Delete unused O/S? Explorer not working?

[dayooper13]

I just got a computer from a friend and am in the proccess of upgrading it. My new Maxtor HDD is in route and will arrive within the next few days. And I will be upgrading my RAM very soon as well.

But my question is when I recieved the computer it had two operating systems on the same HDD. Windows 98, and Windows 2000. I'm currently using the Windows 2000 and do not want the Windows 98 on the computer, especially when I copy all of my system files to the new HDD. Is there anyone out there that knows how to delete my Windows 98 from the HDD?

And before you answer please don't say go to my computer/ C: drive/ windows/ explorer, because for some reason my explorer is not working.

Which leads me to my next question, why would my explorer not work? I went to the Windows site and they said to get rid of IE (Internet Explorer) 6, and revert back to the old IE system, which I did and explorer is still not working. And when I say "not working" I mean that I can see the Eplorer icon and can click on it but when I click on it (double click) nothing happens.

Is there anyway that I can possibly just find the Windows 98 O/S and not copy it to the new HDD when it arrives?

Any help is much appreciated.

Have a Great Day. -DaYooper13-

[AnotherMuggle]

To me it sounds like you need to do a complete reinstall.

I'm not sure what the problem is with Explorer. It could be something as simple as the shortcut you are clicking on is not actually linking to the right location.

When you click on the icon does anything happen? Is there a torch searching on the screen or nothing at all?

When the new hard disk arrives in the post, simply put it in the place of the drive that is already there, do NOT run both drives at the same time. Then use your OS disc to install a fresh copy onto the hard disk. This will now become your primary drive.

Look on the back of the hard disk you just removed and there are some jumpers, set the jumpers to make this drive a Slave drive and put it back into your computer on another cable. You can now load the OS that you installed on the new drive and still access all the files on the old hard disk too. If theres nothing you want to keep then you can format the old drive to use it as additional storage

[dayooper13]

Thank you for the info, but I don't have the original O/S disc, so I can't just install that. I was planning on transferring everything over to the new HDD, including the O/S. Maybe you can answer this for me though: does having the second O/S on the HDD actually effect anything (i.e... slow it down). If not then I will just leave it on there.

I was planning on getting Windows XP but I only have about 96mb of RAM on the computer now. Like I said I am planning on getting more RAM (probably 3 sticks of 128mb=384mb, because my computer manual says I can only add up to 384mb). And Windows XP needs at least 256mb to run correctly.

Would I be better off installing Windows XP now and then getting the additional RAM in the near future or could I just transfer the old HDD info onto the new one now and then delete all of the old O/S and install windows XP later.

Thanks again for any help.

[glc]

You can clone the old drive to the new one with the Maxtor Maxblast software and continue using the OS setup exactly the way it is now. The only other viable options you have need an OS install disk. I would NOT recommend XP with only 96mb ram - and even 2000 is shaky.

[dayooper13]

Originally Posted by glc You can clone the old drive to the new one with the Maxtor Maxblast software and continue using the OS setup exactly the way it is now.

I think that is what I will do, thank you. And I agree Windows 2000 is very shaky that is why I am going to update the RAM, I'm actually watching a few items on ebay.

Do you think that Windows XP will run on 384mb smoothly or should I just stick with Windows 2000 even after I get the new RAM?

Thanks again.

[glc]

If 2000 runs well and all your applications work, there's no real reason to upgrade. XP will run okay on 384, but what is the processor speed?

I'd be careful about buying ram on Ebay - if your motherboard will take generic ram you can get quality name brand ram cheap enough from reliable vendors - but you may need proprietary ram. Is this a name brand computer or a white box? If name brand, brand and model, please, if white box, motherboard brand and model, please.

[dayooper13]

I have a pretty old computer it is an NEC Direction SPL 300.

I have looked online at pretty much every site I could find and found out that I need: DIMM, PC66, 168PIN, 3.3V, Gold-plated contacts, And I can't exceed 384mb. (Both non ECC & ECC supported)

I also downloaded the manual for my computer and it doesn't say that I need anything else. I figured that it didn't really matter other than that, as long as I meet all of those requirements. Is there something else I should know?

