Hard Disk problem

[David Cane]

I have a problem that I'm sure is not new.
I have to format my hard disk so that I can re-install Win98, but somehow I need to keep one directory that is on the hard disk. This directory contains all my work and about 300 MP3s. I do not have access to a CD-Writer or any other method of backup, so my question is;

Can I delete all files on a hard-disk exept for a single directry and its contents?

Thanks for any help
David Cane

[kwai]

you can organize your hd so that all your save info is on a few directories and then delete the rest, but you can't format the drive.

use the deltree [dir name] command (very carefully since it will delete the directory, its contents AND all subdirectories and their contents).

if you have a single directory, move it so that it is right off the root directory (if the dir is "backup', its absolute path would become c:\backup). then use deltree to take off all the other directories (windows, temp, progra~1, etc). then use the del command to delete the rest of the files in the root directory. double check all your syntax when you type these commands. if you want more info on each command type "deltree /?", or "del /?".

[This message has been edited by kwai (edited 04-10-99).]

[augidog]

try this in the future:
FDISK a partition about 1.5-2X as large as you think you need for your OS and software, allowing for a swap about 2-2.5X your total RAM.
obviously, from now on you will save everything to the extended partition, including everything you need to do a re-install (if you have room for a win9X dir., better still.)
once you're set up correctly, you no longer have to be afraid of the "F-word".
i'm not sure, but i think i've seen software that lets you partition 'on-the-fly'. anybody know anything about this?

augidog

david-any chance you could borrow a Hdd that has enough room on it to temporarily hold your data?

[This message has been edited by augidog (edited 04-10-99).]

[David Cane]

The F-disk Idea is good but I cannot do that without wiping the entire drive, and right now that defeats the whole idea.
When I get my hands on a CD-Writer I will do that. But that could be quite a while

[augidog]

see my edited previous post

[David Cane]

Ah, didn't see that bottom bit. I suppose I could use the hard disk of the machine I'm using now, but that's only a maybe. I'll try.

Thanks for the advice.

[CMonster]

run scandisk then defrag your drive, next install partition magic or use a partition magic boot disk to create a small partition, just large enough to store your files.

reboot and move your desired files to that partition, now you can format the primary partition and reinstall W98 without loosing your data. later you can move the files back to the primary partition and use partition magic to delete the smaller partition and then resize the primary so it takes up all the drive.

remember to run scandisk and defrag BEFORE making changes with partition magic - nowhere does it tell you this, but experience has tought me it is for the best. - otherwise you may get a "FATs don't match" error.

[hhieu]

Why do you have to format the drive if you just wanna RE-INSTALL Win 98? You are currently using Win98, right? Just pop in the Win98 CD and hit set up...I will not do a thing to your data.

[ENVY]

Yaa what Cmonster said should work like a charm.HHIEU,installing over a current os is known as a dirty install,this will on occasion cause problems and may not fix the problem the user is experiencing in the first place.It can replace and refresh problematic os files but it also can cause even more probs than the ones that existed before the reinstall.

[crivera]

What I do each time I need to re-install Windows(often)is boot with a floppy, rename windows directory to windows2 and install to windows. This is like a clean install without having to format the drive. You will keep all your data intact and you will have a new windows install.

[Bud]

Here is just what you are looking for.
http://www.billsworkshop.com/techtips/index.html
Hope this works for you.
Bud

[HOTRODk62]

I have just been through all of this, and I can tell you now that especially with windows 98, you better be doing a fresh install, and getting rid of EVERYTHING, on the harddrive excepting folders you want to keep of course, but windows, program files, etc MUST be deltreed, or windows install will search out your old registry backups from every nook and cranny and .cab file there is, and you'll still have your old problems as the previous user stated.

[ScorpioLP]

I would just go out and get a small, cheap hard drive and set it up as your slave drive and use that as your "data" drive. I did that a few years ago and then whenever I upgrade or format my main drive, all my data is fine and I don't have to worry about backing up or anything.

[Scott Evans]

Two words- Partition Magic.

This is a good illustration why it is advantageous to keep ONLY OS specific files on C:, and use additional partitions for all data and programs. It works- when you have stability problems, or overclock and fry the registry or FAT tables, your data stays intact.

[This message has been edited by Scott Evans (edited 04-16-99).]

[ipetroianu]

Here's my solution:
Go and get a HD large enough to take your important files, or take your HD to a store for backup.
In the future get the Disk Manager from your HD's manufacturer and use it, before formating to make a partition on your HD. At the end reinstall your software and copy your files back on the HD from whatever you use to store them.
If you ever will need again to format your HD you will be able to do it without harming your partition created with the Disk Manager.
That part will be seen as a separate HD.
Keep in mind that you can damage your partition only if you decide to change your FAT. This is a very safe way to keep your system away of the troubles.
Good luck,
Ion

[reboot]

Get an account with Geocities, tripod, or Angelfire, (or all of them!) and upload all your files. Format, reinstall, download.
Works great with ADSL or cable, although I wouldn't want to try it with 56k or slower.
I think Geo now has unlimited storage, or was it Tripod?
Cheers, Jim