[striver]

Monday, December 11, 2006

Geekgirl,

Because I am having the same W98 problem with the oleaut32.dll file not starting, I followed your instructions:

Boot the computer into Safe Mode (By tapping the F8 key)
Go into C:\Windows\System directory
Rename the file oleaut32.dll to .old
Run VBRun60.exe (VB6 runtime lib)
Re-Boot the machine

A couple of concerns resulted. First, while in my C:\Windows\System directory, I was never able to find the oleaut32.dll file. This was odd because I successfully performed a Start > Find > Files and Folders. This resulted in a list of oleaut32.dll files, the most recent update being 08/10/2004. Anyway, I couldn’t delete the oleaut32.dll in C:\Windows\System directory because I was not able to locate it.

I decided to go ahead and run the vbrun60. It appeared to successfully execute. However, after an apparent successful completion, this dialog boxed immediately appeared: Error registering the OCX c:\windows\SYSTEM\OLEAUT32.DLL. I executed vbrun60 again in hope that it would remedy this new concern. It didn’t.

Twice I restarted my PC only to find the same old error messages stating that, “The oleaut32.dll file cannot start.”

I don’t know about you, but in my mind this problem really seems to be going from bad to worse. I’m very much in need of it immediately going from bad to corrected.

Striver

 

[striver]

Monday, December 11, 2006

Geekgirl,

I very much appreciate your prompt and helpful reply. I think a couple of points of clarification may be in order. First, when you said, “Rename the file oleaut32.dll to .old,” I was using instructions from another URL that had the same instructions as yours. The only difference was to delete oleaut32.dll.

Also, I couldn’t delete it in the C:\Windows\System directory because it is a hidden file. I’m wondering, were you thinking I should have deleted it when I found it via Start > Find > Files and Folders? With your further instructions, I’m sure I’ll find it, rename it accordingly and rerun vbrun60.

Hopefully all will be better again with my PC.

Striver

 

[striver]

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Geekgirl,

Yes, I followed your instructions and now show my hidden files and folders. I also followed your other instructions:

Boot the computer into Safe Mode (By tapping the F8 key)
Go into C:\Windows\System directory
Rename the file oleaut32.dll to .old
Run VBRun60.exe (VB6 runtime lib)
Re-Boot the machine

Here’s what ensued:

1. I did successfully rerun VBRun60.exe. The dialog box, “Error registering the OCX c:\windows\SYSTEM\OLEAUT32.DLL” did not appear this time. However, restarting my PC, the Windows 98 splash screen appeared and the hard drive light remained on steadily and continuously for about two minutes before I decided to restart it. Why? I know my PC well enough to understand at that point it was not going to do anything more.

2. I performed a warm restart (Control-Alt-Delete) only to find a black screen appeared with the words: “While initializing device CONFIGMG: Windows protection error. You need to restart your computer.”

3. A few times I attempted to perform another warm restart. My PC did not respond at all. I finally switched it off with using the power on/off button.

4. Restarting my PC via the power on/off button resulted in the opening of the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu. At the bottom of this menu it stated that: “Warning: Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt. Choose Safe mode, to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers.”

5. I selected Normal start that again resulted in number one above.

6. I performed a warm restart that resulted in number 2 above.

7. I again performed number 3 above.

8. I again performed number 4 above.

9. I selected Safe mode, only to have the Windows 98 splash screen appear and the hard drive light remain on steadily and continuously for about two minutes before I decided to restart it.

10. I performed a warm restart that resulted in the opening of the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu. At the bottom of this menu it stated that: “Warning: Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt. Choose Safe mode, to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers.”

11. I switched off my PC’s power button.

I’m virtually at a loss as to what to do next.

Striver

 

[striver]

Monday, December 18, 2006

Geekgirl,

At the command prompt I typed in scanreg /restore. I was given around 5 different dates to restore from. I tried them all to no avail. At the end of each of the restore attempts, I kept getting a message stating that the restore attempt had failed.

The original problem with the oleaut32.dll file not starting happened on November 6th. All the restore dates were sometime in December.

Any further instructions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[striver]

I Really Need Help Getting Beyond the W98 Splash Screen

Friday, January 05, 2007

Greetings. Below is the recent and rather lengthy troubleshooting process that has led to my PC's no longer booting beyond the W98 splash screen in either Normal or Safe Mode. I would very much appreciate any help in getting W98 working again?



