I'm working with a Compaq Presario (3 yrs old) and it's bogged down with so much stuff that it's very frustrating to even get on-line any more. I'd like to start from scratch again with a clean PC. If the data and/or entire system is backed up on zip drive, and resource CD's that came with the PC are here, is there any reason why I couldn't format the C drive and install Windows 98 Second Edition (the PC came with Windows 98 First Edition loaded)? I know that I would have to load all of the programs that are currently being used as well as some drivers, is there anything else that I need to cover? I sure appreciate your advice. Thanks, Sherry

You pretty much have everything covered.You just need to make sure that you have all of your drivers ready for reinstallation,especially for the modem,(as long as you can get the modem working you can always download other drivers as needed) You also want to make sure that you have everything saved that needs to be saved.(your data and mp3 files,etc.)and that you have a way to reinstall your programs.After you do the reinstall you will probably want to run the windows update on the microsoft site to bring your system up to date.And then reinstall and update your programs.This page shows a good method for doing a clean install. http://www.winmag.com/windows/guides/win98/default.htm I have used it and it works really well.you might want to check out the link that says skip the CD.This is the method I have used and it makes everything a lot easier.Good luck.

If it were me , I would like to have the Recovery disk that originally came with the computer. I think if I were you I would go to Compaq.com website and look at what kind of Drivers , etc. they have for your computer. I've used Compaq technical support telephone service 4-5 times and found them surprisingly friendly and helpful. here's a Compaq number if you like. 1-800-345-1518

I have done this myself with almost the same situation. You have what you need. You will not be able to load the programs that came originally with your PC. They are encrypted on the "Quick Restore CD". Compaq will not give you the password to get at these programs. They (Compaq) have the license for this version of windows and Microsoft will not help you either. This taken in consideration and your willingness to proceed then here we go. Make a Boot disk from Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Windows Setup tab. Boot to the disk and enable startup with CD-ROM support. Type "format c: /u". This will wipe the harddrive clean and the "/u" switch is for unconditional. Type the letter of your CD drive and setup. Example;D:\setup. This will start the setup process. Once windows setup is complete then you can use the Restore CD. In the Cd should be a folder called "cpqdrv" which holds some of the drivers you will need. Run the setup programs from within this folder for things like your Internet Keyboard. Remember to indentify your hardware before doing this so you can get the drivers off the web if you can't find them amongst the CD's. HTH, wcr3d

been there done that many times. forget that recovery disk. do a full format/reinstall. go for it. look like you can handle it.