Update and Repair system files with CD

Hello.

Question 1:

What is the correct procedure for running disk check on the Windows 98 OS, and repairing systems files with the OS software CD. I'm having an intermittent shutdown problem and thought this procedure might help.

I have done all the maintenance and cannot think of what else it could be. I even reinstalled my HP printer software to rule out any conflicts. (I reviewed the Microsoft technical bulletin on shutdown problems for Windows 98 and followed the procedures with no luck.)

Question 2:

The operating system on the computer is the original Windows 98 software. The CD that came with the Dell computer says that it is Windows 98 SE. When I insert the CD, a window comes up saying that the CD is newer than my operating system and do I want to install it.

Can I update my operating system to Windows 98 SE without affecting my programs and documents already on the computer?

If so, is there any special procedure to follow?

As always, thanks for the help.

Macpez

 

Hello Macpez,

Keeping in mind that I haven't worked on a 98 system for 5 years:

Question 1:

What is the correct procedure for running disk check on the Windows 98 OS, and repairing systems files with the OS software CD. I'm having an intermittent shutdown problem and thought this procedure might help.
I don't think you can - what you're describing is systemfilechecker which AFAIK is on XP only.

disk check is called scandsk on 9X, and as far I remember it can be executed from the run box.

Question 2:

The operating system on the computer is the original Windows 98 software. The CD that came with the Dell computer says that it is Windows 98 SE. When I insert the CD, a window comes up saying that the CD is newer than my operating system and do I want to install it.

Can I update my operating system to Windows 98 SE without affecting my programs and documents already on the computer?

If so, is there any special procedure to follow?
See if this helps: http://www.windows98.windowsreinstall.com/

Hope this helps and this will seve to bump this thread for someone who is currently familiar with 98.

Regards - Charles

 

macpez--
Are you geting any error message about why you have the shutdowns? You could do a Find on *.wlg which will bring up logs from Dr. Watson if you have Dr. Watson running. Open the highest number log right after a shutdown and you may get some info as to the reason.
If however, you just want to check up on your PC:
You run a check for corrupt files by Start|Run|type sfc. Best to read the following links first so you understand what to do and expect. Unless a file is truly corrupt, you do not want to replace it, since you probably will replace with an older version.
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/windows98/start-142.html
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q192832
ScanDisk is much simpler. You should run it every now and then as part of your maintenance procedure (which should also include Defragmenter and deleting Temporary Internet Files). I think charlesvar is correct about one way to run ScanDisk, but I would suggest you do the following since it will also show you how to run Defragmenter. Click My Computer|right click on your System Drive (probably C:\)|Properties|Tools tab. Now ScanDisk can be run from the Error Checking area and Defragmenter from the Defragmentation area. When you run either of these you want to be sure that no program that might start or change during the scans is running. This includes ScreenSavers, Scheduled Tasks, connections to the internet, etc. Otherwise both Scan Disk and Defragmenter may proceed just so far and then start at the beginning again. If that happens, then do a Control+Alt+Delete and shut down all programs except Windows system programs.
You clean out your Temporary Internet Files from IE Tools|Internet Options|General tab|Delete Files.

 

Can I update my operating system to Windows 98 SE without affecting my programs and documents already on the computer?

If so, is there any special procedure to follow?

I do not know exactly what the procedure is for Dell but in general I would say the answer to both questions is YES.

The HD on this machine started out with Win 95B. Then 98FE. Then 98SE. And now XP Pro.

But I must say here that I built my own machine.

BillyBob

 

Thanks, PeteC, but macpez should notice that this requires a reboot before running Scandisk/Defrag, and then the stopped programs must be rechecked in msconfig so they will start again on the next reboot.
Another way to run Scandisk/Defrag without other (interferring) programs running, is to do it from Safe Mode, but I tried to simplify matters.