Boot problem

Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me, there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do. Can
anyone help me out with this?

You renamed system.dat to system.dax
Why not reverse it and copy system.dax to system.dat ?

I am surprised you are asked for a key, as it should have been in
system.1st as well as system.dat

I suggest you get the ProductKey before you try this sort of "last
resort" procedure again.
You should be able to run Regedit in safe mode, so get it from the
Registry with Regedit.exe
The key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
The value is ProductKey

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:00:01 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me, there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do. Can
anyone help me out with this?

Alan,

Thanks for your reply. I read the whole Help screen on this topic when I ran
the troubleshooter. This is like the 12th or 13th screen.

No where in the Help screen did it mention it was "a last resort" method. In
fact the last two steps on this page had the reversal steps to rename the
files as changed by the commands typed at a DOS prompt.

This screen also did not mention having the Product Key available;
otherwise, I would have. This screen led me to believe that it would be a
benign change that was reversible.

Unfortunately, the computer now only boots both in the Normal and Safe modes
with the Product Key required. I don't think I can get to a DOS prompt.

"Alan Edwards" wrote:

You renamed system.dat to system.dax
Why not reverse it and copy system.dax to system.dat ?

I am surprised you are asked for a key, as it should have been in
system.1st as well as system.dat

I suggest you get the ProductKey before you try this sort of "last
resort" procedure again.
You should be able to run Regedit in safe mode, so get it from the
Registry with Regedit.exe
The key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
The value is ProductKey

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:00:01 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me, there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do. Can
anyone help me out with this?

I was able to boot only in a SAFE mode with Command Prompt only. When I try
to rename the file "system.dax" I get "Duplicate file name or file in use."
If I try to rename the system.dat file the system says "File not found."

Any suggestions?

"ronbo76" wrote:

Alan,

Thanks for your reply. I read the whole Help screen on this topic when I ran
the troubleshooter. This is like the 12th or 13th screen.

No where in the Help screen did it mention it was "a last resort" method. In
fact the last two steps on this page had the reversal steps to rename the
files as changed by the commands typed at a DOS prompt.

This screen also did not mention having the Product Key available;
otherwise, I would have. This screen led me to believe that it would be a
benign change that was reversible.

Unfortunately, the computer now only boots both in the Normal and Safe modes
with the Product Key required. I don't think I can get to a DOS prompt.

"Alan Edwards" wrote:

You renamed system.dat to system.dax
Why not reverse it and copy system.dax to system.dat ?

I am surprised you are asked for a key, as it should have been in
system.1st as well as system.dat

I suggest you get the ProductKey before you try this sort of "last
resort" procedure again.
You should be able to run Regedit in safe mode, so get it from the
Registry with Regedit.exe
The key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
The value is ProductKey

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:00:01 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me, there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do. Can
anyone help me out with this?

You don't have to use normal or safe mode to get to DOS.
Boot to DOS. You must have done that before to follow that procedure.
You wouldn't have done that while Windows was running.

The troubleshooter wouldn't call it a last resort, but it is (IMHO).
System.1st is normally so old that it can be useless, though it should
have had the ProductKey in it.

Another way to find the ProductKey (if it existed in System.dat or
System.1st) is to use a search string like this from a DOS boot:

C:\Windows\Command\Find /I "ProductKey" C:\Windows\System.dat
or
C:\Windows\Command\Find /I "ProductKey" C:\Windows\System.dax
or
C:\Windows\Command\Find /I "ProductKey" C:\System.1st

The above command used to work for me and others once, but does no
longer for some of us, so take your chances.

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 22:00:01 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

Alan,

Thanks for your reply. I read the whole Help screen on this topic when I ran
the troubleshooter. This is like the 12th or 13th screen.

No where in the Help screen did it mention it was "a last resort" method. In
fact the last two steps on this page had the reversal steps to rename the
files as changed by the commands typed at a DOS prompt.

This screen also did not mention having the Product Key available;
otherwise, I would have. This screen led me to believe that it would be a
benign change that was reversible.

Unfortunately, the computer now only boots both in the Normal and Safe modes
with the Product Key required. I don't think I can get to a DOS prompt.

"Alan Edwards" wrote:

You renamed system.dat to system.dax
Why not reverse it and copy system.dax to system.dat ?

I am surprised you are asked for a key, as it should have been in
system.1st as well as system.dat

I suggest you get the ProductKey before you try this sort of "last
resort" procedure again.
You should be able to run Regedit in safe mode, so get it from the
Registry with Regedit.exe
The key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
The value is ProductKey

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:00:01 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me, there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do. Can
anyone help me out with this?

