CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE YOU START WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE? If you have created files, menus and customized settings, you may not want to start from scratch. If you have a lot of installed programs, most of them will have to be reinstalled. If you don't get rid of troublesome files and settings, the problems you have may still be with you. If your Windows isn't working right, you might want to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem is hardware related your fresh installation will have the same problem. You will be spinning your wheels. If the problem is a "Boot Record" virus or worm, reinstalling, even formatting may not fix the problem. Many of these can be repaired with a simple command. Do you have all the installation disks and CDs in suitable condition for all of the programs you want on the system when you reload? Do you have access codes, installation ID numbers and setup instructions for internet and other programs. Of course if the system doesn't work at all, this may be moot. WILL IT WORK? If this computer doesn't have Windows 95 on it, will Windows 95 work on it? See Windows 95 Installation Requirements (Microsoft Article) to see if you have the space and memory to install it. While Windows 95 will work on a 386 computer, you may have problems finding Video Card drivers for your computer that work with Windows 95. Often, upgrading a properly operating Windows 3.1, Windows 95 will find correct drivers. But some manufacturers never made drivers for some of their components for Windows 95. I have read of people who have installed on a computer with only 4mb of RAM and had it work. While some recommend using a Windows 98 Startup disk in order to load the CDROM, that boot disk creates a 2mb RAMDRIVE which can leave too little memory for the install program if there is very little RAM. If that is the case, create a boot disk which only loads what is needed. HOW DRASTIC DO YOU WANT THIS INSTALLATION TO BE? Do you want to start "clean"? Format and Partitioning may be the answer. Formatting removes all of your files so there is nothing left that was corrupt. Resetting you partition or changing the partitions can improve storage capacity and organization as well as improving reliability of the storage. It can also remove more possible viruses. Although it may take a while to reinstall all your programs, you can make changes as to file location and other settings that you can only do during and installation. Do you want to try to refresh Windows keeping your settings? You might be able to install over you existing Windows. If windows has corrupted or missing files, installation over your existing Windows may get it going again. While most upgrade versions will allow this, many OEM installations will not allow you to install over an existing installation. There, however may be ways around these limitations. It is recommended that you delete INI files as the installation generally will not overwrite newer files. If the problem is in the INI files, then the problem will still be there. I suggest moving them to another storage location or storing them in a ZIPPED file. This way you can edit from them if you need their commands or reinstall them after the reinstall is complete. Do you want to replace only the Windows? You can reinstall other programs and many will keep their settings just adding their drivers and settings to Windows. In this case you can delete the Windows directory only. Then reinstall Windows. Step-By-Step installation

 

Before you begin.   Do you have a Startup/Boot disk which will give you access to your CDROM drive? You can make a bootdisk or download a Windows 98 Startup disk which has CDROM support for most drives.   Do you have the Product ID number?   If you have a Windows 95 Upgrade type install files, do you have Windows 3.1 on the drive or do you have Windows 3.1 Setup Disk 1 to put in the Floppy drive?   Do you have the Drivers Install disk or CDROM disk for your Modem, LAN Card, Sound Card, Printer and Video Card?   Do you have the install disks or CDROM disk to install programs you are using that you want to continue to use?   Do you have the codes you need to setup your Internet Mail and Internet Connection?   If you are installing to a machine with an AMD K6-2-350 or higher machine, do you have the Microsoft Windows 95 Patch file AMDK6UPD.EXE? More information. You may want to get some of this information from your computer before you install over it. Next Step!

 

AMD K6 350mhz and later or Pentium 4 processors and the "IOS" error. Windows 95 was around before these high speed processors. This creates a timing problem and either Windows 95 will not boot or it will boot intermitantly. As Windows starts you will get: "Device IOS failed to initialize. Windows Protection Error. You must reboot your computer." "Windows Protection Error. You must reboot your computer." or "While initializing device IOS: Windows protection error." You may find information on Microsoft Knowledgebase article Q192841 Revision to AMD K6-2/350 central processing unit update. There apparently is NO solution if you are installing or running Windows 95a. The Microsoft solution requires you to boot to Windows so you can install the patch. That is a big stumbling block if Windows won't start. My solution:

