Wipe Computer Clean...Reinstall Windows 2

[zygo]

This is a big one, if someone can help, I would greatly appreciate it.

My computer is doing some crazy things. System files are missing, and it is just a mess. I have windows 98SE, and I would like to wipe everything off from my computer. And reinstall windows 98 SE. I have never done nothing like this, so I need step by step on what I need to do. I have two hard drives a C: and a D:. along with my CD Drive wich is a E: and an Iomega zip dirve which is a F: drive.

Basically, I was told to create a boot disk, and then FDISK the first drive then Format it. Then FDISK the 2nd drive and then Format it. Then change the BIOS Order to boot CD ROM First. Then reinstall Windows from there.

I don't know how to do any of it. So I am looking to anyone who is willing to walk me through the whole thing step by step. I was told that if I have any viruses or corrupt files this will fix it. I don't have anything on my computer that I need so basically I just need to wipe everything off and reinstall. Can anyone give me the lowdown, step by step. I would be so greatly appreciative. Thanks

Zygo

 

[tlcscousin]

Boot with a W98 startup disk. select startwith cd-rom support. When you get to the A: make sure you have a cd in the drive, change to the cd drive (usually D: type dir
If it shows the win98 files on the cd you are good to start.
Change back to the A: (type AType format C: /s there will be a warning that formatting will wipe all information from the drive. (The next step is optional) If you want then run fdisk /mbr (this will wipe the master boot record)
Then reboot with the startup disk in the drive, same selection (start with cd-rom support) When it gets to the A: prompt (some boot disks will actually start setup for you)change to the cd-rom drive (this should actually show on the screen there will be a line above the A: that lists which drive is the cd-rom)show if it is E then type E: and hit enter. there should now be an E:\ type setup follow the onscreen prompts until w98 is installed.
The fdisk that was recommended is good if you want to repartition the drive.
You should actually not need to format the second drive, but if you want to after the install of windows you can do it by going to ms-dos prompt and typing in format D:
Or in initial setup after you format C: you can format D:

 

[zygo]

shovel204,

Is the windows start up disk the 3 1/2 floppy or the CD. I have both a 3 1/2 floppy and a a CD that says "windows starts here. Which one should I boot with?

Zygo

 

[cdogg]

zygo,

Boot with the Win98 3 1/2 floppy boot disk. This should take you to an a:> prompt as shovel204 mentioned. If the floppy that you have doesn't work, you'll need to gain access to windows on some pc and make one. It's under Add/Remove Programs in the control panel, third tab...