[rjfvillarosa]

Do you know any one with an original XP installation disk? it contains a hardware compatibility wizard which can be run from the GUI when you put the disk in an optical drive, you do not need to install XP to do this it will run independently.

[GaryRouth]

Hi dayooper13

Looks like they made those machines to last a long while. Nice case design, too.
Here are the specs I saw listed for your model:

NEC Direction SPL300
Processor Intel Pentium II --- 300-MHz MMX
System RAM --- 32 MB to 384 MB
Secondary Cache --- 512 KB, pipeline burst
Chipset --- Intel 440LX
Graphics --- AGP graphics onboard
Video Memory --- 4 MB WRAM
Sound --- “Sound Retrieval System®”
Hard Disk --- 3.2 GB - 9 GB
CD-ROM Drive --- 24x – 32x
Power Supply --- 235 W

If you are curious about any case-specific details, there's a Service Manual still available on the net for your NEC series http://support.necam.com/DOWNLOAD/102018001srv.pdf

Have fun with your project
. . . Gary

[P.S. --- if Win2000 has it's own partition on the old hard drive (hopefully it does), you can choose to clone just the Win2000 partition onto the new hard drive - you'd need to copy boot.ini, ntldr, and ntdetect over to that partition before cloning to make it bootable, and mark the cloned partition active. Or - if you can find a friend with a Win2000 CD you can borrow (a genuine Win2k CD, not a Recovery Disk) you could run either a "repair" install of Win2000 when done (booting from the CD), or boot from the CD into the Recovery Console and run "fixboot", or save your Win2000 product key ahead of time, and run a clean install, using the original NEC product key. . . . Using just MaxBlast should be fine, so long as the bootloader files end up on the active partition.]

P.S. 2 -- can I assume that it's Windows Explorer in Win98 that isn't working, but that it works in Win2000? In either windows, you should be able to right-click the Start button, and select the option "Explore" to start Windows Explorer. Even if your other shortcuts are broken.

[glc]

I would be concerned about bios hard drive size limitations with that computer. I highly doubt it can recognize one larger than 32gb, and the limit may even be 8gb. A PCI controller card is the only way around this. I personally would not even try to use XP with only 300 MHz.

You *should* be able to use generic LOW density 128mb SDRAM modules - PC100 or PC133 *should* work - but no guarantees.

[AnotherMuggle]

I was running XP on a 500Mhz system with 256 RAM for a while and it worked...but was clearly struggling.

[dayooper13]

Hello again,
First off thank you GaryRouth, that is the same manual that I already downloaded of the net, but if I hadn't, then that would've come in handy so thanks.
And secondly "if Win2000 has it's own partition..." that was one of my original questions, how do I find that particular partition if I have it?
And finally...??what??..."you'd need to copy boot.ini, ntldr, and ntdetect over..." where do I find those and do I need those to run my new HDD? I thought I could just use the software that comes with the HDD and copy the entire old HDD to the new HDD, is that not possible?

Next glc what do you mean "I would be concerned...larger than 32gb..." and if I find out I can't put in a bigger HDD without the PCI controller card, where would I get a "PCI controller card"? And what type should I get? And the manual for my computer says PC66 only so that is what I bought on ebay.

And finally, just an update I found out that my computer has 128mb (no the original 96 that I had stated earlier) of RAM on it right now: one 64mb stick, and two 32mb sticks. And I just bought a 128mb stick on ebay that I am going to be replacing one of the 32mb sticks with.

[glc]

Are you sure you want to use a 10 year old computer? Throwing any upgrade money in there is pretty much a waste when new computers are SO cheap now.

[dayooper13]

Originally Posted by glc Are you sure you want to use a 10 year old computer? Throwing any upgrade money in there is pretty much a waste when new computers are SO cheap now.

I just figured that if I can update the computer I recieved for free, for cheaper than I could get a new computer for, than it would be better. Yeah I know I'm cheap, so what. Plus if this all doesn't work then I can either sell the stuff I bought or reuse it on a new computer, (i.e... the HDD I can install on a new computer to add more storage if I get one.)