1) Download the patch file AMDK6UPD.EXE. You might find the file with an internet search if you can't get it from here. 2) Use WINZIP to extract the files in it to a source, such as a floppy disk, that you will have access to during installation. 3) Install Windows 95. 4) After the initial part of the installation, Windows will restart the computer. You will most likely see "Starting Windows for the first time" on the screen. Then it may crash with the "IOS" error. Restart the computer in DOS only mode. You can do this with a boot disk or by pressing F8 as the computer starts and you see "Starting Windows 95" on the screen. Then select "6. Command prompt only". 5) Copy the files you extracted from the AMDK6UPD.EXE to the following locations: windows\system\vmm32\ios.vxd windows\system\iosubsys\esdi_506.pdr These two are the most important. With them installed you should be able to restart the computer and finish the installation. Additional files contained in the AMDK6UPD.EXE patch that you system may need are: windows\system\advpack.dll windows\system\w95inf16.dll windows\system\w95inf32.dll windows\system\iosubsys\cdfs.vxd windows\system\iosubsys\disktsd.vxd windows\system\iosubsys\hsflop.pdr windows\system\iosubsys\scsiport.pdr windows\system\vmm32\int13.vxd windows\system\vmm32\vfbackup.vxd You will be replacing existing files in most instances. You may have located your Windows under a different directory name. If so, make those changes. 6) You may want to run the AMDK6UPD.EXE after you get Windows installed, as there may be necessary Registry Keys that you system will need to run properly. The first five steps are a method to get you in the door. Possible problems with the K6/350 and up: AMDK6UPD.EXE and floppy disk drives. One of the files in older updates may cause problems accessing the floppy drive.

Back To The First Step Step!

 

Finding the Product ID number If you can't find your Product Id number you can get it from the computer. If Windows is functioning, even in "Safe Mode", you can click "Start, Settings, Control panel, System". The number should be displayed there. If Windows can not be started, at the DOS Prompt, open the Registry by typing: cd c:\windows edit Alt, File, Open, Alt-b (Binary) c:\windows\system.dat The file may be too large. But it will partially open. Now use Alt, Search, Find and enter: productid There may be more than one as various installed programs are registered here. Another, easier to read method is to export the key to a file. At the DOS prompt type: CD C:\WINDOWS REGEDIT /E c:\prodkey.reg hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\ Note: the REGEDIT line is one line at the prompt, although it may wrap. A file will be created C:\PRODKEY.REG. Open this file with the EDIT program (or any word processor that can handle it). This file is smaller, although it will still have a lot of data. Find the line marked "ProductId"=". If there is a number, that is it. REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\] "InstallType"=hex:03,00 "SetupFlags"=hex:08,01,00,00 "DevicePath"="C:\\WINDOWS\\INF" "ProductType"="9" "RegisteredOwner"="computername" "RegisteredOrganization"="" "ProductId"="xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx" "LicensingInfo"="" "SubVersionNumber"=" B" "InventoryPath"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM\\PRODINV.DLL" "ProgramFilesDir"="C:\\Program Files" "CommonFilesDir"="C:\\Program Files\\Common Files" "MediaPath"="C:\\WINDOWS\\media" Back to "Before you begin"

 

Question Is there a version of Windows already on the hard drive? Yes! No!

 

Question Are there any files already on the hard drive? Yes! No!

 

Question Note: Uninstall The Internet Explorer. If you are not completely removing Windows, but only trying to freshen it up, you must uninstall IE4 or IE5 first. Since these modify the system files of Windows, the re-installation will corrupt those files when the installation tries to mix its files with the files of those Internet Explorers. The browsers add files to make them work in Windows. But those files may have replaced the files that Windows installs with files that Windows doesn't know how to deal with. PLandsdowne's Web Site has batch files for removing either IE4 or IE5 in the DOS environment. This can be helpful if your Windows will not start so you can uninstall it. I only provide this as a option. I have not used these files myself. Another program, IERADICATOR, is available from www.98lite.net which has other products for enhancing Windows 9.x programs. IERADICATOR can remove IE3 and later. Do you want to keep the Windows you have and refresh it or add the new Windows in another directory (folder) or another drive? Do you want to Upgrade the Windows you already have (you have to have an Upgrade Install CDROM)? Do you want to replace the Windows you now have on the drive?

 

Question Do you want to keep the other files on the hard drive? Yes! No!

 

Deleting Windows If you are using an Upgrade Windows 95 Install CDROM, you will need either the Windows 3.1 setup disk 1 or the Windows 3.1 installed on the hard drive. If you want to install the Windows 95 in the c:\windows\ directory, but you currently have Windows 3.1 in that directory, you can Rename the directory by typing at the DOS Prompt: ren c:\windows c:\win31 or move c:\windows c:\win31 If you are using Windows 3.1, you must delete the DOS directory as well as the Windows directory. Type the following: deltree /y c:\windows deltree /y c:\dos Have Upgrade Windows 95 Installation Disk. Continue. Have OEM Windows 95 Installation Disk. Continue.

