Windows 98 OEM Reinstall

[cbleman]

First off, let me post a link to this thread due to the glaring similarities. Similar thread

Now, for the differences I have experienced, and some of the different methods I've used prior to reading here.

Ok. I am trying to help an end user gain control over their home PC. The computer would only boot into safe mode and if you attempted to force normal mode, it made some reference to config.sys. Ok...prior to destroying partitions, etc. I asked the end user if any information was needed. They said do whatever I needed to do to get a working PC going for them. After trying to update drivers and check for any obvious errors, I figured it would be easier just to do a fresh install from the recovery CD. I put in the CD, shut down, start up, etc. The computer bypassed the CD entirely and went to the boot up selection screen. Grrr... Whipped out the floppy boot disk. Tried loading from dos prompt, nothing.

The entire directory list from the CD is the following:

BOOTCAT.BIN
BOOTIMG.BIN
COPYDISK.EXE
STARTUP.IMG
(double checked the extensions twice...everything is correct, no typo's)

OK, so I did Format. I did Fdisk. Reformated the hard drive to nothing. There was only one existing partition, unless there was a hidden partition prior to the format which I forgot or didn't check for. Re-did the partition (if memory serves me correctly). I changed bios to load from the CD ROM first, no luck, the system didn't attempt to boot from the CD at all. From the boot disk, it said load windows with CD support, chose that. It mentioned that the tools were loaded to disk D. The only exe file is copydisk.

Frustrated, I decided to check an alternative. I have a fresh liscsensed copy of Win98 for my own use which I decided to attempt to install. I swapped out boot disks, and CD's, and guess what....not a single problem. I installed windows 98 from my own copy without a single problem. With a fresh, working copy of windows 98 installed, I decided to try to put in the recovery CD and restart and see if it would take.

I've followed the instructions on HP's web site, troubleshooting methods, everything. The computer does not do anything with the recovery CD. There are 2 recovery CD's included in the package. The first one is a system recovery CD. The second is an application (driver) CD. The directory listed above is from the recovery CD. The application CD doesn't have any recovery files, simply the packaged drivers to go back to release specs for hardware.

I really have no clue what to do here. I can't give the other person my copy of Windows 98 for 2 reasons. One being my need for having liscensed copies of all my software and I won't ever part with my most trusted and succesful way of starting fresh on any re-formated hard drive. The second reason is, the OEM version has an included software bundle that the end user wants, and I don't feel like installing all their missing software seperately for a huge increase in price. I'm not sure what software is included with the OEM version, but the increase of cost for each piece of software would certainly sway the end user from ever working with me again.

So, I'm hoping someone knows some magic set of keystrokes that will help me run the recovery CD. I find it hard to believe it's the CD rom, simply because my copy of windows installs without problems, and has done so 3 times now. Is it possible that I formated over some hidden partition that had more files for recovery? If so, is there any way to recover that information, even with 3 wipes/installs of my copy of Windows?

[andyms18a]

did the cds come with a flopy disk with the setup instructions on or from a dos prompt try copydisk.exe

[cbleman]

No included floppy with the OEM version. Created a bootdisk.
typing copydisk, the following message occurs:

COPYDISK039 Source and destination are both required.

Not really good with DOS. What would I type, and provide as a source / destination?

[GaryRouth]

Was this a Compaq? Here's a few of their Recovery Disk links:

http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/any/na/...007689&cat=faq

http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/any/na/...7&cat=48805478

Maybe a little detail somewhere in there might help. F10 gets you into the Bios Setup for the Compaqs. Some of the Compaqs that are getting along in years used to need the floppy first (like andy mentioned). If this does turn out to be an older Compaq, post that here: I can try searching in our forum for some older posts - there used to be a download on the Compaq site that would help you restore the emergency floppies and hidden partition.
. . . Gary

[. . . by the way, welcome to the Pc Mechanic forums . . .]

[cbleman]

I feel like a knuckle head. I intended to include some of the system specs originally, but for whatever reason (lack of sleep) I didn't submit them.

