WinME format how-no floppy just USB zip and cd 1

[etrix]

HI, I have just received a laptop with no floppy, but it does have a usb Zip and a cd rom. I need to format this drive and install 98se. If I copy a start up disk to the Zip will it let me boot from there? Is there a way to get to the real mode dos prompt like in 98 f8 key?
Thanx Ed

 

[webmaster999]

Ed,

You might need to burn the 98 startup files and the Windows\Command folder to a CD, and try to boot from that (use laptop CMOS to change boot sequence to CD-ROM first)

Matt A+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE Windows NT 4.0, MCSE Windows 2000 Early Acheiver with Security Emphasis

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[etrix]

Thanx webmaster999, I'll give it a try and post back with the results.

 

[blacknosee]

Before I would go thru too much trouble formating, it might be easier to just reinstall windows into a different directory(Eg. c:\win or any name of your choice) and delete the old version once it is installed. You may want to delete all other things you don't need or will reinstall. Make a complete scandisk and defrag and it should be as good as a fresh install.

 

[ceh4702]

If you have a CDROM make it the first or second on the boot order and load it from the CDROM.
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[etrix]

Thanx ceh4702, blacknosee,webmaster999. I'll try one or all,
soon and get back to you. Ed

 

[etrix]

webmaster999, Burning the win 98 start up files and the command on cd worked. I was able to format and remove ME (junk os)and put win 98se on for him. I tried booting from a zip but it would only recognize a paralle port not usb.
Thanx Ed