Member Avatar for BScott1238

Hello! I need to uninstall WindowsME without uninstalling DOS. Basically, my problem is that I just bought a new computer. I have lost my copy of MS-DOS, so all I have is a restore disk from my old PC and the Windows98 CD. I used the restore CD to at least get my new PC running, but of course, there are problems. I expected that. So basically, I just want to uninstall WinME and install Win98. Can somebody tell me how to do this?

By the way, I'm A+ certified, so you can use technical terms, etc. It's just been several years since I got my certification and I'm not in IT anymore, so a little bit of knowledge seeps out every day!

Thanks,
Brandon

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A few clarifications and a safe plan that fill gaps in the thread.

Windows ME intentionally removed the traditional, full real‑mode DOS environment that earlier Windows 9x used; Windows 98, by contrast, includes the MS‑DOS layer that lets you boot to a DOS prompt and run legacy DOS utilities. That difference explains why simply “removing ME” doesn’t automatically give you the old DOS experience. , your restore media got the machine running, but if the goal is a native DOS-capable setup you’ll need an installation path that restores the Win98 DOS subsystem (or real MS‑DOS if you specifically need that).

Two practical options (choose one):

  • If you want a machine that boots to DOS/Win98: back up everything, collect product keys and any chipset/network/video drivers for the motherboard, then prepare bootable startup media from your Win98 media (a set of Win98 startup disks or an equivalent boot medium). Use those tools to prepare partitions, format, and make the partition bootable (the DOS utilities on the startup media provide FDISK/FORMAT/SYS). Proceed with the Win98 install and then install drivers. Plan for driver problems on newer hardware: set the disk controller to IDE/legacy mode (BIOS) if SATA/AHCI/UEFI prevents setup from seeing the drive.

  • If your only requirement is to run old DOS programs: avoid repartitioning. Use DOSBox or a lightweight VM (VirtualBox/VMware) to run DOS applications safely without altering the machine’s partitions or fighting hardware/driver compatibility.

A note on licensing and OEM restore media: OEM restore CDs often expect the original hardware layout and may recreate vendor partitions. was right that a fresh 98 install gives a clean environment — but first ensure you have drivers and backups, and prefer the VM/DOSBox route if hardware compatibility or driver availability is uncertain.

Member Avatar for Valmian

so why not use MS-prompt, isn't it prebuilt into win98? I wonder if you can just copy the MS-DOS onto CD/floppy(s) and then reinstall it. when installing 98 make sure you have correct file system...

Member Avatar for BScott1238

Yeah, I thought Win 98 was supposed to run directly from CD without installing DOS, but it wasn't working last night. Of course, it was late last night and I was really tired. I'm going to give it a shot again tonight when I get home and see what happens.

Member Avatar for Valmian

no what I meant was to make a compleetly clean install. Delete the partition table on the harddrive. Reformat the disk using Win98 CD and then make a "Clean Install". This will end you up with a compleetly clean win98 disk with minimal config. You can do whatever from there on. Guaranteed to work with a valid, functional win98 CD.
Ilya

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