Wednesday, December 20, 2006

I decided to use the W98 Start-Up diskette I made soon after receiving my Inspiron 7000 in 1998. Booting to it, I chose the third selection of “View the Help file.” Here is a list of what subsequently displayed on my monitor:
“The following file is missing or corrupted: HIMEM.SYS
There is an error in you CONFIG.SYS file on line 24”

“The following file is missing or corrupted: RAMDRIVE.SYS
There is an error in you CONFIG.SYS file on line 31”

“Warning: the high memory area (HMA) is not available. Additional low memory (below 640K) will be used instead.”

“The following file is missing or corrupted: COMMAND.COM
“Type the name of the Command Interpreter (e.g., C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM)”

I did type C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM only to receive the message:
“General failure reading drive A”
“Abort, Retry, Fail?”

I retried with the same above results. I aborted, and “Current drive is no longer valid>” was displayed. At this point I powered off my notebook.

This is my notebook’s current status.



Monday, December 18, 2006
To: Geekgirl,

At the command prompt I typed in scanreg /restore. I was given around 5 different dates to restore from. I tried them all to no avail. At the end of each of the restore attempts, I kept getting a message stating that the restore attempt had failed.

The original problem with the oleaut32.dll file not starting happened on November 6th. All the restore dates were sometime in December.

Any further instructions would be greatly appreciated.



Wednesday, December 13, 2006
From: Geekgirl

Boot to a 98 boot disk, at the command prompt type in scanreg /restore
You'll be given a choice of dates. Select one that is before this happened and click Restore.



Tuesday, December 12, 2006
To: Geekgirl,

Yes, I followed your instructions and now show my hidden files and folders. I also followed your other instructions:

Boot the computer into Safe Mode (By tapping the F8 key)
Go into C:\Windows\System directory
Rename the file oleaut32.dll to .old
Run VBRun60.exe (VB6 runtime lib)
Re-Boot the machine

Here’s what ensued:

1. I did successfully rerun VBRun60.exe. The dialog box, “Error registering the OCX c:\windows\SYSTEM\OLEAUT32.DLL” did not appear this time. However, restarting my PC, the Windows 98 splash screen appeared and the hard drive light remained on steadily and continuously for about two minutes before I decided to restart it. Why? I know my PC well enough to understand at that point it was not going to do anything more.

2. I performed a warm restart (Control-Alt-Delete) only to find a black screen appeared with the words: “While initializing device CONFIGMG: Windows protection error. You need to restart your computer.”

3. A few times I attempted to perform another warm restart. My PC did not respond at all. I finally switched it off with using the power on/off button.

4. Restarting my PC via the power on/off button resulted in the opening of the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu. At the bottom of this menu it stated that: “Warning: Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt. Choose Safe mode, to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers.”

5. I selected Normal start that again resulted in number one above.

6. I performed a warm restart that resulted in number 2 above.

7. I again performed number 3 above.

8. I again performed number 4 above.

9. I selected Safe mode, only to have the Windows 98 splash screen appear and the hard drive light remain on steadily and continuously for about two minutes before I decided to restart it.

10. I performed a warm restart that resulted in the opening of the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu. At the bottom of this menu it stated that: “Warning: Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt. Choose Safe mode, to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers.”

11. I switched off my PC’s power button.

I’m virtually at a loss as to what to do next.

Striver



Tuesday, December 12, 2006
From: Geekgirl

I am not real keen on you deleting the file but renaming is a better choice at this point reguardless of what you found on another site.

Finding it via Start > Find > Files and Folders means it is there, but make sure the path is correct. It is to be located in the System folder. Have you shown Hidden Files and Folders?



Monday, December 11, 2006
To: Geekgirl,

I very much appreciate your prompt and helpful reply. I think a couple of points of clarification may be in order. First, when you said, “Rename the file oleaut32.dll to .old,” I was using instructions from another URL that had the same instructions as yours. The only difference was to delete oleaut32.dll.

Also, I couldn’t delete it in the C:\Windows\System directory because it is a hidden file. I’m wondering, were you thinking I should have deleted it when I found it via Start > Find > Files and Folders? With your further instructions, I’m sure I’ll find it, rename it accordingly and rerun vbrun60.

