After botching an attempt to install a LAN network for dialup from my one computer to my next (both run win98) my best computer lost several important files, such as system.ini…The computer will not run the same now, even after detatching and uninstalling all network software I had. It sill crashes every IE based application (Kazaa, AOL, Juno, AIM) and can not connect to the internet. The computer boots very very slowly now also and I’m lucky if it shuts off or restarts properly. I spent over$2,500 on this machine over 4 years ago, but I’m wondering if it is finally a good idea to entirely format the hard drive and upgrade to windows2000 (500 mhz 13 gig HD machine)…If I do not like Win2000, I can always format the HD again and re-install Win98, but the biggest problem in my head is, will network settings that were previously pre-loaded on Win98 before I deleted them and screwed the entire thing up automatically load upon Win2000 installation so I can begin using the internet again? Also…I need opinions about the upgrade. Windows 2000 is not especially a bare bones system OS…It’s for more developed computers, so I’m not sure. Also, my computer is a Pentium III. I’m really not sure what to do, and is there any way I can back up the ENTIRE C: currently? It has about 5 gigs/13 taken up…not sure… Also, I’m hesitant to upgrade do to installation of plug and play devises such as my external cd burner…It was a big enough pain to install once, let alone again. It definately won’t be fun to re-install EVERYTHING, but I believe it is at the point where it is nescessary. Comments, please…Thank you so much
