like to re-install Win2000, I do like that OS the best.
However, the lappy was a gift from a FORMER employer, and when contacted for a copy of the OS, was refused.
Contacted DEll support, also could not get me a refreshing of the OS.
Have been searching for Win2000 or XP on ebay and Craigslist but no funds for the price yet. Staples has XP Pro for $199. If I have to fork over cash to get out of this delima, the that is the way I will go.
The lappy is the 4 computer in the house, and I use it mostly for AutoCAD. It has a tiny HD, hence the flash drive I use for storage of dwg files.
Win98 is just sitting in the drawer, and I thought that I would use it as AutoCAD likes it just as well as Win2000.

All in all this is not a desperate situation, two other desktops and another lappy (wifes) more just an agrivation.

Ok.    Your original question was about asking how to get booted in DOS.
That part turned out to be fairly easy.    I just didn't want you to take off on a mission, if you hadn't given it some thought ahead of time.    You sound like you have.

As far as drivers, etc.,   before you start you might want to spend some time at Dell's site.    From reading around here in the forums,  I understand that there is a number on Dell computers somewhere,  that you can enter on their site, and it will come back and tell you all the info about the computer.
I think with laptops especially,  you will want to be sure that you have the drivers right from the  computer manufacturer's site.
Check it out first, and be sure you can get everything you need for that laptop with Win98.

Keep us posted.     

[jagwinn]

Thanks for the info.

I must leave for the job now, and will look further into this tomorrow.

Thnx Willy,
John

[WillyW]

...
As far as drivers, etc.,   before you start you might want to spend some time at Dell's site.    From reading around here in the forums,  I understand that there is a number on Dell computers somewhere,  that you can enter on their site, and it will come back and tell you all the info about the computer.
I think with laptops especially,  you will want to be sure that you have the drivers right from the  computer manufacturer's site.
...

Example post:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,50813.msg318814.html#msg318814

[patio]

I would check a local University Bookstore for Win2KPro...that way it won't be a garbaged up eBay pirate CD or otherwise.
They may have to order it but at least you know what your getting.