PCTech Forums

well to start off i had win 98 on my coputer and i wanted to install win ME but i didnt have the updrage, do i delted (deltree C:windows) and went to install win ME, but i have a floppy and cd-rom that switch off, so when i use the Win 98 bootdisk, i cannot install drivers or whatever to use my cd-rom. there is no choice either in my bios where i can start using the cd-rom. is there any way i can load my computer in dos mode or any mode to recognize my cd-rom and install windows ME

First, I want to make sure I understand you. Are you working on a Laptop that has inter-changeable CD/Floppy drives?
And (I'm going to take some heat for this) why would you want to replace Win98 with WinMe???
Anyhow, If you'll answer that first question we'll help you fdisk and format the new install.
brad

In my opinion (and Restek's) WinMe will give you more problems than it's worth.
Copy and Paste these instructions into NotePad and print.


First of all you need to create a windows 98 boot disk. (Or make one on another Win98 computer) From the Start Menu go to Settings / Control Panel / Add remove programs. Then click on Windows Setup and Create boot disk. Once the disk is created and armed with the Win98 cd you are ready to begin.


With the floppy drive fitted and the boot disk inserted reboot the machine. When prompted select "Start Windows 98 without cdrom support". Once all the files have loaded you need to format the hard drive. Type format c: /s and hit Enter. This then formats the hard drive and copies the files required to make the hard drive bootable. Next, you need to copy the files needed to make the cdrom work. Type c: and hit Enter. Type copy a:oakcdrom.sys and hit Enter. Type copy d:mscdex.exe and hit Enter.

Once this is done you need to edit two files, autoexec.bat and config.sys. Type edit config.sys. This will load an editor. You only need to add one line. Type device=oakcdrom.sys /d:mscd001. Type ALT F S This saves the file and then type ALT F X This will exit the editor.

Next type edit autoexec.bat, again you only have to add one line. Type mscdex.exe /d:mscd001 and again type ALT F S followed by ALT F X.

Now all you should have to do is power down the machine, swap the floppy drive for the cdrom and turn the machine on. Insert the win98 cd and type D:setup.
brad

is there any way i can just copy the files i need to have the hard drive bootable because i still have files on my computer [my documents, program files, my music... etc.] that i want/need.

There are quite a few ways of doing this - can you actually boot the machine? If you can, hold the 'ctrl' key during boot, and at the boot prompt select 'command prompt only.' Once at the DOS prompt, you can copy the entire win98 CD onto the harddrive and install it from there.

If you can't boot the machine atall, or don't know how to copy the CD in DOS, then brads instructions will work with one modification. Leave out the 'format' command, but instead type 'sys c:' at the a:\> prompt. This will make the disk bootable without deleting anyting. Then you can follow brads advice about copying the oakcdrom files etc

i downloaded a driver from the internet and it installed and copied some files and modified autoexec.bat and config.sys and when i restarted WIndows 'unmodified'those files. what should i trynow

Try shutting down the laptop. Remove the CD drive. Reboot. Shutdown and reinsert the CD drive and reboot. Does the "New Hardware Wizard" come up? If so it should install the drivers. If it can't find the drivers then point it to where you downloaded them.