What are the steps to reformat an old 486sx PC with Win3.1?

[edprush]

What are the steps to reformat an old 486sx PC with Win3.1?

Okay, after you stop laughing can you explain the procedure to me?

Are there any web sites that describe the process?

The PC doesn't have enough power to run any other OS. I plan to give it to my young nieces to just play around with.

Thanks!

 

[The Stigenator]

first goto:
www.bootdisk.com and download a bootdisk (preferably 98SE bootdisk)

Next put in the boot disk into the machine and bootup.

When you get to the "A:\>" prompt type this:

format c:

hit y for yes.

and wait.

 

[Wolfie]

Do you still have the win3.1 disks? You will need those before you will need to reinstall.

Why does it need to be reinstalled?

Wolfie

 

[Rendus]

First, make sure all the disks you'll be using are readable by the PC.

You'll need the DOS install disks, the Windows install disks, and any driver disks you have (video, DOS sound, etc). Each driver has it's own install procedure. WinDrivers.com will be your friend in finding drivers.

Then, pop in your DOS disk (or a Win98 boot disk with CD support if you need it), and format C:, let it do a full surface scan to be safe.

Then, boot disk 1 of the DOS install. Let it do it's thing, it'll ask for disk 2, etc. (Number of disks depends on the version of DOS. DOS 5 fit on 1 1.44MB 3.5", DOS 6.22 came on 3 disks).

Then, boot from the HD. Pop in Windows 3.1 disk 1, type A: <ENTER> setup <ENTER>. It'll start the install process. Let it do it's thing, then it'll drop you back to A:. Type C: <ENTER> then \windows\win <ENTER>. Should start loading Win3.1

Have fun. Also, Win95 should run half-decent on that system given enough RAM (16MB or more).

 

[Lvis]

Way back when I used to just use the deltree command and remove windows. This left dos and other apps on the drive. Dos, at least for me, never seemed to get corrupted, so just removing windows was a time saver.