Cannot startup Windows after Disk Defragmentation

Hello Everyone,

I have a Dell Desktop Pentium 700 MHz with 512 RAM installed and
Windows 98 SE. The Windows version is 4.10.2222. This computer
has been working fine for many years.

Installed programs include Norton System Works 2005 Premier and
Norton Internet Security 2006.

To optimize my hard disk, I ran Norton Disk Optimization – Speed
Disk that is part of the Norton Utilities. A message popped up –
maybe bad disk sectors. I ran Norton Disk Doctor. I checked
repair automatically and created a NDD undo file.

I restarted the computer and resumed optimization which proceeded
very slowly. After several hours, I pressed "Stop"; and was
able to shut the system down normally.

I started the computer and received error message: "This program
performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" for each of
the following processes:

1. Ccsetmgr
2. Ccevtmgr
3. Nprotect
4. Aluschedulersvc
5. Iddvc
6. Sbserv
7. Ccproxy
8. Sbserv

"Details" for each of the above indicated "invalid page fault in
module MSVCRT.DLL" and listed various registers and stack dump.

I also received the following two "Error Starting Program"
messages mixed in with the above error messages:

1. "The PSAPI.DLL file is linked to missing export
NTDLL.DLL:NtAllocateVirtualMemory".

2. "The APITRAP.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to
determine the problem".

Next, the Microsoft Network dialog box came up. I entered the
password and the error message "This program performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down" came up 5 times for "Explorer".

"Details" again indicated invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL
and listed various registers and stack dump.

The screen displayed my normal wallpaper but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. Pressing "Ctrl-
Alt-Del" listed the following running programs:

1. Ghoststartservice
2. Csinject
3. Wmexe

Based on the above error messages, I suspect that the NSW hard
disk optimization process caused this situation.

I have Norton GoBack installed and used it in the past with
success. I thought this would solve the problem by restoring the
hard drive to a time before I ran the disk defrag. I restarted
the computer and pressed the space bar to activate NGB. I got a
message to the effect "cannot find any system point to restore".

I then used the Windows "step-by-step confirmation" startup
method trying various combinations of excluding commands to no
avail.

After that, I tried Windows "safe mode". The screen displayed my
normal wallpaper at a different resolution but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. The error message
"This program performed an illegal operation and will be shut
down" came up 5 times for "Explorer". Pressing "Ctrl-Alt-Del"
brought up the running programs dialog with no programs listed.

I then tried my Windows 98 SE startup disk. All it did was offer
to install Windows 98 SE and say it was a good idea to back up my
files. I figured this meant installation would wipe out all my
data and installed programs so I did not proceed.

I also have a Norton Recovery Disk that came with NSW. I tried
that and received a message to the effect that no recovery file
could be found.

I also used command prompt and can view the lists of directories
and files on the drive. It appears that all of my data and
program files are present.

I then contacted Symantec's Technical Support and received the
following response:


"Thank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.

"I understand from your message that you are facing some issue
with Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005 and you are receiving a number
of error message and you have also tried to run Speed Disk.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the
conflict between the programs or due to the corrupt or damaged
files of the Symantec program.

"In order to resolve this issue, I suggest that you try to follow
the steps provided below and check for the issue.

"1. Download the removal tool to uninstall the Symantec program.
"2. Prepare the computer and re-install Norton SystemWorks (NSW)
2006.

"Also be informed that removal tools downloaded from Symantec
site are used to remove the remnants of the previous version of
Symantec programs installed on the computer.

"To download the removal tools and to remove the remnants of the
Symantec programs installed on the computer, I suggest you to
follow the steps provided in the document linked below:

"Title: 'Using the Norton removal tool: Solution 2'
Document ID: 2006031710323113
Web URL:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support.../docid/2006031
71032311
3?Open&src=con_ols_nam"


Symantec's solution requires Windows functionality which I do not
have. I wrote back to Symantec and was given another solution
that again requires Windows functionality. I gave up on Symantec
Technical Support.

I then went to Microsoft's Windows 98 technical support Knowledge
Base and read the following Articles:

184075 Description of Microsoft System Information
(Msinfo32.exe) Tool

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

281965 How to Troubleshoot Using the Msconfig Utility with
Windows 98

192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

250928 How to reinstall Windows 98

Regarding these articles, "Msconfig32.exe" does not work in
command mode. So, I ran "scanreg/restore" and restored the
registry to a time before these problems arose. I received
essentially the same error messages when starting up. I did a
"scanreg.exe" check and received the response that the registry
was O.K.

At this point, I tried everything I feel comfortable trying. I
have a DSL modem and a wireless router connected to the computer
with the problems. My Internet connectivity is still working and
I'm reluctant to try anything that might disrupt the Internet
service.

I installed many software programs and new hardware (CD-ROM,
Network Interface Card) over the years and would like to avoid a
reinstall of Windows 98. If anybody could offer a solution that
would avoid a Windows Reinstall or allow most of my installed
programs to remain, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long message. All
replies are welcome.

Hello Everyone,

I apologize for the duplicate post. My question was my first post in this
community. When I hit "Post", the error message "Page not available" came
up. So I posted again, and found that both posts were successful. Now I
know to check before posting a second time.

Ron posted a reply to my initial post. I would appreciate any further posts
be made in that thread.

Thanks,
John
"Blue Sky" wrote:

Hello Everyone,

I have a Dell Desktop Pentium 700 MHz with 512 RAM installed and
Windows 98 SE. The Windows version is 4.10.2222. This computer
has been working fine for many years.

Installed programs include Norton System Works 2005 Premier and
Norton Internet Security 2006.

To optimize my hard disk, I ran Norton Disk Optimization – Speed
Disk that is part of the Norton Utilities. A message popped up –
maybe bad disk sectors. I ran Norton Disk Doctor. I checked
repair automatically and created a NDD undo file.

I restarted the computer and resumed optimization which proceeded
very slowly. After several hours, I pressed "Stop"; and was
able to shut the system down normally.

I started the computer and received error message: "This program
performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" for each of
the following processes:

1. Ccsetmgr
2. Ccevtmgr
3. Nprotect
4. Aluschedulersvc
5. Iddvc
6. Sbserv
7. Ccproxy
8. Sbserv

"Details" for each of the above indicated "invalid page fault in
module MSVCRT.DLL" and listed various registers and stack dump.