Anyway, I recieved my HDD through UPS today, but since I'm at work until 11 Mountain time i'll have to wait a few more hours to install it. I'll let you all know the outcome. And I appreciate all of your inputs.

P.S. HDD=$55 (on Ebay)
RAM=$8 (on Ebay)

[dayooper13]

Hey i'm back, got a slight problem, first off, everything transfered to the new HDD just fine, except when I take it off of slave and put it as master and try to boot off of just the new HDD, it tells me that it doesn't recognize an operating system. does anyone know of a way to copy the O/S because obviously I don't. PLEASE HELP!!!

[dayooper13]

Ok I think i got the O/S carried over except for one folder. WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMCED. and when i try to transfer it, it says sharing error. anyone know why. and any solutions. Any help is appreciated. thanks

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

Sorry to take so long to answer your partition question, I'm travelling a bit right now (family visits).

You can divide a physical hard drive into several sections ("partitions") that an operating system can use as if they are separate hard drives. Each partition shows up in programs such as Windows Explorer as a different drive letter. It is possible to run different operating systems from the same hard drive, using different partitions - often with entirely different file systems on each one (for example, a FAT16 partition for Win95, a FAT32 for Win98, NTFS for Win2000, or other file systems used by other operating systems like Linux, OS/2, BeOS, etc).

It's generally not a good idea to have both Windows 98 and Windows 2000 installed onto the same partition. This is almost certain to lead to problems. It's best that each operating system have it's own partition.

Since you've already copied things onto the new hard drive, you should be able to boot from your old drive (boot into Win2000), and look at both the new drive's setup and your old drive's setup by going into the Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, and Disk Managment. It will show the condition of each drive, and identify any partitions that are present. While in Disk Management, make sure that the partiton on your new drive that contains the boot.in, ntldr, and ntdetect (you can check this beforehand in Windows Explorer - right-click Start & select "Explore" if your shortcut doesn't work) is marked "active" --- http://support.microsoft.com/kb/228004/

Best of luck
. . . Gary

P.S. you might also find this Windows 2000 installation questions list is full of handy information
http://labmice.techtarget.com/FAQ/win2kinstallfaq.htm
---> After successfully booting from your new drive, if you wish to remove Win98, you'll need to edit the boot.ini file to remove references to Win98 http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=285480 You can remove as many of the older Win98 folders as you like if each operating system had it's own partiton - you just need to make sure that boot.ini, ntldr, and ntdetect are still on the active partition.

Late edit - just saw your latest question - (you must have posted it as I was typing). I'm puzzled why any files wouldn't already be in place on the new drive, if you cloned it with MaxBlast - it transfers everything. You shouldn't have anything left behind at all. I'm thinking you've got partitioning to look at.

[glc]

You can't just copy one drive to another in Windows. You have to use cloning software - such as Maxblast - and do it by booting with the floppy or CD.

I would test that "new" ram with memtest86+.

My point is - you are spending money on a 300 MHz computer. Even the super cheap new computers are well over 2 GHz.

[dayooper13]

Ok, I have an update with some good news and some troubles still.

First- (The Good News), I tried using Maxblast 4 software to transfer everything over to the new HDD in the beginning, then when I ran into trouble I tried copying everything over to the new HDD through windows, when I realized that wasn't working because of the inability to copy some files I went back to MaxBlast and it worked this time, everything copied over.

Next- (The Bad News), when I put my new HDD in by itself, windows loads fine up to the point were you log in, and then it says "loading your settings", and then jumps back to the log in screen. I'm going to look online and see if I can find a reason so if anyone knows it would be helpful.

Finally- (?????), when looking at a Guide here on www.PcMech.com- (http://www.pcmech.com/show/harddrive/52/), it says that I need to make sure that I don't copy pagefile.sys, and when I do the Partition copy using MaxBlast it copied that over, is this maybe where I am having troubles. I can't delete that file either so hopefully someone can help. Also on that page it tells me I have to go to the MS-DOS Prompt and type in SYS D: after the C:\>, I tried that and got nothing.

