Format/ Restoration Cheat Sheet for Windows

Frankly, I can't imagine there is anyone left on this planet who would have need of this specific information, as it deals with Windows 95 (and possibly would work for Windows 98). Nevertheless, it shall remain available.

WARNING: Do this at your own risk! I take no responsibility for what happens; this was how to do it on my Dell Dimensions m200s, with adjustments to make it more general as no two computers seem to be alike. This was for one of the last versions of Windows 95, which does not require partitions. Windows 98 does not require partitions, either.

Before beginning a format, there are a few essential files that must be located and saved on 1 or more floppies. They are: "Fdisk.exe," "Format.com," and the CD-ROM driver (mine is "Nec_bm.sys"). My Windows Start Up disk contains Fdisk and Format. The Windows Boot disk contains the CD-ROM driver, which is needed to get the CD-ROM to run the Windows CD installation onto an empty hard drive.

(You might find this page very useful.)

Remember, in DOS mode, typing "dir" after the prompt ">" will list every file in that directory. To read a floppy, go to the floppy drive by typing "a:\" after the prompt, and then type "dir" enter That way, you can find out the exact name of the file you need to type after the prompt.

Also, before starting, count the number of partitions currently set up, as it will probably be necessary to set up that same number during the fdisk process. Then be sure to fill in the blanks accordingly; adjust my numbers!

Insert "Windows Start Up disk" (containing "fdisk") and restart computer in MS DOS mode.

A:\>fdisk

"Do you wish…?" [Y] enter

Delete partition? [3] enter

Delete primary? [1] enter

WARNING: "What primary…?" [1] enter

"Enter volume label" [WIN95] enter

"Are you sure? [Y] enter

Hit "escape"

"Create DOS partition?" [1] enter

"Create primary [1] enter

"Max space?" [Y] enter

Hit "escape"

Hit "alt/cont/del"

A:\>format c: enter

"Proceed?" [Y] enter

Volume label: WIN95 enter

At A prompt, put in the Windows Boot Disk and hit: alt/cont/del

Follow blue screen: "To set up WIN…" enter

Scandisk will run.

Need to install Network Adapter to get Dial Up Networking back up (could be challenging). Go to Control Panel and double click on "Network." Primary Network Logon should be "Client for Microsoft Networks." Will probably need to insert the Windows CD to add this stuff.

Add: Client for Microsoft Networks: Select "Add"--> Client--> Microsoft--> Client for Microsoft Networks--> OK.
Dial-up Adapter: Select "Add"--> Adapter--> Microsoft--> Dial-up Adapter--> OK.
TCP/IP: Select "Add"--> Protocol--> Microsoft--> TCP/IP--> OK.

To get video display running properly, set up Standard VGA as per prompts and make sure you don't get a configuration error. (At least, this is how it's done on my computer.)

If you have some fancy video driver, go to "Display/Settings/Advanced Properties/Adapter" and select "Change" button. Make sure floppy is installed. Select what needs selecting.

Need "dial up networking 1.3 upgrade" to run Call Wave, BlueLight, etc. Go to http://www.microsoft.com and search using name in quotation marks. Download "MSDUN13.EXE" Install that plus the Year 2000 upgrade, which is available on CD from Microsoft, free of charge, or from their web site. You'll have to hunt for the link on their website or use their search feature. http://www.microsoft.com

To get the recording feature to work, be sure to select "recording" in the Properties dialogue box, "OK," and then check the "select" box by the microphone volume slide. The mic will work even when muted.

Rev.10Apr07

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