I also received the following two "Error Starting Program"
messages mixed in with the above error messages:

1. "The PSAPI.DLL file is linked to missing export
NTDLL.DLL:NtAllocateVirtualMemory".

2. "The APITRAP.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to
determine the problem".

Next, the Microsoft Network dialog box came up. I entered the
password and the error message "This program performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down" came up 5 times for "Explorer".

"Details" again indicated invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL
and listed various registers and stack dump.

The screen displayed my normal wallpaper but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. Pressing "Ctrl-
Alt-Del" listed the following running programs:

1. Ghoststartservice
2. Csinject
3. Wmexe

Based on the above error messages, I suspect that the NSW hard
disk optimization process caused this situation.

I have Norton GoBack installed and used it in the past with
success. I thought this would solve the problem by restoring the
hard drive to a time before I ran the disk defrag. I restarted
the computer and pressed the space bar to activate NGB. I got a
message to the effect "cannot find any system point to restore".

I then used the Windows "step-by-step confirmation" startup
method trying various combinations of excluding commands to no
avail.

After that, I tried Windows "safe mode". The screen displayed my
normal wallpaper at a different resolution but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. The error message
"This program performed an illegal operation and will be shut
down" came up 5 times for "Explorer". Pressing "Ctrl-Alt-Del"
brought up the running programs dialog with no programs listed.

I then tried my Windows 98 SE startup disk. All it did was offer
to install Windows 98 SE and say it was a good idea to back up my
files. I figured this meant installation would wipe out all my
data and installed programs so I did not proceed.

I also have a Norton Recovery Disk that came with NSW. I tried
that and received a message to the effect that no recovery file
could be found.

I also used command prompt and can view the lists of directories
and files on the drive. It appears that all of my data and
program files are present.

I then contacted Symantec's Technical Support and received the
following response:


"Thank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.

"I understand from your message that you are facing some issue
with Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005 and you are receiving a number
of error message and you have also tried to run Speed Disk.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the
conflict between the programs or due to the corrupt or damaged
files of the Symantec program.

"In order to resolve this issue, I suggest that you try to follow
the steps provided below and check for the issue.

"1. Download the removal tool to uninstall the Symantec program.
"2. Prepare the computer and re-install Norton SystemWorks (NSW)
2006.

"Also be informed that removal tools downloaded from Symantec
site are used to remove the remnants of the previous version of
Symantec programs installed on the computer.

"To download the removal tools and to remove the remnants of the
Symantec programs installed on the computer, I suggest you to
follow the steps provided in the document linked below:

"Title: 'Using the Norton removal tool: Solution 2'
Document ID: 2006031710323113
Web URL:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support.../docid/2006031
71032311
3?Open&src=con_ols_nam"


Symantec's solution requires Windows functionality which I do not
have. I wrote back to Symantec and was given another solution
that again requires Windows functionality. I gave up on Symantec
Technical Support.

I then went to Microsoft's Windows 98 technical support Knowledge
Base and read the following Articles:

184075 Description of Microsoft System Information
(Msinfo32.exe) Tool

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

281965 How to Troubleshoot Using the Msconfig Utility with
Windows 98

192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

250928 How to reinstall Windows 98

Regarding these articles, "Msconfig32.exe" does not work in
command mode. So, I ran "scanreg/restore" and restored the
registry to a time before these problems arose. I received
essentially the same error messages when starting up. I did a
"scanreg.exe" check and received the response that the registry
was O.K.

At this point, I tried everything I feel comfortable trying. I
have a DSL modem and a wireless router connected to the computer
with the problems. My Internet connectivity is still working and
I'm reluctant to try anything that might disrupt the Internet
service.

I installed many software programs and new hardware (CD-ROM,
Network Interface Card) over the years and would like to avoid a
reinstall of Windows 98. If anybody could offer a solution that
would avoid a Windows Reinstall or allow most of my installed
programs to remain, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long message. All
replies are welcome.

One thing that you can't do without potentially harming your system is run
defrag without disabling GoBack first. I know this because several years ago
I had been in email contact with Norton Help Desk (and they were very
helpful indeed - not all outsourcing is a bust) back when I still used their
A/V, and this issue came up. Since then I've inadvertantly made that very
mistake and paid for it. You have to open the GoBack panel (I have the Roxio
version - Norton may have changed the interface somewhat), select "Options",
and then select "Disable GoBack", and then reboot, then answer No to the
program query to reinstall. In doing all this, you will lose all your saved
history, but it's good to clean it out every once in awhile anyway, IMO. Now
you can safely defrag, and after that re-enable GoBack by selecting
"Options" again. The MVP's generally aren't crazy about GoBack, but this
extra effort is well worth doing if, like me, you value the program.

This may not help in dealing with your present problems but may prevent a
recurrence. Good luck.


Blue Sky wrote:
Hello Everyone,

I have a Dell Desktop Pentium 700 MHz with 512 RAM installed and
Windows 98 SE. The Windows version is 4.10.2222. This computer
has been working fine for many years.

Installed programs include Norton System Works 2005 Premier and
Norton Internet Security 2006.

To optimize my hard disk, I ran Norton Disk Optimization – Speed
Disk that is part of the Norton Utilities. A message popped up –
maybe bad disk sectors. I ran Norton Disk Doctor. I checked
repair automatically and created a NDD undo file.

I restarted the computer and resumed optimization which proceeded
very slowly. After several hours, I pressed "Stop"; and was
able to shut the system down normally.

I started the computer and received error message: "This program
performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" for each of
the following processes:

1. Ccsetmgr
2. Ccevtmgr
3. Nprotect
4. Aluschedulersvc
5. Iddvc
6. Sbserv
7. Ccproxy
8. Sbserv

"Details" for each of the above indicated "invalid page fault in
module MSVCRT.DLL" and listed various registers and stack dump.

I also received the following two "Error Starting Program"
messages mixed in with the above error messages:

1. "The PSAPI.DLL file is linked to missing export
NTDLL.DLL:NtAllocateVirtualMemory".

2. "The APITRAP.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to
determine the problem".

Next, the Microsoft Network dialog box came up. I entered the
password and the error message "This program performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down" came up 5 times for "Explorer".

"Details" again indicated invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL
and listed various registers and stack dump.

The screen displayed my normal wallpaper but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. Pressing "Ctrl-
Alt-Del" listed the following running programs:

1. Ghoststartservice
2. Csinject
3. Wmexe

Based on the above error messages, I suspect that the NSW hard
disk optimization process caused this situation.

