I deleted windows

[kramer]

My computer wouldnt start up right and instead of fixing it right I was an idiot and used a bootdisk and formated c. I only have an upgrade to 98se. I dont have an original 98 disk. What are my options. Should I install linux or something? Please help.

[trulad]

Get an OEM copy of Win.XP for about $95 at Newegg and upgrade.
trulad

[glc]

Is it the upgrade from 98FE only, or is it the full upgrade? If it's the latter, go borrow a Win95 CD and stick it in the drive when the install gets to the compliance check. You do not have to install the previous OS, you just have to show the installer that you have it. I believe the restricted upgrade from 98FE requires that FE be installed, but I may be wrong.

[kramer]

Its the upgrade from fe. Aren't the full restore factory files saved on d:? If they are is there something I can do with them? I doubt it though. Ill buy an os if I have to but i'd rather save money. Also even though I know nothing about it i'd like to see what linux was like if thats possible and then get windows.

[GaryRouth]

Hi kramer

You asked: "Aren't the full restore factory files saved on d:? " ---> Well, that might be true for some models of major brand name computers. If yours is from one of the larger computer companies, post the make/model # here, and we can check on their Recovery strategy for you, or at least let you know where you could start looking for that information. Most of the major manufacturer websites are simply their brand name, followed by the familiar ".com" [dell.com, ibm.com, gateway.com, hp.com, sony.com, etc.... and most of these have outstanding support websites].

If this is a home build, the only data on an extra drive or partition would be whatever you (or the system builder) put there.

Do you have a set of Recovery Disks of any kind?
. . . Gary

[kramer]

Its a compaq. Ive been on there customer support before. Ill check it. I dont have any recovery discs though.

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

While you're looking over your model's info at the hp/compaq site, see if you can find the page that lists what your model shipped with. If it lists a Recovery Disk set, these are often still available at fairly reasonable prices (about $20 USD, generally). Not the worst option, since all the drivers and bundled software are there on the disk and setup for you.

If the Recovery Set is based on 98 original, you could then run your 98se upgrade disk, and then go to Windows Update for the security patches to catch up. During most of this repair, you'll want to be disconnected from any networks, including the Internet. (You don't want to connect to the Internet until you have an antivirus program running first, and preferably be behind a firewall).

Hope it works out OK.
. . . Gary

[P.S. --- if you have access to a well-protected XP system, one way to find out what's on your D drive (or partition) would be to slave it in that system, and take a look (might want to scan it for viruses first). Another way would be to boot the Compaq from a bootable floppy diskette, and check what you see in DOS.]