Reinstalling Windows 98SE

Question

I bought a Optiplex 400 many years ago and it came with Windows 98. I upgraded it to Windows XP Pro and would like to downgrade it back to Windows 98. I followed the instructions to reinstall from the Dell and Microsoft websites. I first put in a boot floppy disk and reinstall CD, chose to load in CD IDE drivers, then format C:. After formatting, I get the A: prompt and I then type in D: (for my CD drive), "cd win98" and finally setup. At that point I get a "bad command" from my computer. I checked my Dell reinstall CD and there is no setup.exe file in it.

How do I perform a clean install of Windows 98 without a setup.exe file in my reinstallation disk?

helmecj01 · Answer

Hi   Windows 98 is old!!!   d:\setup.exe

herbchan · Answer

I did type in setup.exe but received a bad command message.

I checked the Windows 98 installation disk and it did not contain a setup.exe file. How can I get the installation CD to install without typing in setup.exe?

Denny Denham · Answer

herbchan, I think you have a 98 Recovery CD in which case see the information here.

mombodog · Answer

The boot floppy will mount the cd drive as E:

Windows General

Reinstalling Windows 98SE

Was this post helpful?