I have Norton GoBack installed and used it in the past with
success. I thought this would solve the problem by restoring the
hard drive to a time before I ran the disk defrag. I restarted
the computer and pressed the space bar to activate NGB. I got a
message to the effect "cannot find any system point to restore".

I then used the Windows "step-by-step confirmation" startup
method trying various combinations of excluding commands to no
avail.

After that, I tried Windows "safe mode". The screen displayed my
normal wallpaper at a different resolution but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. The error message
"This program performed an illegal operation and will be shut
down" came up 5 times for "Explorer". Pressing "Ctrl-Alt-Del"
brought up the running programs dialog with no programs listed.

I then tried my Windows 98 SE startup disk. All it did was offer
to install Windows 98 SE and say it was a good idea to back up my
files. I figured this meant installation would wipe out all my
data and installed programs so I did not proceed.

I also have a Norton Recovery Disk that came with NSW. I tried
that and received a message to the effect that no recovery file
could be found.

I also used command prompt and can view the lists of directories
and files on the drive. It appears that all of my data and
program files are present.

I then contacted Symantec's Technical Support and received the
following response:


"Thank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.

"I understand from your message that you are facing some issue
with Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005 and you are receiving a number
of error message and you have also tried to run Speed Disk.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the
conflict between the programs or due to the corrupt or damaged
files of the Symantec program.

"In order to resolve this issue, I suggest that you try to follow
the steps provided below and check for the issue.

"1. Download the removal tool to uninstall the Symantec program.
"2. Prepare the computer and re-install Norton SystemWorks (NSW)
2006.

"Also be informed that removal tools downloaded from Symantec
site are used to remove the remnants of the previous version of
Symantec programs installed on the computer.

"To download the removal tools and to remove the remnants of the
Symantec programs installed on the computer, I suggest you to
follow the steps provided in the document linked below:

"Title: 'Using the Norton removal tool: Solution 2'
Document ID: 2006031710323113
Web URL:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support.../docid/2006031
71032311
3?Open&src=con_ols_nam"


Symantec's solution requires Windows functionality which I do not
have. I wrote back to Symantec and was given another solution
that again requires Windows functionality. I gave up on Symantec
Technical Support.

I then went to Microsoft's Windows 98 technical support Knowledge
Base and read the following Articles:

184075 Description of Microsoft System Information
(Msinfo32.exe) Tool

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

281965 How to Troubleshoot Using the Msconfig Utility with
Windows 98

192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

250928 How to reinstall Windows 98

Regarding these articles, "Msconfig32.exe" does not work in
command mode. So, I ran "scanreg/restore" and restored the
registry to a time before these problems arose. I received
essentially the same error messages when starting up. I did a
"scanreg.exe" check and received the response that the registry
was O.K.

At this point, I tried everything I feel comfortable trying. I
have a DSL modem and a wireless router connected to the computer
with the problems. My Internet connectivity is still working and
I'm reluctant to try anything that might disrupt the Internet
service.

I installed many software programs and new hardware (CD-ROM,
Network Interface Card) over the years and would like to avoid a
reinstall of Windows 98. If anybody could offer a solution that
would avoid a Windows Reinstall or allow most of my installed
programs to remain, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long message. All
replies are welcome.

Roger Fink wrote:
One thing that you can't do without potentially harming your system is run
defrag without disabling GoBack first. I know this because several years ago
I had been in email contact with Norton Help Desk (and they were very
helpful indeed - not all outsourcing is a bust) back when I still used their
A/V, and this issue came up. Since then I've inadvertantly made that very
mistake and paid for it. You have to open the GoBack panel (I have the Roxio
version - Norton may have changed the interface somewhat), select "Options",
and then select "Disable GoBack", and then reboot, then answer No to the
program query to reinstall. In doing all this, you will lose all your saved
history, but it's good to clean it out every once in awhile anyway, IMO. Now
you can safely defrag, and after that re-enable GoBack by selecting
"Options" again. The MVP's generally aren't crazy about GoBack, but this
extra effort is well worth doing if, like me, you value the program.

This may not help in dealing with your present problems but may prevent a
recurrence. Good luck.


snip

I like GoBack as well for my 98SE operating systems that need such a
solution for older operating systems that lack System Restore. I
actually used it quite recently when I was trying to use a program to
allow functionality for my Ipod in Windows 98SE that was suggested in
the Windows ME group. The solution supported 98SE as well as Windows
ME. Well, I ended up with my first Blue Screen of Death that I have not
had for so long. The BSOD happened when I restarted the computer from
98SE to XP Pro. 98SE would no longer boot up and XP Pro. boot up but
was not happy because it moved slowly even though it is on a separate
hard drive with NTFS instead of Fat32. I rolled back the 98SE side with
GoBack and everything was okay again. Needless, to say I posted back
with my comments and suggested the XP solution and Itunes was much
better than this program.

BTW, Roger if you run Disk Defragger without disabling GoBack does the
system lock up or does something worse happen. I have the latest GoBack
version from Symantec that I have found to be only slightly changed from
the Roxio version. In addition, are there any other disk tools that you
would not run without disabling GoBack. Thanks in advance for your
comments. I imagine this program would have been pure crap if it had
originally been originally a Symantec solution rather than a Roxio solution.

Dan wrote:
Roger Fink wrote:
One thing that you can't do without potentially harming your system
is run defrag without disabling GoBack first. I know this because
several years ago I had been in email contact with Norton Help Desk
(and they were very helpful indeed - not all outsourcing is a bust)
back when I still used their A/V, and this issue came up. Since then
I've inadvertantly made that very mistake and paid for it. You have
to open the GoBack panel (I have the Roxio version - Norton may have
changed the interface somewhat), select "Options", and then select
"Disable GoBack", and then reboot, then answer No to the program
query to reinstall. In doing all this, you will lose all your saved
history, but it's good to clean it out every once in awhile anyway,
IMO. Now you can safely defrag, and after that re-enable GoBack by
selecting "Options" again. The MVP's generally aren't crazy about
GoBack, but this extra effort is well worth doing if, like me, you
value the program.

