Preferred method for reinstalling Windows 98SE

Question

I have a Dimension L667r which came with 98SE. I would like to reinstall the OS. I have found two ways to do this so far. This one:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=F7119377BC024F0B8768F8BD69C0DBCB&c=us&l=en&s=gen

uses the Recovery CD with various options to reinstall. This one:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/tree?c=us&l=en&s=gen&journalid=&treeid=09B846DCE72F4CC8E0401E0A5517504A

(when I select L____r and follow the guide) deletes then recreates the DOS partition prior to using the Recovery CD. My question is, is there a difference between the first link, with option 4 selected (Format and Recover Hard Drive). and the second link, which puts me in DOS first? I am looking for the most complete way to start over, and I want to do this right.

Denny Denham · Answer

SAZMD,

The first link requires you to have a Product Recovery CD. A Windows 98SE reinstallation CD will not work with those instructions.

The second link takes you to the current Dell reinstallation interactive guide which is probably the worst designed product ever to come out of Dell Support.

I would not bother with FDISK unless you want different partition sizes and/or a different file system. Boot with your emergency boot diskette (which you can make through Start|Settings|Control Panel|Add/Remove Programs|Startup Disk tab or download from here) and select to start with CD-ROM support. At the DOS prompt (A:\>) enter format c:\ /s and press . After formatting is complete install Windows using the procedure in the second link (if you have a bootable CD with Windows 98SE on it).

SAZMD · Answer

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear in my original message. I DO have a Product Recovery CD - the purple one that came with my computer. Would that change your recommendation? It seems easier to use the CD (which is bootable, right?) than going through DOS (although the method you mention doesn't seem too hard). Thanks for your help.

Denny Denham · Answer

SAZMD, If you have that CD, I concur that it appears to be the easiest and most straightforward way to get a clean installation of the OS.

Windows General

Preferred method for reinstalling Windows 98SE

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