HUH !!!!!!!! Copy system files only?????????????

[S.D.Willie]

gotta know what o/s youre running.....
95, 98, ME 2K????

SD

[ragtop]

When you open the format utility (I'm assuming WIN 98) you should have three options:

- Quick (erase)
- Full
- Copy system files only

You want to click on the Copy system files box and then press start.

If this doesn't work for you, you can open a DOS prompt (go to start - programs - MSDOS prompt) then type the command: format A: /S

You will be prompted to put a new disk in the floppy drive and hit enter. This will accomplish the same thing as doing the "system files only" format through My Computer.

[RenaissanceMan]

When to flash your bios



A BIOS upgrade will usually contain one or more of the following: additional BIOS features, fixes for various bugs and/or compatibility problems, and additional CPU support. The newest BIOS upgrade will always contain the fixes from earlier revisions (so you do not need to flash every BIOS revision between your current revision and the latest revision). However, if your system is working without problems or conflicts, then it isn’t recommended that you flash your BIOS. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Trying to fix a working system might result in a non-working one.

How to determine your Bios revision



Boot the system. During the memory count, look for a line like #401A0=XXXX. It should be the third line from the top of the screen. The XXXX (the last four numbers in the sequence after the dash) are your BIOS revision. For example: #401A0-0202 would mean that you have BIOS revision 0202.



Instructions



To flash the Bios, you will need a utility like aflash.zip (in zipped format). Download this as well as the Bios update for your system, you should be able to find this from your motherboard manufacture or some other source such as a FTP:// or BBS.

Upon first use of a computer system:

Create a bootable system disk by typing format A:/s from the DOS prompt without creating "autoexec.bat and Config.sys" files.
Copy Aflash.exe to your new diskette.
Run Aflash.exe from your new diskette and select option "Save current bios to file. And enter a filename to save : (Current file)
Updating Bios procedures (only when necessary):

Important: Flash memory type maybe unknown, if unknown is displayed after "flash Memory:" then this ROM chip is not programmable or not supported with the pnp bios and therefore cannot be programmed by the flash memory writer.

Download an updated Bios file from the internet (WWW),FTP, or a BBS and save to the diskette you
Created above.

Boot from the floppy diskette you created above.
At the A:\ prompt, type: aflash and then press the enter key
Enter "update bios including boot block and escd from the main menu.
The program displays a second screen prompting you for the name of the bios file. Type in the complete file name and extension of the new bios, and thin press the enter key. The utility then uploads the bios file from disk.
Warning: if you encounter problems while downloading the new bios, do not turn off your system since thismight prevent your system from booting up. Just repeat the process and if the problem still persists, upload the original bios file you saved to disk above. If the flash memory writer utility was not able to successfully download a complete bios file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will need service from your vendor.

After successfully downloading the new bios file exit the flash meomory writer utility and then turn
Off your system.

Turn on you computer and hold down the key specified to enter your bios setup. You must select
Setup default to affect the new bios then you may set other items from the main menu.

[jkac123]

Here is what the destructions say for updateing my bios for my hp 4533.

1.open my computer
2.locate 3 1/2 drive.
3.Using right mouse button click once.
4. Using left mouse button click format.
5. Select {copy system files only}and press start.
6. Run this patch program to unzip the update onto this floppy.

OK, I tried to do as they asked but I get hung up on #5. it does not show any option for this. I'm lost?

I thought if I select format it would clean off my update?

[jkac123]

It will not allow me to {format A:/ S} it says windows no longer supports this command , go to control panel! Well the
3 1/2 format here on WIN ME does not offer copy system files only? now what?

[jad1097]

Go to www.bootdisk.com (http://www.bootdisk.com) and get DRDOS. I use it to flash my BIOS.

[ragtop]

In my previous post, I was assuming WIN95 or WIN98. MS did some things I just don't understand when they went to ME. There's been lots of posts here asking how to make boot disks, etc from WIN ME. Seems like the best answer is to use WIN98 disks (downloaded from bootdisk.com, or a similar site)