This may not help in dealing with your present problems but may
prevent a recurrence. Good luck.


snip

I like GoBack as well for my 98SE operating systems that need such a
solution for older operating systems that lack System Restore. I
actually used it quite recently when I was trying to use a program to
allow functionality for my Ipod in Windows 98SE that was suggested in
the Windows ME group. The solution supported 98SE as well as Windows
ME. Well, I ended up with my first Blue Screen of Death that I have
not
had for so long. The BSOD happened when I restarted the computer from
98SE to XP Pro. 98SE would no longer boot up and XP Pro. boot up but
was not happy because it moved slowly even though it is on a separate
hard drive with NTFS instead of Fat32. I rolled back the 98SE side
with GoBack and everything was okay again. Needless, to say I posted
back
with my comments and suggested the XP solution and Itunes was much
better than this program.

BTW, Roger if you run Disk Defragger without disabling GoBack does the
system lock up or does something worse happen. I have the latest
GoBack version from Symantec that I have found to be only slightly
changed from
the Roxio version. In addition, are there any other disk tools that
you would not run without disabling GoBack. Thanks in advance for
your
comments. I imagine this program would have been pure crap if it had
originally been originally a Symantec solution rather than a Roxio
solution.

I've gotten into so many Windows pickles over the years that my memory
blurs, but at a minimum I had to uninstall/reinstall GoBack. I didn't have
to reinstall the OS, but I think the resolution of that was one of those
Windows tightrope-without-a-net situations where your wondering if you will
make it to the other side.

snip
I've gotten into so many Windows pickles over the years that my memory
blurs, but at a minimum I had to uninstall/reinstall GoBack. I didn't have
to reinstall the OS, but I think the resolution of that was one of those
Windows tightrope-without-a-net situations where your wondering if you will
make it to the other side.



grin Thanks for posting back.

Roger,

Thanks for the insightful reply. Before I began the disk defragmentation, I
tried to disable/shut down all running programs and processes. I did this by
right clicking icons in the system tray and using "Ctrl-Alt-Delete".
Unfortunately, I think that these steps may not have disabled Norton GoBack.

I received the following e-mail from Symantec's technical support:


"I understand from your message that you are unable to start you computer
after installing Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the changes that are
made to the Master Boot Record (MBR) by Norton GoBack.
Please follow the steps provided below to force GoBack to be removed from
the master boot record:
-- Turn off the computer.
-- Restart the computer, and then immediately press and hold down the
Ctrl+Alt+G keys.
Note that some computers require that you hold down the Ctrl+Alt keys while
rapidly tapping the G key.
-- A message will appear that gives you the option to force the removal of
GoBack from the master boot record. Press F to force the removal of GoBack
from the master boot record.
If Ctrl+Alt+G keys fails in first time then try this again for three or four
times till get the prompt to remove GoBack from the master boot record.
-- Restart the computer.
Having do that repair the MBR using the FIXMBR command
fixmbr device name
Use this command to repair the MBR of the boot partition. In the command
syntax, device name is an optional device name that specifies the device that
requires a new MBR. Use this command if a virus has damaged the MBR and
Windows cannot start.
Warning: This command can damage your partition tables if a virus is present
or if a hardware problem exists. If you use this command, you may create
inaccessible partitions. We recommend that you run antivirus software before
you use this command.
You can obtain the device name from the output of the map command. If you do
not specify a device name, the MBR of the boot device is repaired, for
example:
fixmbr \device\harddisk0
If the fixmbr command detects an invalid or non-standard partition table
signature, fixmbr command prompts you for permission before rewriting the
MBR. The fixmbr command is supported only on x86-based computers.
To start the computer and use the Recovery Console to replace the MBR
1. Insert the Windows XP Home Setup CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Restart the computer. If prompted to press a key to start the computer
from the CD-ROM, press the appropriate key.
3. When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts. Press the R
key to repair a Windows XP Home installation.
4. If you are repairing a system that has more than one operating system
installed, from the Recovery Console choose the Windows XP Home installation
that you need to repair.
Note
- If you press ENTER without typing a number, the Recovery Console quits and
restarts the computer.
- The Recovery Console might also show valid installations of Windows NT
4.0. However, the results of attempting to access a Windows NT 4.0
installation can be unpredictable.
5. When prompted, type the Administrator password. If you do not have the
correct password, or if the security database for the installation of Windows
XP Home you are attempting to access is corrupted, Recovery Console does not
allow access to the local disks and you cannot repair the MBR.
6. To replace the MBR, at the Recovery Console command prompt, type:
fixmbr
Verify if you want to proceed. Depending upon the location and the cause of
the corruption within the damaged MBR, this operation can cause the data on
the hard disk to become inaccessible. Press the Y key to proceed, or press
the N key to cancel.
- After following the steps provided above, your computer will boot. If you
are not able to boot the computer, you need to get help from system vendor
for more assistance."


Symantec's instructions (which seem to apply to XP even though I told them
my system is 98SE) support your experience that GoBack was the cause of the
problem you had some years ago. If I ever get this computer working again,
I'll certainly disable NGB before defragging.

I am reluctant to do anything that modifies the Master Boot Record. I'll
hold Symantec's advice as a last resort solution. I wonder if Norton's Speed
Disk has a built-in flaw in not automatically disabling NGB before defragging.

Anyway, if you can think of anything I might try to solve this problem or
any other online resource that may be able to help me, I'd be happy to hear
from you.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

John

"Roger Fink" wrote:

One thing that you can't do without potentially harming your system is run
defrag without disabling GoBack first. I know this because several years ago
I had been in email contact with Norton Help Desk (and they were very
helpful indeed - not all outsourcing is a bust) back when I still used their
A/V, and this issue came up. Since then I've inadvertantly made that very
mistake and paid for it. You have to open the GoBack panel (I have the Roxio
version - Norton may have changed the interface somewhat), select "Options",
and then select "Disable GoBack", and then reboot, then answer No to the
program query to reinstall. In doing all this, you will lose all your saved
history, but it's good to clean it out every once in awhile anyway, IMO. Now
you can safely defrag, and after that re-enable GoBack by selecting
"Options" again. The MVP's generally aren't crazy about GoBack, but this
extra effort is well worth doing if, like me, you value the program.

This may not help in dealing with your present problems but may prevent a
recurrence. Good luck.


Blue Sky wrote:
Hello Everyone,

I have a Dell Desktop Pentium 700 MHz with 512 RAM installed and
Windows 98 SE. The Windows version is 4.10.2222. This computer
has been working fine for many years.

Installed programs include Norton System Works 2005 Premier and
Norton Internet Security 2006.

