Thanks very much Jeff for taking the time to respond.
Booting to safe mode gave the same result as a normal boot. I was already
aware of the ability to use Progman.exe for the shell. Unfortunately that
first priority proved to be a tough one. I had not seen 188867 before and
it contains some info I was not aware of. By the time I received your
reply, I had already went out and fixed the computer, but thanks for the
info anyways, I'm constantly learning.
Ok, so I promised an update on how it went, so here goes:
Using Progman,
found that the control.exe file was entirely missing
ran AVG, found virus infecting 2 files, computer freezes when trying to
'Move to vault'
ran msconfig, disabled loading likely suspects
reran AVG repeatedly, managed to get them removed
managed to get AVG updated, reran found 2 more viruses, including one
infecting scanregw.exe, could not 'heal', but removed ok
same error trying to run Explorer.exe
ran SFC, restored lot of stuff including control.exe, in retrospect probably
should have tried just restoring control.exe
tried a repair of IE-error msg. jscript.dll exists but version needs to be
greater than...(same for vbscript.dll)
tried Restore IE instead-seemed to restore ok (no error msgs.)
back to Explorer.exe (finally)
explorer works, but badly-numerous scripting errors, nameless icons on
desktop, double-clicking has no effect, etc.
gave up, ran restore disk
updated to IE5.5

If this had been my computer, or at my house even, would have tried a few
steps and posted back, but as it was I needed to get it up and useable in as
few trips as possible.
Not sure if virus damaged caused original problem or not.
Hoping this doesn't recur, but planning a 'User Backup' with restore CD to
make recovery easier next time, if there is a next time.

Thanks again,
C-C Mom

"Jeff Richards" wrote in message
...
Can you boot to safe mode?

This article shows how to get access to your system:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=142255
How to Use Program Manager for the Windows Shell
Take note of the warnings, however. Your first priority is to get Explorer
working again, and reboot normally.

This article includes some troubleshooting steps.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Code-Curious Mom" wrote in message
...
explorer caused an invalid page fault in module exlorer.exe at
167:00401f31
encountered when starting -- loads only wallpaper, no taskbar or icons

Compaq
Win98SE
whatever version of IE comes with it(5.0, I think)

Why would a computer work more or less fine for 5 yrs. and then encounter
this error twice in less than 3 mo.? Probably a coincidence or should I
suspect starting to fail hardware or something?
I fixed this error 2-3 months ago by running the restore disk. (That
time the computer had various other problems also.) This time I'm
looking for a way to avoid needing such a drastic step. Intending to try
a repair of IE and various other possible fixes found via usenet Google &
MS KB. After a virus scan just to be sure. Most of the stuff I googled
had no reply as to whether suggested remedy fixed problem. I *will* let
you know how this turns out.
If nothing else works, would an over-install with IE5.0 downloaded from
evolt.org be a possible fix? Is there any way to be certain it really is
5.0? I doubt I can get into IE to check.
Would upgrading to IE 5.5 prevent problem in future (or fix now)?
This is *not my computer* but he says he had not installed anything just
before problem began, just reading email. In fact the printer, Camedia,
and Callwave are the only things I know of added after the restore.
Any insight much appreciated, even if you can't answer all the questions.

Thanks,
C-C Mom