Please take this without being offended, as that is not my intent.

Boot to DOS, not safe mode.
I don't see how you could have done what you did unless you did this
before.
When you boot, as soon as you see the memory check start, press and
hold the Ctrl key down until you see the menu.
Select "Command prompt only", NOT "Safe mode command prompt only"

I didn't advise you to rename system.dax
I didn't advise you to rename system.dat
If you haven't removed the attributes as you did before in a DOS boot
(not safe mode) then it is unlikely you can do anything with a system
file with system/hidden/read-only attributes.
Please be careful before you lose both.
Don't rename if you really want to copy.
You cannot do this sort of thing in safe mode or normal mode.
I strongly advise that you find someone nearby with some experience
before you dig a hole you cannot climb out of.

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html


On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 23:16:02 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

I was able to boot only in a SAFE mode with Command Prompt only. When I try
to rename the file "system.dax" I get "Duplicate file name or file in use."
If I try to rename the system.dat file the system says "File not found."

Any suggestions?

"ronbo76" wrote:

Alan,

Thanks for your reply. I read the whole Help screen on this topic when I ran
the troubleshooter. This is like the 12th or 13th screen.

No where in the Help screen did it mention it was "a last resort" method. In
fact the last two steps on this page had the reversal steps to rename the
files as changed by the commands typed at a DOS prompt.

This screen also did not mention having the Product Key available;
otherwise, I would have. This screen led me to believe that it would be a
benign change that was reversible.

Unfortunately, the computer now only boots both in the Normal and Safe modes
with the Product Key required. I don't think I can get to a DOS prompt.

"Alan Edwards" wrote:

You renamed system.dat to system.dax
Why not reverse it and copy system.dax to system.dat ?

I am surprised you are asked for a key, as it should have been in
system.1st as well as system.dat

I suggest you get the ProductKey before you try this sort of "last
resort" procedure again.
You should be able to run Regedit in safe mode, so get it from the
Registry with Regedit.exe
The key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
The value is ProductKey

....Alan
--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:00:01 -0700, "ronbo76"
wrote:

Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me, there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do. Can
anyone help me out with this?

The W98 ProductKey is generally found on the Windows user manual, the
certificate of authenticity, a sticker on the PC or a sticker on the sleeve
or jewel case the Windows CD came in. The 25-digit key is 5 groups of 5
alpha/numeric characters. The Key might be available from the system:

If the system is working in either safe or normal mode:

Open regedit.exe to this key and look in the right pane for the entry
ProductKey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion

If the system is not working, start the computer with a floppy startup disk.

At the A: prompt, type: C:\Windows\Command\Find /N "ProductKey"
C:\Windows\System.dat
(Note: ProductKey must be typed in upper and lower case letters as shown
and there is a space after: "Find" after: "/N" and after:
"ProductKey"

If the hard drive has been formatted or replaced, US customers can contact
Microsoft at: 1 800 642-7676. They will issue retail and OEM product keys
after verifying data located on the W98 CD.

I suggest writing the ProductKey on the CD with a Sharpie marker.
***********

If you run into the safe mode only problem again:

Windows 98 or Windows 95 Defaults to Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=143283

The Computer Always Starts in Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306615


--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"ronbo76" wrote in message
...
Hello,

Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran all
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I
came
to one that had me type the following commands:

c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat

After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot screen
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for me,
there
is no key on the bottom of the computer.

I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had
another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to do.
Can
anyone help me out with this?

Go to
http://www.62nds.co.nz/cgi-bin/downl...diag.exe?sWOtr
and download "diag.exe" to a floppy. Start the problem=20
computer in DOS, restore the original "system.dat" file,
then insert the floppy, type "a:\diag" and press "Enter".

Ben

"ronbo76" wrote in message =
...
Hello,
=20
Today I was given a computer that would only boot in SAFE mode. I ran =
all=20
the recommended trouble shooting modes (suggested in the Help file). I =
came=20
to one that had me type the following commands:
=20
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c:\system.1st
c:\windows\command\attrib -h -s -r c\windows\system.dat
ren c:\windows\system.dat *.dax
copy c:\system.1st c: windows\system.dat
=20
After doing that my computer now boots into a Windows first boot =
screen=20
asking me for me for my Windows registration key. Unfortunately for =
me, there=20
is no key on the bottom of the computer.
=20
I did not print out the help screen that listed those commands. It had =

another step that would reverse those commands which I would like to =
do. Can=20
anyone help me out with this?