Standby mode - how do I get rid of it?

This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still doing it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

Try this Barb, right Click on the Desktop and chose properties and sellect
Screen Saver and in the same window Click the Settings Button under the
Energy saving features of monitor and from there set the Value in the drop
down List into Never in the section of System Standby, while you are there
check the turn off the monitor and set the right time for it if n't set
already.
I hope it will help.
nass

"Barb" wrote:

This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still doing it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

Check BIOS for Standby settings.

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

"Barb" wrote in message
...
This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean
up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still doing
it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We have tried the options mentioned
with no luck . . . except for yours, Gary, about the BIOS. I hope this
multi-layered cry for help is not "against the rules" of newsgroups.

This computer is a Compaq Presario 5050 Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB RAM.
The first thing we did was run a full virus scan . . . four Trojan Dialers
(?) were found, along with a host of spyware and adware. These were all
cleaned or deleted. Scans now come up negative.

We are not knowledgeable enough yet to know how to get into the BIOS of a
computer that does not show the black and white startup screens . . . only
the big red COMPAQ screen, have tried pressing Ctrl, F2, and other possible
keys while booting up with no luck. We have run Compaq's "diagnostic tests"
and everything came out 100% passed.

We are unable to get the modem to work to get online(which was the original
problem), and when checking the ports, it shows only COM1 and LPT1, no COM2
where the modem is supposed to be. Is this possibly another BIOS problem?

The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K DAta Fax PCI modem. Have removed, then
reinstalled three times. During installation it requests the Win95 (the
computer is running Win98 - ??) Installation CD, then says that file
"b0bc120.cat" cannot be found on the CD. We downloaded .zip file
"Cpq_56k.zip" from modem-drivers.com, which includes that .cat file,
however, when trying to install the software, it comes up with "Cannot find
file "_setup.dll".

We certainly did not expect to come upon a brick wall. Any help you can
give is much appreciated and we sincerely thank you.

"We" is:
Barb and Ray





"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
Check BIOS for Standby settings.

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

"Barb" wrote in message
...
This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean
up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still doing
it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

The usual hotkey to bring up BIOS in a Compaq of that era is F10.

To be honest, I don't recall the way Compaq handled installation files
in that era, though you can bet it wasn't probably like any other. Did
this machine originally come with Win98, or is it upgraded from Win95?
Perhaps someone else can chime in with more specific knowledge about
Compaqs.

What I would probably do at this stage are the following steps:

1. Remove the modem card.
2. Restart in Safe Mode--easiest way is to run MSCONFIG, click on the
Advanced button, and "Enable Startup Menu." Then restart and when the
Startup menu appears, choose Safe Mode.
3. Go into Device Manager and remove *all* ports, the modem, the modem
enumerator (I think it includes HCF in it's name,) and the Wave Device
for Modem in the Sound section. While you're there, review the entire
list of devices and write down any that are duplicated, what they are
and how many.
4. Restart and attempt to immediately go into BIOS, using F10. Make sure
both COM ports are enabled.
5. Save the BIOS changes, if any, and Exit. This will restart the
system. Let it continue, choose Normal Mode at the Startup Menu, let
Windows reinstall the devices. Restart if necessary until no more
devices are detected and installed. Then shut down, reinsert the Modem,
perhaps in a different slot, restart the system and install the drivers.

You may still have problems with the drivers installation. We can only
hope that someone will drop in with the precise knowledge you need.
Would also help to know Make/Model, and whatever basic identifiers you
can provide (and if this system came originally installed with Win98,
what the CDs look like, etc.) Might be able to locate a manual online.
Also wouldn't hurt to try a different modem if one is available.

Oh, and try Everest from http://www.lavalys.com/ to more accurately
identify your modem chipset, identify what's on your system, etc..

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

"Barb" wrote in message
m...
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We have tried the options
mentioned
with no luck . . . except for yours, Gary, about the BIOS. I hope this
multi-layered cry for help is not "against the rules" of newsgroups.

This computer is a Compaq Presario 5050 Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB
RAM.
The first thing we did was run a full virus scan . . . four Trojan
Dialers
(?) were found, along with a host of spyware and adware. These were
all
cleaned or deleted. Scans now come up negative.