Hopefully all will be better again with my PC.

Striver



Monday, December 11, 2006
From: Geekgirl

The OLEAUT32.DLL is a hidden file, make sure you have Show Hidden Files and Folders selected.
Windows 98

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps:

Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
Double-click on the My Computer icon.
Select the View menu and then click Folder Options.
After the new window appears select the View tab.
Scroll down until you see the Show all files radio button and select it.
Press the Apply button and then the OK button and close the My Computer window.
Now your computer is configured to show all hidden files.

Striver said: “This resulted in a list of oleaut32.dll files, the most recent update being 08/10/2004. Anyway, I couldn’t delete the oleaut32.dll in C:\Windows\System directory because I was not able to locate it.”

Your contradicting yourself, you stated when you performed a Start > Find > Files and Folders that it resulted in a list of oleaut32.dll files. Then your stating you couldnt delete it because you couldnt locate it, I'm alittle confused.
I never stated to delete it but to rename it in the first place.



Monday, December 11, 2006

Geekgirl,

Because I am having the same W98 problem with the oleaut32.dll file not starting, I followed your instructions:

Boot the computer into Safe Mode (By tapping the F8 key)
Go into C:\Windows\System directory
Rename the file oleaut32.dll to .old
Run VBRun60.exe (VB6 runtime lib)
Re-Boot the machine

A couple of concerns resulted. First, while in my C:\Windows\System directory, I was never able to find the oleaut32.dll file. This was odd because I successfully performed a Start > Find > Files and Folders. This resulted in a list of oleaut32.dll files, the most recent update being 08/10/2004. Anyway, I couldn’t delete the oleaut32.dll in C:\Windows\System directory because I was not able to locate it.

I decided to go ahead and run the vbrun60. It appeared to successfully execute. However, after an apparent successful completion, this dialog boxed immediately appeared: Error registering the OCX c:\windows\SYSTEM\OLEAUT32.DLL. I executed vbrun60 again in hope that it would remedy this new concern. It didn’t.

Twice I restarted my PC only to find the same old error messages stating that, “The oleaut32.dll file cannot start.”

I don’t know about you, but in my mind this problem really seems to be going from bad to worse. I’m very much in need of it immediately going from bad to corrected.

Striver

 

[striver]

I Really Need Help Getting Beyond the W98 Splash Screen

Monday, January 08, 2007

Gary,

Just prior to your January 5th post, I followed the step-by-step W98 reinstall instructions in my Dell-Installed W98 Setup Guide. To make a long story short, all went well to a point. I selected, “Continue setup and replace your current operating system” and pressed Enter. A window opened stating, “Your computer may have a disk-compression program installed on it. Because this system may contain an existing operating system or data, setup cannot continue.” I’ve never installed a disk-compression program. My notebook came with Nuts and Bolts 98, which I uninstalled before I installed Norton SystemWorks, version 2.0. I’m certain SystemWorks did not install a disk-compression program. What would you suggest I do now?

striver

 

[striver]

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Gary,

I’ve actually just recently downloaded the updated Dell diagnostics to floppy using another PC. I’ve just not had time to run it. I have a hunch my floppy may be nearing the end of its useful life, though, because it occasionally tends to have difficulty reading and writing to older disks. Maybe it’s just the disks.

Now to your questions:
1) Does version 2.0 of SystemWorks have GoBack included on it? If so, did you install it?

Version 2.0 of SystemWorks I have doesn’t include GoBack.


2) Can you boot into Safe Mode at all?

I can F8 my way into the menu allowing me to select Safe Mode. However, whether I attempt a normal boot or Safe Mode, the W98 splash screen appears and the hard drive light remains on steadily and continuously. Nothing more happens, even after I’ve waited for about three minutes. So, no, I’m not able to get beyond the splash screen in either mode.


3) Did your Dell come with Restore/Recovery Disks? Did it also come with a Windows 98 CD that you can use seperately from the Dell Recovery procedure?

How I do wish it came with a Restore/Recovery Disk. It did come with its Dell-installed Windows 98 CD, though.


4) Were the step-by-step Win98 reinstall guide instructions centered around using a Restore/Recovery CD?

No.


5) Did the step-by-step Dell Win98 reinstall start from within Windows, from DOS, or from a Dell Recovery environment?

