Clean Install

[eastfield]

I have a 10Gb drive with dual boot Windows 2000 Advanced server and Windows 2000 Professional both are formatted with NTFS. I want to clean install windows 98 se Fat32. What is the best way to remove both operating systems so i can start a clean install?

Eastfield

The best method is to use windows98 boot disk, boot your PC from the A: drive.
After loading and getting into the a:/ prompt, type fdisk and delete the partitions that you already have, (reboot), then format your drive in dos mode as well (it will be formatted as FAT32 automatically).

After that you can clean install your win98.

PS. i recommend that you use win2k Pro because of its stability over win98

Regards

[Siliconjunkie]

I would also reccomend to stay with 2k over 98.

But, if you must uninstall it. You may have problems with a 98 boot floppy seeing/deleting ntfs partitions. I can't determine the rhyme or reason to it, but sometimes it doesn't.

If that is the case you can use something like partition magic to delete them, then install 98 as ususal. I wouldn't reccomend PM for creating them. I prefer to let the OS.

If PM isnt an option, check some of the freeware sites for partition tools that work with NTFS. If I get a min I will find some. I can't recall the name of the one I have used before offhand.

[durante]

Yes, definetely 2K instead of 98, I recently did the same thing, (I was also cofused how to do it...) if you are a gamer and thats why u are choosing 98 stay wih 2K, I actually prefered 2K for gaming OS...

IMO the best thing to do is use your 2000 CD and delete the partitions with it (IMO much easier than using the 98 bootdisk)

Aftre that use your bootdisk and type format C: or format D: or whatever letter that your computer is using

When your formatted the harddrives just type setup and it will install 98 smoothly, but can I ask you, why are you choosing 98 again?

thanks for the attention durante

[RustyGT]

So 'Eastfeild' asked how to kill his current OS's.
You guys debate his choice?
Why?

Eastfeild, if you would like a 'killer' 'OS killer'.
Try this:delpart

'delpart' was a utility that came with NT3.5.
Still the best known HD cleaner.
It will get rid of anything. NTFS, Linux, whatever...

D/L it from the site, put it on a floppy.
Boot to a prompt in dos [use a 98 boot disk]

Run it, follow the bouncing ball, step back, and watch the destruction!
Then run fdisk etc, from your 98 floppy.

Install what you want bloke.
It's your box and your time.

Have Fun R.

Edit: Speeling Chukar.

[Bill in SD, CA]

Originally posted by RustyGT
So 'Eastfeild' asked how to kill his current OS's.
You guys debate his choice?
Why?

Two thumbs up on that. I see way to many people NOT answering a question but rather debating the question.

For all we know Eastfield may want a dual-boot system. I had the same problem and needed 98 to run a couple of programs that wouldn't run on 2K.

BTW, RustyGT thanks for the link. Bookmarked for future use.

Bill

[eastfield]

I do not want to dual boot. I only want win 98 se because that is the only operating system we have licenses for.

Thanks for your constructive suggestions.I wll let you know how I get on.

Eastfield

RustyGT & Bill in SD, CA .. i think you both can see that all answers were direct to what the original poster wanted to know and do ..*then* an advise was merely provided for his own benefit.
I can't understand what are you giving two thumbs about Bill! while you yourself did NOT provide any information that the original poster might've possibly wanted to know!!

[Bill in SD, CA]

KenKun,

You got PM.

Bill

[woodbutcher]

Whenever I want to do a clean install I wipe the drive with the software available from the manufactures site.
I've been using Maxblast most recently as most of the drives I have are Maxtor but each company has it's own diagnostic software.
The use of this software allows you to write zeros to the drive and will return the drive to a "new" state.

WB