EMM386 won't load on boot

Just make sure you have the same version CD that is on the machine.

And just saying W98 is not enough.

There is 98, 98 SP1 and 98SE. And also there is ( WHICH I JUST THOUGHT OF ) a Win98 SE UPDATE CD.

If there is a chance that the Win98SE UPDATE CD was used then FORGET IT right now. There is no way to get it back in with out putting 98FE in first.

And if the SE $20 SE UPDATE was used I can very easily see where the problem lies.

The SE UPGRADE is fine but the SE UPDATE S***s. Big time.

BillyBob

 

Hello,
As I have stated many times before, The Windows 98SE CD I have is the full version.

HUGH,
I failed to mention before,,,,,,,,,,My F Drive is a Hewlett Packard CD Writer Plus. This is a CD REWriteable Drive.
Can I load my files on CD's with this? Then NUKE the Hard Drive clean and start from scratch.

 

OK I am clear on the 98 CD version

But that was not my real point. Too many times we see just Win98. That is more what I was really referring to.

That reads like another good idea that should work.

You will just need to reload the proper software after the re-install.

BB

 

BillyBob,
I thought since CD hold much more info then floppies this might be an option. as long as there is a command that will get the ReWritable to download all that is there onto one or more CDs. It's good to know it is a good option.....Thanks

Hugh, When I boot up my computer do I use the floppy and chose option one, then take out the floppy before I do the dir g test?
I left the floppy in and typed in dir g This is what appeared
Volume in Drive A has no label
Volume Serial Number is 2ECE-8621
Directory of A:\
File not found
250,368 bytes free

 

Just be careful NOT TO Get any OS files. As they may well NOT BE the same as the ones in a new install.

Especially if any updating has been done.

BillyBob

 

BillyBob,
How do I tell if it is an OS file?
Will the name contain the word WINDOWS? or ??????

 

hi again

sorry to take so long, things cropped up

just a mo to read what's been happening

 

I forgot something. Or just remembered. ( your choice )

When I make a re-writable CD I do not need special software to get files off of them.

When I put it in ( and wait long enough ) it says that I can used it like a large size floppy.

I use InCD to make them.

BillyBob

 

ahh thanks for mentioning the CD rewriter: catching up this end..

(the drive letters will be pushed up by 1 because of the RAMDRIVE, checking back to your post to confirm)

will be trying to be careful not to do anything other than test with FC (if we can, as BB says versions matter)

blakston: you'll be putting the CD into the non-writing drive which you would normally call G: so its now H:

is this correct, pls?
ATB HJ

 

If you are using 98 SE any OS file would ( or should have ) a date of 4/23/99 on it.

I think the only ones to really worry about would be the ones in the Windows folder or a sub folder of same.

BillyBob

 

BillyBob, since my computer is goofed up will I still be able to open my CD-rewritable to load the files OK?

 

Hugh,,,,Yes I have seen the Drive G and H. So I guess my Rewritable is Drive G. Check your Email

 

you'll be putting the CD into the non-writing drive which you would normally call G: so its now H:

HUH????

Only when booting from the startup disk will it change the CDROM letter. And that will only apply when Installing Windows.

And at that time the re-writable part is completely out of the picture. It is then just a normal CDROM.

The files will need to be transfered from within Windows before it is wiped out.

HMMMM !! I just looked and I see where I may have answered two questions.

BillyBob, since my computer is goofed up will I still be able to open my CD-rewritable to load the files OK?

And more than likely you will need to be in Windows to get them back.

And you do not want them back before you get windows back in and the proper software installed anyway.

BillyBob

 

OK

so, starting from the floppy and choosing 1 for CD support

I would like you to try these please

COLOR=blue]A:\>[/COLOR] dir h:\fc.ex? /s <enter>

COLOR=blue]A:\>[/COLOR] dir c:\windows\command\fc.exe <enter>

if you can see both, and the answer to the top one is
FC.EXE rather than FC.EX_

pls have a look at date and time and size, it would be nice if they show the same!

(I'm trying to be careful)

if instead you see FC.EX_

and let me know pls?

good luckHJ

DOH edited for clarity

 

Hugh Jarss
The location of FC on a 98SE Upgrade CD is at Tools\Oldmsdos. It is uncompressed. It would not surprise me it is at the same location on a Full Install.

blakston6286
Now this, doing a dir g and getting directory read of Drive A:\, though I see what the problem is on this. It should be dir g:. Without the colon, the g is being referred as the name of a file. What you ended up with a read of A:\ looking for a file named g, one is not there and is not found.
I did a dir g and ended up with a read of C:. The reason you came up with a read of A:\ and I came up with a read of C:\ is that it was the current drive and directory.
Getting the syntax correct is like the difference between a whole and a half note. To someone outside of music they look similar, but you know the big difference.

 

Hugh,,,,Am I supposed to have my Windows CD in my CD Drive at this point?

Mark,,,point well ubderstood thanks for that important info

 

...other things which might happen:

file not found (means (h) I've blown it or (c) the FATs are worse than I was hoping for)

but if you can see the H: version, you should be able to see the path to it which I will need you to tell me.

Like: I see

Directory of R:\tools\oldmsdos

FC EXE 20,574 11/05/98 20:01 fc.exe
1 file(s) 20,574 bytes

because my CD drive is R: at the moment

the "path" to it is

R:\tools\oldmsdos

I need to know what you get for that bit

good luck, HJ

BB

we're doing it that way for safety's sake: blakston is used to it
belt and braces + what he's already used to...

 

Hi all,,,,,I have to print this all out and shut down my friends computer for the day. I will digest this info and try all the suggested info and post back tommorrow.
Sorry I am at the mercy of my generous friend.
Thank You all for your much appreciated info so far.

 

sorry blakston yes you were meant to have it in

take it out if you reastart the PC

we have trouble at home I must go for a while back asap

good luck all