We are not knowledgeable enough yet to know how to get into the BIOS
of a
computer that does not show the black and white startup screens . . .
only
the big red COMPAQ screen, have tried pressing Ctrl, F2, and other
possible
keys while booting up with no luck. We have run Compaq's "diagnostic
tests"
and everything came out 100% passed.

We are unable to get the modem to work to get online(which was the
original
problem), and when checking the ports, it shows only COM1 and LPT1, no
COM2
where the modem is supposed to be. Is this possibly another BIOS
problem?

The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K DAta Fax PCI modem. Have removed,
then
reinstalled three times. During installation it requests the Win95
(the
computer is running Win98 - ??) Installation CD, then says that file
"b0bc120.cat" cannot be found on the CD. We downloaded .zip file
"Cpq_56k.zip" from modem-drivers.com, which includes that .cat file,
however, when trying to install the software, it comes up with "Cannot
find
file "_setup.dll".

We certainly did not expect to come upon a brick wall. Any help you
can
give is much appreciated and we sincerely thank you.

"We" is:
Barb and Ray





"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
Check BIOS for Standby settings.

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

"Barb" wrote in message
...
This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean
up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still
doing
it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

Thank you, Gary! Have d/l Everest, will try it today, and will keep watch
for more info in this thread.

We have developed (accidentally) a small "computer ministry" by helping the
older folks in our church and neighborhood have a more positive experience
with their computers. Many of these people were horrified by the thoughts
of "computers taking over the world" several years ago.

Most of the machines are older also, and we try to upgrade when we can . . .
memory, video cards, sound cards, etc., do basic maintenance such as keeping
their antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-adware programs updated, and
occasionally, installing cable or DSL.

Most of what we have learned about our "retirement hobby" in the past ten
years has come from these newsgroups. When other seventy-plus retirees are
watching soap operas and The Price is Right, we are working on computers.
Just seems right.

Thanks again for your willingness to share your knowledge.

Barb and Ray



"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
The usual hotkey to bring up BIOS in a Compaq of that era is F10.

To be honest, I don't recall the way Compaq handled installation files
in that era, though you can bet it wasn't probably like any other. Did
this machine originally come with Win98, or is it upgraded from Win95?
Perhaps someone else can chime in with more specific knowledge about
Compaqs.

What I would probably do at this stage are the following steps:

1. Remove the modem card.
2. Restart in Safe Mode--easiest way is to run MSCONFIG, click on the
Advanced button, and "Enable Startup Menu." Then restart and when the
Startup menu appears, choose Safe Mode.
3. Go into Device Manager and remove *all* ports, the modem, the modem
enumerator (I think it includes HCF in it's name,) and the Wave Device
for Modem in the Sound section. While you're there, review the entire
list of devices and write down any that are duplicated, what they are
and how many.
4. Restart and attempt to immediately go into BIOS, using F10. Make sure
both COM ports are enabled.
5. Save the BIOS changes, if any, and Exit. This will restart the
system. Let it continue, choose Normal Mode at the Startup Menu, let
Windows reinstall the devices. Restart if necessary until no more
devices are detected and installed. Then shut down, reinsert the Modem,
perhaps in a different slot, restart the system and install the drivers.

You may still have problems with the drivers installation. We can only
hope that someone will drop in with the precise knowledge you need.
Would also help to know Make/Model, and whatever basic identifiers you
can provide (and if this system came originally installed with Win98,
what the CDs look like, etc.) Might be able to locate a manual online.
Also wouldn't hurt to try a different modem if one is available.

Oh, and try Everest from http://www.lavalys.com/ to more accurately
identify your modem chipset, identify what's on your system, etc..

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

"Barb" wrote in message
m...
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We have tried the options
mentioned
with no luck . . . except for yours, Gary, about the BIOS. I hope this
multi-layered cry for help is not "against the rules" of newsgroups.

This computer is a Compaq Presario 5050 Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB
RAM.
The first thing we did was run a full virus scan . . . four Trojan
Dialers
(?) were found, along with a host of spyware and adware. These were
all
cleaned or deleted. Scans now come up negative.

We are not knowledgeable enough yet to know how to get into the BIOS
of a
computer that does not show the black and white startup screens . . .
only
the big red COMPAQ screen, have tried pressing Ctrl, F2, and other
possible
keys while booting up with no luck. We have run Compaq's "diagnostic
tests"
and everything came out 100% passed.

