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Thread ID: 3572	2000-02-13 01:38:00	How to install Windows 95	Guest (0)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
3999	2000-02-13 01:38:00	Installing Windows 95 For a typical non-networked computer, you require: The Cd containing Windows 95 (or disks if you've got the real early version) A StartUp/Boot/SetUp floppy disk - created in the same version of Windows that's on the CD above . A copy of MSCDEX . EXE . This is not installed on the StartUp/Boot/SetUp floppy disk so you'll have to get a copy it from an existing computer or the Internet . Best placed on the StartUp floppy for easy access . This file allocates a drive letter, in DOS, for the CD-ROM . The floppy disk with DOS CD-ROM drivers so the CD-ROM can communicate with the operating system - the DOS part of Windows 95 in this case . To access your CD-ROM in DOS when starting your computer, press F8 to access the Boot Options Menu - and use the command prompt . Usually there is a reference to CD-ROM drivers on the label . If you don't have the disk, note the make, model and any other distinguishing markings of your CD-ROM . Head off to the manufacturers site or http://www . drivershq . com and download them . The floppy Disk (or CD) with the Modem drivers . (Where to get? - ditto above) The setup disks (Floppy or CD) that came with your printer . (Where to get? - ditto above) Ok - that's the software . What's next? First, backup any personal files including your e-mail . Exporting your address book, messages etc from Outlook Express is the best backup method for this program . Communicator? - copy the User folder . Navigator? - sorry don't use it . Set aside a couple of hours during the day, so that you can ring for advice if something goes astray . Also try to ensure that you will not be interrupted . Right - time to start . FORMATING Put your Win95 StartUp floppy disk into the floppy drive and boot (start) your computer . At the A:\> prompt, type FORMAT C:/S and press Enter . This erases and prepares (FORMAT) the drive (in this case the C or root drive) and installs the system - basic startup - files (/S) to the previously mentioned drive . Note the space before and the colon after the C and the forward slash (/) showing a switch or additional action to do . INSTALLING THE DOS CD DRIVERS Copy MSCDEX . EXE from the floppy disk to the C drive . A:\> COPY MSCDEX . EXE A: C: Note the spaces and colons . Remove the StartUp floppy and put in the CD-ROM driver floppy . Install it according to the instructions . Usually it's A:\> INSTALL . Follow the instructions - generally a typical installation is OK . Remove the floppy when finished and reboot . CHECKING Watch the screen as Windows starts - hopefully . You should see the Windows 95 logo (from system files) then the info, including the drive letter, about your CD-ROM . If you miss out on any of these, go back to that step and repeat it . Check access and directory listings to all drives (put a CD in so you don't see an error message) INSTALLING WINDOWS 95 Pop your Windows 95 CD in and change to the CD drive . At the prompt type SETUP and Enter . Since there are so many variations and possible combinations, the choices - though not endless - are beyond these instructions . However, some essential choices to make: Ensure your printer, modem etc are connected and switched on before starting the installation . Install the Microsoft TCP/IP Network Protocol when you get to Network Configuration . You need this to connect to the Internet . Localise settings by using NZ as the default location . This sets the date as day - month - year . Finalise it later in Windows under the Control Panel . Skip the password at the logon screen - a user name is required though - and you'll not be bothered again . Read the instructions . Manufacturers don't put instructions in for decoration . . . . Let Windows detect as much as possible - though it's not infallible . Generally follow the on-screen instructions . You should have time for a coffee - and break - when Windows 95 installs/copies files from the CD to the hard drive . After the subsequent reboot, you'll need the modem and printer drivers in the final section of installation . Once Windows has been set up, restart to finalise all settings . You now have a working copy of Windows 95 . Afterword The next step (outside these instructions) is to install sound card drivers, video card drivers, extra hardware, Y2k updates, assorted patches as well as all your application software and games . Then configure everything to suit your personal tastes . All up - from beginning to end, installing Windows to a point where only application software is required takes me between 1 1/2 to 2 hours . Application software can take up to 6 hours depending on what goes on . I haven't covered all areas - there may be situations that arise that I haven't covered . This is deliberate otherwise this would be endless . Also, there are other ways of installing Windows 95 - this is an abbreviated set of instructions that have been successfully used . Final word If I have a warning to make it's don't mix versions of Windows - especially the startup disks . Because of the differences in the system and installation files there is the potential for later problems . This forum has seen it's share of these problems as the result of suggestions to use a Win98 setup disk (because it uses temporary DOS CD-ROM drivers) - to install Windows 95 . All it does is create problems with startup messages and access to CD-ROMs in DOS . Do it at your own risk and be responsible for the consequences . Eumenides@apexmail . com	Guest (0)
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