Disk Boot Failure During DSL Set Up

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

I'm not up to the task of assisting you through the t-shooting of this
problem right now, I just want to warn against "overinstalling" --
reinstalling Windows 98 over the top of the existing installation. That's a
last resort tactic which can seriously mess up the system. Overwrites newer
updated files with older versions, breaking patches and creating "DLL Hell".

Any time I "overinstall" Windows 9x, it's strictly to allow me back in just
long enough to retrieve my personal files before reformatting and starting
all over.

I wish you luck, and hope someone with their wits intact will come along
soon and help you through this problem without having to destroy the current
installation. Unfortunately, at first glance it looks as if whatever
software you were trying to install managed to mess up the boot sector. But,
again, my wits aren't so intact right now, and I'll let someone else see
what they can see.

One safe trick you might try is to do the following from a Windows Setup
floppy boot:

sys c:

Then remove the floppy and see if the machine will start. If so, post back
so we can help you through a more thorough clean-up of the mess and perhaps
even get you connected to Verizon.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" Desparate for
wrote in message news
I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

"Desparate for DSL???" Desparate for
wrote in message news | I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
| Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
| 1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
| staff.
| 2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after successful
| download of same), the software failed to properly run.
| 3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
| address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
| indicated that I should restart computer.
| 4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
| failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"
|
| I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk,
| and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
| know what I should be doing to repair and restart.
|
| Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
| computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
| troubleshoot???

You can try Gary's recommendation, however, when you boot from that startup
floppy disk, first check to see if you can access the hard drive by typing-
dir c: /w/p then enter -at the command prompt. You want to be able to see
some directories and some files in the root directory. The /p is pause so
you will have to tap the enter key [likely several times] to get to the end.
If you find files and directories, Post what you find so it can be
reviewed. Replacing the system files should not harm the system though, as
Gary suggests. [Unless there are, as yet, unknown unknown issues.]

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com/
BLOG - http://peoplescounsel.spaces.live.com/ Public Notice or the "real
world"

"Most people, sometime in their lives, stumble across truth.
Most jump up, brush themselves off, and hurry on about their business as if
nothing had happen." Winston Churchill
Or to put it another way:
Morpheus can offer you the two pills;
but only you can choose whether you take the red pill or the blue one.
_______________

The bios message on line item "4." is seen when the mbr does not point at a
bootable partition. Not if the bootable partition does not point a boot
files. May also be seen if the hard drive is not connected properly, or
defective. I would check the ide ribbon cable connection and power cable to
the hard drive before doing anything else. Remove any removable media and
change to bios to boot from c: first to eliminate possibility of it
attempting to boot from other media.
--
Jonny
"Desparate for DSL???" Desparate for
wrote in message news
I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

Excellent News! During a very frustrating weekend, while I tried many
various and assorted suggestions (found through research on both Microsoft
and Symantec websites) I pulled the case off my tower to check cable
connections. Suddenly, my computer successfully booted! (I don't know why -
nor do I really care - I think!) I then went through several diagnostic
scans, did a full system clean-up (utilizing my Norton System Works
utilities) and then a complete thorough scan and defrag of my hard drive. I
also cleaned all old or unused programs off of my computer.

I then uninstalled all Norton AntiVirus products - called Verizon back, this
time getting a tech that seemed to know his way around. He led me through
the process of setting up my access to Verizon DSL without installing their
software - which is what seemed to be giving my computer fits!!!

Yeah! My computer is up and running! I have successfully connected to the
internet through the new DSL line - and best of all - I don't seem to have
lost any important files in the process!

Yes - before anyone suggests it - I do know that I probably need to upgrade
to a new computer (or at least to Windows XP), but that is not scheduled to
happen until June - so I am thrilled that I am able to get a few more months
on my old faithful before moving on to the next generation of computers.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote:

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

If you can recall all those procedures, could you please write them down and
send them to me? I'm in the process of writing up some instructions for
SBC/ATT users that are signing up with only Win98 and I'd love to add
Verizon procedures to the article.

gryst at grystmill.com

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote in
message ...
Excellent News! During a very frustrating weekend, while I tried many
various and assorted suggestions (found through research on both Microsoft
and Symantec websites) I pulled the case off my tower to check cable
connections. Suddenly, my computer successfully booted! (I don't know
why -
nor do I really care - I think!) I then went through several diagnostic
scans, did a full system clean-up (utilizing my Norton System Works
utilities) and then a complete thorough scan and defrag of my hard drive.
I
also cleaned all old or unused programs off of my computer.

