Install / Reinstall Windows 98

[Rehnn]

Hello All.

Using an IBM Thinkpad 600.

I'm sure this one has been asked before, however I can't seem to locate quite the right topic in the "Search". I'm trying to install Windows 98 (SE) on my Thinkpad 600. At the moment I've booted to DOS (using a WIndows 98 Boot Disk) set 1 (ONE) partition as the primary DOS partition and Formated my HD (as a System Disk (using Format c: /s).

Unfourtunately I can't access my CD Drive (and the WIn98 SE Setup.exe). I'm stuggling to get around the fact that the tp600 has one Slimbay which I can have either the CD Drive or the FD Drive (not both). How can I access the CD Drive in DOS (so I can install Windows 98)?

[bobgarty]

boot from the boot floppy and do an xcopy a:\*.* /s c:
that will copy the autoexec.bat .. config.sys .. mscdex.exe .. cd driver (something like btcdrom.sys) himem driver etc to C:.
powerdown and insert cd drive with the win98 cd and reboot - if there is a boot menu on floppy then u will see that otherwise type d:\setup at the dos prompt

[Rehnn]

I can't currently use the xcopy function (as I only have the basic DOS commands provided in Command.com).

I have tried copy a:\*.* c: and this brings up the Standard Options (1-Start with CD 2-Start Without 3-Help). Selecting start with CD (or starting without) I get "Not ready reading drive A" (Abort/Retry/Fail). Selecting Abort or Fail, brings up an "Insert Windows Setup Disk 2 - Press Any Key" I can get no further than this.

[Robin Mutoid]

Can you get hold of an IBM external FDD? This plugs in on the RH side of the 600 and would allow you both drives.

Also is the BIOS the latest version and set to correct boot order?

Then try booting from 98SE CD 'with support' go for a 'format c:' and from there into 'setup'.

[pianowizard]

At the moment I've booted to DOS (using a WIndows 98 Boot Disk) set 1 (ONE) partition as the primary DOS partition and Formated my HD (as a System Disk (using Format c: /s)....Unfourtunately I can't access my CD Drive

Windows 98SE makes a startup disc that displays a menu asking you whether or not to start up with CD-ROM support. If your floppy disc doesn't show that menu, see if one of those on http://www.bootdisk.com/ does. Or find a Windows 98SE computer and make a new startup disc.

[bobgarty]

If your floppy disc doesn't show that menu, see if one of those on http://www.bootdisk.com/ does. Or find a Windows 98SE computer and make a new startup disc.

Personally I would download an image of a Boot disk without the menu - then do the xcopy as I said ... if xcopy (or xcopy32) isn't on the floppy, you should be able to find a download of it pretty easily on the web.
NB - I just bought a 600 floppy in the external cage on Ebay for 1p + p&p - and I have seen the external cages selling for around that price too ....

[trent9008]

Can't you boot from the Windows CD? I have a 600E and have installed Windows 98 SE that way at least 3 times.

[pianowizard]

I don't think the TP600 can boot from the CD, but I could be wrong.

[Robin Mutoid]

I think you could be wrong as well!! I've loaded Win98SE many a time straight off the CD and into my old 600 no problems! I think the 380's and 760's may have a problem booting from CD.. but I could be wrong!

[bobgarty]

Yes, a 600E can boot from CD - I have built too many with NT4 Workstation to want to remember, but not all Win98 CD are Bootable - I have had 6-7 Win98 and Win98 SE CD's and only 1 was bootable - the rest i had to use the boot floppy.