Once more any help is welcomed thank you.

P.S. I realize that buying a new computer would be less of a hassle, but this is what I have and I'd like to just fix the problems I have and move on for now. Thanks.

[dayooper13]

Ok, kind of found a solution, but since I'm at work I can't try it out so if anyone knows anything else it would still help. This page (http://www.techadvice.com/win2000/p/page-file_w2k.htm) says I can move the pagefile.sys to another partition besides the one that has my system files in it, which I understand and can do that within a few seconds, does anyone know for sure that this will work? I'm sorry if all my stupid questions are annoying. Thanks again.

[glc]

The hard drive article here that you are reading is 5 years old and not applicable to your situation. You need to use Maxblast in a very specific manner - you have to copy each and every partition intact. I would not mess with pagefile settings at ALL till you can boot successfully into both operating systems just like you could before the clone.

The usual reason for a Win2000 login loop is a result of spyware, not a pagefile issue. Windows 2000 will run with no pagefile, it creates a temporary 20mb pagefile and gives you a warning dialog after login.

Have you tried starting Win2000 in safe mode? Will Win98 start?

[dayooper13]

I copied each partition intact.

I'm showing my lack of knowledge again, but how do you start in safe mode?

And I'm sorry for the confusion but it is Win95, and no for some reason I haven't been able to open it for awhile even on the old hard drive, it's still there and if I choose that option, I can choose between Windows2000 and Windows95 (that's when I find out that Windows95 is not working) but I usually just leave it on "automatically load into Windows2000."

If this is a spyware problem is there a way that I can fix it? Or will opening in safe mode take care of that problem?

Thanks.

[glc]

Opening in safe mode will tell you a bit more about what's going on.

Press F8 immediately after it starts loading Win2000, it should bring up a boot menu.

[dayooper13]

Originally Posted by glc Opening in safe mode will tell you a bit more about what's going on. Press F8 immediately after it starts loading Win2000, it should bring up a boot menu.

Thanks I'll give it a try tomorrow when I get off of work.

[dayooper13]

New Problem- leave it to me to screw things up worse. I tried re-copying the c drive over to the new hard drive and then, i tried loading from the new hard drive with the old one on there too (I know stupid), and the new drive loaded up to "starting windows95" well windows95 isn't on there anymore so it stops right there. I then put in just my old hard drive and got to the same screen., which eventually leads to an MS-DOS Prompt. My question is where did my windows2000 go and can I type something in the MS-DOS Prompt that will bring it back. I'm just worried about my old HDD now, I've pretty much decided that I am gong to go get a new Windows2000 cd to install on the new HDD, but is there anyway to retrieve my old data and Windows2000 (without buying more software) on the old HDD?

Anything will help.

Thanks.

P.S. The safe mode thing only brought me to the login screen and after trying to login i got the same reply (back to the login screen).

[glc]

Time to give it up and reinstall from scratch. You do know that for what you spent for that hard drive and what you will spend for a legal copy of Win2000, you could almost buy a new Dell with XP Home already installed?

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

glc has given you a pretty accurate idea of your current situation. But of course, you can always add in the value of the learning experience - which seems like it has been something you've enjoyed trying.

If you still want to try to avoid having to pay for the Win2000, see if a friend is willing to either slave the drive in a well-protected XP computer, or attach it via a USB 2.0 external housing, and scan it for malware for you, and check on it's partitioning & contents.

If you still have the Win2000 files somewhere, you can probablly still have a chance of editing the boot.ini file to correctly point to the Win2000 installation, and try booting in Safe Mode. Remember, boot.ini, ntldr, and ntdetect *must* be on the active partition.

I'd recommend reading through the links I provided for Win2000 above - they should help whether you succeed in saving your current Win2000, or installing fresh . It always helps to do your homework ahead of time. You haven't done that badly, but the mistakes have slowed you down a bit.

Best of luck
. . . Gary