I have a 486 which previously had Linux on it. I want to install DOS, and then Windows 3.1. After installing DOS 6.2, it won't boot up from the hard disk. From a startup disk, I tried "fdisk /mbr", then "sys c:", where it replied "System Transferred". Rebooted, still the same problem. I've run fdisk, deleted the partition, made a new primary DOS partition, made sure it was active, then tried "format c: /s". It formatted the disk, then replied "System Transferred". So I reinstalled DOS, and still the same problem. What's going on? Is it something simple I'm doing wrong? Is there still some rogue Linux code on the disk, like from LILO, interfering with the bootstrap program? Surely formatting would've deleted anything Linux. Are there any other keys to "format" I should try, like /u, /c, or /b? Can(or need)I do a low-level format? I am totally baffled by this and would appreciate any advice anyone may have. Thank you. --Greg

I would bet it's the fault of linux. Go to http://members.xoom.com/the_hacks/ and download the utility I made called killhdd.bat Copy it to a boot disk with debug.exe on it and execute the batch file. That will clear absolutely everything on your hdd. Then just use fdisk to repartition and then type format c: /s to copy system files as well as format. Any problems let me know.

what do you mean when you say "reinstalled dos" what are you doing when you are reinstalling dos?

Used the original setup disks and followed the instructions. Why? Is there another way to reinstall DOS? I assume you mean after I tried "format c: /s". After a format, dont'cha gotta reinstall the OS? Again, I ask, is it something simple I'm doing wrong? I'm no guru. If it's a simple answer to something simple (re: stupid) I'm doing wrong, please tell me. --Greg

I WAS TRYING TO PARTITION MY HARD DISK USING FDISK. AND I CHOOSE SET ACTIVE PARTION. I TYPED 2 WHEN IT ASK SET ACTIVE PARTITION INSTEAD OF ONE I TYPED 2. THEN I PRESS ESCAPE. AFTER THAT IT SAYS MISSING OPERATING SYSTEM. NO MATTER WHAT I DO KEEP SAYING MISSING OP SYSTEM. IT DOESNT EVEN BOOT UP WITH THE BOOT DISK.PLEASE HELP ME OUT.

Hi, Check out boot sequence in CMOS. Set it to boot from A: then C:. After that you would be able to boot from disk and reaasign the active partition. Good luck, Igor M