Last time I did a FORMAT C: and install Win98 from CD, it took me nine hours, from start to finish. The format and initial installation of Win98 took an hour. The rest was installing hardware specific drivers supplied on the manufacturers CD, installing Office, configuring, and deleting unwanted junk accompanying even a clean Win98 installation. I also removed installation litter such as SYSTEM.1ST, .LOG files, and text files related to issues not applicable to my system.
At each step, I created an image of my drive. That way, major mistakes meant I only took one pace backward instead of repeating the journey from the beginning. Once I had a 'clean' installed system, I no longer needed the intermediate images, so they were deleted. (Much later, to be sure!)
Since then, I've needed to restore my system a few times. Using an image known to be good, this process takes about ten minutes. The added bonus is that I no longer need worry about forgetting something during a re-install.
Another thing I did was to record, on paper, every setting, selection, check-box, and entry available on my system. This forty page record took hours to complete, but has saved my bacon countless times. I also store this information in a text file, and as such, I can search for the setting in a number of ways, making life easier for the forgetful. (Me)
I also store everything I download (and use) in a separate folder. This stuff is always available when needed.
When I first began experimenting with Win98, I'd create a major mess weekly. Nothing short of a FORMAT and re-installation would work. I did enough installations, I had my Win98 product key memorized! Another participant on Computer Learning thread (RJL) suggested Drive Image. This product has saved me countless hours of frustration. Beyond any doubt, imaging is a great way of creating a computer safety net. Creating images are quicker than heating a cup of coffee in the micro-wave.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. The manual that comes with Drive Image is worth the price of the package for the explanations about disk design and operation alone. |
