Windows 98SE fails to fully install

I am having a problem loading my copy of Windows 98SE to my old Celeron 466 computer. W98 was its original OS and I would like to set it up for my kids to use (and abuse).
Here's what happens:
From a freshly formatted 13g HDD, I run the setup from the install disk. Windows 98 loads system files to the HDD, reboots, prompts me to enter my name and serial key, configures hardware - plug 'n play devices - none plug 'n play devices, reboots a 2nd time, displays a blue screen with the Windows 98 flag and locks up. I swear I can hear the computer "zzhhuuunk" in the same place everytime I try to install.
I have tried to install on 2 different HDD, have removed the modem card, the floppy disk drive (and updated the BIOS settings), replaced the CD ROM drive with another, and have tried to reinstall. Same lock up, same place.
Any ideas?

 

jrr2K, long time, no see (hello again)

Driver dramas I would think. You should be able to boot into Safe Mode at that stage. Start tapping the F8 as soon as POST finishes (if you tap too early you will go to the BIOS...keyboard error, if you tap too late, normal Windows will start loading). Check in Device Manager (Control Panel -> System) for any problems listed with the hardware.

Once you get to Safe Mode, go to Start -> Run, type and enter
msconfig
go to the Avanced button on the first screen, check the box "Enable startup menu ". you can then boot back into Safe Mode when you want to until you get Windows working.
Look in Help, go to Startup, there are some suggestions and trobleshooting there.
Run Scandisk in Safe Mode.

Remove any other devices that are removable (PCI or ISA cards).

The Knowledgebase is down at the moment , try searching for "startup troubleshoot" under Win 98.
http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
You can run a startup log (from Safe Mode) and there are other suggestions (stepwise/confirmed startup).

If the machine is something like a HP or Emachine you will need to use their "recovery disk" to get the right drivers, you won't be able to install the Win 98 you have.

It could be a setting in the BIOS at startup. Go into the BIOS and select "Setup Defaults" or similar wording. Also look for a menu selection "Autodetect hard disk drive ", run that. Make certain to save the settings at Exit.

Matt

 

Hello to you again...I try to get as much accomplished on my working computers because once I play with the broken ones, nothing gets accomplished!

I will review the steps you've listed. Most of them look familiar as I have rebooted this machine to safe mode and run through the 98 help section for start up troubleshooting. As far as drivers go...the only thing left to remove would be an additional 128k RAM card that I borrowed from the extra computer. The computer seems to recognize it, it lists 191m RAM at the boot up (my orig. 64m and the new card), but I will remove it and try another install.
This weekend I hope to have a finished product. I have a striped out Dell P3 550Mhz, another computer - unsure of the specs, and my original Celeron 466Mhz. I am now able to reformat the 3 hard drives I have (thanks again), and I downloaded Puppy Linux as a "just in case ".
The master plan is to set up shop in the computer room tonight with some beer and build the kiddos a computer. Worst case scenerio is I get a buzz, best case scenerio is the kids think I'm a hero and the wife agrees that I am a moron with redeeming qualities.
I'll post Monday and let you know how much beer I drank.