Hi all
Alive & Kicking - just to make sure that hardware problems aren't hiding under your software problems, it'd be good to check with a few diagnostics
1) Check the hard drive ---
http://tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
2) Check the system memory ---
http://www.memtest.org
3) Check your Bios settings & battery
To check your Bios settings, acquire a system manual for either the system itself, or the motherboard. Labels on the case and on the motherboard identify things. If, when entering Setup, you notice the time/date are several years behind -- the Bios battery needs replacing. A good general guide for that is here ---
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...&product=94878 ---
I'd recommend starting over, wiping the drive completely (if you haven't already). Also, whenever installing or reinstalling a Windows 9x/Me series computer, make sure to disable any Bios antivirus settings in the Bios Setup screens for that computer. You can re-enable those settings after the system installation is complete.
Most video cards have markings on them to identify them, and "onboard" graphics can be identified if the motherboard is identified. Programs such as Everest Home edition, Aida32 and Aida16, etc. - can try to detect hardware, but they are less than perfect. You can download and create a bootable CD with such tools on it at ---
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com ---
Since your hard drive will be completely blank if you wipe the drive (zero-write), you'll need to use FDISK to create the Primary DOS partition ---
http://www.msdos.windowsreinstall.com/fdisk.htm --- you can let Windows 98 setup format the drive for you as part of Setup.
If you must go with Windows 98, it would be best to use Windows 98 2nd Edition, if available. It has much better hardware & software compatibility.
I can't imagine having trouble finding a Win98se driver for a 1997 sound card. Google is your friend.
Best of luck
. . . Gary