Bob, thanks for the response.  As you said, EZCD certainly does have the
facility to create boot disks, something I was unaware of.

EZCD asked where the 'boot image' file was, or instructed that a floppy
containing boot files to be inserted in A drive, which I did.

Unfortunately, the method didn't work, possibly the CD is a weak link.  The
system-less, floppy-less laptop showed a flicker of interest when I inserted
the newly created boot disk, displaying a message which went something like:
'CD inserted, press any key-No OS installed', but still wouldn't progress.

But the experience was definitely worthwhile, and I'm curious as to how the
process actually works.  I note that 2 files were copied to the CD,
Bootimg.bin and Bootcat.bin.

Anyone able to comment further?

TIA

Ian Porter
Computer Guys Inc.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
[log in to unmask]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Wright" >
> Most CD writer software has the option to create a bootable CD,
> such as EZ CD Creater or Nero.  If your CD writing software does
> not have this option, then create an Image file of a bootable floppy
> disk with your CD Writer software and then write it to a CD.   Once
> you have the operating system loaded with the CD, you can copy
> your CAB file directory from your Windows98 CD to the laptop's
> hard drive and install from the hard drive after booting from the
> bootable CD.
>
>      Bob Wright
> The NoSpin Group, Inc.
> http://freepctech.com

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