A Windows boot disk, also called a startup disk, is simply a floppy disk that allows the user to boot, or startup the computer without having to access the hard drive. A typical Windows boot disk contains all the necessary files that the operating system needs to get started. The boot disk is a handy tool, which no Windows user should be without. The boot disk created under Windows 98 includes a generic CD-ROM driver. In fact, it includes both a generic IDE/ATAPI driver and a generic SCSI driver.

The Windows 98 startup disk can be used to boot the system to the command prompt (not the Windows desktop) in order to troubleshoot the failure. Additionally, if a hard drive fails or the master boot record is attacked by a virus, the startup disk can help with recovery. If important operating system files are accidentally deleted or become corrupt, a boot floppy can help as well. Note that a boot disk created under Windows 98 can be used to boot a Windows 95 machine without any problems or conflicts. However, the Windows 98 startup disk provides CD-ROM support that is not available with the Windows 95 startup disk.

Step-by-Step Process Creating a Windows 98 Startup Disk
A Windows 98 startup disk can be created in two ways. The first way is to insert the floppy disk in the computer when prompted during setup (see Windows 98 installation). Figure and show the dialogue boxes that are displayed while installing Windows 98. The second way is to create the startup disk after the Windows OS is already installed and running. The Windows Startup Disk tab is used to create a clean startup disk. The steps outlined below relate to the post-installation process.

Step 1	Click on the Start button on the desktop, go up and select Settings.
Step 2	From the Settings menu, click once on Control Panel to enter the Control Panel window.
Step 3	From the Control Panel window, double-click on the Add/Remove Programs. Once this is open, click on the Startup Disk tab and click once on Create Disk.
Step 4	When prompted, insert the Windows 98 CD into the CD-ROM and also put a floppy disk into the floppy drive. The system will prompt when complete.

In addition to the critical operating system files copied onto the floppy startup disk, the three important disk utilities that are needed for preparing or troubleshooting the hard drive during OS installations are also included. These include Scandisk.exe, Fdisk.exe, and Format.exe. The figures to the left summarize the steps required to create a Windows 98 startup disk.

Lab Activity  (PDF, 9 KB)   In this lab, students will be able to create a Windows 9x Startup Disk.