can't install OS

Perhaps your CD drive is not supported by W98's default driver.

Give the boot disk at www.madboot.com a try.

You may want to try customizing a copy of the W98 startup disk with the CD drive manufactures DOS mode driver

A good way to get there, is to use the command
format C: /s
or if the drive is formatted, sys C:
At the command prompt.

Then, execute the setup or install command on the floppy that came with the CD drive.

You can now boot from the C: drive, and it should recognize your CD drive.

If not, double check cables, jumpers and BIOS settings for the CD drive.

If all else fails, swap in a CD drive that you know works properly.

Chas

Hi and I add, Check your cd drive letter assigned by your boot disk. I have one that always assigns "R" to it. If you have only one HD installed and it is not partitioned you should be at "E" if more than one HD or you are partitioned your drive letter could be "F" or "G".
Also have you tried to set bios to boot from cdrom. Newer MB's do have that option.
Hope this helps.

I had a similar problem recently. If you have multiple hard drives, try one of the following:

1. Physically uninstall the second hard drive for installation (The fact that your CD is E points that this may be the case) OR

(what worked for me)
2. Make sure that all hard drives are properly partitioned AND formatted before proceeding to your install.

My problem was that when booting, DOS sees your formatted AND unformatted hard drives and assigns the CD the next letter. However the install program does not assign a drive letter to the unformatted drives, thus changing in mid-flight the drive letter assignation.

Good luck to you!

www.e-mitch.com