Removing XP, replace with Windows 98

[Joe O]

I'm trying to re-format and re-partition my new PC to
remove XP and install Windows 98. At the C: prompt,
format C: doesn't allow me to do that. How can I clean
my hard drive to 1 partion so I can install 98?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to Use the Fdisk Tool and the Format Tool to Partition or Repartition a Hard
Disk
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;255867

1. Delete the Windows XP partition.
2. Create a new partition.
3. Format the new partition FAT32.
4. Install your desired Windows 98 Operating System.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I'm trying to re-format and re-partition my new PC to
| remove XP and install Windows 98. At the C: prompt,
| format C: doesn't allow me to do that. How can I clean
| my hard drive to 1 partion so I can install 98?

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Why do you want to revert to Win98? You will have to boot your system with a Win98/ME EBD, format your C: drive and then reinstall Win98 from there. If you haven't got a Win98/ME boot disk you can the files for one from www.bootdisk.com

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User


| I'm trying to re-format and re-partition my new PC to
| remove XP and install Windows 98. At the C: prompt,
| format C: doesn't allow me to do that. How can I clean
| my hard drive to 1 partion so I can install 98?

 

[Tony Talmage]

Boot with a Win98 boot disk (http://www.bootdisk.com), fdisk your drive to
remove your NTFS partition(s) (if applicable), add a primary DOS partition,
restart, then "format c:". This should format your drive with the FAT file
system and be ready to install Win98. Reboot the machine with the Win98 CD
in the drive plus the boot disk in the floppy drive. Select "with CD-ROM
support" from the startup menu. Now, go to your CD-ROM drive; I believe
there is a setup.exe either in the root of the CD or in the i386 folder.
Run that, and it should start the installation process.

--
Tony Talmage
Web Developer
Graphic Education Corporation
URL: http://www.graphiced.com
Phone: (888) 354-6600

 

[Harry Ohrn]

Instructions here
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q314052

 

[Cerridwen]

I'm trying to re-format and re-partition my new PC to
remove XP and install Windows 98. At the C: prompt,
format C: doesn't allow me to do that. How can I clean
my hard drive to 1 partion so I can install 98?

I can think of four reasons why this is a ridiculous idea.

1) *ALL* support for 98 has ceased. It is an obsolete OS and MS no longer
supports it (and I'm not even sure the 98 version of Windows Update still
functions).

2) Your system has been built to be specifically Windows XP-compatible.
Many hardware manufacturers no longer support 98 and have ceased production
of drivers, especially for new hardware. Therefore you'll probably find that
98 doesn't support many of your new devices.

3) You are installing an inherently unstable OS on new hardware. Windows
98 has no support for LBA and, depending on the size of the drive, you may
find that half your hard drive goes 'missing'.

4) You will completely void your warranty - both hardware and software.
You will be charged (usually by the minute) for every call to your
manufacturer's tech support line. Microsoft won't support you as all support
for 98 ended over 2½ years ago. If something fails, you will be charged for
the replacement, labour as well as shipping and handling.

My I ask why on earth you are contemplating doing something so silly? You
can dual boot, you know.

But, if your wallet is bottomless, you go for it.

 

[Bryce]

That's funny. My pc is new too, but installing 98 on it would void nothing.

 

[Cerridwen]

That's funny. My pc is new too, but installing 98 on it would void
nothing.

I think you'll find that it will. All the major manufacturers (Dell, HP,
Gateway, Sony, Toshiba, IBM, there may be others) will *NOT* support the
system if the OS has been changed. Dell and HP certainly make this very
clear in their Service Agreements which can be found on their websites.

Dual booting is a different matter entirely. The problems will occur if the
*sole* OS is different from that which was installed at the point-of-sale.

 

[sgopus]

This method will not work as w98 doesn't see an NTFS
formatted partition, you will need to get NTDOS disk
or boot with the XP install cd and format using FAT32
then abort the installation just after the format, before
the files are copied.

 

[Tony Talmage]

The partition will be listed in non-DOS or extended partitions, something
like that - can't remember off the top of my head. It can be deleted
through fdisk, as I have done it more than once.

