I have a computer (#3) that I would like to let my grandkids play on. I can
get into DOS but I can't get into Windows. I can see all the files are
still. there. I have tried bootable disks, my Windows disks (98, 2000, XP)
and I cannot get Windows to open up. I thought maybe I could try to
reformat, but I find I can't type anything either. (yes, everything is
plugged in tight and in the proper places) What can I do to be able to use
this computer - from what I can see it's not the computer but Windows.

Wiersma7

wiersma7 wrote:
> I have a computer (#3) that I would like to let my grandkids play on. I can
> get into DOS but I can't get into Windows. I can see all the files are
> still. there. I have tried bootable disks, my Windows disks (98, 2000, XP)
> and I cannot get Windows to open up. I thought maybe I could try to
> reformat, but I find I can't type anything either. (yes, everything is
> plugged in tight and in the proper places) What can I do to be able to use

I can't tell from your post if you are clean-installing Win98 correctly.
Are you booting to a Win98 floppy preparatory to doing fdisk and then
format? Is this where you can't type?

If there is no keyboard input there (DOS), the keyboard connector on the
motherboard has died, although it is worth trying another keyboard. If
the keyboard connector has died, throw the machine away. It isn't worth
saving.

If this is not what you are doing, then you can't format and reinstall
from within Windows. Google for "clean install Windows 98" for detailed
instructions.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User