|
|
|
I only see a DOS prompt -- substituted HDD
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Windows 98 Annoyances Discussion Forum
Posted by gewg_
(3486 messages posted)
|Just replaced a crashed hard dive with a used, salvaged drive.
|Cannot get windows downloaded.
| John G. Hanson
|
Microsoft Windows is NOT available for download.
http://www.google.com/search?q=define:download
http://www.google.com/search?q=define:install
|At start up it goes thru the initial phases and after skimming over a windows page
|
That's NOT a "Windows" page.
|(in microseconds),
|
The human eye cannot perceive microsecond-duration events.
|it seeks additional input - c:\>
|
That is a DOS prompt.
Microsoft Windows is a payware product.
http://www.google.com/search?q=define:commercial+software
First you purchase it, then you install it, then you can use it.
DO you have a bootable diskette in the floppy drive?
|What should be entered?
|
.On a computer with a working operating system (one which you know how to use),
enter "ebay.com".
Find someone selling the product you would like to purchase.
"Windows 98 Second Edition" is the likely culprit.
You will need a Window Product Key.
BTW, copies of Linux can be had FOR FREE.
http://www.google.com/search?q=Kubuntu+shipit+free
|Since it is a drive wiped clean
|
Not if you don't have a bootable diskette in the floppy drive.
|and I haven't actually downloaded windows on it yet
|
"INSTALLED"
|I'm at a loss to understand why it shows up briefly
|
It doesn't. You likely see a BIOS screen then you are seeing a DOS prompt.
DOS is an operating system--just not the one you are used to.
|and moves along to the final status indicated or what input is required.
|
If you want Windows, buy it and install it.
(Old computers CANNOT use the MOST RECENT versions of Microsoft's product.)
As I said, Microsoft is not the only game in town for IBM-compatible hardware.
There are numerous "distrubutions" of Linux available for free:
Any box that can boot to the CD drive can run one of these
WITHOUT EVEN INSTALLING IT (a "test drive"):
cache of http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php
None of these Linux distros requires a "Product Key" or any such nonsense.
- Written in response to:
- Boot up failure (John G. Hanson: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 10:07 am)
Responses to this message:
|
|
All messages in this thread [show all]
 |  | I only see a DOS prompt -- substituted HDD (gewg_: Wed, Feb 6, 2008, 1:09 pm) |
| |
| |
Return to the Windows 98 Discussion Forum
|
|
|
|
