Install Windows 98

1. Get a Windows Startup Disk. To make one, on a running 98 system, go to My Computer > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs > Startup Disk > Create Disk...

2. In your BIOS make sure your boot order is set to boot from floppy before the hard drive. Make sure any onboard audio/video/modem is disabled that may cause a conflict

3. Insert Startup disk - start system - and answer 'Start Without CD-ROM Support' when prompted.

4. When the 'A:\>' prompt comes up, type 'FDISK' and hit enter (Y) when it asks about large disk support.

5. If you have multiple drives, you will want to make sure that you are on the correct current fixed disk drive, and switch it if necessary. FDISK performs all operations on 1 drive at a time, so make sure you are on the right fixed disk if one has data.

6. Create a Primary DOS partition and make it bootable. I usually use the entire partition, but if you don't then set up any extended partitions now.

7. Once FDISK is done it will tell you to reboot for changes. Exit FDISK and Ctrl-Alt-Delete at the 'A:\>' prompt.

8. Boot to BIOS, set the system boot order to boot from CD if you want to try a direct CD installation. This usually works, sometimes not.

9. For CD Install: Insert Windows CD, remove floppy from drive and exit BIOS. Good luck, system should start Windows install by formatting your drive.
Alternate or if CD install fails: Insert Windows CD and exit BIOS.

10. Answer 'Boot with CD-ROM Support' when prompted.

11. At the 'A:\>' type 'Format C:' and answer 'Y' to continue. This may take awhile.

12. When it is done formatting switch to the C: drive by typing 'C:' > press 'enter'.

13. You can simply type 'E:\setup' or 'E:\setup /p j' to be sure to enable the ACPI support.

14. Windows will install. If you have trouble.