Unable to Create a Windows 98 Startup Disk

You may be unable to create a Windows 98 Startup disk.

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:

• 10 or more bad sectors are detected on the floppy disk.
• The first sector of the floppy disk is damaged.
• You are not using a high-density floppy disk.
• You are having problems with the floppy disk drive.
• An anti-virus program is running.
• A tape backup device is connected to the floppy controller.
• Your computer's CMOS settings are incorrect.

To resolve this behavior, follow the steps in the appropriate section below:

10 or More Bad Sectors or the First Sector Is Damaged

If 10 or more bad sectors exist on the floppy disk or the first sector is damaged, use either of the following methods:

Method 1:

Try a different floppy disk.

Method 2:

Run ScanDisk for MS-DOS to try to repair the damaged sectors. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then choose Command Prompt Only.
2. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER
   
   scandisk <drive>:
   
   where <drive> is the letter of your floppy disk drive.
3. When you are prompted to perform a surface scan, click Yes or press ENTER.
4. Quit ScanDisk once it is completed, and then restart your computer normally.

You Are Not Using a High-Density Floppy Disk

Only a high-density floppy disk can be used to create a Windows 98 Startup disk.

Problems with the Floppy Disk Drive

For information about troubleshooting floppy disk drive problems, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Anti-Virus Program Is Running

If an anti-virus program is installed on your computer, disable or uninstall the program. For information about how to do so, refer to the documentation included with the program.

Tape Backup Device Connected to Floppy Controller

Some older tape backup devices that attach to floppy controllers may prevent you from gaining access to the floppy disk drive. To work around this behavior, disconnect the tape backup device from the floppy controller before you attempt to create a Windows 98 Startup disk, or disable the tape backup device's driver. For information about how to do either, refer to the documentation included with your tape backup device.

Your Computer's CMOS Settings Are Incorrect

Verify that the floppy disk drive settings are correct in your computer's CMOS. To determine the correct settings for the floppy disk drive, refer to the documentation included with your computer or floppy disk drive, or contact the manufacturer.