Do Windows boot disks sold on Ebay work?

[ZXMAW]

Started to build my own computer but ran into trouble when I could not get it to boot from the HD I used from my old puter that the mother board had fried from.

Was told and have read that I will need to do a fresh install of whichever windows it is that I want to use.

I may try to load 98 on the old 10GB that had 98 on it and i do have a boot disk and copy of 98 of given to me by a friend. I figure i can use that to play AH with if thats possible since I have a Ch products hotas that only works eith AH then on the 80GB put XP... but my reaL QUESTION IS THIS:

On Ebay I found a few guys who are selling boot disks used by computer builders to either test there systems or run them before sale. To tell you the truth I don't know what I could use them for but am hoping that if I bought one I would not need to buy a full install of either 98 or xp.

here's a few of the sellers

They are all not the same and preform different functions but basically are the same idea.


 


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2750415222&category=14294

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3429310467&category=302

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3043574413&category=40134

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2751341638&category=3740


If you need simple to read instructions on how to build a PC yourself read this set by step How To by BB Guns....

I could not figure out quickly how to make the link to the thread so just type in the subject in search.


 Aces High BB > Help and Support Forums > Technical Support > BB Guns Build your own PC manual

[ZXMAW]

BTW

These guys seem to have some pretty good deals and you can buy many parts seperate and install your old onto them.

Many others I have noticed like newegg.com

http://www.advantagepcinc.com/

[jonnyb]

Why spend money to pay some guy on ebay?  Go to http://www.bootdisk.com and get your own for free...

A boot disk is simply a way to get your computer up and running to help you with the setup of a Windows OS, or to diagnose some problems.  It in no way alleviates you of the need to buy a copy of the operating system.

[JB66]

We use bootdisk.com at work also.  It is a great resource for win/dos bootdisk.  The stuff the guys are selling on ebay is the same stuff you can get off of the internet for free.  
You can find out anything using Google!!

[Mini D]

You're saying that you replaced your motherboard and could no longer boot windows 98?  This is not unusual.  It's not really a matter of recognizing the HD, just that the boot would generate a lockup or windows error... right?

This is pretty common.  I imagine the work intailed with cleaning out all of your old MoBo drivers would make really repairing the situation very difficult.  So what solution you seek could be dependant on your needs.

The easiest solution is just to format the drive and start from scratch.  Of course, you lose everthing that was on the HD.

If you want to keep all of your files/data, you could try one of two aproaches:[list=1]

• do a "windows repair" using the installation CD.  This should install the new drivers needed, but most likely won't do a very good cleanup and your system stability will be in question.  It will enable you to get whatever data you need and store it to CD, DvD or another HD.
• Put another HD in and install an OS on it and use your current drive as a D: drive.  That will enable you to pretty much do the same as above, but already have the destination installed (bigger faster file transfer).

It's just not as simple as a boot disk in your particular situation.

MiniD