Thanks to all who responded to my questions.

There are still points that aren't clear to me:

My HD is 4.3GB. Now it is divided into 3 partitions -- 1.99, 1.99, and .312.
Up until now, I've only been using C:, essentially filling it up, while D:
and E: remain not utilized. I think (and here I'm asking for opinions and
advice) that I would like to resize the partitions, so that on one I could
have OS (Win95) & applications (Office 2000), one for data, and the third
for backup. How large should each one be?

When I tested my Windows95 boot disk, I saw that it doesn't recognize my
CD-ROM. I get an error message:
mscdex.exe /e:001
Expanded memory not present or not usable
Illegal Option
Usage: MSCDEX [/E/K/S/V] [/D:<driver>...] [/L:<letter>] [/M:<buffers>]

How do I correct that?

> Date:    Wed, 29 Dec 1999 15:21:49 +0200
> From:    Sami Garzon <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: ReFormatting my HD and Fdisk
>
> Hi David.
>
> This feeling that by starting up from scratch will solve the problem is
> shared by lots of computer users. And it works. At least for me, a
> disciplined installation and use of the computer can make things work
> smoothly and more reliable.
>
> The process to do this is very simple. First I'll answer some of your
> questions. Partitioning comes before formatting, by definition. That's why
> you can have partitions with different types of formats.
>
> Now, the Step-by-Step steps.
>
> First of all. You need to BackUp. BackUp everything you don't want to
> loose. After you have everything BackUpped, it's time to worry for
> drivers. Be sure you have the drivers for your CD-ROM, Modem, Soundcard,
> Printer and other special hardware you may have. In most cases (I don't
> want to say ALL cases), you don't need a driver for the Mother Board,
> BIOS, Hard Disk and Floppy. Be sure, too, to have at hand the Operating
> System's disks.
>
> Now you have two ways: 1) You can make a boot disk that ensures you the
> system will boot recognizing the CD-ROM; 2) You can let the BIOS boot from
> the Win95 CD-ROM.  The last time I've started my system from scratch, I
> used number '2)', but you'll need to have a BIOS that support CD-ROM
> booting. To
> know if your BIOS support it, reboot your system, enter system-setup
> (pressing DEL, F2, or something like this at startup) then inside Advanced
> Settings
> try to change the IDE boot to CD-ROM boot. Most BIOSes support it, though.
>
> Even if you choose to go on way number '2)', you'll need a boot disk.
> Copy to a new floppy the following files: command.com, format.com,
> fdisk.exe, more.com,
> xcopy.exe (and xcopy32.exe), autoexec.bat and config.sys. Maybe you'll
> want to edit this last two files, but that's up to how do you want your
> computer to boot.
>
> You're on the way to delete the partitions.
>
> But then, maybe you don't want to delete partitions. Think: "Am I happy
with
> the way my drives are set?". You only need to repartition if you want more
> drives, or you want less drives... maybe you want to add a new Operating
> System...
>
> Let's say you decided to leave the partitions as they are (This will make
my
> post shorter :). Reboot the system using the boot disk. Run format,
writing
> format C: (where C is the drive you want to delete all information
inside).
> The first time you format a Hard Drive, you'll feel some fear of not
having
> backupped everything, but then you get accustomed to don't backup
everything
> <g>. When Format finishes, your system is empty.
>
> >From now, I'll quote a past post regarding Win installation from CD:
>
> "..
>
> Maybe you'll want to know a little bit more about the CD-ROM boot.
>
> In the systems I've watched it working, A BOOT from CD-ROM will hang the
> system if no CD is inserted. Well, it'll not really hang the system, but
> will search and wait for a CD forever. That's why it's better not to put
> the CD-ROM boot before de IDE boot.  .  . It's not like the FLOPPY boot,
> which will check if there's a floppy disk and then go on for next option
if
> none encountered.
>
> Because this reason, the CD_ROM option is not even 'setted' in de BIOS,
> commonly. The way to setting it is like this: You turn on the
> computer, press de DEL key (or any other one your system tell you to
> press), then chose the second option in the BIOS menu. ((If you have
> graphical BIOS, you'll need to find this by yourself, I don't remember
> where the things are)).
>
> Go to where your IDE is set as boot (usually after the FLOPPY) and change
> it to CD-ROM. Put theWIN98 CD in the tray (and close it :)  ). Save and
> Exit.
>
> The CD will boot, then prompt you for booting from the CD or from de HD.
> Chose the CD Option, and follow the Setup Steps.
>
> Now. When the Win98 install restarts the computer again, enter Setup and
> change the boot option back to IDE. Save and Exit. Follow the next
> instructions step by step.
>
> That's all. If you want instructions on the step-by-step installation of
> Win98, just mail me.
>
> ."
>
> Hope it's understandable... any question please write me
> ([log in to unmask])...
>
> Luck;
>     Sami Garzon :)

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