Reinstalling Windows but the problem I have is not having the original disk

[Susan Al-Naqeeb]

I have a Gateway Solo Notebook that I bought used. I don't have any of the disk for the OS it is currently running.

It has just recently stopped working. I only get as far as the Microsoft Windows 98 Start Up Menu. Which list the 6 options and then it reads:

C:\>rem - By Windows 98 Network - C:\WINDOWS\net start
C:\>

VMM.32 VXD is required to run Windows if this file is not in your PATH, you my need to reinstall Windows.

C:\>

I did make a startup disk when I first got the computer but when I install it, it does nothing. I purchased Windows 98 2nd Edition from an individual yesterday but don't know to do now. I put it in the CD Rom but I guess I have to type in a command prompt.

Please help.

[Alfons]

I have a Gateway Solo Notebook that I bought used. I don't have any of the disk for the OS it is currently running.

It has just recently stopped working. I only get as far as the Microsoft Windows 98 Start Up Menu. Which list the 6 options and then it reads:

C:\>rem - By Windows 98 Network - C:\WINDOWS\net start
C:\>

VMM.32 VXD is required to run Windows if this file is not in your PATH, you my need to reinstall Windows.

C:\>

I did make a startup disk when I first got the computer but when I install it, it does nothing. I purchased Windows 98 2nd Edition from an individual yesterday but don't know to do now. I put it in the CD Rom but I guess I have to type in a command prompt.

Please help.

Check out the tutorials on this site, but in general what you will need to do is:

1. Download a boot disk maker program from HERE (http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm) entitled Windows 98SE OEM, save it to your computer where you can easily find it, browse to the downloaded file, double click on it - this will make it run, follow the prompts and you'll have a W98 Startup Disk (boot disk).

2. Configure your hard drive. FDISK can be used to partition the drive & the FORMAT utility will obviously format the created partition(s).

3. Start the computer with the Startup Disk using CD-ROM support & at the command prompt type SETUP. This should start the installation process - assuming you've put the CD into the CD Drive.

4. After installation you'll need device drivers, OS updates, and applications to finish off the process.

Good Luck :D