Win 98 install

[Mhollinr]

What happens if you run the win98 setup from windows, will it repair problems I have or will it re-install the whole thing and put everything back to default settingd? Also, what will it do with installed programs?


Thanks

[trulad]

Been a while since I used 98 but as I recall it has a feature called "System File Checker" that allows you to replace files only. Go to "Run" and type in SFC and when it shows corrupted files point it to your Win.98 CD and let it try to repair. If you have to Re-install the OS it won't delete any of your programs or files but as always,weird things can happen so it is always wise to back up important stuff first.
Trudy

[Mhollinr]

Thanks, never heard of SFC before, just started it, hope it works....

[Redo40]

If your having trouble with 98, an over-the top install would probably straighten it out without any loss of files. SFC by default shows any file that has been changed since windows was installed, which when replaced will put an older file back.

[TwoRails]

I've never had any luck with an "over-the-top" install with Win 98.x. It seems that if it simple "finds" the necessary files, it just leaves them, which in turn, just leaves the problem too!.

As far as SFC goes, it's handy in theory, but is difficult to manage in real life. It records *all* changes you set it to record. So, if you've installed / removed a bunch of programs, all changes are there, so you don't know what changed what file(s). About the only way (that I know of, anyway) is to run SFC *before* adding / removing anything, then do your install / remove, then run it again, then *manually* note all changed files. Then, if you have a problem, you know what's been changed. But then, you have to do that for *each* install / remove!! If anybody knows a better way... I'd sure like to know!

HTH

TwoRails

[HAL9000]

You can do a repair install on 98 by running the following command (the spaces must be in place)

SETUP /P F

This will restore the system files and repair problems.