Help: reformatting my computer

[minsbang]

I have two machines (OLD!!-"Gateway GP5-200") that are both running at 200mhz and I was in the process of reformatting the hd. I followed the directions (from <http://tech.jmwebdesigns.com/software/expert/reformat.html>) and when I restarted the comp with the win cd, I am having trouble going on to the next step.
It tells me to insert win 95 cd and press any key to continue. After pressing a key, it does not continue. I've tried this with win 95 and 98 cd as well as a Gateway's boot disk.

I am guessing that my only choice is to start from the DOS setup. What can I do to start from scratch from DOS setup? I just want win 95 or 98 up and running.
Thanks

 

[JOPRIMO]

Make sure your Win95 / 98 CD is not the "Upgrade" CD. I have a few that say "Upgrade Only" on them and got the same results when trying to use it for base installation.... like 10 years ago! :wink:

I have several full install CD's still lying around... if you need one PM me.

 

[apple27]

Is your CD drive reading? You may have to install a driver via floppy to have the CD reader to work. If possilble paste a a few screenhots of exactly whats happening, you may also have to type the install command in dos to get the win op to start installing.

Ajay

 

[minsbang]

I do have the Win 95 install cd.
Does anyone know exactly what I'm suppose to do once I hit F1 to enter Setup?
The pc is reading the cd drive and I stil get the same message.

 

[apple27]

I do have the Win 95 install cd.
Does anyone know exactly what I'm suppose to do once I hit F1 to enter Setup?
The pc is reading the cd drive and I stil get the same message.

Post some screenshots!

 

[NsXMas]

I'd suggest running Linux. Win 95 is not going to get you much and it's full of security holes.

 

[minsbang]

I am fully aware of that. Basically, I found them in the attic and instead of throwing them away, I want to help some of the students that I work with. I want to help them learn how to type, and use a couple of programs.

 

[NsXMas]

I am fully aware of that. Basically, I found them in the attic and instead of throwing them away, I want to help some of the students that I work with. I want to help them learn how to type, and use a couple of programs.

There are Linux installs you can just run off CD's, which I'm sure you could find free typing programs for and other office type programs. Really sweet options.

Those should be a lot easier to use than trying to install Win 95.

 

[bsudiro]

Try using Knoppix (http://www.knoppix.net), it's a CD-only linux distribution that you can just pop in to the CD drive, reboot to Knoppix, and off you go. You don't even need to install anything. And it also comes with a bunch of application, including Office type programs (I'm not sure if it's Open Office or Koffice).

Once you are in Knoppix, you can use it to reformat your hard drive too.