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Installing Windows 95 (boot) on Compact Flash

pnt73pnt73
in Software
Hi everyone. I have followed several guides on how to prep a CF for booting Windows setup. Sadly, I think they are all for newer Windows versions though. I tried changing 'format fs=ntfs' to 'format fs=fat32' in one of the steps, and 'bootsect.exe /nt60' to 'bootsect.exe /nt52' ,neither helped.
I get a NTLDR is missing error now, so I think i'm getting closer.
Now the back story, I have a Zenith Z-Note 320L which U use every 5 years or so. This time, it worked for a few minutes and the hdd came to an abrupt halt. The fdd isn't reading either, (I tried cleaning it up, no help).
There is no cd-rom. It had Win95 on it and a Manufactures app on it, nothing else. I installed a pata to CF adapter with a 512MB card in the Primary slot. It has been many a year since i've dealt with Win95, so i'm a bit rusty on the subject. The laptop does see the compact flash at 512mb. It is formated as FAT32 and I am using OSR2x version...or plan to.
Does Windows 95 even use NTDLR?
Should I not use bootsect.exe /NT52?
Anyone have an idea? I am using Win95 boot disk, if it makes any difference.
Penn

Comments

  • 02k-guy02k-guy
    If: the FD and HDD are dead, what method are you using to put files on the CF Card?

    Not familiar with the process at all but Google says there's a sh!t ton of links discussing W95 on CF.
  • SomeGuySomeGuy
    It sounds like you have the wrong boot sector on there. Without a floppy drive, or some other boot media, getting the thing sorted out will be a pain.

    If you can boot a floppy, what I would normally do is use a copy of Norton Utilities for DOS to edit the MBR sector on the CF card to make sure the sector is zeroed out.

    Then use a 95 boot floppy to FDISK and format the drive. Then place the Win95 setup files in c:\setup, or some such folder, and run setup from there.

    Do you have another computer you could attach the CF card to? That might make things simpler, but the catch is if the machines interpret the simulated cylinder-heads-sector geometry differently, it will fail when put back in to this machine.
  • pnt73pnt73
    I have a dedicated cf reader, 'Dazzle' I think.
    I am not using a printer port. I ran through the process via cmd. Slowly I get closer, just couldn't recall win95 using NTDLR or not. I didn't see anything definitive on google about win95 and cf. Other versions of windows, however not win95.
  • 02k-guy02k-guy
    @SomeGuy knows his beans. I'm not a great fan of Youtube for "how to do its", but these two deal directly with the goal you have in mind.




    https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=95040
  • pnt73pnt73
    Yes, I have a few computers I can use to setup the cf. Geometry could be the issue. Might have to take another crack at fixing the fdd.
  • pnt73pnt73
    I gave...or better yet, attempted to give virtual box a try, however I found too many bugs/ problems in the later releases, so 69'd that idea.
    I found a new 3,5" floppy drive. It is a Teac FD-05HF... different dash nummer, however it fits. Now I get a "Invalid Address Mark" error when booting with win95 boot disk. I ran the disk read test from 'mfm'? (Bios), and get a 'NTLDR' error.
    That's it for today, will check back tomorrow when I get more time.
  • pnt73pnt73
    Tried removing CF adapter to check if it was causing issues with fdd error's. Nope, won't even try to boot from floppy or elsewhere, just a blank screen. Can't even access mfm-300, which I believe is Zenith's version of Bios before it was called Bios. Reformatted cf card to straight FAT, set up as boot drive, still no luck. Will try Rufus tomorrow.
  • pnt73pnt73
    Good news, I finally got it! ...by accident, so happens I couldn't get my usb floppy to work correctly 100% of the time, so by chance I remembered hearing someone mention plugging devices into the rear ports of the computer (desktop). So, I gave it a try, presto, working 100% of the time. A light bulb turned on and I decided to try the CF reader again (using rear port as well). Sucess, CF formatted as before but this time it works in laptop...ie, laptop boots and windows 95 installed. For anyone that is having wierd problems involving usb ports/devices, use the USB connectors directly connected to the MB (rear). Just in case someone out there didn't know.
  • 02k-guy02k-guy
    Good to hear you got it sorted out. And yes, there are so many doggone things that can be the culprit. Remember: every new challenge met increases your skills and knowledge - and then you get old and die.
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