Have old computer sitting in corner. System and software was partially damaged in virus attack. System cannot be reloaded because discs are damaged. Have extra hard drive in computer could be taken out and used elsewhere. Other uses... load linux and learn linux? can this computer be used as a server to watch tv commercial free? Has a lot of RAM. Would like to write everything on it to CDs and start over on harddrive - but CD writing software was also damaged and I don't have the disks for that. Any advice is appreciated.

Computer is PII MMX

I would use this to access the drive and burn data to cds http://distrowatch.com/index.php?di... could also install this to the drive, once data has been saved. "Has a lot of RAM." how much ram??the answer can open up other options. larry

So it has an extra hard drive and can boot to the desktop? Just copy want you want to save onto the extra drive. Then borrow a 98 disk or spend $10 or so on a used one and reinstall. You might even have the 98 files on the hard drive. Check for a folder named WIN98 or check in the WINDOWS\OPTIONS\CABS folder. Oh and pull the product key off before you format. Check my #13 here: http://www.computing.net/answers/wi... and download and run DIAG.