 

Question You can delete all the files quickly with a Quick Format of the drive. Or you can change the partitions of the drive to either combine several partitions into a single large partition or divide a large drive into several smaller partitions. If your drive is larger than 2.1 gigabytes, you must have Windows 95b (OSR2) to format and access a drive larger than 2.1gb as a single drive. Which would you like to do? Partition! Quick format! The drive is blank and formatted already!

 

Quick Format. From the DOS Prompt (Boot from your Startup/Boot Disk) type: a: format c: /q Continue

 

1. Do you have an Upgrade or OEM Installation CD?

 

Files to delete. If you are using an Upgrade Windows 95 Installation CD click here. If you are using an OEM version, you must remove certain files or the installation will abort. In DOS mode (boot from you Startup/Boot Disk) type the following: c: attrib -r -h -s io.sys del io.sys attrib -r -h -s msdos.sys del msdos.sys del command.com ren autoexec.bat autoexec.old ren config.sys config.old ren windows\win.com windows\winhold.com Continue

 

Ready to install Windows. If you are using an Upgrade Windows 95 Install, you will need Windows 3.1 on a hard drive somewhere on the computer or Setup Disk 1 of the Windows 3.1 install disks available to put in the Floppy drive when it asks. If you have lost your Windows 3.x install disks, you can create a file to satisfy the problem. Although this may vary, type the following: C: enter CD C:\ enter COPY CON WIN386.EXE enter enter enter CTRL-Z enter This will create a file win386.exe in the C Root directory (C:\WIN386.exe). You should be able to install now.   Copying CAB Files To The Hard Drive If there is enough room on the hard drive (more that 150mb), you can copy the entire contents of the CD's WIN95\ directory to a directory which you can name c:\WIN95\ by typing : md c:\win95 copy D:\win95\*.* c:\win95\*.* To install, if you are Upgrading Windows 3.1, Start Windows and click RUN on the File menu. Otherwise, Boot from the Startup/Boot Disk. Then type: D: cd D:\win95\ setup In the above instances, substitute the D with the CDROM's drive letter or the drive letter where the install files are. NEXT STEP: The Install Process The Printable Install Process of above steps

 

The Install Process Step 1. The Setup Program will start. Follow its menus. When the setup program starts it will run Scandisk. Sometimes, especially on large hard drives and compressed drives, Scandisk may not have enough memory to run. It will have an exit button. Click this, as you have no other choice. You will then be presented with 2 choices. To CONTINUE the installation PRESS ESC. This seems a little backwards as Enter aborts the installation. Go to Install step 2

 

 

The Install Process Step 2. 2. The next step is the License Agreement. Click on "I Agree" to continue. Go to Install step 3

 

 

The Install Process Step 3. The Setup Wizard will load temporary files on to the Hard Drive. This may take a minute. When it completes you will have a screen showing the proposed directory for Windows. If the drive has no Windows directory it will show "C:\WINDOWS". If a directory with that name already exists on the drive it may show "C:\WINDOWS.000". If you click "Next", the name in that box will be the name given to the Windows Directory. If you click on the box "Other", you will be able to enter another name or path. You can enter a different drive letter and/or give it a different name. If you enter the same name and path for an already existing Windows, it will be overwritten. If you have a Windows 95 Upgrade CD, you may be able to do this. If the Windows is Windows 95b (OSR2) or later, you must install in a different directory. Go to Install step 4

 

 

The Install Process Step 4. The next menu will be 4 installation options: Typical Portable Compact Custom I prefer "Custom". This will allow you to limit the installation to what you need or want. Go to Install step 5

 

 

The Install Process Step 5. Now you must enter the Product ID (OEM) number. This number is provided with you program. It resembles: XXX-OEM-XXXXXX-XXXXX See "Finding The Product Id Number" in the above steps. Go to Install step 6

 

 

The Install Process Step 6. Now you must enter a name. This can be your name or a name for the computer. If you are using a Network, it saves confusion if you use the same unique name for Identification on the Network. Also, if you use your name (instead of a handle) that can be obtained by some intrusive Network hackers. The Company name is optional. Go to Install step 7

