Fdisk, format, and reload of portable computers for Windows 95 or Windows 98 using a Portable System Restoration CD

Fdisk, format, and reload of portable computers for Windows 95 or Windows 98 using a Portable System Restoration CD

Important Notes:

  • Using this procedure does not install any drivers or software for Gateway hardware purchased after receiving the original computer or any third-party hardware. This may include, but is not limited to, printers, scanners, cameras, and other devices purchased with the original computer. Instructions for installing these devices are usually included in the accessory box or original manuals.
  • If Gateway GoBack is loaded on the computer, it is recommended that Gateway GoBack be removed by using the Add/Remove Programs icon in Control Panel before using the reload procedure. This ensures that the reload procedure functions properly. If Gateway GoBack does not remove properly, use GWScan to low-level format the hard disk to remove Gateway GoBack. The Fdisk program and format procedure may not fully remove Gateway GoBack.

    How to disable Gateway Goback

    1. On your screen, locate and double-click the Gateway Goback icon.

    2. In the Gateway GoBack dialog box, click Options.

    3. In the GoBack Options dialog box, click Disable GoBack.

    4. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK to disable GoBack and restart your computer. The computer restarts.

    5. In the GoBack Disable dialog box, click Yes to proceed.

    6. In the next GoBack Disable dialog box, click OK. The computer restarts.

    7. In the GoBack Enable dialog box, click No.

  • If you suspect a virus or if serious file corruption may be causing the issue, write zeros to the IDE hard disk using the GWScan utility. Before beginning, confirm that your computer's Setup screen is set to allow you to start from your Restoration CD.

    To confirm that your computer is set up correctly so that the computer starts to the CD-ROM drive, follow these steps:

    1. On your screen, locate and click the Start button. From the Start menu, click Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Restart or Restart the computer, and then click OK.

    2. To enter the BIOS Setup Utility, press the F2 key while the computer is starting up.

    3. In the BIOS Setup Utility screen, use the RIGHT ARROW key to select the Boot menu. Verify that the CD-ROM drive is the first item in the menu listing. If it is not, continue with step 4.

    4. Using the DOWN ARROW key, select ATAPI CD-ROM, and then press the PLUS (+) key to move the CD-ROM drive to the top of the list.

    5. Press the ESC key after this setting has been changed.

    6. Using the DOWN ARROW key, select the option Exit Saving Changes, and then press the ENTER key.

    7. In the SAVE CONFIGURATION CHANGES dialog box, select Yes to save the changes and exit the utility.

Caution: Performing the following steps or using the GWScan utility deletes all of the information, files, and programs from your hard disk. Make appropriate backups of personal information and files before carrying out this procedure. Also, ensure that you have all of the backup media received with your computer, including System or Restoration CDs, Operating System CD, program CDs, and disks where appropriate.

Note: GWScan allows the Fdisk program to run and the hard disk to be formatted as if the hard disk were new. Skip to step 12 if you are not using the GWScan utility.

How to reload the portable computer

Use the following steps to write zeros to the hard disk using the GWScan utility:

  1. Verify the portable is not docked and all PCMCIA cards have been removed. Disconnect all USB devices, such as printer, scanner, and camera. This does not include the USB mouse or keyboard.

  2. On your screen, locate and click the Start button. From the Start menu, click Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Restart or Restart the computer, and then click OK.

  3. As the computer shuts down and restarts, insert the Portable System Restoration CD into the CD/DVD drive.

  4. In the Gateway Portable Restoration CD Boot Menu, select option 2, Boot from CD-ROM.

  5. In the Main Menu, use the DOWN ARROW key to select Exit program, and then press ENTER.

  6. At the command prompt, type: GWScan.exe. Press ENTER.

    Note: If the GWScan program does not start up, type the following command at the command prompt: D:\BRCD\Bin\GWScan.exe (where D is the drive letter of your CD/DVD drive). Press ENTER.

  7. In the main menu screen for the GWScan utility, use the DOWN ARROW key to select Write Zeros To Drive, and then press ENTER.

  8. In the Write Zeros to Drive screen, press the R key to run the test.

  9. When the flashing question Are you sure you want to run this test? appears and prompts for verification, type: YES. Press ENTER.

    Note: If a password is required for this step, type: GW2K. Press ENTER.

  10. The process begins, and the progress indicator reports the percentage of completion. When the process is complete, press any key to continue, and then press the S key to skip the Scan.

  11. Use the DOWN ARROW key to select Quit, and then press ENTER.

  12. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to restart the computer.

  13. When the computer restarts, on the Gateway System Restoration CD Boot Menu screen, select option 2, Boot from CD-ROM.

  14. On the Welcome screen, press the F1 key to continue.

  15. On the Partitioning options screen, select the partition option desired (either FAT 16 or FAT 32), and then press ENTER.

    Note: Windows NT does not recognize any drives partitioned with FAT 32.

  16. The Computer automatically runs through the Fdisk program. Do not press any keys or change any options during this process.

  17. When the computer restarts, on the Gateway System Restoration CD Boot Menu screen, select option 2, Boot from CD-ROM.

  18. The computer automatically formats the hard disk. This step takes a few minutes. Do not press any keys or change any options during this process.

  19. The computer automatically goes into a hardware detection screen at this point. This screen detects the hardware originally shipped with your Gateway portable computer. It then returns to the Main Menu.

  20. On the Main Menu screen, select either Install Windows 95 or Install Windows 98 (which ever originally shipped with your computer), and then press ENTER.

  21. On the Installation Options screen, select Install Windows, and then press ENTER. The necessary files are copied to the hard disk.

  22. A screen appears with a prompt to PLEASE REMOVE THE CD FROM THE CD-ROM DRIVE. Remove the portable restoration CD, and then press F1 to continue.

    Note: Read the entire screens and perform the duties exactly as requested.

  23. The computer restarts and prompts you to place either the Operating System CD or the Operating System Backup CD, depending on the revision of your Portable Restoration CD, into the CD/DVD drive. Insert the CD into the drive, and then press F1.

    A Preparing for OS Installation screen appears and may stay on the screen for several minutes. From this point, the operation is automatic. The computer is automatically loaded with the operating system, drivers, and several other programs that originally shipped with your portable computer from the factory. Do not be alarmed that the computer restarts a number of times. This is normal and is part of the automatic process. Do not touch any keys at this point. Doing so may corrupt the operating system or the drivers that are being loaded. This is not a complete load. You need to load the majority of the larger programs.

  24. The installation process may prompt for a Product ID number, depending on the version of the Portable System Restoration CD you are using. This number is located either with the manual or it is on the bottom of your computer.

  25. When the computer restarts, the installation Wizard continues to update some of the startup configuration files. You may be prompted to provide a password, which is optional. There may be one final detection or driver installation phase, depending on the computer configuration, before the computer settings are finalized. When the desktop and the Welcome to Windows screen appear, you are ready to use Windows 98. You may now load the rest of your programs.