invalid system disk

After formatting the hard drive in command mode, my Windows 98 computer will not startup. i am just given the following message:

System disk invalid
Replace the disk, and then press any key

At this point, i can't do anything that does not bring the same message back up

 

That message is to be expected and correct after formating as the disk is wiped clean.

You need to boot to a floppy and install Win98.

BillyBob

 

Bootdisk's
Double click the downloaded file with a floppy in the drive, one will be created for you.
Install motherboard drivers [if needed] right after installing Windows.
When you can't get the Video Adaptor out of 16 Colors, install video drivers.

 

Thanks for the info. i have created the bootdisk and tried booting the system from the floppy, but i just get th following message:

Searching for Boot Record from floppy - ok

and then the computer just freezes- it stops reading the floppy (no sounds from the drive) although the light is still on. I can only restart the computer using the restart button.

 

Since posting the above message i have managed to boot the system using the said floppy. I can now gain access to the win 98 startup menu. However, after Windows begins starting up, I recieve the message;

Diagnostic tools were successfully loaded to drive D.
To get help, type help and press enter.

I am then still in command mode, and don't know what to do to start Windows. I have tried typing help but it only takes me to the readme from the startup disk which is of no use.

 

I can now gain access to the win 98 startup menu

That is a VERY MISS-LEADING statement that comes up with the Boot disk. No way in hello is it starting Win98. In your case there is NO WINDOWS to start anyway. Even if the Startup disk does say it is Starting Win98 ( WHICH IT DOES NOT )

All the Start up disk does is to boot the machine and load a few DOS utilities and set up for CDROM access so that you can install Windows.

Seing as how you formated the HD there is nothing to start ( other than the floppy )

You need to ACTUALLY INSTALL WINDOWS.

If the utilities were loaded to D: then that should make your CDROM E:

Insert the CD, change the path to E:\Win98 and type SETUP.

This will install Windows on the HD.

Once the install starts remove the Floppy and have a BLANK one handy so that during the install you can make a new Startup disk that will refect YOUR system as it is.

BillyBob

 

Thanks for the input. I shall try that asap.
Cheers.