-HP Pavilion 6635
-10GB Seagate OEM Hard drive
-I have no clue on the CD drive. It looks like a post purchase install, probably some generic type, by the sounds of the end user. (No identifying marks on the front, and the inside is cramped HP style with little room to move around...if I need to shell it out to find the brand name, worst case, I will)
-Before I formated over the original, I didn't think to check the Win98 version, but from everything I can gather at this point in time, it's Windows 98 FE OEM.

As mentioned in my previous post, the CD rom doesn't appear to be the culprate, due to the fact my copy of windows installed without a problem. A hidden partition might be the problem, but if it is, the instructions in the CD case make no mention of it, nor do the troubleshooting methods listed on their web site. It might also be HP's way of bringing in extra cash for calling their tech department.

[. . . by the way, welcome to the Pc Mechanic forums . . .]

Thank you

[edfair]

This is pure speculation on my part since I've not done a recovery on this series.

at the e: prompt

copydisk e:\startup.img c:

My normal install method would be to create 2 drives and put the OS install stuff on d: and install from there to the c:. But that also supposes that you have a copy of 98FE that matches what originally came with the machine and a boot floppy that will fdisk and format the drives first.

[cbleman]

from the E:\ prompt.

E:\copydisk e:\ startup.img c:

I recieved the following:

COPYDISK002 Invalid parameter(c:).

But that also supposes that you have a copy of 98FE that matches what originally came with the machine and a boot floppy that will fdisk and format the drives first.

The recovery disk is supposed to have that information, or so I was lead to believe. I have two boot floppies. One that came with my copy of win 98 and one I made from bootdisk.com.

[edfair]

e:\copydisk_e:\startup.img_c: spaces where I show underline.
don't know if your post was a typo with an extra space.

I was hoping that somebody else might reply with better than my guess.

[andyms18a]

is thare 2 cds have you tryed to boot from the other one ?

[GaryRouth]

Here are a couple of links for the HP Pavilion 6635. They mention two CDs for Recovery (andy's last post mentions this too). You shouldn't have to worry about floppies at all: those were for models much older than that one. From what you've experienced so far, I'm wondering if you have the right Recovery CD(s) from the user. The user could also order another set (I think the standard cost to replace is about 20 dollars (US). You could also try just using fdisk again, this time just creating the Primary Dos Partition, but letting the HP Recover set format it - (though in their directions they do mention it can be formatted with FAT32 first) - - - But I get the feeling that we're missing a bootable CD that's part of the set.

Specifications for the HP Pavilion 6635
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...6&cat=prodinfo

Bios info
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...h07110&cat=faq

Recovery using a new (or reformatted) hard drive
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...7119&cat=solve

. . . Gary

[cbleman]

But I get the feeling that we're missing a bootable CD that's part of the set.

The recovery set comes in 1 CD jewel case, 2 CD's. One CD specifically says System Recovery on top. The other one says Application Recovery. For what it's worth, I've tried both. Neither is recognized during boot. I've focused mainly on the System Recovery CD, though. I'm going to go through the new hard drive instructions one more time.

I chose to use the boot floppy because neither CD was recognized. The only message I've recieved during any point (without using boot floppy) during boot up is:

Invalid System disk. Instert new disk and press any key to try again.

Or something along those lines. I'm sure I'll see the message again soon enough and will edit it to be verbatim if I'm mistaken.

EDIT:

OK, no changes from last night. Same set up I had when I started this thread, but a new message entirely. I'm more confused than ever, but....it at least gives me much more direction in which to pinpoint the error.

After trying both CD's, the same message appears now...

The Windows 98 Setup files were not found.

This leads me to believe either the CD is damaged (doesn't appear damaged) or HP sent a CD that wasn't burned with the correct information, or there's some mystery CD the end user isn't aware of. I called her today, and she stated that I have everything she was given out of the box.

IF, and this is a big IF...there is another CD, why call one CD System Recovery and it does nothing even close to that? I personally think I have all the correct CD's, but there is some error on the CD.

Well, off to call her with her new options. Buy a new copy of Windows and all her old, wanted software, or call HP and order a new set of recovery CD's....or...well there's a lot of OR to consider, but I'll limit her to those two options, since I've lost enough hair over this ordeal.

