**HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender

LAST EDITED ON Jun-05-02 AT 01:30 AM (EDT)

Help
I am trying to do a clean install of Windows 98 2Ed
and I keep getting error: Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender after typing in Setup at D: ( location of Windows install CD) . I get the setup window for Windows 98 and after I click the button to begin the install I get the above error message.
I have performed Fdisk and set up primary dos partition, then format c: .
I had followed the directions on this website for fdisk, format , and setting up a startup disk.
I have ran fdisk and format 5 times and still the same issues.
If anyone can offer any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
The Computer is 450mhz with a AMD processor.
Thanks,
Ron

1. RE: **HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender
Twinhead Jun-05-02 02:00 AM
In response to message 0

LAST EDITED ON Jun-05-02 AT 02:07 AM (EDT)

You could have a faulty CD-Rom extender, such as MSCDEX.exe!
Or your problem is Memory related, with Himem.sys who is handling your A20 line.
A20 is a command-channel from the CPU to the memory who can go bad.
If this is the case, either your memory or your mainboard is defective.
In the worst case it can even be your CPU.
Try this to bypass the first:
If you can access the CD-Rom drive when yhou will begin install, do the next instead of installing:
On C:\ make a directory "win98ins" (Without quotes).
Go to your CD, and copy ALL the files who are located in the subfolder D:\win98 to c:\win98ins.
change back to C:\win98ins.
Type Setup there, and you can begin Setup from your Hard drive.
By this, you will not need the CD-Rom disk anymore in the future.
Windows will pick the drivers straight from your Hard drive.
(Do NOT detroy your CD-Rom disk!)
Victor.

2. RE: **HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender
lbyard Jun-05-02 10:44 AM
In response to message 1

For other readers... full, step-by-step instructions with pictures for installing the full and upgrade versions of Windows 98/98SE on a bare hard disk drive are at http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/software/windows/upgrade/intro.htm. The "standard" install directory is C:/windows/options/cabs. Installing it in the standard location may make it somewhat easier to find by other people or future owners of the PC. Or choose one to your liking as Victor has. Larry

3. RE: **HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender
rdebacco Jun-05-02 12:54 PM
In response to message 2

I did follow the step by step instructions and received the error msg about Bad fault in MS-Dos extender.
Does anyone have any information on what could cause that error? And How to resolve it?
Thanks
Ron

4. RE: **HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender
lbyard Jun-05-02 01:07 PM
In response to message 3

Scan for a virus (Form, Forms, Noint, or Yankee Doodle). Larry

5. RE: **HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender
rdebacco Jun-05-02 04:51 PM
In response to message 4

Scanned for viruses None
??
Ron

6. RE: **HELP*** Clean Install of Windows 98 giving Bad fault in MS-Dos Extender
lbyard Jun-05-02 05:22 PM
In response to message 5

You have a good Startup floppy? http://duxcw.com/digest/Fromshop/software/windows/startup/startup.htm.
Execute fdisk for a Startup floppy. Use fdisk to remove all partitions from the hard disk drive and reboot to the floppy. Use fdisk again as follows:
A:\fdisk c: /mbr
You will not see any feedback for that command, but will put a new Master Boot Record on the hard disk drive.
Reboot, create new partitions, format… Larry