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Hi all,Im having problems installing win 98 on a new hard disk.
The problem has started since I reset the bios setting of my pc back to factory settings (K8N Neo2)
When I try to install win 98 I get the following message after formatting has completed:
Error: unable to control A20 line- XMS driver not installed

I've read that there is a problem with the config.sys and that the following line should be added. device=c:\windows\himem.sys /m:1

Do I add this line to the win 98 boot disk Im using?
If so where?or do I copy the config.sys file to the C: drive with the additional line already added?

I can't edit from the command line on C:
Im guessing this is because the only files that are on C: are the config.sys, autoexec.bat, command.com and himem.sys files (which I copied over from the win 98 boot disk).Got to admit I don't really know what Im doing in dos, been along time since I've done anything in it.

Any help regarding this catch 22 situation will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Rob

Hello D-Cure,

welcome to PCHF.

in DOS, use the edit command to add your line to config.sys. for example:

edit c:\config.sys or edit a:\config.sys depending on which one you are booting from. You will need to use your keyboard whilst in the editor. It's very much like notepad, use the [ALT] + F key to access the menu items at the top.

Sorry, the post came up without paragraphs.. It's a bit easier to read now. I've mentioned I can't edit in dos:

"I can't edit from the command line on C:
Im guessing this is because the only files that are on C: are the config.sys, autoexec.bat, command.com and himem.sys files (which I copied over from the win 98 boot disk).Got to admit I don't really know what Im doing in dos, been along time since I've done anything in it."

If there is already Windows 9x already installed, you can use the following command:

path=c:\windows\command

Then you will be able to edit. Otherwise, put the floppy disk into a working PC, and use notepad?

I can't install any version of windows onto the computer because of this issue hence the catch 22 situation.

So, if I edit a config.sys in notepad on this pc and then transfer it to the problem pc it should work? (providing I add the needed line -- device=c:\windows\himem.sys /m:1)

Is this correct?

p.s thanks for the help

As long as c:\windows\himem.sys exists on the problem PC, otherwise himem.sys should be on the floppy a:, which will make it a:\himem.sys /m:1. If you copied config.sys and autoexec.bat files from the c: drive, then they will be pointing to files on the c: instead of a:, so you will need change each entry on both!

Ok,

I think I understand.

Well seeing as Windows can't be installed it can't have
c:\windows\himem.sys

So I will add the line to the config.sys on the win 98 boot disk and hope this does the trick.

Will let you know how it goes!