w95OSR2 to W98SE

[dtex]

The time has come at long last. I need to change to 98. It's been yrs since I formatted any hard drive, and this one has been running flawlessly since 01.
Questions:
Should I format completely and do a new install--or can I install 98SE over 95?

I don't have a lot of HD space currently-about 600mb, so I'm leaning toward a clean install.
In the past, when going from 3.11 to 95 for example, I've always had to have a 3.5 floppy premade, with system files on it. (command.com, himem.sys, io.sy etc, plus the drivers for the cd to work in do mode.) Will I still have to, or will the W98SE cd have everything I need?
How will it boot to D: if the drivers aren't pre installed via floppy?

I have no way to backup, other than 3.5 floppy, so all will be lost, but I do have the original CDs of my programs, except or ZA, AVG, and of course, my email addressbook. The addresbook, I'm not worried about-I can put that on 3.5. I am concerned about initially connecting to the net 'naked'-without an AV or firewall. Any suggestions about all of this?
Thanks
Don

[mc2phat]

Hello,

Go to www.bootdisk.com and download a win98 boot disk. When you go to reformat, boot to the floppy with the Win98 CD in the drive. format c:/s
When that's done, type d:setup (Assuming "d" is the drive letter of your CD ROM and you're ready to go. You could also boot straight to the Windows 98 CD. You'll need to go into the BIOS and set the CD ROM as first boot device, it's easier to use the d:setup command IMO.

The best advice I can give you is to find a friend or family member with a CD burner, go to their place and download and burn all the software you need. If this isn't possible, I'd download ZA first, install, then dl AVG. Also be sure to run Windows Update, there's quite a few security patches for 98.

Hope I helped you.

http://www.waynescomputerworld.com/cleaninstall.html
There's a nice guide for what you're doing.

[glc]

If your CD drive is boot capable, you can just boot with the 98 CD and not mess with bootdisks. If your 98SE is a full install (not an upgrade) you will have to rename win.com in the \windows directory prior to upgrading with it, you can do this by booting with your 95 bootdisk. If your 95 install is clean and working fine, no reason not to upgrade rather than wipe.

[dtex]

I did indeed opt for the upgrade, since I had one of those cd's laying about. In the short time before someone replied, I found what I needed in the archives, and was armed with a 98 bootdisk, but didn't need it with the upgrade. Now, for the 1st time, adaware works!! Already did all the patches, now on to earthlink accelerator.
Thanks guys.