It started from the DOS Boot Disk that came with my notebook. I can F2 my way into Setup and change the boot order to CD-ROM first, it that’s of any help.

6) Do you have any data on that system that you absolutely need, and don't have backups of anywhere else?

Thankfully a programmer I knew some years ago emphasized the importance of backing up all data to external sources, so it’s something I’ve done ever since.


I do appreciate your helpful and prompt replies.

striver

 

[striver]

Friday, January 12, 2007

Gary,

I repeatedly tried running the updated Dell diagnostics diskette to no avail. These are the messages I received:
“While initializing device CONFIGMG: Windows protection error. You need to restart your computer.” C-A-Ding resulted in: “Disk I/O error Replace the disk, and then press any key” Replacing the disk and pressing Enter resulted in the same message.

I’ve sparingly and gently used my Inspiron since buying it such that I’m certain the hardware is otherwise functioning properly.

I went ahead and ran Setup. The Microsoft ScanDisk appeared and successfully progressed through Media descriptor and File allocation tables. However, it only completed 11 percent of Directory structure. At that point the computer froze, there was no keyboard response and the hard drive light remained on steadily and continuously for about two minutes before I decided to power it off.

Frustratingly, this is where I’m currently at.

striver

 

[striver]

Monday, January 15, 2007

Gary,

Here’s the latest development. I did floppy download the most recent Dell Inspiron 7000 diagnostics. I tried booting with it only to receive the message: “Remove disks or other media. Press any key to restart” I pressed Enter only to receive the same above message.

I was fortunately able to CD burn the most recent Dell Inspiron 7000 diagnostics. I booted to it only to receive: “The following file is missing or corrupted: WIN.COM” “Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows” I then received the C prompt, even though I had booted from my D (CD-ROM) drive.

In that Setup was configured to CD-ROM boot, I thought I’d try something else. I booted to my Dell W98 CD > Started my computer with CD-ROM support > (Real Mode?) CD-ROM driver was installed > D:\> displayed > Typed Dell diagnostics file name (I7K-394B.exe) > Received the message: “This is a Windows self-extracting ZIP file. You can run it from Windows or unzip it with a utility like WinZip or PKUNZIP.”

I have WinZip installed on my hard drive in Program Files. There’s a DOS command to run WinZip to unzip the diagnostics program? I’ll be the first to confess that I’m a real DOS delinquent.

I do appreciate your sticking with me throughout this ordeal.

striver

 

[striver]

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Gary,

Seems I’ve more or less stumbled onto what may be a couple of Inspiron 7000 diagnostic and reinstallation workarounds. More about them a little later.

You’ve asked if when I, “…created the Dell Diagnostic floppy diskette, did you double-click the I7K-394B.exe file…?” I did right click and Save Target As… I gather there may be a difference? I’ll try it your way. Yes, the diskette is brand new.

Fortunately, I do have access to another computer with broadband such that I can create an "Ultimate Boot CD."

The POST identifies my CD-ROM as a Toshiba. I think it even gives the model number.

About the floppy drive possibly being dead. When trying to access it, I’ve recently noticed its drive light comes on, but it makes an uncharacteristic sound when the read/write head is moving. I say uncharacteristic because it’s not the usual sound it makes when activated. The Dell troubleshooting guide I received with my Inspiron does give step-by-step directions on how to physically reset the floppy in the combination bay (combination meaning with the CD-ROM in the same bay). Also, I have the Inspiron 7000 manual with step-by-step directions for installing drivers. I suppose now I’d use it for reinstalling them. And, yes, I do have the drivers CD that came with my Inspiron. Somehow I knew it would be smart to keep them where I could find them. Perhaps that planning will pay off? I’ve been hesitant to attempt any of the above because my floppy does/did seem to work at times. My thinking has been that attempting to fix my floppy may end up rendering it completely useless.


Now more about the Inspiron 7000 diagnostic and reinstallation workarounds I mentioned above. A search at Dell.com using “windows 98 failure” resulted in a couple of potentially helpful pages. The URLs were rather long, so I’ve posted below the text from those pages. I hope this is OK?


Journal: 07016584WJ

Problems During Operating System Reinstall [ Dell Desktop and Portable Systems, Microsoft® Windows® Operating Systems ]

This is a step-by-step Troubleshooting Wizard. Use the options below to navigate.