I then uninstalled all Norton AntiVirus products - called Verizon back,
this
time getting a tech that seemed to know his way around. He led me through
the process of setting up my access to Verizon DSL without installing
their
software - which is what seemed to be giving my computer fits!!!

Yeah! My computer is up and running! I have successfully connected to
the
internet through the new DSL line - and best of all - I don't seem to have
lost any important files in the process!

Yes - before anyone suggests it - I do know that I probably need to
upgrade
to a new computer (or at least to Windows XP), but that is not scheduled
to
happen until June - so I am thrilled that I am able to get a few more
months
on my old faithful before moving on to the next generation of computers.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote:

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after
successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup
disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

PS -- What was it that solved your inability to boot up?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote in
message ...
Excellent News! During a very frustrating weekend, while I tried many
various and assorted suggestions (found through research on both Microsoft
and Symantec websites) I pulled the case off my tower to check cable
connections. Suddenly, my computer successfully booted! (I don't know
why -
nor do I really care - I think!) I then went through several diagnostic
scans, did a full system clean-up (utilizing my Norton System Works
utilities) and then a complete thorough scan and defrag of my hard drive.
I
also cleaned all old or unused programs off of my computer.

I then uninstalled all Norton AntiVirus products - called Verizon back,
this
time getting a tech that seemed to know his way around. He led me through
the process of setting up my access to Verizon DSL without installing
their
software - which is what seemed to be giving my computer fits!!!

Yeah! My computer is up and running! I have successfully connected to
the
internet through the new DSL line - and best of all - I don't seem to have
lost any important files in the process!

Yes - before anyone suggests it - I do know that I probably need to
upgrade
to a new computer (or at least to Windows XP), but that is not scheduled
to
happen until June - so I am thrilled that I am able to get a few more
months
on my old faithful before moving on to the next generation of computers.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote:

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after
successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup
disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

If you are referring to the route which bypassed the Verizon software setup
procedures, that would need to be done in conjunction with the Verizon rep as
it required them to provide me with temporary passwords, login, etc. on my
account. Then once I was logged into my account, I was able to edit my user
names, password, etc. The advice I would give to people with Win 98 would be
that if they are having trouble getting the Verizon account set up software
to properly load, call the tech support center and specifically request to
set up the account manually without loading the software. It was very
simple, and worked very well.

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

If you can recall all those procedures, could you please write them down and
send them to me? I'm in the process of writing up some instructions for
SBC/ATT users that are signing up with only Win98 and I'd love to add
Verizon procedures to the article.

gryst at grystmill.com

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote in
message ...
Excellent News! During a very frustrating weekend, while I tried many
various and assorted suggestions (found through research on both Microsoft
and Symantec websites) I pulled the case off my tower to check cable
connections. Suddenly, my computer successfully booted! (I don't know
why -
nor do I really care - I think!) I then went through several diagnostic
scans, did a full system clean-up (utilizing my Norton System Works
utilities) and then a complete thorough scan and defrag of my hard drive.
I
also cleaned all old or unused programs off of my computer.

I then uninstalled all Norton AntiVirus products - called Verizon back,
this
time getting a tech that seemed to know his way around. He led me through
the process of setting up my access to Verizon DSL without installing
their
software - which is what seemed to be giving my computer fits!!!

Yeah! My computer is up and running! I have successfully connected to
the
internet through the new DSL line - and best of all - I don't seem to have
lost any important files in the process!

Yes - before anyone suggests it - I do know that I probably need to
upgrade
to a new computer (or at least to Windows XP), but that is not scheduled
to
happen until June - so I am thrilled that I am able to get a few more
months
on my old faithful before moving on to the next generation of computers.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote:

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after
successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup
disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

To be really honest - I am not completely certain. I had tried umpteen
things with no success and decided to remove the cover from my tower just to
see whether or not I could hear whether the hard drive was being activated at
all. (I don't know whether or not that would in fact have helped, but at
this point I was feeling that my only option was to call "Geeks a Knocking"
at $80 per hour to come to my house - so had entered the truly desparate
mode!)

