reinstalling win98se

Hi there,

I think if you're not sure what exactly your "recovery CD" suppose to do on re-install, the best way to handle this issue is to open this CD's source via Windows Explorer and to find setup files manually. When browsing content of CD look for "Win98" directory, for it's a usual name for Windows'98 setup directory.
If you've found this one - you're in! Now locate setup.exe and start it. The normal installation procedure should begin then, so you can choose between repair or fresh installation options, whatever you need.
Best of luck!

It sounds to me like you either have a Compaq, HP, or Gateway PC, which are very popular with the recovery CD method. Most likely, you have an 'image' file or collection of image files, which represent not only the Windows 98 Second edition install, but all pre-configured applications and utilities that came with your computer right out of the box. It would be very difficult, but not impossible most likely to get just the Operating System install off of the Recovery CD.

In order for the recovery CD to be able to take off at boot up, you do have to specify the CD-ROM as the very first boot device in the boot sequence....found in the BIOS setup. (Hitting DEL, or F2, or any other combo usually gets you into the BIOS setup at Bootup)

At this point, a DOS type screen will probably inform you that the Restore CD is going to Wipe your drive out with masking this factory installed setup over eveything that is currently installed.

If you want to go a different route, I would suggest finding a friend or co-worker with an original WIN98 SE2 CD....to just re-install the OS...no need to worry about the license, as you are covered.

Best of Luck!

Paul M. Chavez

Go to Bios - Set CDrom to First Boot Device.
Boot off the 'Dell' product recovery CD - You will see options to - Repair - Recover OS without format - Format & Reinstall. If this is a Dell System, You'll have the option to Run a ZZTOP (complete system Restore).

Good Luck.