Re-install Win98SE - existing programs?

[SteBar]

Can I re-install my Win98SE utilising the original CD (I have the product
key) without affecting any other previously installed applications and data?
If so how?

tia - Steve B.

[Don Phillipson]

"SteBar" > wrote in message
...

> Can I re-install my Win98SE utilising the original CD (I have the product
> key) without affecting any other previously installed applications and
data?
> If so how?

Watch for a prompt asking if you want
to reuse the existing Registry.
The problem is that many behaviors that
make us think about reinstalling the OS
originate in the Registry. . .
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

[SteBar]

"Don Phillipson" > wrote in message
...
> "SteBar" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> Can I re-install my Win98SE utilising the original CD (I have the product
>> key) without affecting any other previously installed applications and
> data?
>> If so how?
>
> Watch for a prompt asking if you want
> to reuse the existing Registry.
> The problem is that many behaviors that
> make us think about reinstalling the OS
> originate in the Registry. . .
> --
> Don Phillipson
> Carlsbad Springs
> (Ottawa, Canada)

Don - I'm sorry to say I don't understand your reply. Steve.

[Jeff Richards]

If it's a retail full or retail upgrade version then you can safely
re-install without affecting Windows' settings or installed applications or
data files. If it's an OEM version, then you need to be a little more
careful, as some OEM installation CDs are actually recovery or restore CDs
that will wipe the disk and reset the system to 'factory standard'. Of
course, before undertaking any extensive system changes it is wise to have a
backup of critical files.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"SteBar" > wrote in message
...
> Can I re-install my Win98SE utilising the original CD (I have the product
> key) without affecting any other previously installed applications and
> data? If so how?
>
> tia - Steve B.
>

[SteBar]

"Jeff Richards" > wrote in message
...
> If it's a retail full or retail upgrade version then you can safely
> re-install without affecting Windows' settings or installed applications
> or data files. If it's an OEM version, then you need to be a little more
> careful, as some OEM installation CDs are actually recovery or restore CDs
> that will wipe the disk and reset the system to 'factory standard'. Of
> course, before undertaking any extensive system changes it is wise to have
> a backup of critical files.
> --
> Jeff Richards
> MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)


Will I still have my original monitor, graphics card, soundcard, modem etc
etc drivers loaded or will I have to re-install them all? Thanks - Steve
B.

[Jeff Richards]

If Windows correctly identifies the devices and drivers are included in W95
for them then the correct drivers will be installed. If the devices are
recognised but drivers are not included in W95 then default drivers will be
installed. If the devices are not identified then Windows will not touch the
drivers.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"SteBar" > wrote in message
...
> "Jeff Richards" > wrote in message
> ...
>> If it's a retail full or retail upgrade version then you can safely
>> re-install without affecting Windows' settings or installed applications
>> or data files. If it's an OEM version, then you need to be a little more
>> careful, as some OEM installation CDs are actually recovery or restore
>> CDs that will wipe the disk and reset the system to 'factory standard'.
>> Of course, before undertaking any extensive system changes it is wise to
>> have a backup of critical files.
>> --
>> Jeff Richards
>> MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
>
>
> Will I still have my original monitor, graphics card, soundcard, modem etc
> etc drivers loaded or will I have to re-install them all? Thanks - Steve
> B.

[Greg]

What is the problem that has you wanting
to do this. Try these tools that I use on
a regular basis.
Get Everest
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?
pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3
Get Laversoft
http://lavasoft.element5.com/support/download/
Get EasyCleaner
http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm
Get GeoDisk
http://mvps.org/PracticallyNerded/Software.htm
Get Zip Centeral
http://zipcentral.isCool.net
A lot of problems can be solved without loading
Windows over Windows, a lot can be made also. That
is what Don Phillipson was trying to point out
with keeping the old Registry, if it has problems
it is better to fix than save.
Hope this helps.

>-----Original Message-----
>Can I re-install my Win98SE utilising the original CD (I
have the product
>key) without affecting any other previously installed
applications and data?
>If so how?
>
>tia - Steve B.
>
>
>.
>