--
Tony Talmage
Web Developer
Graphic Education Corporation
URL: http://www.graphiced.com
Phone: (888) 354-6600

 

[Tony Talmage]

Granted, it applies to a majority of users, but this also assumes that his
box came off the line; he could've purchased the hardware from a local shop
or maybe from someplace like mbx.com or motherboards.com and assembled it
himself. If this is the case, there is most likely no warranty to void.

--
Tony Talmage
Web Developer
Graphic Education Corporation
URL: http://www.graphiced.com
Phone: (888) 354-6600

 

[Steve Nielsen]

Yes it does, it just sees it as a Non-DOS partition but is still able to
delete it.

Steve

 

[Steve Nielsen]

Non-DOS partition.

You are correct.

Steve

 

[Steve Nielsen]

I think you'll find that it will. All the major manufacturers (Dell, HP,
Gateway, Sony, Toshiba, IBM, there may be others) will *NOT* support the
system if the OS has been changed. Dell and HP certainly make this very
clear in their Service Agreements which can be found on their websites.

Dual booting is a different matter entirely. The problems will occur if the
*sole* OS is different from that which was installed at the point-of-sale.

Sorry but you are incorrect, at least as far as Dell goes, and I imagine
other major brands are much the same. For example, from the Dell KB at:

http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?dn=1012148

"Does installing Linux® on my system void my Dell® warranty?

No, Dell will continue to support all factory-installed hardware in the
system (subject to the specific exclusions listed in the warranty). Dell
Technicians have many ways to troubleshoot hardware that do not depend
on the operating system."

No mention of dual boot or sole OS anywhere.

As for specific exclusions this from:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/top.../en/policy?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~section=010

"What is not covered by this limited warranty?

This limited warranty does not cover:

Software, including the operating system and software added to the
Dell-branded hardware products through our factory-integration system,
third-party software, or the reloading of software
Non-Dell branded and Solution Provider Direct products and accessories
Problems that result from: External causes such as accident, abuse,
misuse, or problems with electrical power

Servicing not authorized by Dell

Usage that is not in accordance with product instructions

Failure to follow the product instructions or failure to perform
preventive maintenance

Problems caused by using accessories, parts, or components not supplied
by Dell

Products with missing or altered Service Tags or serial numbers
Products for which Dell has not received payment"


-Steve

 

[sgopus]

Guess I will have to update my brain logic..
Thanks guys!

 

[Steve Nielsen]

I can think of four reasons why this is a ridiculous idea.

I can think of on very good reason it isn't - some people actually LIKE
Windows 98 and that matters the most IMO.

1) *ALL* support for 98 has ceased. It is an obsolete OS and MS no longer
supports it (and I'm not even sure the 98 version of Windows Update still
functions).

Incorrect, it's been extended to June 2006. Read:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[LN];LifeAn1

2) Your system has been built to be specifically Windows XP-compatible.
Many hardware manufacturers no longer support 98 and have ceased production
of drivers, especially for new hardware. Therefore you'll probably find that
98 doesn't support many of your new devices.

That is true. Shop accordingly. Legacy devices are still maunfactured
and sold, not as much, but they're around.

3) You are installing an inherently unstable OS on new hardware.

Not true. I have a disk with a 6 year old install of 98se on it that has
never failed and I've put it into at least five different systems.
Merely a matter of updating chipset drivers.

Windows

98 has no support for LBA and, depending on the size of the drive, you may
find that half your hard drive goes 'missing'.

There are disk translation utilities to overcome this.

4) You will completely void your warranty - both hardware and software.
You will be charged (usually by the minute) for every call to your
manufacturer's tech support line. Microsoft won't support you as all support
for 98 ended over 2½ years ago. If something fails, you will be charged for
the replacement, labour as well as shipping and handling.

Wrong, wrong. See above and see my other post later in this thread. I
suggest you get your facts straight before advising.

Steve

 

[sgopus]

Here is a link to a microsoft article, stating in detail
how to do it, they also state MSDOS has a problem seeing
NTFS partitions, I guess it depends on the version (of
MSDOS)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-
us;q103049

 

[Bryce]

ping pong!

Granted, it applies to a majority of users, but this also assumes that his
box came off the line; he could've purchased the hardware from a local shop
or maybe from someplace like mbx.com or motherboards.com and assembled it
himself. If this is the case, there is most likely no warranty to void.

--
Tony Talmage
Web Developer
Graphic Education Corporation
URL: http://www.graphiced.com
Phone: (888) 354-6600