Help getting to Dos prompt from windows 98

[BlazeofLife]

Probably a simple problem, but I can't seem to wrap my mind around it. (Not entirely awake here )

My computers been having problems, loads of fragmented files, etc., anyways I've decided to make a fresh start and formate the drive, but my computer can't exit to the dos prompt. when I select shut down and restart in dos mode, it exits all running programs, but the desktop stays up, minus all applications and task bar, and stays that way, it doesn't exit any farther. I can get to the dos prompt from control panel, but that doesn't help me format because it says that the drive is currently in use. (I.E. by windows itself, presumably I can't kill windows from within windows, makes sense )

Any ideas? shortcut keys to the dos prompt? a key sequence to hit while computer is loading to hit dos instead of windows? anything?

Thanks in advance

 

[kopite]

THeres a couple of ways.

When loading up just as the bios post screen appears(where the memory is checked) Press f8 keep pressing it until a menu appears. There should be an option that says command prompt only.

You could also go to www.bootdisk.com and download a bootdisk to log into dos.

 

[arkavatar]

A boot disk would be the way to go, window will make one for you. If you go into the control panel, system one of the tabs will have a button in it to create boot disk. Then just boot from the disk.

 

[BlazeofLife]

Thanks all, the F8 method worked out just fine, now dealing with a sparkling clean system once more
I know there's ways of fixing, but I find formatting just as effective, and definately more cathartic when I'm frustrated with it

Blaze

 

[redfunguy]

i would just go ahead and upgrade to XP
if you call Microsoft now they do not support Windows 98 anymore