Windows XP Re-installing Windows 98

[littlelynell]

As a Mac user, I am a PC novice so please have patience....I recently gave my brother a Pentium III who's hard drive had been wiped clean. This computer is for his little kids to use. I sent along my Windows 98 floppy & CD for him to re-install. During installation, it wouldn't take my product key number -- said it was invalid. And now it's stuck there. I've been told that he needs to re-format the hard drive. Over the phone, I gave him the following command to type in; FORMAT C: /S /U /VDRIVE_1. During his first attempt, it said that Drive C was in use and couldn't complete command. On his second attempt, it said it was an invalid command. What started out as a favor has turned into a big pain for several of us. Can anyone help???? Thanks.

 

[crazylegs]

Is he trying to format through the windows command prompt if so thats why he is getting c: is in use...He needs to format from a proper DOS prompt not through windows.....

 

[floppybootstomp]

Boot with the win 98 floppy and at the command prompt simply type format c: then hit enter.

If that don't work, type fdisk, hit enter, delete/create new active partition.

 

[Quadophile]

Just installing the Windows 98 from the disk will not do the job as some of the updates are needed for smooth running of the windows 98. I assume it is Windows 98SE (Second Edition) if so, I would if I were you install the service pack to take care of everything and for smooth running of the operating system.

What it will do for you:

Features of 2.0.1:

100+ updates and hotfixes (Detailed list will be prepared soon).
<li>Solves 512 MB of RAM problem.
<li>256-color tray icons.
<li>Better Notepad: MetaPad 3.5 (Optional).
<li>Optimized swap file usage (Optional).
<li>Better WDM and USB support.
<li>Adaptec ASPI 4.60.1021 drivers (Optional).
<li>Windows Scripting Host 5.6.
<li>DCOM98 1.3.
<li>OLE Automation Libraries 2.40.4522.
<li>Dial-Up Networking 1.4.
<li>Microsoft Installer 2.0.
<li>MDGx's HTML Help Update.
<li>TweakUI (Optional).
<li>Command Prompt Here (Optional).
<li>New Animated Boot Logo (Optional).
<li>Microsoft Layer for Unicode.
<li>Visual Basic 5.0 SP2 runtime library.
<li>Visual Basic 6.0 SP6 runtime library.
<li>Visual C++ 6.0 SP6 runtime libraries.
<li>Updates JET 3.5 files to JET 3.5 SP3.
<li>Supports 98lite 4.7.
<li>Windows 2000/ME desktop icons.
<li>Windows 2000 color scheme (Optional).
<li>Supports custom "Program Files" directory.
Shows attributes column in details view on the Windows Explorer.
<li>Semi-slipstreaming support.
<li>Some tweaks (Optional).


Here is the link

Windows 98SE Unofficial Service Pack

 

[floppybootstomp]

All well and good Mr Quad, once Win 98 has been installed.

I don't think we've got that far yet.

One step at a time eh?

And I've used that unofficial Win98 SP1, it's good.

 

[Quadophile]

I think I got carried away One step at a time, well said!

 

[littlelynell]

Passing it along...

Thanks all....I've sent your answers on to my brother. I know he popped out the boot disk when he got the "C drive is busy" answer. Thought exactly what you said, it was trying to use the drive he was trying to format -- can't do it. After we get this baby up and going, I'll suggest the updates. As a Nebraska farmer, he's in the middle of farm work and doing this during his "down" time. I'll let you 'all know the outcome. Again, appreciate the words of PC wisdom.

littlelynell

 

[crazylegs]

Your welcome littleynell...do come back if your still having problems and we'll try to sort you out again....