Have license, need Windows 98 cd........ where?

[MomWorks]

Hello Group:
I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been advised to
re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license not a cd. So, where
/ what/ how? Next step? Any hope?

 

[Bill in Co.]

If you don't have the CD, I don't see how you're going to be able to
reinstall it. However, you can likely still buy a Windows 98SE CD on
eBay, or whatever.

MomWorks wrote:
> Hello Group:
> I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
> installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been advised to
> re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license not a cd. So,
> where
> / what/ how? Next step? Any hope?

 

[MomWorks]

Yeah-- That irks me no end since I've already paid once-- that's why I have
the license. The machine only came with the Windows 98 license/ product key,
not a recovery cd. At the time I asked and they said:..." It's an internal
recovery disk...." Well, I asked how that made any since because if the darn
thing isn't working and you need to reinstall the OS, won't do any good to
have an internal recovery disk. The rep just shrugged and I needed a pc for
self-employment at that time so, ....

K-

"Bill in Co." wrote:

> If you don't have the CD, I don't see how you're going to be able to
> reinstall it. However, you can likely still buy a Windows 98SE CD on
> eBay, or whatever.
>
> MomWorks wrote:
> > Hello Group:
> > I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
> > installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been advised to
> > re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license not a cd. So,
> > where
> > / what/ how? Next step? Any hope?
>
>
>

 

[PCR]

MomWorks wrote:
| Yeah-- That irks me no end since I've already paid once-- that's why
| I have the license. The machine only came with the Windows 98
| license/ product key, not a recovery cd. At the time I asked and
| they said:..." It's an internal recovery disk...." Well, I asked how
| that made any since because if the darn thing isn't working and you
| need to reinstall the OS, won't do any good to have an internal
| recovery disk. The rep just shrugged and I needed a pc for
| self-employment at that time so, ....

Check to see whether the .cab files have been copied to the hard
drive...

"START button, Find, F/F, Win98*.cab" (That's asterisk-dot-cab.)

If 55 (for Win98SE) of them show up, the folder that contains them is a
copy of the Installation CD. There will be other important .cabs in that
folder too. If that folder also contains "Setup.exe", you've got
everything needed to run the original install. Read through the
following, & post back with any further questions...

http://www.hexff.com/win98_install.php How to Clean Install
This first has it all, but..
(a) Perhaps don't do the 2.5 swap file thing, &
(b) You may rather have multiple partitions, &
(c) Attend its warning: Have any non-Windows peripheral drivers
available to install afterwards.

http://www.pchelpandconsulting.com/links/windows.html WinDrvExpert
http://www.jermar.com/wdrvbck.htm WinDrvBckup free version
Those two supposedly back up all currently installed drivers, such
that they can be reinstalled. I never tried it but have seen a favorable
report/three-- & one (by Glee) that was so-so (or worse). SO, BETTER
make a full system backup, before wiping Windows.

Get a Startup Diskette from...
http://www.bootdisk.com/ , if you don't already have one from "Control
Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Startup Disk tab". Take either one that
applies to your system. Test the Startup Diskette. Put the diskette in &
turn on the computer. Put in a CD and "DIR" the CD. That is, "DIR X:",
where "X:" is the CD-ROM letter. The Startup Diskette will say which
letter is the CD during boot. (Note: It may be necessary to enter BIOS
Setup & set it to boot the floppy drive above the hard drive.)

| K-
|
| "Bill in Co." wrote:
|
|> If you don't have the CD, I don't see how you're going to be able to
|> reinstall it. However, you can likely still buy a Windows 98SE CD
|> on eBay, or whatever.
|>
|> MomWorks wrote:
|> > Hello Group:
|> > I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
|> > installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been
|> > advised to re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license
|> > not a cd. So, where
|> > / what/ how? Next step? Any hope?

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR
pcrrcp@netzero.net

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Would be a lot easier to help you if you provide a make/model of your
machine.

The Restore thing is a hidden partition. Just have to learn (from the
machine's documentation) how to access that partition and begin the
restoration process.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com

"MomWorks" <TheSolarHouse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3F6B8792-D8AA-4D6D-A12B-14A38BD0ED6D@microsoft.com...
> Hello Group:
> I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
> installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been advised to
> re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license not a cd. So,
> where
> / what/ how? Next step? Any hope?
>

 

[Bill in Co.]

But if she has a manufacturer's system restore partition option (selected at
bootup, by pressing the correct function keys), it will put her system back
to the way it was shipped, and she'll lose everything else she's installed
(unless she copies it off of there to another drive or disc first). But
that may be an option.

Gary S. Terhune wrote:
> Would be a lot easier to help you if you provide a make/model of your
> machine.
>
> The Restore thing is a hidden partition. Just have to learn (from the
> machine's documentation) how to access that partition and begin the
> restoration process.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS-MVP Shell/User
> http://grystmill.com
>
> "MomWorks" <TheSolarHouse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:3F6B8792-D8AA-4D6D-A12B-14A38BD0ED6D@microsoft.com...
>> Hello Group:
>> I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
>> installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been advised
>> to
>> re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license not a cd. So,
>> where
>> / what/ how? Next step? Any hope?

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

It is for that reason that the installation files are also usually stored in
C:\Windows\Options\CABS, as noted by PCR.

And the Restore function is not always built in as you describe. Some
require you to access the Restore partition via floppy (or CD) boot.

