What next??? reformat?

Question

I am running Win98 (or trying to) on a Dell desktop. The system seems totally corrupted due to me foolishly deleting some files with a disk cleanup program.

Anyway, have tried several fixes to no avail and have decided to wipe the lot & start again - is that a good move?

Never done this before and would love to hear from anyone who has done this. What do I do? I can only boot from my Win boot disk and have all of the original Dell software.

Help!
Peter

micmaxe · Answer

Click Start,and then click Shut Down.Click Restart in MS-Dos Mode,and click OK.At the MS-DOS prompt(C:\Windows>)Type: scanreg /restore (note the space between"scanreg"and the forward slash)At blue screen,use mouse or keyboard arrows to choose date which you know the registry was fine.The date you choose must say Started next to it.Make sure the word "Restore"is highlited,and press Enter on the keyboard.At the"You have restored......"prompt,press enter.Computer will restart in MS-DOS mode again.At the MS-DOS prompt,type Exit and press Enter.All done!!!

PeterRowe · Answer

Thanks for that - I'll try anything once! Mind you it was that kind of thinking that got me into this mess. Thx Peter

Azlan · Answer

You've probably deleted program and/or system files that came with Windows, or even non-Windows files that would make it run properly. Restoring the registry without having the necessary program/system files would be pointless. Installing Windows over an existing version will slow things down - even if your system is recovered. Your best bet is a reformat and then a complete reinstall of Windows, and other programs though it might be tough (or even fun) for those who's never done it. Back up everything you'll need later on another drive/CD/floppies before attempting the format, including the most current drivers for all the devices/hardware. Your Restore or drivers CD that came with the system should be replaced with newer versions. I'd read a lot on things to back up and for the format/install process. Don't forget to cak up the Dell wallpaper/s you may have (C:\Windows\*.bmp) and the logo.sys to have that 'Dell' feel.

Azlan

PeterRowe · Answer

stui Tried that but didn't make any difference. I really don't know what I have done. Peter

stui · Answer

If it's some of the Windows files that got deleted - you might try reinstalling the operating system over the top of the old one - rather than reformatting. stui

PeterRowe · Answer

Azlan

Thanks for that & I think that you have just confirmed what I already suspected. I just needed someone to agree.

Oh well, guess what I am doing this evening when I get home from work!

I hear what you are saying about the backing up as well.

Thx
Peter

Locked Topics – Desktops General

What next??? reformat?

Was this post helpful?