Installation instructions - Install Windows by copying the CAB files onto your hard drive.

Clean Install / Installation instructions for versions 95, 95b, 98, 98SE, and ME of Windows.

Copy and pre-install the windows CAB files to your disk for a faster install, and you won't need the Windows CD again.
Well............ Almost never :o)

That's right.
If you place the CAB files onto your formatted hard drive you will get two benefits.

1. The install will go much faster.
2. You won't need to hunt down the CD every time Windows needs to add a driver or device.

To use these instructions you will need a freshly formatted hard drive. I recommend that your hard drive and all partitions be formatted.

Before you Format any drive, make sure to backup any needed files!!
You can backup the files onto any drive / partition that won't be formatted.

2 GB of 100% free backup space online. This backup software can be used to store any files that might be lost using the instructions listed here.

You may have a "Data Drive" that is not formatted.

I call a 'Data Drive', a partition that contains only downloaded files and data that will be needed to install your programs, and get your program information back to where you were before you formatted.

I do not recommend that you leave a partition unformatted if it has any installed programs on it. This is just my choice, but think about it.
You install a program;
The install places files into the registry, icons into the programs folder; Makes associations with other software; Start-up..... And the list goes on.
If you leave a partition 'as is', and don't format it at the time you do this "Clean Install"........................

Well, Why are taking all this time to perform a 'Clean Install'? You're having problems that you couldn't fix any other way? You want to get your system setup, 'Just so'?
Don't do a half-assed job now, format each drive and install everything new.
The choice is yours.

Copy these instructions for use during the install

Place your Windows Installation CD into the CD drive.

( If you're installing Windows 95, substitute 98 with 95 throughout these instructions, for WinME change it to WinME )
Place your Windows startup disk in the drive and start your system.
At the prompt choose option 1: Start computer with CD-ROM support

You will be brought to an A:\> prompt.
Change to a C prompt by typing C: and press enter.

You will now be at a C:\> prompt.
Type MD WIN98 and press enter.
( Make sure you leave a space between MD and WIN98. )

Back at the C:\> prompt.
Type CD E:\WIN98 and press enter.
( Don't forget the space between CD and E:\WIN98. )

Back at the C:\> Prompt,
Type E: and press enter.
( Where E is your CD-ROM, otherwise use your CD-ROM letter. )

You should now be at an E:\WIN98 prompt.
Type COPY *.* C:\WIN98 and press enter.
( Don't forget the spaces between 'copy and *.*' and also between '*.* and C:\WIN98' )
The files needed for Windows will now be copied from your CD to your hard drive.

Back to an E:\WIN98 prompt.
Type C: and press enter.

Back at the C:\> prompt.
Type CD WIN98 and press enter.
( Don't forget the space between CD and WIN98. )

You will now be at a C:\WIN98 prompt.
Type SETUP and press enter.
Installation of Windows will now begin.

Find the 'exact' Memory for your system using the Crucial system scanner below.

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This page was last updated on 03/06/2008