Installing Windows 95/98 on a Computer

Installing the Windows operating system on a computer is mostly automated, but it must be completed before you do almost everything else.

When would I install Windows 95 or Windows 98 on a computer?

Many computer manufacturers install the Windows operating system before delivering the computer. You might want to install the Windows operating system if you buy a new primary hard disk drive and want to start the computer with that drive. You might also reinstall or upgrade Windows.

How do I install Windows 95?

Upgrade Windows 3.1 to Windows 95:

1.     Insert the Windows 95 disk (3.5-inch floppy or CD-ROM) into the drive.

2.     Start the File Manager. On the File menu, click "Run."

3.     In the field under the Command Line, type the drive letter, a colon, a backslash, and         the path to the "setup" program. A 3.5-inch floppy drive, for example, might         require the following: a:\setup A CD-ROM might require the following: d:\win95\setup

4.     Click "OK."

5.     After following the instructions in each window, click "Next."

Install Windows from MS-DOS in the same manner, typing at the command prompt to start the setup program

How do I install Windows 98?

Begin the installation from the currently installed version of Windows to preserve system settings and program groups. Previously installed software programs remain available after the upgrade.

Upgrade Windows 95 to Windows 98:

1.     Start Windows 95

2.     Close all programs

3.     Insert the Windows 98 CD-ROM disk. Click "Yes" if the auto-run program asks if you         want to upgrade. Follow the Windows 98 Setup wizard instructions.

4.     (If you do not see the auto-run message, click Start on the taskbar.)

5.     (Click "Run…" on the Start menu. The Run dialog box appears.)

6.     Type the drive letter, a colon, a backslash, and the path to the "setup" program. A         CD-ROM might require the following: d:\win95\setup

7.     Click "OK." Follow the Windows 98 Setup wizard instructions to complete the         installation.

Upgrade Windows 3.1 to Windows 98:

1.     Start Windows 3.1.

2.     Close all programs

3.     Insert the Windows 98 CD-ROM disk.

4.     In Program Manager, click the File menu button.

5.     Click "Run" on the File menu

6.     Type the drive letter, a colon, a backslash, and the path to the "setup" program. A         CD-ROM might require the following: d:\win95\setup

7.     Click "OK." Follow the Windows 98 Setup wizard instructions

Begin from MS-DOS to perform a clean Windows 98 installation. System settings and software from previous installations are lost.

Install Windows from MS-DOS:

1.     Insert the Windows 98 Startup disk into the 3.5-inch disk drive.

2.     Restart the computer. The Microsoft Windows Startup menu appears

3.     Insert the Windows 98 CD-ROM disk into the drive

4.     Type the number "1" followed by the "Enter" key

5.     Type "setup" when the MS-DOS prompt returns, followed by the "Enter" key.

6.     Press the "Enter" key again to close the message that appears

7.     Type "x" when ScanDisk finishes checking the disk drive for errors

8.     Follow the Windows 98 Setup wizard instructions to complete the installation.