Can't load Windows 98

JadeScarlet · 08-24-2004, 10:40 AM

When I turn my computer on, it gets to the windows 98 screen and freezes. I tried restarting several times but the same thing always happened. So I tried loading it in safe mode and got the same result.

As far as I know my computer is ad-ware/spyware free since I run Adaware frequently. However I have been on vacation for the past 3 months and have not run it since then (but my computer hasn't been used in that time either). It was working fine from the day I got back until last night.

I have a compaq presario 5190. Is there any hope for it?

-JadeScarlet

greyknight17 · 08-24-2004, 01:46 PM

Welcome to TSF.

It could be bad ram/memory. Try using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Just download it and install it on a floppy. Then boot up your computer and change the bios sequence to boot from the floppy first. Insert the floppy and run the test. Let it run for 10-15 minutes to see if any errors show up. If none, we can rule that out then. (ctrl+alt+del to restart and take out floppy).

JadeScarlet · 08-24-2004, 05:40 PM

I did that, the tests showed no errors. That was with running both the regular and extended tests.

Thanks for your help. Any other suggestions?

-JadeScarlet

Volt-Schwibe · 08-24-2004, 07:20 PM

well, if memory errors have been ruled out, then i am suspecting some sytem files have been corrupted. this could be the work of a faulty hard disk, or it could be simply a data error.

at this point, with it unable to start even in save-your-*** mode, (safe mode) i would almost think it would be time to boot the machine with a boot disk, and stick the cd into it, and reinstall without formatting, that way all your configs and documents, and things like that will survive.

basically, if you reinstall windows 98 and 98se over the top of themselves, without formatting, it pretty much just replaces the needed system files.

this has been known to work on many occaisions.

JadeScarlet · 08-24-2004, 08:42 PM

Unfortunately Idon't have the original disks for the computer or the quickrestore disk. I do however have a copy of Windows XP. I'm not really worried about the files on my computer since almost all of them are backed up, but I'm wondering how my computer will run with XP. It has the minimum system requirements, (300 MHz, 128MB RAM, and plenty of harddrive space).

Would it be better if I looked for another copy of windows 98 or should I go ahead with XP?

-JadeScarlet

08-24-2004, 10:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
JadeScarlet Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3 OS: Win98	Can't load Windows 98 When I turn my computer on, it gets to the windows 98 screen and freezes. I tried restarting several times but the same thing always happened. So I tried loading it in safe mode and got the same result. As far as I know my computer is ad-ware/spyware free since I run Adaware frequently. However I have been on vacation for the past 3 months and have not run it since then (but my computer hasn't been used in that time either). It was working fine from the day I got back until last night. I have a compaq presario 5190. Is there any hope for it? -JadeScarlet

08-24-2004, 01:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
greyknight17 Analyst, Security Team Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 14,331 OS: Windows 98 & Windows XP Home/Pro My System	Welcome to TSF. It could be bad ram/memory. Try using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Just download it and install it on a floppy. Then boot up your computer and change the bios sequence to boot from the floppy first. Insert the floppy and run the test. Let it run for 10-15 minutes to see if any errors show up. If none, we can rule that out then. (ctrl+alt+del to restart and take out floppy). __________________ Please do NOT PM me. Post whatever questions you may have in the forum and we will take a look at it when we get to it. If you have waited for more than 3 days, you may then and ONLY then PM me for assistance. I will take a look at it. Adaware :: CWShredder :: HijackThis :: Panda ActiveScan :: Spybot S&D Anti-Spyware Tutorial :: Spyware Prevention Tools

08-24-2004, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	well, if memory errors have been ruled out, then i am suspecting some sytem files have been corrupted. this could be the work of a faulty hard disk, or it could be simply a data error. at this point, with it unable to start even in save-your-*** mode, (safe mode) i would almost think it would be time to boot the machine with a boot disk, and stick the cd into it, and reinstall without formatting, that way all your configs and documents, and things like that will survive. basically, if you reinstall windows 98 and 98se over the top of themselves, without formatting, it pretty much just replaces the needed system files. this has been known to work on many occaisions. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

08-24-2004, 05:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
JadeScarlet Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3 OS: Win98	I did that, the tests showed no errors. That was with running both the regular and extended tests. Thanks for your help. Any other suggestions? -JadeScarlet

08-24-2004, 08:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
JadeScarlet Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3 OS: Win98	Unfortunately Idon't have the original disks for the computer or the quickrestore disk. I do however have a copy of Windows XP. I'm not really worried about the files on my computer since almost all of them are backed up, but I'm wondering how my computer will run with XP. It has the minimum system requirements, (300 MHz, 128MB RAM, and plenty of harddrive space). Would it be better if I looked for another copy of windows 98 or should I go ahead with XP? -JadeScarlet