Wipe te PC

garykeane121

I have a compaq presario 2274 windows 98 but I didnt get any disks with it for windows 98. Is there any way to completely delete everything off the computer and leave it as I got it because I am planning on giving it to my cousin

All advice appreciated

garthv

You'll need to get the disks to restore it
Unless youve got Windows Restore but I dont think 98 had that...

pdogs

Compaqs generally have either restore CDs or a restore partition. Either of them restore an image file rather than install an operating system from scratch. Look for a Quick Restore option under Programs. If you are lucky it will run things from the HDD otherwise you are going to need to order proprietary replacement CDs from Compaq for your model or buy a version of Windows and clean install it.

Karoma

It did come with either a Windows 98 OEM CD or Recovery CD.
Find them, or get in touch with HP/Compaq for replacements or obtain a full/retail version of Windows 98.

pdogs

Some HP and Compaq PCs have recovery CD creator software that can create a recovery CD or DVD set. To determine if the PC has Recovery Creator software installed click Start, All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and look for one of the following:

* HP PC Recovery CD-DVD Creator
* Compaq Recovery CD-DVD Creator

Ref: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?dlc=en&lc=en&product=92297&lang=en&cc=us&docname=bph07143 for full details and for how to order replacements.

TerrorFirmer

Don't forget you'll need sound and gfx drivers too to enable it to function properly if you reinstall

I'm sure you are already aware of this but there are alot of people who reinstall OS and then wonder why they can't hear anything or play games

pdogs

If you get the restore disk/partition working the drivers will be included in the restore. Otherwise you can grab them from the same HP/Compaq area or back them up in advance with the 15day trial of My Drivers 3.11

garykeane121

I just found a 3.5" floppy called Quick Restore Update Diskette. Does this sound like the disk I need. If it what is the next step. Thanks

Karoma

garykeane121 wrote:

I just found a 3.5" floppy called Quick Restore Update Diskette. Does this sound like the disk I need. If it what is the next step. Thanks

You'll still need the CD-ROM that also came with it.

subway

Karoma wrote:

You'll still need the CD-ROM that also came with it.

unless theres a restore partition....

Karoma

subway wrote:

unless theres a restore partition....

The HDD is 4GB AFAIK, plus around the time the PC would have been released very few companies did the HDD-Restore thing, plus according to the old (Win 98) license a CD should have been provided with a copy of the OS (Again, IIRC.)...

Also, I've heard "no disks came with it" and each and every time is a luser-lie. We've already discovered one disk(ette) came with ..

subway

didnt see any 4gig hdd post,
but point taken re: the machines age.

if bought from pc world et al around that time its highly unlikely an os disc came with it.
more than likely some sort of a restore disc as you said.
however if theres a license key sticker on the case - there had better be if it was bought new , then the machine can be reinstalled using some elses win98 disc.

as mentioned above, get the drivers for everything in advance tho.

Karoma

subway wrote:

didnt see any 4gig hdd post,

I google'd. I'll usually double-check things before posting..usually.

It mostl likely came with a Restore Disc (Red label) .
The CD Key sticky label only really appeared with XP..

subway

who has time to google when you can just post

anywho,
xp, 2000 and "me" all have the sticker - some 98 pcs,
now that i think of it older pc's usally came with a windows book with the license key on the front.

we'll see what the OP has to day when he posts back.
meybe he found the discs or a win98 cd...

garthv

Also, I've heard "no disks came with it" and each and every time is a luser-lie

I just got a Dell laptop and no disks came with it...
All be it there was a recovery partition but still...no disks!

subway

GaRtH_V wrote:

I just got a Dell laptop and no disks came with it...
All be it there was a recovery partition but still...no disks!

when did you buy it?
i bought a dell laptop in about 99 and even then came with discs.

garthv

Bought it last week

subway

if i were you id ring and ask for the discs.
windows xp retail or oem muxt ship with a disc.

garykeane121

Yes subway I have that windows 98 book with the product key on it. The only diskette I have is the quick restore update diskette. I bought the pc off compustore who have closed down.
Should I contact HP to see if they will send me a disk.

garthv

subway wrote:

if i were you id ring and ask for the discs.
windows xp retail or oem muxt ship with a disc.

naa you dont need the discs with the restore partition

Karoma

garykeane121 wrote:

Yes subway I have that windows 98 book with the product key on it. The only diskette I have is the quick restore update diskette. I bought the pc off compustore who have closed down.
Should I contact HP to see if they will send me a disk.

Yes. But i have doubts that you'll be able to get one...

subway

ask around,
im sure you can find someone with a 98 disc.
once you do, you can install using your own product key.

garth,
you paid for a laptop with xp,
your entitled to the disc,
its up to yourself if you dont want to get it,
itd just be easier to get one now rather than 2 years from now when you go to sell it on.

Karoma

subway wrote:

garth,
you paid for a laptop with xp,
your entitled to the disc,

He's entitled to a copy of XP - not necesasrily a disc. He is provided with an option to make a copy for himself.

subway

thats if theres an iso of xp,
most restore partitions are 4 - 5 gigs and programs and xp cant be installled separately.

in my own experience id rather install xp fresh and get the latest drivers from the net,
helps to remove any branding and excess programs before youve even started.
if theres no xp iso/disc there is an entitlement to a disc

Karoma

if they send out a disc, it's usually an exact copy of the HDD image..

pdogs

If you've got the Product ID you are half-way to a clean install if you can lay your hands on any Win98 (of the correct edition) installation CD. Otherwise you can get the restore disks (which will include drivers and some software) as per:-

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?dlc=en&lc=en&product=92297&lang=en&cc=us&docname=bph07143#N465

Step 2: Order recovery CDs on the Web
To order CDs on the Web, perform the following steps. Costs are minimal and only cover the cost of manufacturing and shipping.

Karoma

Aye
( https://sales.sitel.be/HPRECOCD/Sales.html ; 38,5 EUR inclusive VAT )
There was a warning on another of their pages about not keeping outdated (98) stock, which made me doubt...

Capt'n Midnight

GaRtH_V wrote:

Bought it last week

Most recent Dell's have an option for the disks for an extra €5 if you tick the right boxes. So you'll most likely have to pay for them. Best to backup/make the disks in case your HDD dies outside warranty period.

garthv

Ahh it doesnt bother me too much,as soon as I got the machien I took XP home off it and whipped XP Pro straight on, screw that if im payign the extra 150 euro!:)