I really need help. Last resort

[dabomb703]

Ok i have windows 98 and i am trying to uninstall it but i dont know how to turn the fat32 files back into fat16. It says it cannot uninstall unless i covert back. I cant find help anywhere. Thank You

[U.S. Patriot]

Originally Posted by dabomb703

Ok i have windows 98 and i am trying to uninstall it but i dont know how to turn the fat32 files back into fat16. It says it cannot uninstall unless i covert back. I cant find help anywhere. Thank You

Here is a site talking about this:
http://www.computerhope.com/fat32.htm#08

Can Fat32 be converted back to Fat16?

Unfortunately it can not be converted without erasing all of the information that is on the hard drive. In order to remove the Fat32 and re-initialize Fat16 you must Fdisk the hard drive, delete all partitions, and recreate without using extended support (FAT32).

Hope this helps.

[JimP]

Originally Posted by dabomb703

Ok i have windows 98 and i am trying to uninstall it but i dont know how to turn the fat32 files back into fat16. It says it cannot uninstall unless i covert back. I cant find help anywhere. Thank You

Hi, Partition Magic or any similar program will convert Fat32 back to Fat16. Hope this helps. What says you have to convert it? That really doesn't make sense. Jim

[Tokai]

Originally Posted by dabomb703

Ok i have windows 98 and i am trying to uninstall it but i dont know how to turn the fat32 files back into fat16. It says it cannot uninstall unless i covert back. I cant find help anywhere. Thank You

I'm sure there's more than me that's wondering why you would want to convert to FAT16. Unless of course you have decided to install Windows 95.

If you are having a problem with Windows 98 - and you just want to wipe it all off and re-install it afresh, then the best way is to erase the partition on your harddrive, then put on a new partition. This will completely erase everything - Windows 98, all files, viruses, spyware - there will be nothing left on your PC.

Assuming that you have saved, or backed up your personal docs, pictures, or any other files for that matter - the first thing to do is make a startup floppy disk. You can do this in 'Add / Remove Programs' in 'Control Panel'.

Word of warning...

There is no going back here - you will lose everything on your PC (all programs, files, saved games, photos of your pet dog etc). All third party programs (programs that don't come with Windows) will have to be re-installed. So make sure you have all the disks for them.

You will also need the driver disks for all the devices pertaining to the PC (graphics, chipset, motherboard, audio, network etc). You will also need driver disks for external devices like your printer, scanner etc.

If you have any driver files that are missing - now is the time to download them from the Driver websites and write them to disk. Last of all make sure you have a Windows 98 CD and the CD key.

Most modern PCs have the ability to 'boot-up' from the CD drive, for some reason or another I get the impression that you have an older PC (perhaps it was the mention of FAT16). If this is the case you might not be able to boot from the CD drive - that is why we made a 'startup floppy'.

You must go into the BIOS of the computer and make sure that drive 'A:' is the first drive in the boot sequence (you do this by holding the 'Delete' key and switching the PC on). This will put you into the CMOS where you can change your PC settings. Make sure you do not alter any other menu item settings - just the boot sequence - save then exit. The PC will re-boot and start reading the floppy.

Wait until it eventually settles down, and type 'FDISK' at the 'A' prompt. You will be presented with a small menu allowing you to delete and make partitions.

Delete all partitions on the harddrive (you can only do one action at a time before switching off and then on again). leave the floppy in the drive. Create a new partition (don't forget to switch off - and then on again). When the partition is created - switch off then on - type 'format c: /s' and follow the onscreen prompts to format your drive.

After formatting - leave the floppy in the drive - make sure your Windows 98 CD is inserted - switch off - then on - this time type 'E:\setup' at the 'A:' prompt.

You will need your Windows 98 CD key handy - you should now be installing a fresh Windows 98.

It is likely that when Windows 98 is installed you will only have 16 colours, don't worry - you now have to load all your drivers - including graphics.

[harry12]

Originally Posted by Tokai

I'm sure there's more than me that's wondering why you would want to convert to FAT16. Unless of course you have decided to install Windows 95.

If you are having a problem with Windows 98 - and you just want to wipe it all off and re-install it afresh, then the best way is to erase the partition on your harddrive, then put on a ...."

Wow what a good reply. So much so I'm taking a copy as a Gtee I won't need it.
The only adder, could I add(?) is that you are sure the Win98SE "Key" is for the disc you have - Some were not so fussy, but then.... For without this vital element you are stuffed.
I [also] wonder why this poster wants to "go back" but I guess they are happy with what they know. However, Win98SE is about as good a choice for a PC you can make and are available at shows for little money. Note that folk (here) are still using it - showing that if it ain't broke....
Also Win98SE and Win95 don't need heaps of memory to make them reasonably good at simple tasks - surfing and letterwriting.
I use Win98se with the max 256k mem and 130G HDDs.
What the Original Poster omitted to tell us was "why" they wanted to go back - it might be a simple misunderstanding that would enable them to make it work....Ho hum.
H.