To optimize my hard disk, I ran Norton Disk Optimization – Speed
Disk that is part of the Norton Utilities. A message popped up –
maybe bad disk sectors. I ran Norton Disk Doctor. I checked
repair automatically and created a NDD undo file.

I restarted the computer and resumed optimization which proceeded
very slowly. After several hours, I pressed "Stop"; and was
able to shut the system down normally.

I started the computer and received error message: "This program
performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" for each of
the following processes:

1. Ccsetmgr
2. Ccevtmgr
3. Nprotect
4. Aluschedulersvc
5. Iddvc
6. Sbserv
7. Ccproxy
8. Sbserv

"Details" for each of the above indicated "invalid page fault in
module MSVCRT.DLL" and listed various registers and stack dump.

I also received the following two "Error Starting Program"
messages mixed in with the above error messages:

1. "The PSAPI.DLL file is linked to missing export
NTDLL.DLL:NtAllocateVirtualMemory".

2. "The APITRAP.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to
determine the problem".

Next, the Microsoft Network dialog box came up. I entered the
password and the error message "This program performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down" came up 5 times for "Explorer".

"Details" again indicated invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL
and listed various registers and stack dump.

The screen displayed my normal wallpaper but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. Pressing "Ctrl-
Alt-Del" listed the following running programs:

1. Ghoststartservice
2. Csinject
3. Wmexe

Based on the above error messages, I suspect that the NSW hard
disk optimization process caused this situation.

I have Norton GoBack installed and used it in the past with
success. I thought this would solve the problem by restoring the
hard drive to a time before I ran the disk defrag. I restarted
the computer and pressed the space bar to activate NGB. I got a
message to the effect "cannot find any system point to restore".

I then used the Windows "step-by-step confirmation" startup
method trying various combinations of excluding commands to no
avail.

After that, I tried Windows "safe mode". The screen displayed my
normal wallpaper at a different resolution but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. The error message
"This program performed an illegal operation and will be shut
down" came up 5 times for "Explorer". Pressing "Ctrl-Alt-Del"
brought up the running programs dialog with no programs listed.

I then tried my Windows 98 SE startup disk. All it did was offer
to install Windows 98 SE and say it was a good idea to back up my
files. I figured this meant installation would wipe out all my
data and installed programs so I did not proceed.

I also have a Norton Recovery Disk that came with NSW. I tried
that and received a message to the effect that no recovery file
could be found.

I also used command prompt and can view the lists of directories
and files on the drive. It appears that all of my data and
program files are present.

I then contacted Symantec's Technical Support and received the
following response:


"Thank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.

"I understand from your message that you are facing some issue
with Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005 and you are receiving a number
of error message and you have also tried to run Speed Disk.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the
conflict between the programs or due to the corrupt or damaged
files of the Symantec program.

"In order to resolve this issue, I suggest that you try to follow
the steps provided below and check for the issue.

"1. Download the removal tool to uninstall the Symantec program.
"2. Prepare the computer and re-install Norton SystemWorks (NSW)
2006.

"Also be informed that removal tools downloaded from Symantec
site are used to remove the remnants of the previous version of
Symantec programs installed on the computer.

"To download the removal tools and to remove the remnants of the
Symantec programs installed on the computer, I suggest you to
follow the steps provided in the document linked below:

"Title: 'Using the Norton removal tool: Solution 2'
Document ID: 2006031710323113
Web URL:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support.../docid/2006031
71032311
3?Open&src=con_ols_nam"


Symantec's solution requires Windows functionality which I do not
have. I wrote back to Symantec and was given another solution
that again requires Windows functionality. I gave up on Symantec
Technical Support.

I then went to Microsoft's Windows 98 technical support Knowledge
Base and read the following Articles:

184075 Description of Microsoft System Information
(Msinfo32.exe) Tool

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

281965 How to Troubleshoot Using the Msconfig Utility with
Windows 98

192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

250928 How to reinstall Windows 98

Regarding these articles, "Msconfig32.exe" does not work in
command mode. So, I ran "scanreg/restore" and restored the
registry to a time before these problems arose. I received
essentially the same error messages when starting up. I did a
"scanreg.exe" check and received the response that the registry
was O.K.

At this point, I tried everything I feel comfortable trying. I
have a DSL modem and a wireless router connected to the computer
with the problems. My Internet connectivity is still working and
I'm reluctant to try anything that might disrupt the Internet
service.

I installed many software programs and new hardware (CD-ROM,
Network Interface Card) over the years and would like to avoid a
reinstall of Windows 98. If anybody could offer a solution that
would avoid a Windows Reinstall or allow most of my installed
programs to remain, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long message. All
replies are welcome.

I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't really offer anything regarding Norton's
reply, which traverses more rarified air than I'm accustomed to. That is
grist for the real experts around here, in all seriousness.

If it were me, and I was facing an OS reinstall, my approach would be to
boot into Safe Mode and try to uninstall the bad actors one by one starting
with GoBack. If removing GoBack got me into Windows then I could take it
from there. If not, things get more complicated. When I removed NAV (2002) I
had to go on the net and download a clean-up from Norton, but I don't know
if this is still true (why they didn't download it to your hard-drive from
the installation disc I'll never know).

I hope mine is not the last word on the subject.


Blue Sky wrote:
Roger,

Thanks for the insightful reply. Before I began the disk
defragmentation, I tried to disable/shut down all running programs
and processes. I did this by right clicking icons in the system tray
and using "Ctrl-Alt-Delete". Unfortunately, I think that these steps
may not have disabled Norton GoBack.