STEP: Run the Drive Self Test (90/90).
To run the Drive Self Test on the hard drive perform the following steps:
1. Reboot the system.
2. Press <F12> when the Dell logo is displayed.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate down to Hard Drive Diagnostics and press Enter.
Note: On some systems the Hard Drive Diagnostics may be listed as IDE Drive Diagnostics.
The Hard Drive Diagnostics begin.
For information about running the BIOS Quick Test or Drive Self Test Dell Knowledge Base Article:
298970 - How do I run the Drive Self Test (Hard Drive Diagnostic) on on my Dell™ Desktop, Portable, and Workstation computers?
Choose an option below:

The hard drive BIOS quick test failed.
The hard drive BIOS quick test passed.


Journal: 070162HCVJ
Why do I get a Windows® Protection Error when I try to reinstall Windows® 98 on my Inspiron™ or Latitude™?
1. Reset the Boot Order in the BIOS.

Refer to Section 1 for Inspiron systems.
Refer to Section 2 for Latitude systems.
Section 1: Inspiron Systems
1. Turn off the system.
2. Restart the system and immediately begin pressing the [F2] key until you see the message Entering Setup. The system will then load the BIOS menu.
3. Press the [F9] key to reset the BIOS defaults. Choose YES when prompted to load setup defaults.
4. Press the [F10] key to save changes and exit the BIOS. Choose YES when prompted.
5. The system should now boot normally into Windows 98.

2. Additional Information regarding Windows® Protection Errors when trying to Reinstall Windows® 98 on an Inspiron™ or Latitude™.

After Windows 98 is reinstalled, the system may report a Windows Protection Error at boot. In this case, the problem occurs if the system was set up to use the CD-ROM as the boot device while installing Windows 98.

Windows Protection Errors can occur when a 16-bit Real Mode (MS-DOS®) driver conflicts with a 32-bit Protected Mode (Windows) driver. If the CD-ROM is used as the boot device when installing Windows 98, this error can occur after the installation is complete and the system tries to reboot for the first time. The CD-ROM drivers loaded by the BIOS conflict with the drivers that are now being loaded by Windows 98.
The normal boot device order is: Floppy (Diskette) Drive, Hard Drive, CD-ROM Drive. Resetting the BIOS defaults will restore the proper settings for the boot device order, and prevent the Windows Protection Error from occurring.

Your thoughts on proceeding with these?

striver

 

[striver]

Monday, January 22, 2007

Gary,

As is sometimes the case in my life, there just seems to be too little of me to go around. The past few days have been such a time.

Yes, I am/was running Windows 98. One way or another I’m sure my Inspiron will be running it again reasonably soon.

I’ll see if I can try what you’ve suggested, but I have to tell you that since I’ve come to understand how to effectively deal with the Windows protection error message, I’m eager to try a reinstall.

striver

 

[striver]

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Gary,

This time I correctly created both a diskette and CD of the updated Dell diagnostic program for my Inspiron. I tried running both of them a few times to no avail, again. Out of curiosity, I did try running the original diskette diagnostic program that came with my Inspiron. It successfully loaded on the first boot. I ran the program, and all the tests successfully passed. This has me thinking all the hardware is functioning properly, although I’m still a bit leery of the floppy drive.

I’m thinking about attempting another reinstall of W98. Does this seem like the right thing to do?

By the way, I am running Windows 98 and not 98se. I’m not sure I made this clear in my last post.

striver

 

[striver]

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Gary,

I’ll try your latest recommendations. I had one problem that stumped me with your January 9th instructions. You had me doing this: C:\Windows> D: --- where D is the drive letter of your CD-drive. I did enter D: and pressed Enter. I received the “Invalid drive specification” message. I know my CD-ROM drive is D: but this has left me wondering why it was not recognized.

striver

 

[striver]

Monday, January 29, 2007

Gary,

That would explain the “Invalid drive specification” message. Enie meenie miny moe comes to mind, though. I’m usually trying to deal with my PC late at night, and I just didn’t have the patience to work through the alphabet – not that I realized I needed to. I just was too tired to fiddle around and end up all the more frustrated when I’d really rather be asleep.

