Windows 98SE boot problem

[o0o0o0]

I was looking for a previous thread on my problem, but didn't find one. Trying to install new HD in a Dell 7000 laptop. Previous O/S was Windows 2000.
Using my NEW 98SE disk & boot floppy. fdisk done, and now it won't accept the standard command...
format c: /s ...If I put cd in, the message is "operating system not found". When I start up the boot floppy, the first message is "windows is bypassing your startup files". The bios had the diskette listed last, probably because of Windows 2000.
Changed the boot order in bios, and still have no luck. The c drive is recognized, but not the O/S.
I'm at the end of my limited knowledge on this.
I'll hope ya'll can help. I've used a number of boot disks, so that's not it. ThanX!!

[Smoke24]

I don't know why the 98se bootup floppy won't reformat the drive unless it has to do with the NTFS format already there. Sounds like the CD you're using may be just an upgrade disk and it is looking for previously installed qualifying OS before it will boot to it. If so you may need to find a full version disk to use. There is a way to fool it and install from the upgrade disk but I can't tell you what it is. Think I have seen it posted here before though.

[o0o0o0]

I actually bought a new retail full copy...
I think that the previous win2000 is at fault, like you suggest. The hard drive is new as well.
My first try at a laptop install. Thanx for the reply.

[GaryRouth]

Hi o0o0o0

Laptops are proprietary from floppy to screen: you have your work cut out for you. [do you have the Dell Recovery disks to go back to square one if nothing else works?]

Well, in the chance that you'll be able to find all the drivers you'll eventually need, you can try using the delpart.exe utility to delete the NTFS partition that Win2000 created. You can download it from http://www.bootdisk.com

Then try with the Win98 boot floppy again for fdisk.
Best of luck
. . . Gary