I received the following e-mail from Symantec's technical support:


"I understand from your message that you are unable to start you
computer after installing Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the changes
that are made to the Master Boot Record (MBR) by Norton GoBack.
Please follow the steps provided below to force GoBack to be removed
from
the master boot record:
-- Turn off the computer.
-- Restart the computer, and then immediately press and hold down the
Ctrl+Alt+G keys.
Note that some computers require that you hold down the Ctrl+Alt keys
while rapidly tapping the G key.
-- A message will appear that gives you the option to force the
removal of GoBack from the master boot record. Press F to force the
removal of GoBack from the master boot record.
If Ctrl+Alt+G keys fails in first time then try this again for three
or four times till get the prompt to remove GoBack from the master
boot record. -- Restart the computer.
Having do that repair the MBR using the FIXMBR command
fixmbr device name
Use this command to repair the MBR of the boot partition. In the
command syntax, device name is an optional device name that specifies
the device that requires a new MBR. Use this command if a virus has
damaged the MBR and Windows cannot start.
Warning: This command can damage your partition tables if a virus is
present or if a hardware problem exists. If you use this command, you
may create inaccessible partitions. We recommend that you run
antivirus software before you use this command.
You can obtain the device name from the output of the map command. If
you do not specify a device name, the MBR of the boot device is
repaired, for example:
fixmbr \device\harddisk0
If the fixmbr command detects an invalid or non-standard partition
table signature, fixmbr command prompts you for permission before
rewriting the MBR. The fixmbr command is supported only on x86-based
computers.
To start the computer and use the Recovery Console to replace the MBR
1. Insert the Windows XP Home Setup CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Restart the computer. If prompted to press a key to start the
computer from the CD-ROM, press the appropriate key.
3. When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts.
Press the R key to repair a Windows XP Home installation.
4. If you are repairing a system that has more than one operating
system installed, from the Recovery Console choose the Windows XP
Home installation that you need to repair.
Note
- If you press ENTER without typing a number, the Recovery Console
quits and restarts the computer.
- The Recovery Console might also show valid installations of Windows
NT
4.0. However, the results of attempting to access a Windows NT 4.0
installation can be unpredictable.
5. When prompted, type the Administrator password. If you do not have
the correct password, or if the security database for the
installation of Windows XP Home you are attempting to access is
corrupted, Recovery Console does not allow access to the local disks
and you cannot repair the MBR.
6. To replace the MBR, at the Recovery Console command prompt, type:
fixmbr
Verify if you want to proceed. Depending upon the location and the
cause of the corruption within the damaged MBR, this operation can
cause the data on the hard disk to become inaccessible. Press the Y
key to proceed, or press the N key to cancel.
- After following the steps provided above, your computer will boot.
If you are not able to boot the computer, you need to get help from
system vendor for more assistance."


Symantec's instructions (which seem to apply to XP even though I told
them
my system is 98SE) support your experience that GoBack was the cause
of the problem you had some years ago. If I ever get this computer
working again, I'll certainly disable NGB before defragging.

I am reluctant to do anything that modifies the Master Boot Record.
I'll hold Symantec's advice as a last resort solution. I wonder if
Norton's Speed Disk has a built-in flaw in not automatically
disabling NGB before defragging.

Anyway, if you can think of anything I might try to solve this
problem or
any other online resource that may be able to help me, I'd be happy
to hear from you.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

John

"Roger Fink" wrote:

One thing that you can't do without potentially harming your system
is run defrag without disabling GoBack first. I know this because
several years ago I had been in email contact with Norton Help Desk
(and they were very helpful indeed - not all outsourcing is a bust)
back when I still used their A/V, and this issue came up. Since then
I've inadvertantly made that very mistake and paid for it. You have
to open the GoBack panel (I have the Roxio version - Norton may have
changed the interface somewhat), select "Options", and then select
"Disable GoBack", and then reboot, then answer No to the program
query to reinstall. In doing all this, you will lose all your saved
history, but it's good to clean it out every once in awhile anyway,
IMO. Now you can safely defrag, and after that re-enable GoBack by
selecting "Options" again. The MVP's generally aren't crazy about
GoBack, but this extra effort is well worth doing if, like me, you
value the program.

This may not help in dealing with your present problems but may
prevent a recurrence. Good luck.


Blue Sky wrote:
Hello Everyone,

I have a Dell Desktop Pentium 700 MHz with 512 RAM installed and
Windows 98 SE. The Windows version is 4.10.2222. This computer
has been working fine for many years.

Installed programs include Norton System Works 2005 Premier and
Norton Internet Security 2006.

To optimize my hard disk, I ran Norton Disk Optimization –
Speed Disk that is part of the Norton Utilities. A message popped
up – maybe bad disk sectors. I ran Norton Disk Doctor. I
checked
repair automatically and created a NDD undo file.

I restarted the computer and resumed optimization which proceeded
very slowly. After several hours, I pressed "Stop"; and was
able to shut the system down normally.

I started the computer and received error message: "This program
performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" for each of
the following processes:

1. Ccsetmgr
2. Ccevtmgr
3. Nprotect
4. Aluschedulersvc
5. Iddvc
6. Sbserv
7. Ccproxy
8. Sbserv

"Details" for each of the above indicated "invalid page fault in
module MSVCRT.DLL" and listed various registers and stack dump.

I also received the following two "Error Starting Program"
messages mixed in with the above error messages:

1. "The PSAPI.DLL file is linked to missing export
NTDLL.DLL:NtAllocateVirtualMemory".

2. "The APITRAP.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to
determine the problem".

Next, the Microsoft Network dialog box came up. I entered the
password and the error message "This program performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down" came up 5 times for "Explorer".

"Details" again indicated invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL
and listed various registers and stack dump.

The screen displayed my normal wallpaper but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. Pressing "Ctrl-
Alt-Del" listed the following running programs:

1. Ghoststartservice
2. Csinject
3. Wmexe

Based on the above error messages, I suspect that the NSW hard
disk optimization process caused this situation.

I have Norton GoBack installed and used it in the past with
success. I thought this would solve the problem by restoring the
hard drive to a time before I ran the disk defrag. I restarted
the computer and pressed the space bar to activate NGB. I got a
message to the effect "cannot find any system point to restore".

I then used the Windows "step-by-step confirmation" startup
method trying various combinations of excluding commands to no
avail.

After that, I tried Windows "safe mode". The screen displayed my
normal wallpaper at a different resolution but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. The error message
"This program performed an illegal operation and will be shut
down" came up 5 times for "Explorer". Pressing "Ctrl-Alt-Del"
brought up the running programs dialog with no programs listed.

I then tried my Windows 98 SE startup disk. All it did was offer
to install Windows 98 SE and say it was a good idea to back up my
files. I figured this meant installation would wipe out all my
data and installed programs so I did not proceed.

I also have a Norton Recovery Disk that came with NSW. I tried
that and received a message to the effect that no recovery file
could be found.

I also used command prompt and can view the lists of directories
and files on the drive. It appears that all of my data and
program files are present.

I then contacted Symantec's Technical Support and received the
following response:


"Thank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.

