erasing hard drive

nh2669 · 10-29-2006, 05:14 AM

I'd like to erase the hard drive on my old pc (os Win98se) to see if I can get it to work right again. How do I do this? nh2669

Geekgirl · 10-30-2006, 08:39 AM

Hi and Welcome to TSF

You will need to use the fdisk tool. You will need a Microsoft Windows 98 Startup disk.

If you do not have one, just follow these instructions.

Insert a blank floppy disk in the floppy disk drive (drive A).
Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Programs.
Click Create Disk on the Startup Disk tab.
After you create the Startup disk, you should test it. To test the Startup disk, insert it in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer. If you are using a Windows 98-based computer, the Startup menu is displayed. If you are using a Windows 95-based computer, a command prompt is displayed.

How to Use the Fdisk Tool and the Format Tool to Partition or Repartition a Hard Disk

Jlp1928 · 11-01-2006, 07:49 AM

Hi, Geekgirl is correct, but be advised that you will lose everything you have added to the system and will need Motherboard drivers to get it going properly. Win 98 SE may have some of the drivers, but usually does not have Audio, Video and maybe some others. They can be down loaded from the MB maker or the chipset maker if everything is on the board.

Good Luck, Jim

Jlp1928 · 11-02-2006, 07:27 AM

Hi Again, I forgot to mention, the above is only true for an official Microsoft 98 install CD. If you have the OEM CD that came with your machine there may be other considerations. Check the maker's info for further info.

Luck, Jim

**Squashman** · 11-02-2006, 11:08 AM

If you are lazy like me, you can just download a bootdisk from here.
Bootdisk.Com - Free NTFS Bootdisk, Boot Disk, Windows Bootdisk, XP Bootdisk, DOS Bootdisk

**Done_Fishin** · 11-03-2006, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nh2669

I'd like to erase the hard drive on my old pc (os Win98se) to see if I can get it to work right again. How do I do this? nh2669

is the problem with the OS or the HDD

If you have too many bad sectors on your HDD try using HDD regenerator.

http://store3.esellerate.net/st0re/(...9923428806&pc=

If the surface isn't physically damaged but just slow to respond, there is a good chance of recovery BEFORE you format.

beecher · 11-17-2006, 08:49 AM

To erase your hard drive is very time consuming because microsoft reccords every thing you do I.E. the find fast program records verything you do in mswindows; ms word excel powerpoint, etc. it records verything yo do via their desktop.ini file, your history is hidden on your hard drive and easy to retrieve. If you have internet explorer you are in deep kim chi. if you want to erase these files email me at and I will sen you an artice on how to delete using DOS not ms-dos

10-29-2006, 05:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
nh2669 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1 OS: Win 98	erasing hard drive I'd like to erase the hard drive on my old pc (os Win98se) to see if I can get it to work right again. How do I do this? nh2669

10-30-2006, 08:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Geekgirl Assistant Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Six-burgh, Pennsylvania Posts: 14,171 OS: XP Home SP3/XP Pro SP3/Vista Ultimate SP2/Windows 7 Professional	Hi and Welcome to TSF You will need to use the fdisk tool. You will need a Microsoft Windows 98 Startup disk. If you do not have one, just follow these instructions. Insert a blank floppy disk in the floppy disk drive (drive A). Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click Create Disk on the Startup Disk tab. After you create the Startup disk, you should test it. To test the Startup disk, insert it in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer. If you are using a Windows 98-based computer, the Startup menu is displayed. If you are using a Windows 95-based computer, a command prompt is displayed. How to Use the Fdisk Tool and the Format Tool to Partition or Repartition a Hard Disk __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista Or Windows 7 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM *The Pittsburgh Steelers - 6 X Superbowl Champions !!!!!!!* *The Pittsburgh Penguins - 2009 Stanley Cup Champions !!!!!!!*

11-17-2006, 08:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
beecher Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3 OS: windows me	To erase your hard drive is very time consuming because microsoft reccords every thing you do I.E. the find fast program records verything you do in mswindows; ms word excel powerpoint, etc. it records verything yo do via their desktop.ini file, your history is hidden on your hard drive and easy to retrieve. If you have internet explorer you are in deep kim chi. if you want to erase these files email me at and I will sen you an artice on how to delete using DOS not ms-dos Last edited by dai; 11-17-2006 at 10:22 AM. Reason: edited out email addy to avoid spammers use pm's

11-01-2006, 07:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jlp1928 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 440 OS: Win98, XP, 2000	Hi, Geekgirl is correct, but be advised that you will lose everything you have added to the system and will need Motherboard drivers to get it going properly. Win 98 SE may have some of the drivers, but usually does not have Audio, Video and maybe some others. They can be down loaded from the MB maker or the chipset maker if everything is on the board. Good Luck, Jim

11-02-2006, 07:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
Jlp1928 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 440 OS: Win98, XP, 2000	Hi Again, I forgot to mention, the above is only true for an official Microsoft 98 install CD. If you have the OEM CD that came with your machine there may be other considerations. Check the maker's info for further info. Luck, Jim

11-02-2006, 11:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
Squashman Tech, Networking Forums Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 1265 Lombardi Ave. Posts: 1,142 OS: All of the above	If you are lazy like me, you can just download a bootdisk from here. Bootdisk.Com - Free NTFS Bootdisk, Boot Disk, Windows Bootdisk, XP Bootdisk, DOS Bootdisk