How do you install...?

[SLK001]

I have an old notebook that has a defective hard drive that needs to be replaced. I've got the new drive and I will need to reinstall 98SE, but this thing only has a floppy for input. It has a EPP capable parallel port, and also two PCMCIA slots.

My problem: How do I get the OS installed (and using floppies is NOT an option!)?

I can install a network card and use the CD-ROM on another computer, but can 98 be installed like this? Also, I can buy a parallel CD-ROM just for the installation of the software.

Has anyone done any of this before?

[heretic422]

SLK,

If you have another pc (ie a desktop), you can purchase, (for about $5) and IDE adapter for the notebook drive which converts it to the regular 40-pin set up. Just temporarily install it, the notebook hard drive with adapter connected, in the PC, format it bootable and copy your cab files, drivers, etc. over.

When you plug it back into the laptop, it'll boot it the c:\ prompt then just run setup from your cabs location.

That's generalized but once you get the adapter, the rest is just like installing a hard drive in a pc.

Good luck.

[heretic422]

Here are three links, two in UK, one in US as examples:

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/default.asp?c=9

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?BEL-F2N511

http://www.mycableshop.com/sku/ST-BRACKET25.htm

[SLK001]

Thanks... I didn't know the adapters were that cheap.

[heretic422]

I ordered one for $4.95, received a $6.00 off coupon and shipping was $5.95. They wouldn't rebate me the difference so I ended up paying $5.95 for a free item.

I use this adapter in my firewire or USB2.0 cage to put files on the 2.5" drive and it works like a champ. Ghost also includes USB drivers in DOS mode if you want to make an image of the laptop after your rebuild it, that way you've got insurance against mistakes.

Good luck!

[SLK001]

I covered all my bases. I ordered that adapter for $4.95, I got a PCMCIA 10/100 NIC for $18.00, and I ordered a parallel port CD/RW for $55.00. These belong to my sister and her daughter, so I thought that having a CD burner (to share between them) would be a good idea. Anyway, my brother-in-law said that he would pay for all of this stuff.

I think that the easiest way to do this is with the external CD-ROM. That way, I don't have to tell open one of my systems to set up the disk.