I messed up! My Windows 95 Won't Come Back.

[5636]

I have an older IBM 486dx2 which -had- windows 95 running perfectly... I put a joystick on it and for some reason it went into safe mode... Now, it would take an hour to explain all that I've done since- but what tore my system up was when I put a start up/restore disk in it from the wrong computer. Now my DOS version is 6 and when I try to open windows I get a message saying I need DOS 7.00 or higher to run this program. I'd be so grateful if anyone can give me a starting point. The joystick is already back on the shelf at Walmart and I just want my little PC back the way it was. The worst part is: I don't have my start up disk anymore! Thanks -Rick

[This message has been edited by 5636 (edited 12-26-99).]

[Eeyore]

Boot to DOS. DIR the WINDOWS\WIN.COM. If its date is 07-11-95, it is Version A. If it is 08/26/96 it is Version B.
Go to www.bootdisk.com ind find a boot disk for your version.
Boot from that disk and type:
sys c:
This should make you system operational again.
In the root directory type:
DIR MSDOS.SYS /A
If your lucky, you see a flle something like MSDOS.---. Delete the MSDOS.SYS and copy that file as MSDOS.SYS.
Get back for more help.
Dennis

[5636]

I get to the c: prompt, but I haven't had any luck getting to windows/win.com. I'm not awfully familiar with DOS commands, but I'm very eager to learn. What command do I type at the prompt once I'm at the prompt so I can check the version?

btw- Thanks!

[davidgsmith]

Hi 5636,
O.K. real easy....DOS is fun!
at the C:\> prompt type the following:
dir windows\win.com
then press enter...[take note that there is a space between dir and windows. and that the rest runs all together with no spaces.]
Now you will see the file name: win.com
at the end of that line is a date...check it and continue on as Dennis directed above...
Check back with us after you download the startup disk.
Good Luck
Dave

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Is this a great site or what!

[5636]

Hey thanks you guys! This site IS a blessing! My version dates 8.24.96 - I'm going to go with the B boot disk and let you know.


...did I mention my PC sits in my office 2 feet away from a 4 story drop over a balcony? lol! If it get's to ugly...

[5636]

I am so disguisted with this thing! Now it says: missing dos setver.exe then it starts beeping continuiosly and has a blank screen. Is there any hope? On the flip side, I have a question: Can I get a copy of "any" windows 95 cd and stick it in with the boot disk and start all over? ...or is this more complicated? I bought this computer 2nd hand with no disks whatsoever... I have access to antoher PC to download all I need if I need anything. Should I (can I) just clear the whole disk (don't know how to do that) and start from scratch? This PC is putty in your hands! Tell me what to try, I'll do ANYTHING at this point. Thanks again -Rick

btw- david: dos is fun? lol! Make me laugh! I feel like a just blew $75.00 bucks on junk here! I just realized how much I don't know anything about it!


[This message has been edited by 5636 (edited 12-28-99).]

[davidgsmith]

Hi 5636!
LOL....DOS "is" fun!
Don't worry...."everybody" started by not knowing anything!
When are you getting the missing dos server.exe?
If you have the boot disk put it in the drive before you start the computer. Then start it with the disk in. Then do what dennis wrote......However if you want to totally wipe everything out...that is very possible too and may be your best deal.
If you have access to the Windows95 CD and the bootup disk that goes with it...no problem....But I suggest formatting the disk first.....
Start computer with startup disk that goes with CD....Since I'm not familiar with the exact process...go here for excellent help.
http://www.vabch.com/jtmurphy/page6.htm
Murph knows more about Windows 95.
Please be patient....you "will" get that old girl running and get alot of enjoyment out of it.....There is alot of help here for you ...and once you get win 95 loaded go over to that forum and get help with any other issues you may have...
Best of Luck,,,,and keep us posted please.
Dave


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Is this a great site or what!

[5636]

Thanks David!