Thanks for all the assistance so far. I certainly appreciate the time and effort you have all invested into searches and all the links. I'll post an update to my dilema later so you don't feel like your effort was for nothing.

[andyms18a]

i have just looked at the link gary posted and i wood ask you to check if the cd drive is the first boot device in the bios and can it boot if you can try it with the win98 cd you have ? the boot sector of the recovery cd may be hidden so the dir comand wont find it but the bios booter will. if the cd drive can boot from cd then i think the recover cd is damaged you can try cleaning it

[GaryRouth]

I like andy's ideas about double-checking and testing the boot order, and cleaning the cd (nothing stronger than Windex, wipe in a straight line from center hole to edge [no circlular rubbing])

I also wonder if you could borrow a recent cd-drive from someone, just long enough to see. I suppose if the Hp's owner replaced the original drive with an older model, maybe it's having a hard time reading the disk. [Not a real high probability, but at least you'll have covered all the possibilities]

I can see why she'd prefer the Recovery set as the first option. That Pavilion comes with a truckload of decent software that would cost a fortune to replace individually. You can call Hp to see if the replacement CD sets are still priced reasonably.
. . . Gary

[cbleman]

Just came back to check in. (am I getting addicted to the tech forums?)

I'll try to run a straight boot from the CD with my personal copy of Windows tomorrow. (I think I've already done this, but my memory no longer serves it's old master) I cleaned up and pushed her stuff to the side for a while before I had to pay her for my services, shortly after her PC took a short ride tied behind my car on the interstate.

As far as the CD being cleaned. I used a cleaning kit on the CD player and disk. Basic CD cleaning 101 directions followed.

I suppose if the Hp's owner replaced the original drive with an older model

CD rom is 52X speed.

OK, off to bed....I can't keep my eyes open. I'll attempt the suggested checks tomorrow.

[pcmechanic]

I have installed Win98 on many machines including some with recovery CDs. I have no specific knowledge about the HP model you are having problems with.

First

You mentioned the possibility of a hidden partition. There is a very small utility called Ranish Partition Manager (freeware) which will allow you to examine the hard drive and gives you a very good graphical view of your hard drive. Download this from http://www.ranish.com/part/ and create a bootable floppy (format /s) and unzip the contents of the part240.zip file to this floppy and boot up with this floppy. Once you have got to the a:> prompt type in "part" or "part -d x" where x is your drive number if you have more than 1 hard drive.

The resulting graphical display will reveal all and you will be able to check if there is a hidden partition or not.


Second

I have encountered situations where the recovery CD was created with a particular CDROM driver and the user had then replaced his CDROM with a newer and faster model. This resulted in a mismatch of drivers and the recovery software on the CD would not load until I had corrected the CDROM driver issue.


Third

Try this site it may help
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...ppavilion24371

more specifically look at
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...ph07140&lc=en&

This second URL looks quite useful.


Finally

The file types you mention have the .BIN extension. You may be able to use a program like ultraiso, winimage, isobuster or similar to view its contents. That will at least confirm that the CD is not corrupted.

I hope this helps.

P.S.
Check this out as well ( some HP info on recovery)
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...&lc=en&#N10031

[jcastyo]

hello there,

I don't know if anyone has posted a resolution to the problem but here are some ideas.

1.In the BIOS depending on the version, you need to disable booting from the hard drive or change the order that the system boots. For example boot from the CD first then exit saving changes. This should allow for the recovery disk to startup.

** Of course if it is sucessful you need to take out the system recovery disk from the drive and if you want change back the boot order **

2. The syntax for copydisk is copydisk E:\startup.img D:\
D:\ being your harddrive.

Of course since I don't have an HP Pavilion computer it gave me a permission denied error

hope this helps

[gigs]

just in case you have problems with the recovery media itself it might be worth checking out:-

http://www.ashservices.com

as i know they do media cheaper than manufactures themselves.. I ordered a packard bell one and worked a treat.

hope this helps

Gigs

[glc]

As long as we are resurrecting a dead thread, here's an observation. MANY recovery disks will only run in the CD drive that the machine was originally shipped with - and some will even have problems if you have changed ANY components.