I've got an archaic Samsung NoteMaster 386S/ 25e laptop computer (archaic compared to may of today’s standards!)

I am trying to reload Microsoft Windows version 3.1

The problem is that I keep getting a message that says:

“Setup error #214

Setup either can’t open or can’t create the file a:\setup.exe, which is needed to set up windows. Setup cannot continue.

The file may be in use by another application.

You need to quit setup, and then quit the application that is using the file then run setup again. If the problem persists, write down the number of this message, and then call product support for assistance

Press F3 to quit setup”

So…
I checked around and found only two possible solutions, which I have tried to the best of my abilities, neither have worked.

I ran the disks through “check disk” (the new version of “scan disk” on my other computer which uses Windows XP Professional) and nothing happened. (Would it tell me that there was something wrong if the disks are write-protected?)

I tried to reconfigure my bios settings but this didn’t work either.

On a previous string someone suggested that it could be due to “hardware problems, corrupt files or disks… incorrect CMOS settings for floppy drives or third party extended memory managers.” Unfortunately I have no idea what most of that means and no idea how to check for these problems.

If anyone could offer some advice I would really appreciate it!

Thanks,

kittyran

Sounds like the floppy can't find the hard drive. If that is the caes, check these:
1)FDISK
2)If DOS is installed.
3)Your floppies for corrupt files.
4)CMOS

Howto check:
1)use a DOS bootdisk (or download one at bootdisk.com)Start the system with it in the floppy drive.At the prompt type "fdisk"Use the check all partitions.(I think it's #3or4)
If you don't show any partitions,create a primary one using same disk other option.
2)At the prompt, type "dir" to see if DOS is there. If not download and install DOS 6.22 or better.Then try installing win.
3)No real easy way to check them besides using them and or downloading a second set.
4)CMOS use the fuction or del(or whatever keys your specific computer needs)Look to see if your drives match those the computer has listed for you.(ie. Drive A 3.5 floppy; Drive B not installed; Drive C ?????? whatever the size and type you have.)
It sounds like either fdisk or lack of DOS.(needs to be installed FIRST)

These are a few things it could be, I'm sure there are others but,here's a start.

Good Luck
X

Using the correct operating system disks is the best idea and you can re-load them over and over again if you want to change configuration or make mistakes like erasing your harddrive also basic file icons are included.
Have left you a message on your main212@yahoo.ca E-Mail address-read it carefully it may help you!

Thanks for your help-

The following is in response to “The X”

1) I used the fdisk function (display partition information) and this is what it displayed:

Partition Status Type
C: 1 a: pri dos

Volume Label Mbytes System Usage
MS-DOS_6 112 Fat16 100%

2)I definitely have DOS on my system already (version 6.00). Is 6.22 or better necessary? It ran Windows 3.1 before.

3) I ran the floppies through 'check disk' on my other computer, wouldn’t it have picked up any problems? The floppies are originals but i suppose that may not make any difference. Where can I download a second set?

4) Don’t understand what “use the function or del(or whatever keys your specific computer needs)” means. Is this just a key that I should be able to push and the information will be displayed? Something I do on (or before) startup?

Thanks again in advance for any help anyone can give me on this stuff.

kittyran

Response to "to X"

1, fdisk. That is all very fine. Do not use it again. (You can destroy everything with it)

2, Windows 3.1 NEEDS DOs to run on. version 6.22 is fine. No problem again.

3, Yes, it should have picked up the problems. The floppies seem to be alright. Look around, there were plenty of sites mentioned to download from. Here is one:
http://386page.gooddays.org/os/index.html

4, It means that when the computer starts you can enter BIOS by pressing a key, which is usually DEL. In case of some bioses it may be different (F10 for e.g.)

What is BIOS version? (It is written on the screen during boot-up.)

Hi I am searching for a windows version compatible with a 486 PC and also an office version compatible too.. can you please help me.. cause I think I shall have to trash my 486 computer!!

Thanx