"I understand from your message that you are facing some issue
with Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005 and you are receiving a number
of error message and you have also tried to run Speed Disk.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the
conflict between the programs or due to the corrupt or damaged
files of the Symantec program.

"In order to resolve this issue, I suggest that you try to follow
the steps provided below and check for the issue.

"1. Download the removal tool to uninstall the Symantec program.
"2. Prepare the computer and re-install Norton SystemWorks (NSW)
2006.

"Also be informed that removal tools downloaded from Symantec
site are used to remove the remnants of the previous version of
Symantec programs installed on the computer.

"To download the removal tools and to remove the remnants of the
Symantec programs installed on the computer, I suggest you to
follow the steps provided in the document linked below:

"Title: 'Using the Norton removal tool: Solution 2'
Document ID: 2006031710323113
Web URL:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support.../docid/2006031
71032311
3?Open&src=con_ols_nam"


Symantec's solution requires Windows functionality which I do not
have. I wrote back to Symantec and was given another solution
that again requires Windows functionality. I gave up on Symantec
Technical Support.

I then went to Microsoft's Windows 98 technical support Knowledge
Base and read the following Articles:

184075 Description of Microsoft System Information
(Msinfo32.exe) Tool

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

281965 How to Troubleshoot Using the Msconfig Utility with
Windows 98

192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

250928 How to reinstall Windows 98

Regarding these articles, "Msconfig32.exe" does not work in
command mode. So, I ran "scanreg/restore" and restored the
registry to a time before these problems arose. I received
essentially the same error messages when starting up. I did a
"scanreg.exe" check and received the response that the registry
was O.K.

At this point, I tried everything I feel comfortable trying. I
have a DSL modem and a wireless router connected to the computer
with the problems. My Internet connectivity is still working and
I'm reluctant to try anything that might disrupt the Internet
service.

I installed many software programs and new hardware (CD-ROM,
Network Interface Card) over the years and would like to avoid a
reinstall of Windows 98. If anybody could offer a solution that
would avoid a Windows Reinstall or allow most of my installed
programs to remain, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long message. All
replies are welcome.

Roger Fink wrote:
I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't really offer anything regarding Norton's
reply, which traverses more rarified air than I'm accustomed to. That is
grist for the real experts around here, in all seriousness.

If it were me, and I was facing an OS reinstall, my approach would be to
boot into Safe Mode and try to uninstall the bad actors one by one starting
with GoBack. If removing GoBack got me into Windows then I could take it
from there. If not, things get more complicated. When I removed NAV (2002) I
had to go on the net and download a clean-up from Norton, but I don't know
if this is still true (why they didn't download it to your hard-drive from
the installation disc I'll never know).

I hope mine is not the last word on the subject.


Blue Sky wrote:
Roger,

Thanks for the insightful reply. Before I began the disk
defragmentation, I tried to disable/shut down all running programs
and processes. I did this by right clicking icons in the system tray
and using "Ctrl-Alt-Delete". Unfortunately, I think that these steps
may not have disabled Norton GoBack.

I received the following e-mail from Symantec's technical support:


"I understand from your message that you are unable to start you
computer after installing Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the changes
that are made to the Master Boot Record (MBR) by Norton GoBack.
Please follow the steps provided below to force GoBack to be removed
from
the master boot record:
-- Turn off the computer.
-- Restart the computer, and then immediately press and hold down the
Ctrl+Alt+G keys.
Note that some computers require that you hold down the Ctrl+Alt keys
while rapidly tapping the G key.
-- A message will appear that gives you the option to force the
removal of GoBack from the master boot record. Press F to force the
removal of GoBack from the master boot record.
If Ctrl+Alt+G keys fails in first time then try this again for three
or four times till get the prompt to remove GoBack from the master
boot record. -- Restart the computer.
Having do that repair the MBR using the FIXMBR command
fixmbr device name
Use this command to repair the MBR of the boot partition. In the
command syntax, device name is an optional device name that specifies
the device that requires a new MBR. Use this command if a virus has
damaged the MBR and Windows cannot start.
Warning: This command can damage your partition tables if a virus is
present or if a hardware problem exists. If you use this command, you
may create inaccessible partitions. We recommend that you run
antivirus software before you use this command.
You can obtain the device name from the output of the map command. If
you do not specify a device name, the MBR of the boot device is
repaired, for example:
fixmbr \device\harddisk0
If the fixmbr command detects an invalid or non-standard partition
table signature, fixmbr command prompts you for permission before
rewriting the MBR. The fixmbr command is supported only on x86-based
computers.
To start the computer and use the Recovery Console to replace the MBR
1. Insert the Windows XP Home Setup CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Restart the computer. If prompted to press a key to start the
computer from the CD-ROM, press the appropriate key.
3. When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts.
Press the R key to repair a Windows XP Home installation.
4. If you are repairing a system that has more than one operating
system installed, from the Recovery Console choose the Windows XP
Home installation that you need to repair.
Note
- If you press ENTER without typing a number, the Recovery Console
quits and restarts the computer.
- The Recovery Console might also show valid installations of Windows
NT
4.0. However, the results of attempting to access a Windows NT 4.0
installation can be unpredictable.
5. When prompted, type the Administrator password. If you do not have
the correct password, or if the security database for the
installation of Windows XP Home you are attempting to access is
corrupted, Recovery Console does not allow access to the local disks
and you cannot repair the MBR.
6. To replace the MBR, at the Recovery Console command prompt, type:
fixmbr
Verify if you want to proceed. Depending upon the location and the
cause of the corruption within the damaged MBR, this operation can
cause the data on the hard disk to become inaccessible. Press the Y
key to proceed, or press the N key to cancel.
- After following the steps provided above, your computer will boot.
If you are not able to boot the computer, you need to get help from
system vendor for more assistance."


Symantec's instructions (which seem to apply to XP even though I told
them
my system is 98SE) support your experience that GoBack was the cause
of the problem you had some years ago. If I ever get this computer
working again, I'll certainly disable NGB before defragging.

I am reluctant to do anything that modifies the Master Boot Record.
I'll hold Symantec's advice as a last resort solution. I wonder if
Norton's Speed Disk has a built-in flaw in not automatically
disabling NGB before defragging.

