Can't load computer

galen · 08-20-2004, 07:27 PM

Hi,

I'm having a problem with my desktop computer. I have an HP Pavilian running Windows98. Everytime I try to load it up, I get an error message that says: "MSGSRV32 This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down...." When I click CLOSE, the message pops right back up over and over until the computer shuts itself off or goes to a blue screen. It won't let me load up. Any help anyone can give me would be tremendously appreciated. Just tell me the files on the harddrive aren't forever lost.

Galen

CTSNKY · 08-21-2004, 05:59 AM

Your files are not lost. Boot into Safe Mode (hit F8 as the unit begins to boot) and try turning off some of your strtup programs using MSCONFIG. You can get to it by Start/Run and typing msconfig. Uncheck what you don't "need" for starting up and re-boot to Normal mode.

One of these programs is causing your headache. Worst case here is re-installing Win98 over top of current install, which is relatvely painless.

galen · 08-22-2004, 12:02 AM

Thanks for replying. I went into safe mode and got the message that Windows was bypassing the startup files..... and still got the same error message. Am I going to have to reinstall Windows98? And if so, can I just have it replace what's on there or do I need to somehow uninstall the current version?

Thanks,

Galen

**johnwill** · 08-22-2004, 09:46 AM

You can do a repair installation, which installs it over your current files. It should leave all the applications and setting intact. If that also fails, then you need to copy off any files you want to retain and do a clean install.

Ro1 · 08-22-2004, 07:48 PM

Maybe use a 98 SE instead of the first version (depending on what you are using now) - have somethimes seen this help fix this issue

08-20-2004, 07:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
galen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: South Dakota Posts: 2 OS: Windows 98 / XP	Can't load computer Hi, I'm having a problem with my desktop computer. I have an HP Pavilian running Windows98. Everytime I try to load it up, I get an error message that says: "MSGSRV32 This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down...." When I click CLOSE, the message pops right back up over and over until the computer shuts itself off or goes to a blue screen. It won't let me load up. Any help anyone can give me would be tremendously appreciated. Just tell me the files on the harddrive aren't forever lost. Galen

08-22-2004, 09:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	You can do a repair installation, which installs it over your current files. It should leave all the applications and setting intact. If that also fails, then you need to copy off any files you want to retain and do a clean install. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

08-22-2004, 07:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ro1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19 OS: XP	Maybe use a 98 SE instead of the first version (depending on what you are using now) - have somethimes seen this help fix this issue __________________ Debt, Cheap Airline Tickets, Debt Consolidation, Computers, Business, Money, Airline Tickets

08-21-2004, 05:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
CTSNKY Knower of all that is MS Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 10,755 OS: (multiple machines) 95, 98, 2K & XP Home & Pro	Your files are not lost. Boot into Safe Mode (hit F8 as the unit begins to boot) and try turning off some of your strtup programs using MSCONFIG. You can get to it by Start/Run and typing msconfig. Uncheck what you don't "need" for starting up and re-boot to Normal mode. One of these programs is causing your headache. Worst case here is re-installing Win98 over top of current install, which is relatvely painless.

08-22-2004, 12:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
galen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: South Dakota Posts: 2 OS: Windows 98 / XP	Thanks for replying. I went into safe mode and got the message that Windows was bypassing the startup files..... and still got the same error message. Am I going to have to reinstall Windows98? And if so, can I just have it replace what's on there or do I need to somehow uninstall the current version? Thanks, Galen