I recently decided to reinstall windows on top of the current windows install... Why i decided that is a longer story but my main problem is this:

I am installing Windows98 from DOS, because of a longer series of problems.

To install Windows98 I need an error free Scandisk scan. However, when I run Scandisk, I get an 'Invalid File Entry' Error which Im told can be fixed using Scandisk for Windows. Is there any way of locating the file or fixing this problem from DOS? Any utilities?

What I need: Scandisk for Windows for DOS.

Thank you,

Joachim Krebs

There is no such thing as Scandisk for Windows for DOS They are 2 differant programs. The best and as far as I can see it the only way out of this is to start again. Format your harddrive from a Windows 98 bootdisk with the Uncontional switch:

FORMAT C: \u\s

Then install Windows 98 onto a clean error free harddrive.

I agree with you Tony. One thing I would add is to run scandisk after the format (safety check)

PS: I'm sure you mean
FORMAT C:/u/s
CG

No need to run scandisk. It will run automatically when you run the windows install program.

-Michael

I am aware that there is no such thing as Scandisk for Windows for DOS. That was a tiny joke that somehow sneaked onto this message board of knowledge.

I do know how to format, but my message stated clearly that I only needed help to find a Utility or Program that might be able to fix an invalid file entry.

If this is impossible, can you please tell me the command to copy all dirs, subdirs, and files in those dirs and subdirs to another location?

Thank you,

Joachim Krebs

Regarding the copying of a directory tree, there is xcopy. (xcopy/s c:\windows c:\oldwin)

When all else fails, you can use delpart.com
Wipes entire hd including partitions... No questions asked and done in a blink of an eye.

Yes CountryGal I messed up my message with that typo!
Thanks for putting it right in such a nice way :-)

Joachim an easy and selective way to copy directories and sub-directories and the like is to use Laplink or Fastlynx on a bootdisk. Use it in local mode and select whatever you want from your harddisk. Thay are good recovery tools. If you need a copy try www.powerload.fsnet.co.uk they have both as well as a load more usfull DOS & Windows info and utilities.

dont format your hd if you dont want to, its easy to reinstall winfdows over itsself.

just remove the win.com file from \windows
and chk out the setup /? options for a switch to disable the scandisk check.
try using chkdsk /f from the dos prompt if it still dont work.

why is formatting the harddrive the most popular answer? its the standard tech support answer, if they dont know how to fix it they suggest a format...

Finally! Im getting somewhere!

Mr O, could you check if I got this right please:

Can I run setup.exe on the Win98 cd with the /? switch to get to an options menu where I can disbale the scandisk check?

Can I also use chkdsk /f to fix Invalid File Entrys?

Also, why do you suggest me to remove the Win.com file?

Thank you,

Joachim Krebs

yeah, try

setup /?

for the disable scandisk option
(i just chked, its 'setup /is')

chkdsk should fix some, but not all of your disk problems
try booting straight to real dos (press f8 on bootup) and running scandisk from there.

the reason you need to remove the win.com file is that if windows detects this file that it assumes you have an existing copy of windows on your machine(right, you have, but its easier if windows doent know this, plus itll otherwise rekomend using the upgrade cd rather than the full version)
cos windows will try and install it to a different directory (eg windows.000)
oh also remove any network drivers, cos i know that reinstallation will fail if there loaded.

How should I go about removing the network drivers, and why would reinstallation fail?

Joachim Krebs

right click network neighbourhood, click properties and remove all network items.

Just trust me on it. i used to have to upgrade windows alot (a s---e job) and it would never work with the network drivers still loaded. feel free to leave em in though.

Ok, thank you.

Joachim Krebs