Help with an older packard bell computer!

**Primenal** · 04-02-2005,11:09 PM

My friend has a packard bell computer with windows 98 (I believe they got it in 1998 actually). So, they wanted to completely restart there computer (it has lots of problems so I told them to restart it), the only thing is I have no idea how! I have no idea how to destroy/ recover there system...My HP it just tells me right at the first HP screen ("press F10 for system recovery"). And that's how I restart it, but there's does not have this. You can press F2 for setup, but that's all there is. I've tryed to just press buttons at the PB screen, and you get nothing (cept setup of course).
I've tryed searching the net, and couldn't find anything.
I've looked through the manual, and found nothing.
They don't have recovery discs, or anything.
and also the Tech support costs.

So, wondering if anybody knew how do I recover this system? Do I need the disc? Any help would be appreciated.

**Toma** · 04-03-2005,12:01 AM

If it didn't come with a Recovery Disc, then you'll have to start from scratch (format discs and install Win98 from a Win98 CD, etc). Packard Bell has been out of the American market for years now so I don't think you'll find much help.

On a side note, the first computer we've ever owned was a PB. Nice machine.

**P__S__2** · 04-03-2005,12:12 AM

if it has over 64mb of ram... then just install xp...but on a 1998 machine it will be slow.

**Toma** · 04-03-2005,12:19 AM

If it came with 98 I wouldn't recommend XP at all. I've seen PIIIs with 256MB of RAM have trouble with XP especially if you don't run lean (less startup applications).

**Primenal** · 04-03-2005,12:35 AM

No, it came with a recovery disc (at least they think so), but just can't find it...Was going to take it to staples tomorrow, and have them do it, but it's like 50 bucks. That isn't bad, but if it's something I can do myself (cuz all it needs is recovered) then that'd be better.

**C_R** · 04-03-2005,01:28 AM

The recovery disc is actually a Win98 install disk that came with the PC, they just package it with the PB label.

You will need to FDisk the hdd and start again if you want a clean install. The good thing is that 98 only needs a key and does not have to go online to register, the bad thing is that you will have to track all the drivers you need to operate your peripherals such as sound card and such.

You could load a different OS if you have but you will have to be aware of the registration of it or you can run a Linux box now...

**Toma** · 04-03-2005,11:53 AM

Recovery Discs usually have all of the drivers and sometimes the applications that came with the PC as well, so if you don't mind doing a little driver hunting and tracking you should just do it yourself. I seriously doubt the Staples guys could do any better.

**loy** · 04-03-2005,11:57 AM

i remember i used to have a packard bell comp

**loy** · 04-03-2005,12:40 PM

isn't there a boot up disc that comes with the computer via floppy. Umm have u tried inserting hte disc with the comp on?

**Primenal** · 04-03-2005,12:55 PM

Hmm, actually I think they may have the floppy boot disc (if it's to that computer) they got 2, but I'm thinking that'd be the PB.
Guess I'll try that, and hopfully it works. Thanks.

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