System crash: IOSUBSYS error

Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3 wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98 .cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext *.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466), 132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::



Thanks,
Dan Hacker

Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single 1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus, IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98
..cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

I had a little problem. Sign2.def is too big for the floppy 9,114 kb. This was after I downloaded the latest signature files.


Thanks,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message ...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single 1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus, IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98
.cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

(Please use plain text instead of Rich Text (HTML) when posting, unless there is a
need for emphasis through differnt fonts and colours).

Oops, those Def files just keep getting bigger. Might be time to make a bootable CD
with the program on it, instead.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
news I had a little problem. Sign2.def is too big for the floppy 9,114 kb. This was
after I downloaded the latest signature files.


Thanks,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message
...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single 1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus, IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98
..cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

Following that KB article, to get rid of whatever corruption was in that folder,
they suggest renaming it prior to the overinstall of Windows. Be aware though that
some third party software adds drivers to the iosubsys folder, so they would have to
be reinstalled in that case. Most CD writing apps add files there....Nero, Roxio
and others.

Also, chipset drivers may be found there, such as files from the VIA 4-in-1 driver
set. So, motherboard/chipset drivers would need to be reinstalled, most likely.

An overinstall *should* not affect your data, settings, configurations.....but I
*should* be living on a Greek isle, too. The problem with overinstalls is that you
are prompted whether to overwrite files when setup finds newer versions on your
system, often from updates. If you choose to replace the newer files, all your
updates and newer file versions installed by other programs, will be lost. If you
say no, keep the newer files, you risk *not* replacing a possibly corrupt file that
is involved in the original issue. In this case, I would keep all the newer files,
since the issue *appears* to be centered around the iosubsys folder.

Ideally, you should have backups prior to a reinstall, and also an image of the
entire partition through an imaging app such as Acronis TrueImage or
TerabyteUnlimited's Image for Windows.

I can't help wondering though if there isn't something simpler being overlooked
here.

BTW, please tell me you did physically remove the Network card after you uninstalled
its driver/software. It's not still in the PCI slot, right?
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
It seems I will have to go the reinstall route. Do I need to do anything besides
rename the IOSUBSYS folder? Will I lose settings, configurations, data, etc. after
the reinstall?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message
...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single 1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus, IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98
..cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

It seems I will have to go the reinstall route. Do I need to do anything besides rename the IOSUBSYS folder? Will I lose settings, configurations, data, etc. after the reinstall?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message ...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single 1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus, IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98
.cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

"glee" wrote in message
...
Following that KB article, to get rid of whatever corruption was in that
folder,
they suggest renaming it prior to the overinstall of Windows. Be aware
though that
some third party software adds drivers to the iosubsys folder, so they
would have to
be reinstalled in that case. Most CD writing apps add files
there....Nero, Roxio
and others.

I renamed the Iosubsys folder so I can easily spot the non-windows drivers
(which by the way include one for the wireless card).

Also, chipset drivers may be found there, such as files from the VIA
4-in-1 driver
set. So, motherboard/chipset drivers would need to be reinstalled, most
likely.

An overinstall *should* not affect your data, settings,
configurations.....but I
*should* be living on a Greek isle, too. The problem with overinstalls is
that you

Can I come visit?

is involved in the original issue. In this case, I would keep all the
newer files,
since the issue *appears* to be centered around the iosubsys folder.

I will follow your advice.


Ideally, you should have backups prior to a reinstall,

Ahhh, backups?
and also an image of the entire partition through an imaging app such as
Acronis .

Well.............

I can't help wondering though if there isn't something simpler being
overlooked
here.


I agree 100%! I had hoped someone would be able to point me in the right
direction. It really bothers me that Shift-F8 doesn't work propely, nor
does the bootlog.txt


BTW, please tell me you did physically remove the Network card after you
uninstalled
its driver/software. It's not still in the PCI slot, right?
--

Ripped it out, stomped on it, and burned the pieces. Maybe I should have
returned it for a refund--Naahhhhhhhhh.


Thanks for your time,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message ...
(Please use plain text instead of Rich Text (HTML) when posting, unless there is a
need for emphasis through differnt fonts and colours).

And I do so love my Rich Text (sigh).

Oops, those Def files just keep getting bigger. Might be time to make a bootable CD
with the program on it, instead.

The BIOS for the IBM PL300 does not support boot from CD.


Thanks for the suggestions,
Dan

--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
news I had a little problem. Sign2.def is too big for the floppy 9,114 kb. This was
after I downloaded the latest signature files.


