I have a compaq laptop and after running a cleamup program to delete unnecessary files, I cannot boot the computer. I have tried rebooting with a "rescue floppy disk" but I continue to get a message "Invalid media type reading drive C". I have Windows 98 on the computer, but bought it online, and did not receive a Windows 98 operating disk with the machine.
Do you have any idea as to how I might correct this problem?

If you're trying to boot with a floppy bootdisk and you're getting the "Invalid media type reading drive C" error, either your bootdisk is no good, or, the bios is set to boot from the hard disk before the floppy drive.

Check the bios boot up sequence to ensure the floppy drive is set as the first boot device. If it's already set, download a 98SE bootdisk* and boot the machine.

Once you get to the A:\> prompt, type in

fdisk/mbr

and hit Enter. (You won't see any messages, it'll just return to the A:\> prompt.) Try to boot normally. If it works, you're done. If it doesn't, boot with the floppy again and when you get A:\>, type in

scandisk/all/autofix/nosummary

Hit Enter. Try restarting normally. Post back with any progress or any further problems/error messages.



*Bootdisk - This file must be RUN to CREATE a bootdisk on one of your floppy disks. Do not just copy the file to a floppy. Run the file.