lost Win98 cd

[nickuss]

I have lost my Windows 98 cd and are having trouble finding a new one. It is Win98 SE and when it was first installed, the files were copied to "C:\Win98". I also have a cd burner. Is it possible to copy those files back onto a cd and use that as the setup disk?. I would use them straight off the HDD but i'm going to do a format.

[morriswindgate]

If you just installed Win98 then the answer is no.
If you copied the Win98 CD then the answer is yes.

[Confused]

Do you still have the product key? I ask because if you have lost the CD it is possible that you have lost the key also. You cain't reinstall WIN98 without the product key.
Chas

[RayH]

Unfortuantely most people do not realize the value of the disks that come with their computer and just toss them aside. I keep all my associated disks in a CD wallet and treat them like gold.

[GaryRouth]

Hi nickuss,

If you've lost your CD & key, yet have a legal installation, you can download & run a program like SiSoft Sandra or BelArc Advisor. I don't have BelArc advisor, but have used SiSoft on countless machines. Both programs are from reputable companies and have good records in the business. And both programs are free downloads (with of course some gentle ads for their "professional" version upgrades, which are available for a fee). In SiSoft Sandra, the product key for your system can be found under the section "Windows Information". I believe BelArc advisor gives this info too, I'm just not sure where.

It's worthwhile to run one or the other & copy down your product key and keep it in a safe place - whether or not you decide on reinstalling Windows 98. I'm thinking the tuneup (with Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter) and the extra memory might help enough that you won't need to reinstall. I also recommend downloading and trying RegClean (a free Microsoft utility for cleaning up unnecessary entries from the Windows Registry). Just read the "Readme.txt" file with NotePad for instructions after you download the file. Other things that can help performance on older systems is to limit the number of background jobs (you can see what runs in the background be looking in Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information . . . and check under "Software Environment . . . Startup". To keep programs from running in the background, often all you need to do is uncheck a "run program at startup" box in their "Preferences" menu (ie, for programs such as RealPlayer, QuickTime, Messenger), or delete their program icon from the "StartUp" group on your Start/Programs menu. For more startup tuning ideas, you can visit http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm.

Some of the other links: for SiSoft Sandra, the system analysis software: http://www.sisoftware.co.uk

For RegClean: http://download.com.com/3000-2094-881470.html?tag=list

For BelArc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
______
Well, this is pretty sloppy typing for an ex-English major, but I suppose it will do. Post again if you have any questions.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[nickuss]

thanks loads gu6ys for the replies....I do actually have the key, we wrote it on the mobo manual. Thanks again dudes.

[oldsailor]

If you do a load over from the C:\Win98 folder follow the setup command with the /d switch (Win98\setup /d) and you will not have the problem of winding up with two Windows Folders on the reload that some do (by not paying attention). Setup /d will not use your existing Windows configuration.