Resolved Restoring with Windows 95

I'm trying to restore back to factory an older Compaq Presario installed with Win95. I'm stuck at the Certificate of Authenticity. Those number have been long lost and gone. Is there a secret to getting by it?

I have used this computer for quite a while and updated it with Win98 which I want to restore as well. I will give it to a friend who can't afford a computer. It will be a great learning tool as it was for me!

Thanks for your consideration!

 

We can't help you with the COA number.
I can say that if the Win98 CD is an upgrade CD, go ahead and install 98. During the Win98 setup process you will be asked for proof of a previous version, just swap the 98 CD for the 95, after authentication, swap them back.

 

Thank you for your input. However I'm stuck at the 95 set up wizard and can't get past the number. I tried the 98 number with no results. Could I purchase a new 95 and install it? Or use someone elses number without breaking some law? Is there a combination of keys to push to get me out of the set up mode?

 

Can I open in safe mode to get to the exe command to load in Win98? I don't remember which F key to press to get to safe mode. I'm experimenting now.

 

Read MarkP62's post again

Forget trying to install 95, boot from the 98 CD you may be asked to insert the 95 CD for proof of upgrade during the 98 install but you'll only need the 98 code.

 

When I turn on the computer, I automatically go to the Win95 setup wizard. Always ending up at the Certificate of Authenticity page. Can't get to the desk top to do anything! I've reinstalled the Restore Disc a couple of times trying to intervene with no luck. I've put in the Win98 COA with no luck. I've been able to access all hard drive components but no software. I see on eBay you can purchase unused, unopened Win95 discs...is that a valid solution?

 

That would be a valid solution, if you only want to have Win95 on the computer.
But if your plan is to install 95, and then upgrade to 98...my previous post is the better idea as you will not have leftovers cluttering up the system, and do away with the problem of the 95 COA.
If your problem is that you cannot get the 98 CD to boot, go to http://bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and download the OEM file for your version of 98. Put a floppy into the drive, and doubleclick the downloaded file, and a 98 boot floppy will be created for you. This will work regardless of whatever version is the operating system that is on the computer that you do this on.
Do not copy the downloaded file onto the floppy and expect it to work.

 

Thanks for all your comments and advice. I purchased an unopened copy of the Win95 program for the Certificate. It only cost $20 plus shipping and now I have a working computer and a number I can use if I have to restore again! I had the 98 upgrade already which I uploaded.
I am grateful that the problem I was having has led me to this site. I know where to come if other 'situations' occur. Thanks again!

 

Thanks for letting us know Kittycat.

Not an ideal solution (in my opinion you could have saved that $20), but a solution.

May I draw your attention to marking thread as solved?

Please see the FAQ for this and other information that helps when using these boards.