Okay, I’m off to bootdisk.com.

striver

 

[striver]

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Gary,

It seems I need to start by revisiting our favorite topic of my floppy drive, not that I really care to at this point. It’s just not wanting to have anything to do with any floppy I put in it. The only response I’m receiving is, “Disk I/O error Replace the disk, and then press any key” Replacing the disk and pressing Enter results in the same message. The same message also results from the two bootdisk.com floppies I created.

I decided to boot from the W98 CD in what became a useless attempt to run Setup. The MS W98 CD-ROM Startup Menu appeared giving me the option of booting from either the hard disk or from the CD-ROM. I chose CD-ROM and was taken to the MS W98 Startup Menu. I was given these choices:

1. Start W98 Setup from CD-ROM.
2. Start computer with CD-ROM support.
3. Start computer without CD-ROM support. Attempting this choice resulted in the, “Invalid drive specification” message. I attempted every letter in the alphabet to no avail.

I attempted both 1. and 2., which took me to the “Welcome to Setup.” screen. I pressed Enter and was taken to another MS W98 Setup screen displaying the message that,” Your computer already has an operating system installed on it. This version of Setup is designed for computers that do not yet have an operating system. It is recommended that you exit, reboot from your hard disk, and then run Setup.
Press F1 for more instructions.
If you continue with Setup, your current CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files will be replaced by basic versions of those files.”

I was given the choices of:
Exit Setup (recommended)
Continue Setup and replace your current operating system.

I selected “Continue Setup and replace your current operating system.” The next MS W98 Setup screen stated that, “Your computer may have a disk compression program installed on it. Because this system may contain an existing operating system or data, setup cannot continue. For more information, press F1.” Pressing F1 resulted in a Setup Help screen telling me that, “If you are reinstalling Windows 98 and Windows won’t start, press F8 when the message ‘Starting Windows 98…’ appears, and then choose “Command Prompt Only”.

I followed the above instructions and ended up at a screen displaying:

1. Type DOSSTART to load the real-mode CD-ROM driver before running Setup.

2. Type “D:\win95\setup” for CD-ROM installation.

I followed step 1. to apparent success. The step 2. result was the “Invalid drive specification” message. F3 was the way to exit, which I did at this point. I ended up at D:\WIN98>, so I typed “setup”, which resulted in the Microsoft ScanDisk screen appearing and successfully progressing through Media descriptor and File allocation tables. However, it only completed 11 percent of Directory structure. At that point the computer froze, there was no keyboard response and the hard drive light remained on steadily and continuously for about two minutes before I decided to power it off.

I’m wondering how close I’m getting to foregoing a W98 reinstall and just go ahead with a clean install. Or, perhaps now that Michael Dell has returned as the Dell CEO, I should just send my Inspiron to him and have him provide a complementary repair. Yeah, I’m pretty much at my wit’s end about now.

striver

 

[striver]

Friday, February 02, 2007

Gary,

Some of the detailed information you’re asking I’ll have to check on when I’m home. This shuttling back and forth between functioning and non-functioning computers tends to take its toll.

Before I lost W98, I was actually considering reinstalling it. Why? Well, it was showing signs of needing to be rejuvenated. One of the first things I made sure of was that there was/is enough hard drive space. There is, but I’m not sure exactly how much. I’ve got it written down at home.

I’ve looked through all the BIOS Setup screens for any antivirus protection. I’m not seeing any kind of such protection. I purchased my Inspiron sometime in 1999, and I’m wondering if it was being used then?

I’ve been to Dell.com > Support and Help > Inspiron 7000 and searched using the keywords “BIOS security”. I found a link to Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) Screen Shots for Dell™ Portable Computers. The Inspiron 7500 is the closest screen shot I could find to mine. It’s at: http://support.dell.com/support/top...357A7C&docid=CA6A194456C044DFA2EF6E606D6542B8.

My “BIOS security” search turned up something rather interesting. As of 10/24/2006, Dell has a post entitled “BIOS Security Feature Not Documented in User´s Guide.” It’s at: http://support.dell.com/support/top...d=4054E4C8B31211DB95D9531441357A7C&l=en&s=gen.

