I was handed a PC that wouldn't load into Windows outside of safe mode, no matter what I tried to do. Something about the config.sys file, but due to not getting paid for this, something I ignored. Prior to doing any work on the PC, the user submitted to me that the existing data on the hard drive wasn't of any great importance, so backing up data wasn't a concern.
I attempted a flat out recovery from the recovery CD, but the CD wouldn't load on start up. I changed the settings in BIOS so the CD player was first, no success. I had a liscsensed copy of windows 98 (not SE) sitting here un-used, and decided to give that a whirl. Using the regular copy, I had no problems at all, and the computer is working just fine with my copy of installed.
For whatever reason, I was under the impression that OEM versions of Windows usually had a hidden sector of the hard drive that would allow you to install off the recovery CD as long as it was on the original computer. Well, now with my copy of Windows installed, the computer doesn't recognize the OEM recovery CD at all.
What I want to do, is to re-install the original OS from the recovery disk. The original install had existing programs that aren't included on my copy of Windows.
PC info.
HP Pavilion 6635
Windows 98
Seagate OEM 10GB Hard drive
My personal tech experience is decent to good. I may not be an expert in termanology explanation, but I can comprehend enough to be dangerous.
I attempted a flat out recovery from the recovery CD, but the CD wouldn't load on start up. I changed the settings in BIOS so the CD player was first, no success. I had a liscsensed copy of windows 98 (not SE) sitting here un-used, and decided to give that a whirl. Using the regular copy, I had no problems at all, and the computer is working just fine with my copy of installed.
For whatever reason, I was under the impression that OEM versions of Windows usually had a hidden sector of the hard drive that would allow you to install off the recovery CD as long as it was on the original computer. Well, now with my copy of Windows installed, the computer doesn't recognize the OEM recovery CD at all.
What I want to do, is to re-install the original OS from the recovery disk. The original install had existing programs that aren't included on my copy of Windows.
PC info.
HP Pavilion 6635
Windows 98
Seagate OEM 10GB Hard drive
My personal tech experience is decent to good. I may not be an expert in termanology explanation, but I can comprehend enough to be dangerous.