Windows 98 or Windows 95 Startup Disk Tools and Capabilities (259066)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q259066

SUMMARY

You can use the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel on your Windows 98-based or Windows 95-based computer to create a Startup disk. The Startup disk contains many useful tools that you can use for a variety of purposes. This article describes the tools and capabilities included in a Windows 98 or Windows 95 Startup disk, including how to use ScanDisk.

MORE INFORMATION

A Windows 98 or Windows 95 Startup disk includes the following tools and capabilities.

NOTE: Although you may not be able to view all of the following tools in the form of files on the Startup disk, the files or capabilities may be located within a file on the disk. If you are unable to use one or more of the following files or capabilities, you may need to create a new Startup disk.
  • Scandisk.exe: A tool you can use to verify the condition of your hard disk or disks.
  • Fdisk.exe: A tool you can use to partition your hard disk or disks. Note that you should not use this tool unless you are very familiar with the process of partitioning a hard disk.
  • Extract.exe: A tool you can use to extract files from cabinet (.cab) files, for example, the .cab files on the Windows 98 or Windows 95 CD-ROM.
  • Command.com: This file provides a basic MS-DOS-based operating system for your computer, including a command-line interface.
  • Edit.com: You can use the edit command to edit files from a command prompt.
  • Attrib.exe: You can use the attrib command to alter the attributes of a file, for example, to add the Read Only file attribute, to add the Hidden file attribute, and so on. Note that you should not normally alter file attributes unless you have a specific reason to do so. Also, if you choose to alter file attributes with this command, you should note the original file attributes so that you can return them to the original state.
  • Chkdsk.exe: This tool is similar to ScanDisk, however, you normally use the ScanDisk tool unless you have a specific need to use the Chkdsk tool.
  • Sys.com: This file can transfer operating system files from your Startup disk to a hard disk to make it bootable.
  • Format.com: You can use this tool to format a hard disk.
A Windows 98 Startup disk includes the following tools and capabilities that are not included on a Windows 95 Startup disk:
  • Real-mode Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) CD-ROM drivers: If you choose to load these drivers, they may be able to make your CD-ROM drive work. For example, this may be useful to copy or extract files from a CD-ROM, to begin Windows 98 Setup, and so on.
  • Two system files (Config.sys and Autoexec.bat): These system files are included in case you need to load specific device drivers when you start your computer with a Startup disk.
The most commonly used tool on the Startup disk is ScanDisk. You may need to use this tool if your computer does not start properly, you receive an error message about one or more missing or damaged files, and so on. To use ScanDisk:
  1. Start your computer by using the Startup disk.
  2. At the command prompt, type scandisk, and then press ENTER.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish running ScanDisk.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB259066
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