How to Reinstall Windows 98 From a Boot Disk

Reinstalling Windows 98 can bring life back to an old computer system by wiping away years of old, useless data and giving the computer a clean start. Unlike newer versions of Windows, such as Vista and 7, Windows 98 comes with both a Floppy Boot Disk and an Installation CD that must be used at installation. Re-installing Windows 98 by using the floppy boot disk is a straightforward process that will help extend the life of your old computer.

Instructions

  1. Insert the Windows floppy boot disk into your computer's floppy drive and insert the Installation CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Restart your computer. Your computer will boot from the boot disk in the floppy drive.
  2. Select "Start Windows 98 Setup from CD-ROM" when presented with a list of available options. The Windows 98 Installer will begin the setup process.
  3. Press "Enter" when the Windows 98 installer presents you with the blue welcome screen. Press "Enter" to perform a maintenance scan on your computer and continue with the setup process. The Windows 98 Installer will scan your computer and present you with the installation screen when the scan is complete
  4. Press "Continue" to initialize the Windows 98 installation when you arrive at the installation screen. Wait for the installer to initialize; select "C:\Windows" as the installation location, and press "Next." The Windows installer will prepare the directory.
  5. Select "Typical" as the installation type when the installer finishes preparing the installation directory and press "Next" to continue with the installation. Select "Install the most common components," and press "Next."
  6. Give your computer a name, workgroup and description, and press "Next." Select the language to install on your computer, and press "Next." Windows 98 will begin installing and your computer will restart.
  7. Enter the username you want to use and press "Next." Accept the Microsoft EULA and press "Next." Enter your Windows 98 Product Key and press "Next."
  8. Click "Finish" on the final screen to start Windows 98. Windows will setup your hardware and restart. Set the time and the date after Windows 98 restarts and press "OK." Windows will perform the final system setup and restart again.
  9. Log into your computer if you are prompted to log in. Windows 98 will update your system settings. Once your system settings have been updated, you can use your computer.

 

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