How do I install a different version of Windows???

Jazzycat

I am currently experiencing all sorts of issues.conflicts with Windows ME and decided that the best way forward is to uninstall this version and install a more stable version. I have purchsed a full version of Win98 SE on disc with access code.

I know that I need to save all files I want to keep as everything else will be deleted when I clear down the pc.

I'm a complete novice at doing this and would really really welcome some advice to what I should do.
How do I delete my existing version and how do I install from the cd-rom? ???

Someone has said I should copy my drivers to disc, if so which ones. ???

Thank you all in advance for any advice you can provide
??? ??? ??? ??? ???

Joe_Bloggs

@Jazzycat
List your issues and conflicts. They might jog someones memory.

The safest thing to do is to buy/aquire another hard disk and start from scratch. You can then choose to boot from one hard disk or the other. You can back up stuff on the other drive.
WinME can be made to work.
J_B.

Jazzycat

Joe,

my biggest issue is not having the original wnaspi32.dll file which I need to operate my recently purchased dvd-rw drive. Any relevant software wont launch properly as this file is missing. I have downloaded it but my pc tells me I need the "windows original version" . I don't have the installation disc as WinME was preloaded on my pc when purchased :-/. It also crashes frequently and reports issues with .exe files >:(. I have also had IE problems with the system not working and the only I can run it is to copy over backed up operating files with my back up disc . I can't recall to hand the other problems but would prefer to clear down the drive and restart with a proper Win version such as Win98SE.
Thanks for your help

Joe_Bloggs

What dvd-rw drive did you buy. What burning software does it come with.
If you can't get your burner to work how were you going to back up stuff. The second hard drive scenario is a good alternative. You can also back up your WinMe archve too.
J_B.

Jazzycat

my dvd drive is an nec 2510a - it came with no software but have downloaded a trial software - can't remember but its from download.com (I'm at work now and its on my home pc). I have a cd burner which I could have backed files up to but can't as the same .dll file is missing. I have nero 5 for this but this also won't open properly as the .dll file is missing which it needs.

Is getting a second hard drive a difficult thing to do?
is it expensive and do you need a lot of space - sorry I'm ignorant on that side of things.

To back up files I am either going to use my USB key, floppy discs and or save files to my e-mail account.

many thanks

Joe_Bloggs

Hard drives have never been cheaper. The bonus is that you can try to do stuff with your new drive whilst your old drive is disconnected and safe from anything. You don't risk your old setup whilst trying a new drive out with a new installation of your operating system.
PS I have an NEC 1500.
J_B.

Jazzycat

i'm not sure its worth spending another £50 - £60 on a hard drive when I have 40gb of space on my main drive. Any advice on how I proceed with the uninstall/install?

thanks

Donnie

£50 - £60?

More like £20.

I think if you search the Techie forum, you will find the information you are looking for.

Jazzycat

if they are only £20 then I may consider this option - any ideas where I can get one for £20 and are they easy to install? :-/

Jazzycat

Is it easy to install a second hard drive? :-/

NellyLock

its incredibly easy to install a second hard drive,

as long as you have a spare slot on your ide cable. normally you have 2 slots which can both accomodate 2 devices. on one slot you will have your hard drive, on the other you will have a cd/dvd drive the question is what devices do you have. if you have 2 cd/dvd drives and something else you may not have enough space to install it(on a permanant basis).

if not its a matter of changing a pin on the back plugging the cables in the back(2 of them) and formatting.

i think a full guide was posted elsewhere recently.

when you come to wanting to reinstall throw in the cd reboot the machine, hopefully your machine will boot into the cd, if not there will be a setting in your bios that determines the boot order. once youve booted into the cd windows installer should help you through the process