Windows NT uninstall - Install 98

[OrangeAle]

We have a computer at work that is running Windows NT 4.0 and it's only purpose is for quick printing - The new printer cannot use NT so I need to throw an old copy of Windows 98SE on it (the only spare product key we have)

1) Do I have to, and how should I completely clear the NT installation?
2) I have what seems to be a 98 Installation disk, but it is from Dell and not clearly marked. Can I confirm that this is a full installation disk somehow, and if I can't use it, is there somewhere I can download one?

Any help would be very much appreciated -- Thanks!

[Murf]

Welcome to CTH

NT uses a NTFS partition on the hard drive; Windows 98 uses a FAT. So to install Windows 98, you would have to re-partition the Hard Drive as FAT then format it to install "98"

Obviously you will lose all data on the hard drive, and apparenty this does not matter.

1. Go HERE (http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm) download the file Windows 98 Custom, No Ramdrive . Once downloaded, double click on the file and have a formatted floppy available. A window will come up and it will extract the boot files to the floppy.

2. Make sure the puter is set to boot from a floppy as 1st device.

3. Boot with this floppy and when asked say NO to CDROM support and you will end up in DOS at the A:\> prompt

4. Now type FDISK <enter> to get into FDISK program, when prompted say YES to large disk support.

You will then have a menu similiar to this:

Current fixed disk drive: 1

Choose one of the following:

1. Create DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive

2. Set Active Partition

3. Delete Partition or Logical DOS Drive

4. Display Partition Information

5. Change Current Fixed Disk Drive

Enter Choice (3)

You need to delete the Non-Dos partition, follow the screen prompts.

Once this is done (use ESC to get out of each menu) you need to Create DOS PArtition by selecting (1).

Follow the screen prompts. Once this is done Ecs out and exit you will end up back at the A:\> prompt.

Now format the drive by entering

format c: <enter>

Now REBOOT with the floppy still in and this time select "With CDROM support" watch the screen as it will tell you what drive letter it assigns your cdrom. You end up back at the A: prompt.

Now type the drive letter of your cdrom e.g. R: <enter>

Put the Windows CD in and type

SETUP

If this is all rudimental for you I'm sorry but do not know your level of expertise.

I also have help pages for this, just click on "Murfs Garage" link and then to "Hardware"

[OrangeAle]

Thank you very much - everything worked perfectly