build your own pc

[lvbob]

my first attempt at building pc-followed build your own pc on this site, ready to boot first time, on page 21 it says "also you need to have a valid system disk. it should include "fdisk.exe" and "foremat.com" along with other necessary system files. could some one tell what this is and where to get it/them. if I have over looked this in the how to's please point me. thanks:)

[highrisemech]

You could download one from http://www.bootdisk.com or if you have a running computer go to control panel/add remove programs/click on the start up disk tab from there you cam make a system disk. Then just boot the machine with this disk it will take you to an a:\ prompt type d:\ then hit enter you wil then have a d:\ prmpt with your windows cdrom inserted type setup.exe then hit enter. You should now be in the windows setup.

[DrZaius]

Hi lvbob, welcome to the PC Mech forums!

Which OS are you installing? If it is Windows 98/ME then you can find format and fdisk on a Win98 bootdisk (http://www.user-friendly.net/download/download.htm).

It's easier to just use the disk provided with the hard drive together with the bootdisk. The hard drive utils will partition and format the drive (via a point and click interface) and you just need to insert the bootdisk to copy files over.

If you are installing Win2K/XP then the setup has a built in partition/format util.

Hope that helps.

[lvbob]

thanks to highrisemech amd Dr zaius, here is what I can't understand, no power has been put to puter, I don't have drivers installed[cd player]. my os is xp[i have it on this puter] also I haven't set up bios, just bolted everything in place. sooo do I make a boot disk with this puter, then boot up new one w/that disk and go from there?? lvbob

[DrZaius]

lvbob: If you're planning on installing Windows XP on the system then it's much simpler.
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Power on the computer, go into the BIOS.
Set the CD-ROM to be first for BOOT order (usually: floppy-cdrom-hdd, change to: cdrom-floppy-hdd)
Insert the Windows XP CD.
Reboot the system.
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Windows XP setup should start automatically, just follow the onscreen instructions. Hope that helps.

[highrisemech]

I would boot it up and check to make sure everything is woking first, once verified shut down then boot it again this time get into the bios setup by hitting the del key once in the find device boot order and change it to cdrom first. save and exit. While in there it is good to check all the settings you should have someone experienced to do this though if not just keep the default settings. Then reboot with the XP cdrom installed.

[highrisemech]

Sorry for stepping on your feet DrZaius. I was awaiting for you to answer first.

[DrZaius]

Sorry for stepping on your feet DrZaius. I was awaiting for you to answer first.
No worries. :p As long as the problems get fixed and the questions get answered, it doesn't matter who did it first.

[lvbob]

thanks DrZaius and highrisemech, I think I understand, I will get out the fire extinguisher and give it a try. lvbob

[highrisemech]

Make sure the fans are running and after about 30 seconds a picture then just keep goin..

[lvbob]

thanks DrZaius and highrisemech, I think I understand, I will get out the fire extinguisher and give it a try. lvbob