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