After I formatted my computer, I realized that my CD-ROM wasn’t working anymore, so no way I can run Win 98 from CD-ROM . I have an external HP CD-Writer Plus 8200. What can I do to run my operating system again. Any response would be much appreciated.

Is this a desktop, laptop, or what? Do you have the dos mode drivers for this external CD device? There are several ways around this problem. How big is the hard drive on whatever (you did not say) the computer is that you are having the problem with? Some possible ways around this: Temporarily stick the hard drive of the target machine into whatever you are posting this on--and copy the \Win98 folder to the hard drive. Do the same thing with laplink and a "null modem" (data transfer, laplink, PCanywhere, Direct Connection) cable. Get the CD working, or replace it. You say "it is no longer working." How do you know this and what do you think the trouble is? Have you tried booting with a Windows 98 floppy to see if it will load drivers for the existing CDROM? What errors do you get that "it is no longer working?" WHAT BRAND AND MODEL is the machine you are installing to?

"HP CD-Writer Plus 8200" I believe is USB see for similar USB problems: http://www.computing.net/windows2000/wwwboard/forum/61778.html http://www.computing.net/dos/wwwboard/forum/15592.html http://www.computing.net/dos/wwwboard/forum/15591.html DO NOT BAN THE MESSENGER

If it's a desktop, another option would be to remove the cdrom drive from the external box and temporarily install it internally.