installing win 98 on a compaq ... ?

[aloha808]

hi... this is my first time using a forum... ok... here goes i have a problem with installing windows 98 on my compaq 5150... after i install 98 it prompts me to restart. after it restarts and the compaq logo disappears it tells me ..invalid disk... i don't have anything in a:\ drive so can you help me out it wont let me resume my installation ? oh sorry i also formatted and partitioned the drive ... its in fat32 format... thx

 

[PAndersen]

Have you set BIOS to boot from C: ? (You will probably have to hit DEL at startup to enter the BIOS).

 

[RSi2]

boot on a system disk / cd
use fdisk c:
and check if the 1st primary partition is active (bootable)
if not, make if so

 

[mainegeek]

Also, to enter cmos on a compaq (usually), at boot up wait until cursor is at the top right of screen and press F10

 

[aloha808]

i made sure the first primary is active and it still wont let me resume my 98 install ...any other suggestions ? much mahalos .... 808 or s-)

 

[RSi2]

boot from a sysdisk/cd
and try :
format c: /q/u/s
to clean up the c:
try to reboot your PC, if it boots up ...
reboot from the 98 cd and make a new fresh install

 

[Kento]

Is this a first time windows install on this Comcrap using the windows cd and is this pc a proprietary one, meaning it came with windows preinstalled? If I remember right proprietary Comcraps have a hidden partition (or something hidden) that has to be removed first or you may not be able to get windows installed from the cd and I don't think formatting removes it. I think it has to be removed a special way but I can't recall how. You might want to call Comcraps tech support and see what they say about that or check their website's knowledge base if they have one.

You also might want to contact these guys. They might know from experience what needs to be done to get windows to install properly on it:

http://www.compaqsucks.com/

 

[Guest_imported]

What's the history on this machine/hard drive?

Sounds like either the original Compaq partitioning is screwing up your new W98 installation, or, the drive has been partitioned and formatted using incorrect parameters in the BIOS. You could try FDISK /MBR but I suspect you may need to do a low level format to completely clean the drive, and then start from scratch again with single partition and format etc.

If you decide to wipe it all and start again, partition drive and then use FORMAT C: /S and then make sure the system will boot from the hard disk (to a C:\> prompt) before you proceed with the W98 installation.

Good luck.


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