 

 

The Install Process Step 7. Next the program will Analyze the computer for hardware it has. This can take a long time on some computers depending on the hardware installed (Modems, SCSI Cards, LAN cards, Sound cards,etc) and the speed of the computer. Then the hardware list will be presented. You can choose only the items you need. For instance, there are three types of CDROM drivers: Mitsumi Panasonic Sony Mitsumi is the standard. If you have a CDROM that uses this type driver, it wastes disk space to install drivers for Panasonic and Sony. The same is true for the mouse drivers, video cards, LAN cards, SCSI card, sound cards, etc. If you pick the wrong one or none, these options will be available again when you elect to install "New Hardware" from the Control Panel in Windows. Highlight a group on the left menu and click on "Details". You can select only the programs you want to save disk space. Some items are pre-selected. You can unselect them or add more from each list. If you check the box on the left menu, all of the items in that heading will be selected. A tally of the disk space which will be used is shown (if that is of concern). Go to Install step 8

 

 

The Install Process Step 8. If you will be Networking (including WEB Browsing) you will need Network Protocols set up. You can do this after Windows is installed when you are setting up your accounts. Go to Install step 9

 

 

The Install Process Step 9. Now you will be presented with a recap list of major settings. If they are correct, continue. Go to Install step 10

 

 

The Install Process Step 10. You will now be asked if you want to create a "Startup Disk". If you have gotten this far, you probably already have one. You can create one any time after the installation. So I would skip that at this point. It will take some time to make. Go to Install step 11

 

 

The Install Process Step 11 Now the installation begins. This may take up to 1 hour, depending on the speed of your computer and how many items you selected to install. So sit back and read all the promotions Microsoft has provided to entertain you during this process. When it completes, the program will reboot the computer. Don't get excited yet. Go to Install step 12

 

 

The Install Process Step 12. After the reboot there will be more delays as it sets up the programs it has installed. After a few minutes you will be asked to verify the time zone. You can elect to let Windows change your clock for "Daylight Savings Time" automatically. Go to Install step 13

 

 

The Install Process Step 13. The next menu is for setting up a printer. Go to Install step 14

 

 

The Install Process Step 14. At last! The final Step. The computer will boot one more time. This time when it restarts it will be ready for you to use. Go to Upgrading Windows 95 The Printable Install Process

 

Post Installation Adjustments
Service Pack 1 for OSR1       If you have installed Windows 95 (osr1), it should be updated. This was the first in the Windows 95 series (filedates 7/11/95 09:50a), and it had a few bugs worked out in later versions. Some of these are corrected by Service Pack 1. Download this update from Microsoft. Windows 95b and later have these updates incorporated into them. If the update has already been performed, you will see Windows 95a when you look at the version number on My Computer Properties (Right-click on My Computer and select Properties).
Customizing the path to the CAB Files       If you installed from the hard drive but want to erase those cab files to create more space, you can change the "install path" in the registry so that Windows will look in the correct location for them when you add or change programs. You can point to the CDROM, or any other drive/path.
1)	You should start by making a backup of your Registry files before you make changes to the registry.
2)	Launch the Registry Editor by clicking "Start, Run" and type REGEDIT.
3)	Expand each level until you are at: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
4)	Locate the SourcePath entry in the right window pane.
	A)	If there is no entry, Right-click in the Right window pane. You should see "NEW".
	B)	Click on this and select "New String Value". A new entery box should appear where you can enter the key name SourcePath.
5)	Double-click on it. A window should open where you can enter a new path to the CAB Files. Then Double-click this and enter the path for the CAB files.
	For example: C:\Windows\Options\Cabs\ Note: You must end the pathname you type with a backslash for this to work properly.
6)	Exit the Registry Editor.
If you specified the CDROM drive letter, you will be prompted to insert the Windows CD if files are needed. If the path is to files on the hard drive, updates may take place without you having to intervene.
Passwords If you got Windows to install correctly, there may be a few inconveniences to try to fix. When you start Windows, you are asked to Enter a user password? There are two items that can create this.
1)	If you created a user profile for multiple users, this will appear. You can DELETE files ending with PWL in the C:\WINDOWS directory. When you restart and are asked for a password, leave it blank.
2)	If you have a NET card installed, The settings can cause this. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Network, Configuration. In the middle of the screen you will find a box labeled Primary Network Logon:. Select Windows Logon. Click OK. When you restart, that should be one less hurdle.

 

Printable Instructions