missing msvcrt.dll file and fdisk

I have win98se and the file msvcrt.dll was a shared file and my happy fingers said yes to delete all, and when I did it, I knew I messed up, from a previous experience. Now it says I need to reinstall windows. I tried to scanreg /restore, but the same message appeared. I tried to go in through safe mode and I can't even get there. All I can do is get the screen that starts up win98 startup menu. I do have the win98se program cd, but don't remember how to install it by DOS mode.

After restarting the comp. I got into the "screen" that reads safe mode on all 4 corners, then within it is a window that reads:
Error loading Explorer.exe.
You must reinstall Windows.

Hmm, so I tell it okay and the result is:
A required .DLL file c:\windows\system\msvcrt.dll
was not found.
There is a box to click okay, but it doesn't allow me to click it.

I have read the posts that were online from another forum, in reference to
Article ID : 296551 from Microsoft, but I can't get there through safe mode. Only DOS, but I don't remember how to do DOS.

My main goal on this computer was to format the disk and start over. The comp. is old and needs to be cleaned out from the years. It began with Win95 and I DO have the CD that came with it, I have the Win98se Upgrade CD, and I have an XP Upgrade. (I am not sure, but I believe I will not be able to do the xp upgrade on it because of its age!?) I have made a start up CD from one of my other computers that has win98se.

I at least want to format it and put 98se back on it though. If memory is correct, this comp. has some sort of FDISK thing on it, but I am not sure what that means or how to use it anymore. I did this same procedure back in 99, but I have amnesia now. However this computer is only used as a backup.

Any bright ideas?

 

There are ways to put those files back using dos.

But, if you want to do a clean install, boot the computer with the floppy, choose with CDrom support. During the boot up process of the floppy, a message will appear giving you the drive letter for the CD. It will not be the usual letter, it could be E:. This message appears just before the "A:\>" appears. Use this letter in place of the "X" below.
Insert the 98SE CD, and do these commands. You do not need to use Fdisk.
format c:
Type a Y that you want to format when prompted.
Then install windows using this command.
X:\win98\setup
During the installation of 98SE, and because it is an upgrade version, you are going to be asked about a previous version of windows. When prompted, swap the 95 CD into the drive. You may need to browse it to the Win95 folder on the CD. When it is done, be sure to put the 98SE CD back in.

FYI,, either of the 95 or 98SE Upgrade CD will qualify for the XP CD if and when you choose to install it on another computer that can handle it.

 

If you have a lot of stuff on that machine that may/can not be replaced you can do a repair install.

Except for FORMAT just follow the instructions by markp62

But watch CAREFULLY during the process to make sure that it goes back into the existing Windows folder.

This way will not only replace what is missing but will make other repairs if needed and also save what is already there as far as software and setups.

A great time and work saving way.

BillyBob

 

okay here goes as per Marks suggestion. I DO want a clean install. Will let you know

 

msvcrt.dll file missing and fdisk

I did it. Thank you for the clean install recommendation. I now get to set it up, although on this particular comp. I don't have enough space for XP. I only have 3.25GB. I will stick with 98se on this one, as it is just for backup.

BillyBob, thanks for your recommendation also, but I had already backed up on that comp. and it was needing a clean install.

I will be posting another thread on my daughters computer. It will be in win98 listed as Clean Install for and All-In-One Computer.

If you guys could switch over to that and give me your input, I would appreciate it. Thanks a bunch!

 

Glad to read that you got the job done.

BillyBob