Expert: Christopher Malone - 10/22/2004

Question
Here goes!  I want to do a complete system restore.  I want to restore my computer to Windows 98.  However, I installed XP over 98 and I don't think I can recover my drivers for 98 (at least that's what the yahoos at Compaq fee support have told me).  

Is there any way I can do a DEEP system restore?  I'm not worried about any of my drivers except to my internet connection.  My system really can't handle XP and I'd like to get rid of it.  It's also the original XP, so it's been updated several times.  I'd really just like to get back to good old 98.  

Answer
Hello Peggy,

 This is Christopher coming at you in response to your "restore" issue at hand.  First of all Peggy, thank you for seeking me out for assistance.
 Peggy, ask yourself this question:  Do I have the restore CDs for my computer?  Perhaps you have a Gateway, Dell, Hewlett Packard, or some other popular name-brand computer.  Don't sweat the "reverting back in time" to that of Windows 98.  If you have the restore CDs, the process is simple.
 Providing you have the restore CDs for your computer, you are good to go.  You see, the CDs are designed already to repartition your hard-drive's master Dos Partition.  This is where Windows is installed.  Windows XP did the same thing when you installed it.  The restore CDs will wipe the drive clean, then install all software and drivers back to the way you purchased that machine.
 I've taken machines back to their store bought look with no problem after folks have installed Windows XP.  The restore CDs had no problems whatsoever.  You see, they are made to override any changes to the hard-drive.  You could actually replace your hard-drive with a new one, and the restore CDs would still work correctly.  My wife's computer is a prime example of that event.  I installed a larger hard-drive into her computer, used her restore CDs, and all was successful.
 Just insert CD 1 of your restore set, and restart your computer.  Your machine should boot from that CD.  If not, when you insert the CD while Windows is running, and providing a menu pops up, select "system restore" or related term.  Then, just sit back and follow the steps.  Those 1-800 numbers never lead you to an appropriate answer to a question.  They are just afraid or don't have the experience to back up a legit answer.  I always push computers to the limit, and XP is not a wall for you to worry about climbing over.
 Peggi, go ahead and insert CD 1 of your restore set, and have at it.  When you are done, call those folks back and let them know it works, and a Lady did it on top of that.  It's been a pleasure assisting you with this issue Peggi.  Feel free to contact me in the future when you have another computer question at hand.

Have a great weekend,
Sincerely,


Christopher.