I've got a PIII 550 Compaq Presario 5700t running win 98se. I accidentally loaded some cd burner software that was from dell. It changed the settings on my system and I can't get past the safe mode screen. I tried reinstalling the only copy of 98 I have but that's a generic copy and it doesn't have the correct drivers for compaq. The only cd I got from compaq in '99 was the 98se upgrade cd, not the 98 win install. So now my setting are really screwed up and I probably need a copy of the compaq win 98 cd. Any suggestion? I talked with compaq and I tried reinstalling from the cab files but since they've been changed it didn't do any good. Thanks for your help. Arthur

If you have the installation cab files on the hard drive, it's unlikely they've been changed--unless they're corrupted.

If they're on the drive they'd normally be in the c:\windows\options\cabs folder or in a c:\win98 folder. Did your attempted reinstallation start from either one of those?

What happened when you attempted the reinstallation--error messages, etc?

I don't know how you can "accidentally" install software...especially when there are several screens that need to be clicked on during the process.

If you can get into safe mode, why didn't you just remove the Dell software rather than trying to reinstall 98 using a non-Compaq CD?

It may be too late, but you can try booting off a 98 boot floppy & typing SCANREG /RESTORE at the DOS prompt, then choose a date before things went wrong

All of your drivers, etc., should be available on the Compaq site. You don't need a special Compaq WIndows CD.

I'm currently posting from a presario 5340 that I got out of the trash, and reinstalled 98se from the retail version. Just go to compaq's site and get the drivers.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/swPfinder?query=5700&tool=softwareCategory&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en

If you can get to safe mode, I would do that and try to ID as mush of the hardware as possible first. The modem is going to be the most difficult to reinstall. Try the advice in response #2 first.

larry

Check the below website. Also follow response 2.
I am just directing you to
GX1 Man's response with the website.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=93567&lang=en&os=20

Thanks for your quick response and advice. Some follow-up to your thoughts.
(1)I have already tried the windows/options/cab file/setup.exe route a couple of times and that hasn't worked.
(2)I knew the word "accidentally" would bring a response. The cd burner software install was a conscious effort at installation, I was just in such a hurry I didn't notice that the cd was a Dell cd from another computer I have and not a generic software program.
(3)I couldn't remove the program once it installed because as soon as I rebooted I've never seen anything but the safe mode screen and no uninstall option.
(4)I checked on the Compaq website but didn't see many drivers or software to choose from for my application. I was looking at Presario 5700 only, do all the Presario's run the same drivers?
(5) I'll try your recommendations and hope I can get it back up and running.
(6) I must say this a great website and the response has been suprisingly quick, I could have used your help the last time I screwed up like this in my Dos/Win 3.1 days.