Lastly, if her son's machine is in such a mess that it needs to be
reinstalled, then it needs a CLEAN reinstall, followed by reinstallation of
apps, etc., after first backing up personal data to CD, DVD or hard drive
(internal or external.) You know as well as I do that an overinstall without
formatting leaves a mess that's often worse than when you started.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:Ojs4pEY3IHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> But if she has a manufacturer's system restore partition option (selected
> at bootup, by pressing the correct function keys), it will put her system
> back to the way it was shipped, and she'll lose everything else she's
> installed (unless she copies it off of there to another drive or disc
> first). But that may be an option.
>
> Gary S. Terhune wrote:
>> Would be a lot easier to help you if you provide a make/model of your
>> machine.
>>
>> The Restore thing is a hidden partition. Just have to learn (from the
>> machine's documentation) how to access that partition and begin the
>> restoration process.
>>
>> --
>> Gary S. Terhune
>> MS-MVP Shell/User
>> http://grystmill.com
>>
>> "MomWorks" <TheSolarHouse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:3F6B8792-D8AA-4D6D-A12B-14A38BD0ED6D@microsoft.com...
>>> Hello Group:
>>> I am trying to clean up my son's pc- it has Windows 98 2nd edition
>>> installed. Seems the files have become corrupted and I've been advised
>>> to
>>> re-install the OS. However, the pc came with a license not a cd. So,
>>> where
>>> / what/ how? Next step? Any hope?
>
>

 

[Brian A.]

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:Ojs4pEY3IHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> But if she has a manufacturer's system restore partition option (selected at
> bootup, by pressing the correct function keys), it will put her system back to
> the way it was shipped, and she'll lose everything else she's installed
> (unless she copies it off of there to another drive or disc first). But that
> may be an option.

Depending on the manufacturer/make/model of the PC, the hidden restore
partition "may" have two types of restore, one to restore the OS and one to
selectively restore software and drivers. All the OP mentioned was she was
trying to clean up her sons machine and since the OP hasn't provided what any of
the issues are that warrant reinstalling, no one can say which one of the two
types of restore (if present) would be proper.

On another side of the hidden restore partition which also depends on the
manufacturer/make/model, a recovery/restore disk would have to be created before
the recovery/restore partition/files could be accessed. The issue with these
types of machines is that the manufacturer doesn't make it clear to the end user
that the disk needs to be created, Sony VAIO is one example.


--


Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

I seem to recall having seen downloadable boot disks for the purpose,
recently. Some drive-by in some KB somewhere.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com

"Brian A." <gonefish'n@afarawaylake> wrote in message
news:OUcPmqZ3IHA.2580@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:Ojs4pEY3IHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> But if she has a manufacturer's system restore partition option (selected
>> at bootup, by pressing the correct function keys), it will put her system
>> back to the way it was shipped, and she'll lose everything else she's
>> installed (unless she copies it off of there to another drive or disc
>> first). But that may be an option.
>
> Depending on the manufacturer/make/model of the PC, the hidden restore
> partition "may" have two types of restore, one to restore the OS and one
> to selectively restore software and drivers. All the OP mentioned was she
> was trying to clean up her sons machine and since the OP hasn't provided
> what any of the issues are that warrant reinstalling, no one can say which
> one of the two types of restore (if present) would be proper.
>
> On another side of the hidden restore partition which also depends on the
> manufacturer/make/model, a recovery/restore disk would have to be created
> before the recovery/restore partition/files could be accessed. The issue
> with these types of machines is that the manufacturer doesn't make it
> clear to the end user that the disk needs to be created, Sony VAIO is one
> example.
>
>
> --
>
>
> Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
> Conflicts start where information lacks.
> http://basconotw.mvps.org/
>
> Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>

 

[Brian A.]

That depends on the manufacturer/make/model, although now-a-days most are at a
cost. HP is a good example for that, they place the files on the hidden
partition and the end user has to create the recovery disks using a utility
provided with the system. If for any reason the partition or files get
corrupted, the end user can/"must" order recovery disks. OEM's are becoming
more notorious for this, they don't supply readily accessible recovery disks,
leaving it in the hands of the end user to create the disk(s). IMHO they rely
on the end user failing to do so and when it comes time for a need to use the
disk(s) it will be to late for one reason or another.

My nephews Sony VAIO was the same and he had that machine in Satan's control
when I was called on to look at it. The hidden partition was present, yet the
documentation to access it or create the disks lacking. I checked Sony's site
and got the info about the utility to create the disks, which failed to work.
He had a choice to purchase the disk(s) for $11.00 US or wipe the system and
install fresh with a purchased OS disk. I said screw Sony and went for the
latter.

--


Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message
news:OMl0Cqk3IHA.1428@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>I seem to recall having seen downloadable boot disks for the purpose, recently.
>Some drive-by in some KB somewhere.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS-MVP Shell/User
> http://grystmill.com
>
> "Brian A." <gonefish'n@afarawaylake> wrote in message
> news:OUcPmqZ3IHA.2580@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:Ojs4pEY3IHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> But if she has a manufacturer's system restore partition option (selected at
>>> bootup, by pressing the correct function keys), it will put her system back
>>> to the way it was shipped, and she'll lose everything else she's installed
>>> (unless she copies it off of there to another drive or disc first). But
>>> that may be an option.
>>
>> Depending on the manufacturer/make/model of the PC, the hidden restore
>> partition "may" have two types of restore, one to restore the OS and one to
>> selectively restore software and drivers. All the OP mentioned was she was
>> trying to clean up her sons machine and since the OP hasn't provided what any
>> of the issues are that warrant reinstalling, no one can say which one of the
>> two types of restore (if present) would be proper.
>>
>> On another side of the hidden restore partition which also depends on the
>> manufacturer/make/model, a recovery/restore disk would have to be created
>> before the recovery/restore partition/files could be accessed. The issue
>> with these types of machines is that the manufacturer doesn't make it clear
>> to the end user that the disk needs to be created, Sony VAIO is one example.
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
>> Conflicts start where information lacks.
>> http://basconotw.mvps.org/
>>
>> Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
>> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>
>>
>
>