AboutKarl Zick Expertise I can answer most questions on Windows 9X and XP - or other aspects of PC software and hardware installation, upgrade, and troubleshooting. Visit my free web site at www.kzconsulting.info for tutorials, tips and tricks, and problem identification and solution.
Experience
Previous USAF Colonel and Aerospace engineer. PC consultant for over 15 years. Client database of over 70 small businesses and individuals.
Question Hi Karl, I just received a new (to me) Compaq Deskpro cpu from my employer that was running Windows 98 SE. I accidentally deleted a component that I needed (Intel PRO network adapter) and thinking it might be part of Windows 98 SE, I reformatted the hard drive and installed my own Windows 98 SE on this computer. I since discovered I could download the Intel program from the internet, so I did that-that's not my problem. The problems are that since I installed Windows 98 SE (I did it twice), the colors are bad (my only 2 choices for color in the "Display" area of Control Panels are "2 colors" or "16 colors"). I'm stumped on how to get back the 256 colors that I normally have. ALSO, I can not get the sound to work-when I go to "Sounds" in the Control Panels it looks normal, but the Windows sounds won't play (the Preview area is greyed out) and there is no volume control icon on the desktop. This problem also existed before I installed my version of Windows 98 SE. FYI, the sound does work from the CD player only if I plug the speakers into the CD player itself. I'm kind of ignorant on sound cards-does this computer not have one? I'm fairly knowledgeable on the Windows 98 system, but these 2 issues have me totally confused. Any information/help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob.
Answer Hi Bob,
You are missing the drivers for your video and sound (just like you were your network card). You may be able to download them from the Compaq web site if you know the model of your computer. If not, you will probably have to buy a new video and sound card that have Win 98 drivers with them. Best place to do that is Geeks.com. Any PCI video or sound card will work.
