How to get rid of XP Professional

[Heartofgold]

I have a computer that I want to use for my business. It will not access the internet. I want to take Windows XP Pro off of it to install Win 98 SE.

How do I go about getting rid of XP Pro?

[midas]

boot to the windows 98 cd

get to the command prompt

type fdisk

delete the proper partition

create a new one for windows 98 and format it

[dman]

I am tempted to ask why you want to do this, but I'm sure you must have a reason so I won't. You need to delete the NTFS partition first. Back up anything you don't want to lose, then boot from a recovery floppy (or cd) and and run "fdisk". Then choose 3. "delete partition or logical drive", then 4. "delete non dos partition", and delete the NTFS partition(s) found there. Then escape to main screen and choose 1. "create dos partition or logical drive" and create primary dos partition. after this reboot into floppy and run "format c:". when format is done you can install 98 clean.

Edited July 15, 2005 by dman

[Siginet]

Or buy an old junk computer for 100$ that has 98 installed allready. lol

Looks like your answer has allready been given. Good luck.

BTW... is there a specific reason you choose 98 over XP?

[^_^]

here's a site that has a bit of an explanation on how to use fdisk

http://www.compguysinc.com/techweb/fdisk/fdisk_scr.shtml

[war59312]

I pefer Windows ME's fdisk btw.

LoL only thing I (and mostly others) like from the POS WinMe.

Download it here:

http://s93616405.onlinehome.us/bootdisk/bootmec.exe

[Wicket20519]

Download Delpart. The utility deletes NTFS partitions (which FDISK cannot see), thus enabling you to create FAT32 partitions.

Click here to visit the Delpart website.

When they refer to the disk that you put Delpart on, just put it on a MS-DOS boot disk that you can create in Windows XP.

Hope that helps.

[dman]

Download Delpart.  The utility deletes NTFS partitions (which FDISK cannot see), thus enabling you to create FAT32 partitions.

Click here to visit the Delpart website.

When they refer to the disk that you put Delpart on, just put it on a MS-DOS boot disk that you can create in Windows XP.

Hope that helps.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds handy for stubborn partitions. Sometimes fdisk cant remove ones created by ontrack diskmanager or linux cfdisk and some other partition programs, but if it is a normal install of XP you shouldent have any trouble removing it with fdisk.

Edited July 15, 2005 by dman

[member11]

windows XP pro is the best current OS. I don't know why you want to go back to win98.?

here is the easiest way.

if you have winxp setup CD, put it in your CD drom and choose "recovery console" when asked if you want to prepare windows xp

from there, use "diskpart" command to delete and format your drive to fat32.

[Heartofgold]

I'm doing this for a friend. All they want to do is use two programs that they already have that will only work on Windows 98SE. They don't care about XP at all. I tried to convince them, but it comes down to their computer.

Thanks for the help, I'll try the fdisk thing. Let you know how it goes.

[Heartofgold]

Right now i can only get into Safe Mode. I'm not use to doing anything in this setting. Will I still be able to use fdisk?

Under the Safe Mode. it says that it does not reconized fdisk command???

If I let the computer start normally, here's what happens.

It starts up shows the bios settings, "which I haven't been able to get in using the delete button."

then it shows the Intel Motherboard background pic,

then it shows the XP logos loading, then it shows a black screen and never goes beyond that.

I would like to get it to work for them to show them it's a better OS, but I need help.

Edited July 16, 2005 by Heartofgold

[chilifrei64]

Safe mode wont work if you want to use fdisk....

Boot to your windows 98 CD and use fdisk on the correct partition

[Heartofgold]

I can't get into the bios to change the boot order.

[dman]

what type of bios? some use f1, f2 or f10 key, not delete to enter bios. try them all.

[Heartofgold]

what type of bios? some use f1, f2 or f10 key, not delete to enter bios. try them all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Was able to use f10 to get in. Thanks