With ongoing problems I am thinking about just cleaning out a computer including the OS and reloading everything from scratch so it's like a new computer. Is this possible and what is the best way to go about it?

Use this program http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2545 to back up all your drivers.Boot from a floopy(if you dont have a bootdisk get one from www.bootdisk.com) type format c: then reinstall your OS

First, back up any files you want to keep. Then, follow this offical Microsoft article carefully: How to Install Windows 98 on a Computer with No Operating System If you no longer have a Windows 98 bootdisk, you can download one from Bootdisk.Com. Once you've downloaded the file: run it. It will extract all necessary files onto the floppy disk for you. (You'll need a spare floppy disk for this.) Do not just copy the file over -- it won't work. James

Why not just create a boot disk from within Windows 98 before you start. Saves downloading anything and is a lot easier. Stuart

Good idea, Stuart. Here's something written by Microsoft that explains how to do it: Using Windows 98: Creating a start-up or 'boot' disk

you can make the hdd like factory fresh by geting the manufacturer name and the model# go to the manufacturer web site and download the diagnostic software (if you don't have the software already. it may have come with the hdd) the software has a scandisk type of diagnostic and has a low level format on it. the diag. sftwr will tellyou if any thing is wrong with the hdd and possibly fix it if needed. the lowlevel format will definetly change all data on the drive back to zeros. then use the win98 boot disk and follow the directions above. this is not the fastest way but it is the surest way to make sure that all the data is erased from the hdd.