Thanks,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message
...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single 1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT /LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus, IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from the W98
.cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names (ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881, 263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

Along the same lines, I need to do a reinstall on my B-I-L's computer. He
has gotten hi-jacked and I can't seem to fix it, so a reinstall looks like
the only option. To be sure I get rid of the problem, I think I better do a
complete, fresh install. Any tips on doing this, ie delete the old Windows
folder, allow all file overwrites, keep fingers crossed...............

Thanks,
Dan Hacker


"glee" wrote in message
...
Following that KB article, to get rid of whatever corruption was in that
folder,
they suggest renaming it prior to the overinstall of Windows. Be aware
though that
some third party software adds drivers to the iosubsys folder, so they
would have to
be reinstalled in that case. Most CD writing apps add files
there....Nero, Roxio
and others.

Also, chipset drivers may be found there, such as files from the VIA
4-in-1 driver
set. So, motherboard/chipset drivers would need to be reinstalled, most
likely.

An overinstall *should* not affect your data, settings,
configurations.....but I
*should* be living on a Greek isle, too. The problem with overinstalls is
that you
are prompted whether to overwrite files when setup finds newer versions on
your
system, often from updates. If you choose to replace the newer files, all
your
updates and newer file versions installed by other programs, will be lost.
If you
say no, keep the newer files, you risk *not* replacing a possibly corrupt
file that
is involved in the original issue. In this case, I would keep all the
newer files,
since the issue *appears* to be centered around the iosubsys folder.

Ideally, you should have backups prior to a reinstall, and also an image
of the
entire partition through an imaging app such as Acronis TrueImage or
TerabyteUnlimited's Image for Windows.

I can't help wondering though if there isn't something simpler being
overlooked
here.

BTW, please tell me you did physically remove the Network card after you
uninstalled
its driver/software. It's not still in the PCI slot, right?
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
It seems I will have to go the reinstall route. Do I need to do anything
besides
rename the IOSUBSYS folder? Will I lose settings, configurations, data,
etc. after
the reinstall?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message
...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same
folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single
1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two
disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel
macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT
/LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for
F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from
diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT
/LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when
requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for
F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from
diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading
the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to
the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the
newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus,
IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles
you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming
the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing
purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error
message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a
Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled
it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to
uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It
did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for
help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement
are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from
the W98
.cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't
seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on
my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error
immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names
(ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881,
263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you
to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed
Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no
way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my
wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker

Read here, by MS MVP Ron Badour:
http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/w98_restore.html

To make sure it is clean, you will need to format and install fresh. Be sure to get
the Product Key from the Registry first, as Ron describes on that page. The Product
ID is not what you need....you will need the ProductKey.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Along the same lines, I need to do a reinstall on my B-I-L's computer. He
has gotten hi-jacked and I can't seem to fix it, so a reinstall looks like
the only option. To be sure I get rid of the problem, I think I better do a
complete, fresh install. Any tips on doing this, ie delete the old Windows
folder, allow all file overwrites, keep fingers crossed...............

Thanks,
Dan Hacker


"glee" wrote in message
...
Following that KB article, to get rid of whatever corruption was in that
folder,
they suggest renaming it prior to the overinstall of Windows. Be aware
though that
some third party software adds drivers to the iosubsys folder, so they
would have to
be reinstalled in that case. Most CD writing apps add files
there....Nero, Roxio
and others.

Also, chipset drivers may be found there, such as files from the VIA
4-in-1 driver
set. So, motherboard/chipset drivers would need to be reinstalled, most
likely.

An overinstall *should* not affect your data, settings,
configurations.....but I
*should* be living on a Greek isle, too. The problem with overinstalls is
that you
are prompted whether to overwrite files when setup finds newer versions on
your
system, often from updates. If you choose to replace the newer files, all
your
updates and newer file versions installed by other programs, will be lost.
If you
say no, keep the newer files, you risk *not* replacing a possibly corrupt
file that
is involved in the original issue. In this case, I would keep all the
newer files,
since the issue *appears* to be centered around the iosubsys folder.

Ideally, you should have backups prior to a reinstall, and also an image
of the
entire partition through an imaging app such as Acronis TrueImage or
TerabyteUnlimited's Image for Windows.

I can't help wondering though if there isn't something simpler being
overlooked
here.