As I pulled the case off the computer (while the computer was still powered
on - which my son pointed out to me is a "really stupid thing to do") it
suddenly booted to Windows screen, went to the scanning screen telling me the
computer had not been properly shut down, and then went into safe mode. I
then did a quick diagnosic scan with my Norton utilities, did not find any
errors, etc. and decided to restart the computer and see what happened. It
happily rebooted with no problems, so I then began a serious software,
hardware, etc. cleanup.

Don't know if this is helpful - as I am an excellent software application
computer person but don't know squat about hardware problems!

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

PS -- What was it that solved your inability to boot up?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote in
message ...
Excellent News! During a very frustrating weekend, while I tried many
various and assorted suggestions (found through research on both Microsoft
and Symantec websites) I pulled the case off my tower to check cable
connections. Suddenly, my computer successfully booted! (I don't know
why -
nor do I really care - I think!) I then went through several diagnostic
scans, did a full system clean-up (utilizing my Norton System Works
utilities) and then a complete thorough scan and defrag of my hard drive.
I
also cleaned all old or unused programs off of my computer.

I then uninstalled all Norton AntiVirus products - called Verizon back,
this
time getting a tech that seemed to know his way around. He led me through
the process of setting up my access to Verizon DSL without installing
their
software - which is what seemed to be giving my computer fits!!!

Yeah! My computer is up and running! I have successfully connected to
the
internet through the new DSL line - and best of all - I don't seem to have
lost any important files in the process!

Yes - before anyone suggests it - I do know that I probably need to
upgrade
to a new computer (or at least to Windows XP), but that is not scheduled
to
happen until June - so I am thrilled that I am able to get a few more
months
on my old faithful before moving on to the next generation of computers.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote:

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after
successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up. Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup
disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???

OK, thanks!

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote in
message ...
If you are referring to the route which bypassed the Verizon software
setup
procedures, that would need to be done in conjunction with the Verizon rep
as
it required them to provide me with temporary passwords, login, etc. on my
account. Then once I was logged into my account, I was able to edit my
user
names, password, etc. The advice I would give to people with Win 98 would
be
that if they are having trouble getting the Verizon account set up
software
to properly load, call the tech support center and specifically request to
set up the account manually without loading the software. It was very
simple, and worked very well.

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

If you can recall all those procedures, could you please write them down
and
send them to me? I'm in the process of writing up some instructions for
SBC/ATT users that are signing up with only Win98 and I'd love to add
Verizon procedures to the article.

gryst at grystmill.com

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote
in
message ...
Excellent News! During a very frustrating weekend, while I tried many
various and assorted suggestions (found through research on both
Microsoft
and Symantec websites) I pulled the case off my tower to check cable
connections. Suddenly, my computer successfully booted! (I don't
know
why -
nor do I really care - I think!) I then went through several
diagnostic
scans, did a full system clean-up (utilizing my Norton System Works
utilities) and then a complete thorough scan and defrag of my hard
drive.
I
also cleaned all old or unused programs off of my computer.

I then uninstalled all Norton AntiVirus products - called Verizon
back,
this
time getting a tech that seemed to know his way around. He led me
through
the process of setting up my access to Verizon DSL without installing
their
software - which is what seemed to be giving my computer fits!!!

Yeah! My computer is up and running! I have successfully connected
to
the
internet through the new DSL line - and best of all - I don't seem to
have
lost any important files in the process!

Yes - before anyone suggests it - I do know that I probably need to
upgrade
to a new computer (or at least to Windows XP), but that is not
scheduled
to
happen until June - so I am thrilled that I am able to get a few more
months
on my old faithful before moving on to the next generation of
computers.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

"Desparate for DSL???" wrote:

I was in the process of setting up my computer (Windows 98SE) on a
new
Verizon DSL modem when the following occurred.
1. Installed new Linksys Ethernet Card with the help of their tech
support
staff.
2. Upon accessing the Verizon "Account Setup" software (after
successful
download of same), the software failed to properly run.
3. Called Verizon Tech Support and at their direction, reset the IP
address, and reattempted to run the software. Computer locked up.
Tech
indicated that I should restart computer.
4. Upon hard boot, received the following error message: "Disk
boot
failure - Insert system disk and press Enter"

I have attempted to start the computer using the Windows 98 Startup
disk,
and the Windows 98 Upgrade CD rom that came with computer. But
don't
really
know what I should be doing to repair and restart.

Can anyone get me pointed to "step by step" directions that might
get my
computer back into Windows 98 (even in safe mode) so that I can
troubleshoot???