Missing C:\Windows\SYS Files

C:\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS and
C:\WINDOWS\IFSHELP.SYS are missing or corrupted That`s what the screen says after booting to the Crompt as I prepare to install Windows `95 and then my `98 upgrade on a formatted Packard Bell hard drive.
When and where do I get them?
Am I clear off on a wrong tangent here?
As usual thanks for any guidance.

 

If the drive is formatted and empty, you want to boot with a bootdisk and choose 'start with CD-ROM support', then proceed with installation. You can do a clean install with the upgrade CD. You will be promted to insert 95 CD to prove you are upgrading.

 

If you do not have a bootdisk, go to Bootdisk's and download the file for 98Se OEM. Do not copy this file to a floppy and expect it to work. Doubleclick the downloaded file with a floppy in the drive, and it will be created for you. When finished, take out the floppy, you will see a little tab on it, slide it over so that you can see through both holes.
Boot the computer with it, and you will see what noahdfear has mentioned.
Watch the screen for a message about what the drive letter for the CD will be. It will not be the usual letter, use this letter in place of the X below. This message is on the screen just before the A:\> appears. Insert the 98 Upgrade CD and use this command.
X:\win98\setup
You will be prompted for proof of a previous version, just swap the 98 for the 95, you may have to point it to the Win95 folder.
You will not have the problem about DBLBUFF.SYS and IFSHELP.SYS using this bootdisk. I do not think the drive is formatted as posted for you should have had a "non-system disk' message.
BTW, if you are installing windows because of a problem with the existing installation, you may still have the problem.

 

Wrong Procedure?

Thanks to the both of you.
I think maybe I`m doing something wrong. Bear with me.
To format a hard drive I use thhree disks that I downloaded long ago. I still use them due to lack of knowing any other way.
#1 Boot disk boots to "a" prompt. Print command, format c: /s
when that`s done, reboot to C prompt.
#2 copy to Root, print, copy a:\*.* c:\ it copies Config.sys and Himem.sys.
Reboot to C prompt
#3 a: enter cdsetup enter this disk has Cdsetup.exe, Mscdex. exe Readme.doc Sscdrom.sys.
I then put the `95 cd in and install `95, then upgrade to `98.
noahdfears "clean" in bold letters makes me think he suspects I don`t have a clean hard drive.
Is there a better way of formatting the hard drive so I can use my new downloaded 98Se OEM boot disk . (The ALT download at that site I ignored as you didn`t mention it.)
I`ve got other`98 startup disks,I use to get CD drivers etc.

I wonder if there isn`t some Packard Bell information left on the hard drive that after the format gives trouble. There`s a good UK PB forum but I`ve lost my user name and can`t get on to post. I`ve sure read a lot the last couple of days! The BB remembers my E mail address and insists the user names I`ve tried won`t work, I got to have it before I can have them E mail a new password! I emailed the Hollander that runs things but I don`t have much faith. Sheesh

 

See markp62's post in this thread for installing to a formatted drive. You did the format part correctly.

 

Packard Bell and an OEM CD may be different. That I do not know,

But.

All you need to do is have the HD formated, ( no system files on it ). Just plain format will do.

If you have a 98SE or any floppy that will boot the machine and give you access to the CD.

I`ve got other`98 startup disks,I use to get CD drivers etc.

Use one of them. to boot to.

#1 Boot disk boots to "a" prompt. Print command, format c: /s
when that`s done, reboot to C prompt.

Just plain format should do.. ( format C: only )

Also doing a Format C: /S may but the WRONG version of boot files on the HD. It is better to let the Windows install do it. then the files will match

#2 copy to Root, print, copy a:\*.* c:\ it copies Config.sys and Himem.sys. Reboot to C prompt

Should be no need copy files to or boot to the HD.

#3 a: enter cdsetup enter this disk has Cdsetup.exe, Mscdex. exe Readme.doc Sscdrom.sys.

I do not know for sure about an OEM CD but a normal Windows 98SE CD you can type D:\Win98\SETUP and it will do all that is needed to the HD. D:/ = your cdrom letter which should be shown on the screen when booting to the floppy

I then put the `95 cd in and install `95, then upgrade to `98.

There should be no need to install 95 first. Just need to put the CD in when it asks for verification of a previous version.

BillyBob

 

That is possible.

Also there may be a speciall partition on the HD containing info related to PB hardware etc.

BB

 

Miraculous!

What a difference a little know-how makes. Got it in,operating and no error or missing files anywhere.
Thanks a bunch!
Now it`s off to jolly old UK to find an onboard sound driver. or how to disable and use a different card. If all that is doable.
Maybe that Hollander will write back and I can irritate them with my problems.
Thanks again

 

Billy Bob

THanks to you also, you sneaked in on me in all the noise, and dust, and confusion!
Long Live External Modems!!

 

Congrats! You can get many drivers at Driver Guide. Username drivers, password all.

Thanks for posting back!!