So... I reformatted

So, I reformated an older computer I am fuxing around with and trying to install windows 98 se on. I have never done this before.

The format C: part was easy enough. When I turned it on it wouldn't boot from the cd, so I created a boot disk on a 3 and a 1/2 inch floppy. Now when I turn it on, it boots fine from the floppy, and gives me three options.

Start windows 98 with CD-ROM support
Start windows 98 without CD-ROM support
Read the help file

Any of these options and it does some stuff, makes some noises, and then says "Now starting your computer. This may take a few minutes." And then freezes. I have let it sit for 1 hour + and nothing.

Any suggestions>

What happened when you tried booting from CD?
Going to ask the obvious, but did you change the boot order in the BIOS to CD ROM first boot device?

[MrMoo]

It's been awhile since I had to do this...

Is the cd bootable? Is it a legit MS cd? If so, when your computer is booting you'll have the option of going into the BIOS. Probably have to press F12 or something similar. Go into the BIOS and look for something referencing the boot order. Make sure the CD drive is before HDD. Save the BIOS settings and reboot from the cd.

When you boot off of the floppy, does it stop with a "A:\" prompt? You'll need to change to the drive letter assigned to your cd-rom and run the install program from there. Don't remember whats it's called. Install.exe? Setup.exe? i386.exe? Something like that.

[smoore]

off the cuff, bad floppy or floppy drive

[CORed]

[ QUOTE ]
off the cuff, bad floppy or floppy drive

[/ QUOTE ]
Bad floppy is pretty likely.
Check the floppy on a working computer. Righ click on the A: drive icon in explorer, click properties, click the "tools" tab, click "check now" and check the box to scan for and attemp recovery of bad sectors. Or open a command propmpt or dos prompt and run chkdsk A:. If either reports bad sectors, throw the floppy in the trash and try again with a new floppy.

Also, make sure that booting from the CD is enabled in the BIOS. If booting from a CD isn't an option, this computer is probably too old to be worth wcrewing around with.

You guys rule.. I will give results soon.