Hello and Welcome to
D-A-L. Sorry it's taken so long for someone to get here.
Try using
this bootdisk.
Note that the above bootdisk image file is a self extracting file and needs to be
executed from Windows in order to create the actual startup diskette. Download the source image file to your desktop, put a floppy in your drive, and click on the downloaded file to run it. It will take a few minutes as it formats the floppy, writes the files, then verifies the writing of the files.
In case you have a problem removing the Non-Dos partition from the hard disk, also download delpart from
here or
here. It will delete stubborn partitions. Copy it to a blank floppy.
Boot with the floppy choosing No CDROM support. (Not required at this point.) When you get the A:\> prompt, type in fdisk. Follow the prompts to delete the C: partition. It should be listed as NON-DOS. If fdisk won't do it, hit ESC to back out of the fdisk program, switch floppies, and type in delpart, then hit Enter. Whether you use fdisk or delpart,
ENSURE you are working with the
CORRECT hard disk and
CORRECT PARTITION*. Delete the C: partition. Exit, switch floppies back, type in fdisk and create a new Primary DOS partition and make it active. Exit fdisk and reboot, this time with CDROM support. Watch for the drive/device letter assigned to the CDROM (near the end of the boot). Format the new C: partition. Put your 98SE CD in the drive, type in x:\setup (where x: is the assigned CDROM device letter).
Post back with your results.
* There may be a "hidden" partition on your drive containing factory setup files, given that it's a Compaq. If you
never plan to use this (if found), it can be deleted.
