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I would like to reformat an old GoBook laptop with Windows 98SE. GULP. I didn't get any restore disks with the computer. Here are my questions. Should I make a copy of the drivers before reformatting, and how do I copy them? My brother tried reformatting his computer, and couldn't get online after the format to get the drivers. Also, my brother's video card would only allow 16 bit after reformatting. I think the GoBook has 2 hard drives. Will this be a problem? And should I make a boot disk before I reformat? All advice and suggestions are appreciated. I know just enough about computers to know I don't know much.

First (in general) you can't take drivers from one install to another, they must be implemented for each new Windows setup.

Second I assume you have an internet connection. So go here:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Install and run and print off the results. This will show what you have installed.

Using the above results, next download the drivers you don't have - Modem?, Network Card, VGA Card, Sound Card, etc and save them on removable media, floppy, CD, memory stick...

In particular write down (and find out) all of the details with regard to your internet and email connections, usernames, passwords, dialup/adsl, POP3, SMTP addresses. This is the very important bit. You must be confident you can get back online because with this information you can get back to the internet & download further drivers etc.

Then away you go, boot from your 98SE CD and follow on screen instructions. It maybe you only need a repair!

If I missed something critical I'm sure one of the other guys will advise.

I'm downloading the Belarc Advisor to the GoBook right now. Actually, I'm using a 4 year old Dell to type this message. Thank you for your help. I'll let you know what happens.

If its a Dell then you should have a Service Tag. Your Service Tag is a unique five- to seven- digit alphanumeric (letter and number) code, which is found on a white bar-coded label affixed to your computer. Also Belarc should find it internally if you've lost the label.
The Service Tag means you can go to the Dell support site & download all the drivers that were on the PC when it was first sold by Dell