after doing a virus scan using AVG, it detected 428 files which is infected. so, my brother deleted all of them and now, i can;t access most of the programs which i installed,not even clean disk or scandisk untility. i am thinking to reinstall window within window(boot to window, insert win cd-rom and press "setup"). the question is, will that delete off other non-window files/software(eg. wallpaper, avg)? thanks!

I am not sure about you wallpaper, etc, however I do not reccomend install Windows this way I have done it before and usually end up with more problems than just doing a clean install.

I dont think it would delete off your other files. basically you want to install Windows 98 over Windows 98, and patch the missing files.

Try running system file checker, it may identify the files that are missing and ask you to insert the win-98 disk to repair. Then go to control panel, add/remove and if you have IE repair tools(version 5.5 sp2) click on that and click on repair. OR, if you have your system set up with a c: and D: drive, transfer the items that are non 'tanted' on to your D: drive, then Format just the "c" drive and clean reinstall windows. You will still have to reset some things, but the stuff that you saved on d: drive will be saved. Hopefully helpful, Erin

My Dear You don't worry about this, you can Install WIN98 without loosing anything, But be make sure the following things carefully, 1. First You start the computer in MSDOS mode Go to WINDOWs directory rename WIN.COM to W and run the setup program from CD 2. While installing program will ask to Which directory u need to install select Othe directory and type exact directory name where we installed the Windows previously

Take care if using system file checker it can get things wrong. See this: http://www.computing.net/windows95/wwwboard/forum/110121.html