Now let me get this right. Can I just borrow a 95 CD from someone and use that? I like the idea of just cleaning this thing out and starting from scratch. The memory was down to 32 mb anyway. The other question I have is: Will the 95 boot up disk work or can I download a new start up disk from IBM? I have nothing at this point. Thanks again, I appreciate your help & I'm looking forward to doing this! btw- One more question: I had downloaded elfbowling on that PC and it ran real slow, should it have ran ok or is my PC just not advanced enough? -Rick

[5636]

David: To answer your first question, When I start my PC it goes to the IBM BIOS screen and the top left corner counts my memory... after that it used to go straight to 95, but now it flicks for just a split second and that's where it says no setver.exe (I had to start that thing about 6 times to read the whole thing!) Then the screen goes blank, the cursor doesn't respond, and then it beeps like crazy. ---also--- Just to add: During my initial course of stupid errors, at one point I was prompted to select to go to the previous/?/prior DOS version and I did...

[davidgsmith]

Hi Rick,
Sorry...Don't know anything about that game...just that at the sight where you downloaded it from should have given you the system requirements.
Anyhoo....
I like the idean of a clean sweep also...
Go to the sites listed above (the one Dennis gave you and the ones I gave you) and check out these sites:
http://citizens.reagan.com/internet/...s/winstall.htm

http://www2.edson.net/elitedatasystems.com/bootpg.htm
And get you a boot disk with CD support...
The top url shown...has very good directions for reloading win95...Don't forget to get the product key off of whomever you borrow the CD from...
Let us know
Dave

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Is this a great site or what!

[5636]

Thanks again David. I've been searching for a 95 cd with no luck. Is it possible for me load 98 on it? At least I can buy that at Walmart. Also- What is my first step in cleaning my hardrive? -Rick

[davidgsmith]

Hi Rick,
No Windows 98 can load in a 486 but it is not recommended....
So why not go back to Dennis' idea and lets get what you got up and running?
Have you downloaded the disk for your version of DOS?
If so ....do what he instructed earlier...
Start the computer with the start up disk in the drive....from the A:\>
type the following: sys c: press enter
then remove the disk... then type: c:
then press enter.....then type:
cd windows then press enter
then type: win then press enter.
She should start up.
Good LUck,
Dave


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Is this a great site or what!

[Eeyore]

I recently still saw Windows 95 for sale at Fry's stores in Orange County Calif.
Dennis

[ul2m8*Barbie]

You said you have access to another computer running win95, correct? If so, create a startup disk from it unless you already have one. Boot up with any win95 boot/startup disk you can get your hands on. Any will do. With it in your floppy drive, power on and hopefully you'll get an a:\> prompt. If so, type:

sys c:

I'm not sure if setver.exe is getting loaded from your startup files or not, so let's try this, type:

copy c:\config.sys config.xxx

del c:\config.sys

Then you should be able to boot without the disk at least to a c: prompt. If you get the setver error again, when you see the starting windows 95... screen, immediately hit F8, then from the menu select 'safe mode command prompt' and hopefully that'll get you started up at least. We can direct you from that point if so. Otherwise, if you're still getting errors at any point, please post them.
Good luck.

[5636]

Hi ul: No I don't have another 95er. I do have a 98er. All I want is this puppy to be on the internet again. Can I erase my hard drive and stick in 98?


David: I know what you said about 98 on a 486, what do you think? I feel like there's nothing to lose. Last night I spent hours trying to boot up 95 with no luck. I have determined it may be partitioned?? I get so far and the dos system is wrong. I just don't know what to do. I've have horrible luck finding 95 on a cd- and Staples wants $189.00 for a complete 98 version. (like I'll ever do that! ) Can my emachine create a 98 back up that I can use a boot disk an load on this puppy?


btw- Trust me when I said I did everything last night... A friend of mine was here and thought I was going off the deep end with some attempts. In my defense - I feel like there's nothing at this point to lose...

I'll be gone on Sunday, but I'll check back here when I get home late to see if you have some advice. (I always appreciate it. )