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trying to get a 98 computer back up and running again

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by JimmyM, 2006/03/17.

  1. 2006/03/17
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Guest Thread Starter

    hello all,

    I have an old 1999 Gateway and my sister was using it and it recently crashed I'm not sure as to how to get it going again I have a boot disc and a 98 cd I'd like to format it and do a fresh install can someone do a walk through for me and I'll follow the instructions. I had the boot disc in and restarted it but not sure as to where to go next.
    any help would be apreciated, thank you and I'll stand by and watch for some replys
     
    JimmyM,
    #1
  2. 2006/03/18
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Hello JimmyM!

    Assuming that there is a single partition [C:] only:

    Start the computer [with CD-ROM support] from the Win98 start disk and notice which drive letter is assigned to the CD-ROM drive [should be E:, one "higher" than usual]. When prompted, confirm that you want support for large hard disks.

    At the A:> command prompt, type in: format c: /u [note the spaces] and press enter. Confirm that you want to format and at the end of the procedure, type in a label for C: or leave it blank.

    Next, at the A:> command prompt, type in: E: and press enter. The command prompt will change to E:> for the CD-ROM drive.

    Put the Win98 CD in the tray, wait a few seconds and at the E:> command prompt, type in: install and press enter.

    Follow the prompts on the screen to install Win98. You will need the license key.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #2


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  4. 2006/03/18
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Guest Thread Starter

    I gave that a try and I'm getting a message that says format not supported on drive c format terminated

    is there any other things that I could try?
     
    JimmyM,
    #3
  5. 2006/03/18
    TopFarmer

    TopFarmer Well-Known Member

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    It sounds like for some reason that the Maser partition table may be bad, Run FDISK -select option #4 and post resaults.

    Are you useing a WIN cd or a Gateway recovery cd ? very important to know.
     
    TopFarmer,
    #4
  6. 2006/03/18
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Guest Thread Starter

    when I type in FDISK it says no fixed disks present,

    I have a Gateway system restore cd and a universal boot disk that came with the computer back when it was new
     
    JimmyM,
    #5
  7. 2006/03/18
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    Whiskeyman,
    #6
  8. 2006/03/19
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Guest Thread Starter

    I suppose I could try a hard drive and see what that brings, it has a Western Digital Caviar 8.4GB EIDE Ultra ATA/100 in it now does anyone have a good used one bigger than 8.4 laying around they'd be interested in getting rid of? and will it be compatible with my system and plug right in
     
    JimmyM,
    #7
  9. 2006/03/19
    TopFarmer

    TopFarmer Well-Known Member

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    Can you get into the bios ? IF you can is the hdd lissted correct size ? Have you noticed if the clock has been looseing time ?

    Go ti Western Digital and use their hdd test program.

    To pick up a cheap small hdd try Good Will type stores.
     
    TopFarmer,
    #8
  10. 2006/03/19
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Guest Thread Starter

    TopFarmer don't think I can answer any of your questions as this computer has been out at my sisters house untill just the other day when she called me and told me it crashed, I can get to start with the start up floppy but when I tryed to format it it says no fixed disks present, in another post I gathered that the hard drive is bad
     
    JimmyM,
    #9
  11. 2006/03/19
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    One thing to try:

    Download DELPART and extract the file. Copy it to the Win98 start disk.

    Start the computer with the Win98 floppy. When up and running, at the A:> command prompt type in DELPART and press enter.

    The utility will analyze the computer for existing hard disks and they will be represented by their respective MBR (Master Boot Record). I assume that there is only one hard disk connected and it has a single partition C:. It should show up as MBR1. If it does, delete the MBR. This will wipe the hard disk completely and you have to confirm and reboot before continuing to FDISK to repartition it.

    If there is no MBR listed, the hard disk is bad.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #10
  12. 2006/03/19
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Guest Thread Starter

    just ran the delpart says no hard disks were found
     
    JimmyM,
    #11
  13. 2006/03/19
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Well, JimmyM, it seems like you or the owner is on the market for a new hard disk ... :( ... !

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #12
  14. 2006/03/20
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    Run the Western Digital utilities called "Lifeguard ". If it can "see" the drive there is still a lot of hope.

    Put "Lifeguard download" into a Google search and it may take you to the WD website, otherwise search at www.westerndigital.com/support

    Matt
     
    Last edited: 2006/03/20
    mattman,
    #13

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