Windows 95/98 OS install Guide

F DISK Usage Guide
 

Introduction

Using "fdisk" does not have to be a difficult chore. If you know what to expect, it is a rather easy task.

Note: If you are "clean" installing Windows 2000, XP Home or XP Pro, and do not wish to multi-boot your system, you do not have to run fdisk before hand as, during the install process, options for creating partitions are built in.

WARNING: Using fdisk to "resize" or recreate a partition will effectively destroy what ever information you have on your hard drive. Do not use fdisk if you wish to save any information that it may contain.

1) Boot using a Floppy: (Image 1.1)     I use a Windows Me created boot floppy to run fdisk because: It contains the "latest" fdisk utility The boot floppy has built in CD ROM support I always start with CD ROM support, so I picked option 2.

2) Virus Warning: (Image 1.2)     If no partitions are detected, such as a new hard drive, the Windows Me boot disk is rather helpful in telling you this fact. At this point, do not be alarmed at the "virus warning" statement, as it is generic. At the "command prompt," in this example, A:, type "fdisk" without the quotes.

3) Large Disk Support: (Image 1.3)     Unless you have a need, ensure that you enable "Large Disk Support." Why would you "not" want this? If you have any requirements for DOS, Win3.1, Win95, or WinNT to access the partitions, you may not be able to if the partitions are greater than 2.1 GB. I selected "Y" for yes.

4) Main Menu: (Image 1.4)     The main menu offers few, but powerful options. If you have a new drive or one that has previous partitions already deleted, you may jump to that section, below, but it would be a good idea to look over this process, just in case you will need to perform it. Here, I selected "3" to "Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive." You may also select "4" to display current partition information.

5) Extended Space: (Image 1.5)   If you have more than one partition already defined, you will need to delete the ones located in the "Extended" space. Select "3" to do just that.

6) Choose Partition to Delete: (Image 1.6)     Here, you may choose which, if any, partitions you need to delete. If you want to resize your "Primary" partition, you will need to delete all existing partitions, redefine the Primary partition, then recreate (described below) the Extended partition section. I chose to delete the partition (drive) marked as "E:" here. Choose what is best for your setup.

7) Are you sure? (Image 1.7)     A prompt will appear to ensure that you know what you are doing. You must type the "Volume" name of the partition, hit enter, then choose "Y" to continue with the delete. Delete as many as you desire. After clearing out the Extended partition, you may delete the primary partition from the main menu and resize it as necessary.

8) Create Primary Partition: (Image 1.8)     Here, we need to create the Primary partition by selecting "1" from the main fdisk menu.

9) Create Primary DOS Partition: (Image 1.9)     If no partitions have been defined, select "1" to create Primary DOS Partition. If you have already created a Primary Partition, skip the next few steps.

10) Scan Hard Drive: (Image 1.10)     The hard disk will now be scanned searching for problems. Take note: This process may take a some time, a very long time on "large" drives.

11) All available space? (Image 1.11)     If you wish to create the Primary partition using all available space, select "Y" at the prompt. Otherwise, choose "N" to define something smaller.

12) Scan Hard Drive: (Image 1.12)     Again, the drives integrity is scanned. No one ever accused fdisk of being a "speedy" solution.

13) Enter Size in MB: (Image 1.13)     Enter in the amount of space, in MegaBytes, that you wish to use for your Primary partition.

14) Updated partition information: (Image 1.14)     After choosing an amount, the partition information is displayed. Here, I choose "1000 MB" for my Primary partition. Hit "ESC" to continue with fdisk.

15) Make active partition: (Image 1.15)     A warning will appear under the main menu explaining the importance of an "active" partition. Really, this is no longer required, but for compatibility's sake, I choose to make a partition active, anyway. Select "2" to set the active partition.

16) Choose active partition: (Image 1.16)     Setting the active partition is as easy as choosing the number next to "C:." In this example, it is "1."

17) Create Extended DOS Partition: (Image 1.17)     You now can create the "extended partition" portion of the hard drive. It is subject to debate whether this step is required, but, once again, for compatibility purposes, I choose to do so. Select "2" to Create the Extended DOS Partition.

18) Choose space allocated: (Image 1.18)     Choose how much space the Extended partition is allowed to use. Under usual circumstances, choose all. Your requirements may vary, but I have yet to find a reason "not" to choose all of the remaining space.

19) Updated partition information: (Image 1.19)     The partition information will be displayed, including your previous "Primary" and now your "Extended" partition information. Hit "ESC" to continue.

20) Scan Hard Drive: (Image 1.20)     Once again, the drive will be verified.

21) Enter Size in MB: (Image 1.21)   Choose the amount of each additional partition, up to the maximum size. Here, I chose 2000 MB.

22) Updated partition information: (Image 1.22)     The Partition information is displayed, as well as drive integrity confirmed. At this point, you may continue defining partitions, or exit out and define them using the setup program of a "newer" OS, like Linux, Win2k, or XP. Again, Win9x/Me does not have the option of partition creation during setup.

23) Additional Partitions: (Image 1.23)     Here, I defined 3 additional partitions, not including the Primary one, taking up all of the available space. Hit "ESC" to continue.

24) Reboot System: (Image 1.24)     You are prompted with a "restart" message. This is a vital step. Ensure that you do restart the computer before continuing with the installation of any OS. I even power down the computer, but that is not necessary.

I hope this has given you some insight as to what to expect while using fdisk.