BTW, please tell me you did physically remove the Network card after you
uninstalled
its driver/software. It's not still in the PCI slot, right?
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
It seems I will have to go the reinstall route. Do I need to do anything
besides
rename the IOSUBSYS folder? Will I lose settings, configurations, data,
etc. after
the reinstall?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

"glee" wrote in message
...
Running an anti-virus scan from a DOS floppy boot:

Download and unzip F-Prot for DOS:
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/dos/

http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_...oad_fpdos.html

Then get the latest virus definition files and unzip them into the same
folder you
unzipped the program files, overwriting the old copies:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html


Running F-PROT From Floppy Disks:
(from http://members.aol.com/don5408/fprot.html)

While the files necessary to run F-PROT exceed the capacity of a single
1.44MB
floppy disk F-PROT can be run from diskette using either a set of two
disks (without
Word/Excel macro virus coverage) or a set of three disks (with Word/Excel
macro
virus coverage).

Instructions for F-PROT disks (two-disk set)
Copy the following four files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
SIGN2.DEF
NOMACRO.DEF

Rename the NOMACRO.DEF file on disk #1 MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT
/LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disk #2 when requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (961kb free space required for
F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from
diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.


Instructions for F-PROT disks (three-disk set)

Copy the following three files to disk #1:

F-PROT.EXE
ENGLISH.TX0
MACRO.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #2:

SIGN2.DEF

Copy the following file to disk #3:

SIGN.DEF

To run F-PROT insert disk #1 Go to an A:\ prompt in DOS Type F-PROT
/LOADDEF
and tap ENTER. Follow the prompts, inserting disks #2 and #3 when
requested.

NOTE: Disk #1 can be a bootable system disk (853kb free space required for
F-PROT
files) created on a non-infected PC, allowing F-PROT to be run from
diskette
bypassing possibly infected files on the hard disk altogether.

Updating F-PROT:

The virus signature/definition files can be kept current by downloading
the
following two files (which are updated regularly) and extracting them to
the
directory to which you extracted the F-PROT.EXE program (allowing the
newer files to
overwrite the existing copies).


Also see he
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/virtest.htm

Your problem is probably hardware-related rather than due to a virus,
IMHO.

The most relevant troubleshooting for this seems to be in these articles
you linked:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=188867
(See the section "When windows does not start in Safe Mode")
and
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263466

It's looking like you will have to either do an overinstall after renaming
the
iosubsys folder, or install Windows to another folder for testing
purposes....both
of which are described or referenced in the articles.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"rubyjack" wrote in message
...
Need some help badly.

Yesterday my IBM PL300, 350 MZ, Win98SE system started giving me an error
message:
*
While initializing device IOS:
Error: An I/O Subsystemdriver failed to load.
Either a file in .\iosubsys subdirectory is corrupt,
or the system is low on memory
*
The only thing that was going on was that I was trying to install a
Netgear WG311v3
wireless network card. I had trouble getting it to work and uninstalled
it using
its own uninstall as well as Control Panel. However, it didn't seem to
uninstall
the files properly and it still showed up in the Install/Remove menu. It
did boot a
couple of time after the uninstalltion, but then died.

I have Googled, MS Knowledgebased, and searched this NG on Google for
help. But
nothing I try seems to help. Amoung the fixes I have tried to implement
are as
follows:

1. Scanreg /restored to about four different days backup.

2. Re-Extracted all files in the c:\windows\system\iosubsys folder from
the W98
.cab files (except for those files that weren't in the .cax :-).

3. Scandisked the HD (some file errors, but they were fixed and didn't
seem
critical) including Thourough.

4. Reset the MaxFileCache in Vcache to 6144

5. From a good startup floppy did a SYS C:

6. Tried to find the ios.log (there wasn't one)

7. Tried to SETUP in c:\windows\options\cabs, but I don't have SETUP on
my HD.

8. Renamed Iosubsys folder to Iosubold

9. Tried to Shift-F8 through the boot process, but I got the error
immediately upon
processing the drivers.

10. Tried rename all the files in the Iosubsys folder to different names
(ren *.ext
*.e~t)

11. Read MS KB articles Q255(Q225497), 311108(Q311108), 188881,
263466(Q263466),
132008(Q132008), 188867(Q188867), as well as some others that required you
to be
able to at least boot into Safe Mode, which I can't.

12. Checked the Bootlog.txt, but it gave no useful clues (only listed
Autoexec.bat
and Cofig.sys entires-successful)


I have stopped short of any kind of re-install of W98. And I know of no
way to
check for viruses with only a command prompt. Please help, this is my
wife's
computer and "if Momma ain't happy, no one ain't happy" ::grin::

Thanks,
Dan Hacker