Anyway, if you can think of anything I might try to solve this
problem or
any other online resource that may be able to help me, I'd be happy
to hear from you.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

John

"Roger Fink" wrote:

One thing that you can't do without potentially harming your system
is run defrag without disabling GoBack first. I know this because
several years ago I had been in email contact with Norton Help Desk
(and they were very helpful indeed - not all outsourcing is a bust)
back when I still used their A/V, and this issue came up. Since then
I've inadvertantly made that very mistake and paid for it. You have
to open the GoBack panel (I have the Roxio version - Norton may have
changed the interface somewhat), select "Options", and then select
"Disable GoBack", and then reboot, then answer No to the program
query to reinstall. In doing all this, you will lose all your saved
history, but it's good to clean it out every once in awhile anyway,
IMO. Now you can safely defrag, and after that re-enable GoBack by
selecting "Options" again. The MVP's generally aren't crazy about
GoBack, but this extra effort is well worth doing if, like me, you
value the program.

This may not help in dealing with your present problems but may
prevent a recurrence. Good luck.


Blue Sky wrote:
Hello Everyone,

I have a Dell Desktop Pentium 700 MHz with 512 RAM installed and
Windows 98 SE. The Windows version is 4.10.2222. This computer
has been working fine for many years.

Installed programs include Norton System Works 2005 Premier and
Norton Internet Security 2006.

To optimize my hard disk, I ran Norton Disk Optimization –
Speed Disk that is part of the Norton Utilities. A message popped
up – maybe bad disk sectors. I ran Norton Disk Doctor. I
checked
repair automatically and created a NDD undo file.

I restarted the computer and resumed optimization which proceeded
very slowly. After several hours, I pressed "Stop"; and was
able to shut the system down normally.

I started the computer and received error message: "This program
performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" for each of
the following processes:

1. Ccsetmgr
2. Ccevtmgr
3. Nprotect
4. Aluschedulersvc
5. Iddvc
6. Sbserv
7. Ccproxy
8. Sbserv

"Details" for each of the above indicated "invalid page fault in
module MSVCRT.DLL" and listed various registers and stack dump.

I also received the following two "Error Starting Program"
messages mixed in with the above error messages:

1. "The PSAPI.DLL file is linked to missing export
NTDLL.DLL:NtAllocateVirtualMemory".

2. "The APITRAP.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to
determine the problem".

Next, the Microsoft Network dialog box came up. I entered the
password and the error message "This program performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down" came up 5 times for "Explorer".

"Details" again indicated invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL
and listed various registers and stack dump.

The screen displayed my normal wallpaper but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. Pressing "Ctrl-
Alt-Del" listed the following running programs:

1. Ghoststartservice
2. Csinject
3. Wmexe

Based on the above error messages, I suspect that the NSW hard
disk optimization process caused this situation.

I have Norton GoBack installed and used it in the past with
success. I thought this would solve the problem by restoring the
hard drive to a time before I ran the disk defrag. I restarted
the computer and pressed the space bar to activate NGB. I got a
message to the effect "cannot find any system point to restore".

I then used the Windows "step-by-step confirmation" startup
method trying various combinations of excluding commands to no
avail.

After that, I tried Windows "safe mode". The screen displayed my
normal wallpaper at a different resolution but with no icons or
system tray. The Start Menu did not come up. The error message
"This program performed an illegal operation and will be shut
down" came up 5 times for "Explorer". Pressing "Ctrl-Alt-Del"
brought up the running programs dialog with no programs listed.

I then tried my Windows 98 SE startup disk. All it did was offer
to install Windows 98 SE and say it was a good idea to back up my
files. I figured this meant installation would wipe out all my
data and installed programs so I did not proceed.

I also have a Norton Recovery Disk that came with NSW. I tried
that and received a message to the effect that no recovery file
could be found.

I also used command prompt and can view the lists of directories
and files on the drive. It appears that all of my data and
program files are present.

I then contacted Symantec's Technical Support and received the
following response:


"Thank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.

"I understand from your message that you are facing some issue
with Norton SystemWorks (NSW) 2005 and you are receiving a number
of error message and you have also tried to run Speed Disk.

"I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
John, please note that this issue may be caused due to the
conflict between the programs or due to the corrupt or damaged
files of the Symantec program.

"In order to resolve this issue, I suggest that you try to follow
the steps provided below and check for the issue.

"1. Download the removal tool to uninstall the Symantec program.
"2. Prepare the computer and re-install Norton SystemWorks (NSW)
2006.

"Also be informed that removal tools downloaded from Symantec
site are used to remove the remnants of the previous version of
Symantec programs installed on the computer.

"To download the removal tools and to remove the remnants of the
Symantec programs installed on the computer, I suggest you to
follow the steps provided in the document linked below:

"Title: 'Using the Norton removal tool: Solution 2'
Document ID: 2006031710323113
Web URL:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support.../docid/2006031
71032311
3?Open&src=con_ols_nam"


Symantec's solution requires Windows functionality which I do not
have. I wrote back to Symantec and was given another solution
that again requires Windows functionality. I gave up on Symantec
Technical Support.

I then went to Microsoft's Windows 98 technical support Knowledge
Base and read the following Articles:

184075 Description of Microsoft System Information
(Msinfo32.exe) Tool

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

281965 How to Troubleshoot Using the Msconfig Utility with
Windows 98

192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

250928 How to reinstall Windows 98

Regarding these articles, "Msconfig32.exe" does not work in
command mode. So, I ran "scanreg/restore" and restored the
registry to a time before these problems arose. I received
essentially the same error messages when starting up. I did a
"scanreg.exe" check and received the response that the registry
was O.K.

At this point, I tried everything I feel comfortable trying. I
have a DSL modem and a wireless router connected to the computer
with the problems. My Internet connectivity is still working and
I'm reluctant to try anything that might disrupt the Internet
service.

I installed many software programs and new hardware (CD-ROM,
Network Interface Card) over the years and would like to avoid a
reinstall of Windows 98. If anybody could offer a solution that
would avoid a Windows Reinstall or allow most of my installed
programs to remain, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long message. All
replies are welcome.



When I was installing Boot It NG, I received a message about disabling
GoBack which I did before proceeding. I now have a tri-boot PC with
98SE on one Fat32 hard drive, XP Pro. on another hard drive with NTFS
and Vista on a separate partition from XP Pro. on that second hard
drive. I have had very little trouble with GoBack and it is the only
Symantec (previously Roxio) product on my machine. It has worked most
of the time in effectively restoring the 98SE drive when needed. I will
now renable it and hope and pray for the best which is that it continues
to work well.