need to re-format

[Gary]

I need to reformat my computer so that I can do a clean install of XP. I
currently have win 98 and when trying to install XP install does not complete
and now I cannot finish and I cannot do anything else because it keeps trying
to finish the install.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I need to reformat my computer so that I can do a clean install of
XP. I currently have win 98 and when trying to install XP install
does not complete and now I cannot finish and I cannot do anything
else because it keeps trying to finish the install.

You need to format (not reformat) the computer?
(Formatting is really a pretty final thing. heh)

So boot off your Windows XP CD (change the system BIOS so it boots off CD
first, watch when you turn on the computer with the Windows XP CD in the
drive for a message asking you to "press any key to boot from CD" and do so)
and follow the instructions to delete and create partitions to install upon
and install Windows XP fresh and new.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

If the CD you have is an UPGRADE Windows XP CD - have your Windows 98
installation media (CD) close by - it will ask for Qualifying media and you
will put in the Windows 98 CD as proof.

BTW - if you have not backed everything up - don't expect it back if
following the above advice. ;-)

 

[DL]

Set the PC to boot from cd. Insert wincp & boot up, delete all partitions
PS Are you sure your win98 PC & hardware supports winxp?

 

[Gis Bun]

I agree with Shenan and DL. Boot off the Win XP CD. At one point during the
install you can wipe out your Win 98 install.

If you don't have a Win XP upgrade CD, do not upgrade Win 98 to Win XP.
Perform a clean install. If you upgrade from Win XP, you will inherit any
problems you had with Win 98. Additionally, if you do an upgrade, uninstall
your AV, firewall, etc.

Now it sounds like your XP install may have crapped out in the middle. In
most cases, running the install again will continue from where it crapped out.

As mentioned before, verify your hardware is XP compatible, you have enough
RAM and disk space, etc.