windows installation problem

[ladyc]

I am trying to install Win98 on new HD on my new pc I built. I have set everything according to mobo manual and when I go to install I get this message:
Scanning system registry
Cannot create temporary directory
If you have HPFS or NTFS installed on your HD
you will need to create MS Dos Boot partition to set up windows.
I have a boot up disk that came with the CD to install windows and I have it in
the floppy.
Why is this happening?
Please help!

[juppy]

Hi ladyc,

Did you set your hard drive in the BIOS (in most cases just set to Auto Detect)?

If so, did you run FDISK and set up the primary partition and then make it active? HTH

[ladyc]

No,
Is this boot up disk not the same as FDisk? I downloaded an FDisk and have it somewhere. I did not get one with the system or windows.

[juppy]

That boot disk is probably just a system disk to let you boot to a DOS prompt. You can check on it and see if there is a file called FDISK though. If not, find the disk you said you downloaded with FDISK on it. Enter FDISK and it should give you like 4 options (its been awhile since I fdisk-ed anything so I hope I remember right--bear with me here). Anyway, I think the first option is usually to create the partition and you'll probably want it set to Primary if its the only hard drive and you're not making multiple drive partitions (just follow the on-screen stuff, its not real hard). Okay, after that the partition you created needs to be set active (I think that's #2 on the main menu--if not, just pick the number that says something about setting active). Again just follow the screen instructions and you should be ready to install Win98 (provided you did set the hard drive up in the BIOS, if not, do that first before FDISK).

[juppy]

Hi, it's me again

After I typed all that mumbo jumbo in I found a link that will probably explain it better than I did. Try this. HTH
Hard drive preparation instructions

Oh, BTW, I just noticed something...Happy Birthday!

[mark70]

Hi Lady C-What kind of hard drive is it and did you buy retail or oem. Hard drives usually come with software that allows you to partition and prepare the drive for operating system installation so you do not have to mess around with fdisk. Even if you bought oem you can usually download these utilities from their websites. Makes it a piece of cake! Reguards, Mark

[ladyc]

Thanks everyone, you have been so helpful. I will try this from your suggestions. I am learning a lot. I have totally amazed myself by building this new pc.
Thanks again. And how did you know it was my birthday?
Man!!!!!!!!! I like this forum.

[Confused]

WIN98 is self loading. Go into BIOS and set your boot sequence to boot from CD-ROM first. Boot up with WIN98 CD in drive and follow on screen instructions. It should allow you to format and partition the drive. If you are still having problems, you can go to www.bootdisk.com and download a WIN98 boot disk that you can run Fdisk from.
Chas
PS
If you have never run Fdisk let us know and we can walk you through it.

[ladyc]

Well I am having trouble. Here is what I did:
Boot disk in
get to A prompt
type in fdisk enter
if hard disk is larger than 512 mb---YES
At FDisk options----1 Create Dos Partition--enter
Create Active Dos Partions already set, so I guess I got that one right
When I escape and go to#2, Select Active Partion,It says the only active partions is set
When I go to #3Delete Partion, I don't have any thing to delete. I only have one partions and that is C:
I don't think I need to do anything here.
Then escape and at A prompt I type format c/s enter
and nothing!!!

[Jomama]

You need to reboot your computer for the system to recognize the changes you have made. Cold boot is best not just "reset" Turn machine off, count to 11 and turn back on. boot to floppy, type c:. If the prompt changes to the C: drive you are ready to format. (format c:/s)
Good luck

[juppy]

Hey ladyc--as for how I knew it was your birthday, the birthdays are listed in the area where how many registered users and the last time you visited info is (when you first log in the forums). Either that or you can check out the calendar up by the search link. Don't worry, it didn't say HOW old you are (you must have left the year off in your profile). Anyway, keep us updated on your progress with the hard drive.

[Confused]

Hi C
Correct command to format from the A prompt is:
format c:/s/v
This will format C, lay down a system file and verify information. You can leave the V switch off, but I prefer to use it.
Chas
PS
Did you try setting your boot sequence to CD-ROM first like I suggested earlier?

[pawprint]

The following instructions are if your BIOS is set for booting the floppy disk A drive first.
After formatting your hard drive, you need to use your win98 startup disk, and choose the start my computer with cd-rom option. After it starts up, at the A prompt, type e: then hit enter to switch to your cd-rom drive. Your cd-rom gets bumped up one letter due to a temporary D RAM drive which was created to start up your computer. Place your win98 disk into your cd-rom, type in setup, then hit enter.
cheers,~pawprint~