Hello my question is do i have to have the original w/98 disk that the computer came with in order to reformat my computer ? the reason i want to reformat is it freezes up all the time & it's real slow i got the computer from a friend of mine & it has alot of stuff it dont need, i have error messages saying the modem is not configured properly when i try to go onto the internet . ( i don't have the w/98 disk it came with, can i buy a new one & install it?) i don't know very much about computer's as you can tell.
anything anybody can offer will help me very very much.

Yep. Once you format the disk, there's nothing on it. So you need a 98 CD to reinstall.

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Yes, you need the install disk. But there may be a backup on your harddrive, look in C: and see if there's a folder called i386. See how big it is (right-click -> properties) - if it's over 300 MB then it may be it. If it's there, go into it & see if there is a setup.exe program there.

If this folder is there, you would be best advised to try & back it up, best to CD if you have a burner. Otherwise post up and we'll see if there's alternatives.

You cannot buy windows 98 in the shops anymore, it's long surpassed by 2000 & XP. But you can find legit copies in certain second-hand software shops on the internet (it should be real cheap), or maybe a friend has a copy lying around

GF

See if there is a copy of windows 98 install disk in your hard disk.
Generally people like to copy the entire install disk to their hard disk .After all ,a slight change will cause "Please insert your windows 98 second editon install disk." It is so boring !