I’ll try your revised reinstall instructions. I’m going to try a little something different, too. This time I’m going to keyboard using crossed fingers. At this point I’ll take all the luck I can get.

striver

 

[striver]

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Gary,

I followed your instructions and all went well to a point. As before, the ScanDisk screen appeared and successfully progressed through Media descriptor and File allocation tables. However, it only completed 11 percent of Directory structure. At that point the computer froze, there was no keyboard response and the hard drive light remained on steadily and continuously. While this was happening, I also noted the sound of the hard drive rhythmically clicking 4 or 5 times, pause for about 1 second and then repeating the rhythmic clicking. This cycle kept repeating itself until I finally powered off my computer. During the 1 second pause, I was able to listen to what sounded like the read/write head moving. It made the same sound each time during the pause.

Also, here’s what I’ve learned about my hard drive:

Hard drive: Toshiba XM-1802B
Hard drive space available: 407.63 MB

I hope this is helpful. Oh, I did forget to cross my fingers, but I’ll try to remember next time.

striver

 

[striver]

Friday, February 09, 2007

Gary,

I thought I would try running Setup one more time. Of course it progressed to the same place as before, that being only completing 11 percent of Directory structure. At that point the computer froze as I noted in my February 1st post. By the way, the remaining areas to be scanned were File system, Free space and Surface scan.

This time, however, I did one thing a bit different. Instead of powering off my Inspiron when it froze, I left it on for a few minutes longer than I have in the past. I figured it couldn’t hurt much at this point. Surprisingly, a dialogue box ultimately appeared. It stated that, “ScanDisk encountered a data error while reading cluster 1369777. ScanDisk will try to continue past this error. When ScanDisk offers to perform a surface scan on this drive, choose Yes.” I pressed Enter to acknowledge and ScanDisk returned to where it left off, that being completing only 11 percent of Directory structure. In other words, there was actually no further progress. After about 10 minutes of no progress, I C-A-Ded and then powered off.

Also, I did note in the POST that the hard drive is an IBM-DADA-26480. I suppose the CD-ROM name and model I mistakingly supplied before is a testament to my not always running on all cylinders in the wee hours of the morning.

striver

 

[striver]

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Gary,

I’m needing a bit of clarification regarding the Hitachi/IBM Drive Fitness Test (DFT). It states that, “To run the DFT, you must download the appropriate creator or image and create a self-booting media.” The only self-booting media available for Windows is via diskette, which is essentially a waste of time when it comes to my diskette drive.

I’m able to burn the Ultimate Boot CD from a library computer with broad band that only allows for an hour’s use each day before automatically logging me off. The size of the Ultimate Boot CD file is such that I may or may not be able to get it downloaded within the allotted time period. Even then I’d have to burn it another day, which means I’d hopefully be able to use the same computer again. It’s not typical that these computers are reserveable. They are first-come-first-serve. I’ve recently had a conversation with one of the tech-savvy reference librarians and told him about the UBCD site. He was interested enough to make a note of its URL. Perhaps with his administrator privileges he could burn the CD for me. If nothing else, I suppose I could just snail-mail order the UBCD for $6.00.

Another approach at this time is just to replace my hard drive and forego any further diagnostics on it. I do appreciate the newegg.com URL for the Samsung hard drive you’ve suggested. If I go this route, I’d sure like to transfer the contents of my failing drive onto the new one. I’m sure it can be done, but I’m not currently knowledgeable enough about the process. Can you help me with this? I recently picked up a Western Digital 500 GB external hard drive that is available for use. Maybe you could share your thoughts on this?

striver

 

[striver]

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Gary,

I got to thinking more about the diagnostics we’re trying to get my Inspiron to agree to. Diagnostic software is a type of utility software, and back when my notebook ran W98, I was also running Norton SystemWorks. That gave me an idea.

Surprisingly, after not much searching, I located the SystemWorks CD and user’s manual. The odds of that happening for me are rather remote (note to striver: by lottery ticket). Within SystemWorks is Norton DiskDoctor, which I booted to and ran. It ultimately found somewhere over 200 damaged clusters and chains on the hard drive that it offered to fix. I agreed.

Having made that many fixes, I thought I would again try your latest instructions for an over-the-top reinstallation of W98 from the W98 CD. When ScanDisk progressed beyond 11 percent of Directory structure, I had a hunch the reinstall ultimately would be a success. I do enjoy when my hunches are correct. The rest of the reinstall went smoothly to completion.

The only somewhat predictable glitch after W98 started for the first time was the VGA screen resolution. I need to update the video drivers. Here’s hoping that goes smoothly as well.

I’ll keep you updated.

striver