Microsoft Windows 95 Installation Guide

1. Insert the Microsoft Windows 95 boot diskette into the floppy drive and the Microsoft Windows 95 cd into the cd-rom, then power on the computer.
2. If the boot diskette doesn?t automatically start the Windows 95 setup and drops you at an a:\> or c:\> go to the cd-rom drive prompt and type X:\>setup then press enter.
3. You will be prompted to let setup to a routine check on your system, Continue by pressing,? lt;b>ENTER?
4. After the system check Windows will prompt with a Windows 95 Dialog box welcoming you to the Microsoft Windows 95 Setup. Press ENTER to continue.
5. Read the Software License Agreement and press YES if you agree and NO if you do not. By selecting NO you will exit the Setup and by pressing YES you will continue with the setup.
6. Windows setup will now be at the,? lt;b>Collecting information about your computer? phase. Press Next Button.
7. At the next windows it will ask where you want to install this installation of Windows 95. It is recommended to install Windows 95 under c:\windows
8. Windows will now prep the c:\windows directory and go onto the Options phase on the setup.
9. At the Options Panel you have four choices. Typical (recommended for most computers), Portable (Windows will be setup with options that are useful for portable computers), Compact (To save disk space, none of the optional components will be installed) and Custom (For Advanced users and system administrators only. You can customize all available Setup options).
10. Makes your desired Selection. This How to Install Manual will continue with the Typical Setup.
11. Select Typical and press next.
12. You will be prompted to enter your Microsoft Windows 95 OEM Number. This can be found on the cover of your Microsoft Windows 95 Booklet. After you have entered your OEM number, double check your entry and if it is correct, press next.
13. The next step is User Information; enter your Name and Company.
14. Analyzing Your Computer is the next step in the setup. If you have a network adapter, select ?Network Adapter? If you have Sound, Midi or Video Capture Card, select it. The press Next.
15. Setup with now Scan your computer to see what kind of hardware is in your computer. This can take a few minutes.
16. Windows Components is the next step of the setup phase. Take the Recommended choice and press next.
17. Windows Setup will prompt you and ask if you want to create a startup disk. Select NO then press next.
18. Windows will ask if you are ready to let the setup phase copy the require files to run Windows 95 on your computer. Press next. This will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on your computer.
19. After Windows setup had completed the System files transfer it will prompt to, ? Restart your computer and finish the setup? press Finish.
20. Windows will now setup your computer to fit your needs such as, time zone and Printer Setup. If you do not have a printer, press Cancel and then when prompted to reboot, press OK.
21. After Windows reboots and you see the ? lt;b>Welcome to Windows 95?welcome screen, press Close and install any drivers for hardware or software you desire.

Notes: Some files you may need are the AMD/Windows 95 Patch. This patch can be found at http://www.microsoft.com or http://www.amd.com Other files such as PCI Bridge Patch and USB Supplement can be found at either the Motherboard manufacturer?s website or http://www.microsoft.com






Microsoft Windows 98 Installation Guide

1. Insert the Microsoft Windows 98 boot diskette into the floppy drive and the Microsoft Windows 98 cd into the cd-rom, then power on the computer.
2. If the boot diskette doesn?t automatically start the Windows 98 setup and drops you at an a:\> or c:\> go to the cd-rom drive prompt and type X:\>setup then press enter.
3. The Windows 98 Setup will automatically run a routine check on your system. This will check for errors on your hard drive and notify you if there are any errors found.
4. After the system check setup will prompt with a Microsoft Windows 98 Setup Blue screen. Your choices are listed on your screen; this installation manual will select to proceed with the setup by pressing Enter.
5. Windows will run another routine check on your system, press enter to Continue.
6. After the routine system check you will see a ? Welcome to Windows 98 Setup?windows. Press Continue.
7. Windows will now prepare to run the Windows 98 Setup, this usually take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Windows will now prep the c:\windows directory and go onto the Options phase on the setup.
9. At the Options Panel you have four choices. Typical (recommended for most computers), Portable (Windows will be setup with options that are useful for portable computers), Compact (To save disk space, none of the optional components will be installed) and Custom (For Advanced users and system administrators only. You can customize all available Setup options).
10. Makes your desired Selection. This How to Install Manual will continue with the Typical Setup.
11. Select Typical and press Next.
12. You will be prompted to enter your Microsoft Windows 98 OEM Number. This can be found on the cover of your Microsoft Windows 98 Booklet. After you have entered your OEM number, double check your entry and if it is correct, press Next.
13. The next step is User Information; enter your Name and Company.
14. Analyzing Your Computer is the next step in the setup. If you have a network adapter, select ?Network Adapter? If you have Sound, Midi or Video Capture Card, select it. The press Next.
15. Setup with now Scan your computer to see what kind of hardware is in your computer. This can take a few minutes.
16. Windows Components is the next step of the setup. Take the Recommended choice and press Next.
17. Windows Setup will prompt you and ask if you want to create a startup disk. Select NO then press Next.
18. Windows will ask if you are ready to let the setup copy the require files to run Windows 98 on your computer. Press Next. This will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on your computer.
19. After Windows setup had completed the System files transfer it will prompt to, ?lt;b>Restart your computer and finish the setup?press Finish.
20. Windows will now setup your computer to fit your needs such as, time zone and Printer Setup. If you do not have a printer, press Cancel and then when prompted to reboot, press OK.
21. After Windows reboots and you see the ?lt;b>Welcome to Windows 98?welcome screen, press Close and install any drivers for hardware or software you desire.

Note: If you are having problems detecting hardware in Windows 98. Reboot your computer and go into the BIOS. Go to Plug and play and turn off Plug`n Play O/S Installed.