Windows 98 SE re-install

[Jaydon]

I would like to re-install 98 SE because I lost program files from the Start menu. I inadvertently deleted Windows 98, not knowing that was needed to install 98 SE.

I thought of removing 98 SE to re-install 98, but tech support from my ISP warned me of issues.

So--Can I remove 98 SE and re-install 98, then re-install 98 SE, without problems or issues?

I don't think 95 is still there either.

I appreciate your thoughts. This may just be an intellectual question, because I really just browse the web, and don't really need to do what I'm asking.

I think what I'm really interested in is improved performance (speed) with my web surfing. My modem is a USRobotics PnP 33.6. And I have always wondered if modem speed is at all related to computer speed itself. So my question is really, how can I optimize web page loading speed? I also have IE 5.5.

1 more thing--I notice I can get a cheap 56K PCI modem for under $20.00, with V.90 and 92 technology. But I'm not sure it would enable me to surf faster. Any info?

Thanks.

[Markoman01027]

Modem speed is not related to the CPU clock speed.

Boot up into DOS, format the partition, go back into DOS, go into FDISK. Remove all partitions.

Go into BIOS, make CD-ROM first bootable device. Insert 98SE CD. Boot up into 98SE setup and follow on-screen instructions.

If you are going to buy a 56K modem, make sure to get a hardware modem. Winmodems are not good and they tend to give you a high ping rate. Also, V.90 and V.92 technology will not work unless your modem supports it and your ISP supports it.

BTW: Welcome to PC MECH Jaydon!

[jokerman]

if you're talkin about having only the win98se upgrade disk, just install it , you don't have to have 98 installed already, and when it asks for proof of owning win98 insert your win 98 disk

[glc]

Do NOT put a software controlled modem into a P166, it will bring it to its knees.

[Dan]

a 56k modem will definitely make for a faster internet experience over the 33.6 that you have.
also: Welcome to PCMechanic!!

[mountaineer]

What exactly do you mean GLC?

[racerbrownn]

i think what glc means is that cheap modems require a large software program to run them and a p166 cpu is already handicapped for speed in this day and age. more expensive modems have onboard hardware to run them independent of taxing the cpu's computing power.

[Markoman01027]

With a P 166Mhz and running a software modem, the software modem will take a lot of resources and use the CPU a lot..where the hardware modem doesn't do that..I'm sure if GLC reads this, he will offer a more detailed explaination.

[Jaydon]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I surf a car forum that looks a lot like this, allpar.com, for Mopars (Chryslers, etc.).

The info about the modems is exactly what I wanted to know as far as increasing my web speed. So, how do you tell the software modem and hardware modem apart? Would an external modem do? Remember my slots are PCI slots, I don't have USB.

I realize being on this forum that I know a lot more about cars right now, than I do about computers, but I'm willing to learn.

To clarify about the 98SE, I think 95 was originally installed, then the owner installed 98 Plus!, then sold it to us. We installed 98SE, then 98, then 98SE again, after losing files each time. The last time,98SE was installed, I then removed 98 (my first mistake). Later we lost files again. Now, however, I cannot re-install 98SE because I have the update only, and it needs to be installed over 98. That's the message I get on the screen. So then I tried to re-install 98 and that was disallowed also because a later edition, 98SE, was already installed. So...I thought about removing 98SE and then re-installing 98 1st, then re-installing 98SE. I'm sorry, but I'm not knowledgeable enough to follow some of the instructions offered, like going into bios or partioning.

Like I said, I'm willing to learn, but don't want to mess up my computer for web surfing. Thanks.

[Force Flow]

Welcome to PCMech, Jaydon!

This thread may help with your modem question: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.p...threadid=58967

[Jaydon]

Thanks, force_flow. I guess I'll just stick with my USR 33.6 then. But the information was great.

And thanks for all the welcomes.