We are unable to get the modem to work to get online(which was the
original
problem), and when checking the ports, it shows only COM1 and LPT1, no
COM2
where the modem is supposed to be. Is this possibly another BIOS
problem?

The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K DAta Fax PCI modem. Have removed,
then
reinstalled three times. During installation it requests the Win95
(the
computer is running Win98 - ??) Installation CD, then says that file
"b0bc120.cat" cannot be found on the CD. We downloaded .zip file
"Cpq_56k.zip" from modem-drivers.com, which includes that .cat file,
however, when trying to install the software, it comes up with "Cannot
find
file "_setup.dll".

We certainly did not expect to come upon a brick wall. Any help you
can
give is much appreciated and we sincerely thank you.

"We" is:
Barb and Ray





"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
Check BIOS for Standby settings.

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

"Barb" wrote in message
...
This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean
up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still
doing
it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

Back again. We did everything outlined in your last message, except
removing the Wave Device for Modem since there was no item in the Sound
section named that. We did review the list of devices, and listed the
duplicates. When we restarted, the duplicates were gone.

Went to BIOS . . . nothing regarding COM ports was visible in any of the
screens (very sketchy info), exited and reinserted the modem in a different
slot, restarted, and installed all the files for the drivers, we hope.

The make/model is Compaq Presario 5050, Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB RAM.
We don't know if the computer was originally Win95, then upgraded to Win98.
Could be. The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K Data Fax PCI.

Our big problem now is we can't get out of Safe Mode! We have tried
everything . . . restarting (half a dozen times or so), going back into
MSCONFIG and reversing the checkmark, and checking to see if there is any
other place that might have something to do with it.

Don't know if the modem would work on Safe Mode, but tried anyway and when
trying to connect we still get the error message "Cannot dial".

If anyone has a magic hint, tip or trick, we would welcome it . . . right
now we are frustrated!

Thanks to all.
Barb and Ray


"Barb" wrote in message
m...
Thank you, Gary! Have d/l Everest, will try it today, and will keep watch
for more info in this thread.

We have developed (accidentally) a small "computer ministry" by helping
the older folks in our church and neighborhood have a more positive
experience with their computers. Many of these people were horrified by
the thoughts of "computers taking over the world" several years ago.

Most of the machines are older also, and we try to upgrade when we can . .
. memory, video cards, sound cards, etc., do basic maintenance such as
keeping their antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-adware programs updated,
and occasionally, installing cable or DSL.

Most of what we have learned about our "retirement hobby" in the past ten
years has come from these newsgroups. When other seventy-plus retirees
are watching soap operas and The Price is Right, we are working on
computers. Just seems right.

Thanks again for your willingness to share your knowledge.

Barb and Ray



"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
The usual hotkey to bring up BIOS in a Compaq of that era is F10.

To be honest, I don't recall the way Compaq handled installation files
in that era, though you can bet it wasn't probably like any other. Did
this machine originally come with Win98, or is it upgraded from Win95?
Perhaps someone else can chime in with more specific knowledge about
Compaqs.

What I would probably do at this stage are the following steps:

1. Remove the modem card.
2. Restart in Safe Mode--easiest way is to run MSCONFIG, click on the
Advanced button, and "Enable Startup Menu." Then restart and when the
Startup menu appears, choose Safe Mode.
3. Go into Device Manager and remove *all* ports, the modem, the modem
enumerator (I think it includes HCF in it's name,) and the Wave Device
for Modem in the Sound section. While you're there, review the entire
list of devices and write down any that are duplicated, what they are
and how many.
4. Restart and attempt to immediately go into BIOS, using F10. Make sure
both COM ports are enabled.
5. Save the BIOS changes, if any, and Exit. This will restart the
system. Let it continue, choose Normal Mode at the Startup Menu, let
Windows reinstall the devices. Restart if necessary until no more
devices are detected and installed. Then shut down, reinsert the Modem,
perhaps in a different slot, restart the system and install the drivers.

You may still have problems with the drivers installation. We can only
hope that someone will drop in with the precise knowledge you need.
Would also help to know Make/Model, and whatever basic identifiers you
can provide (and if this system came originally installed with Win98,
what the CDs look like, etc.) Might be able to locate a manual online.
Also wouldn't hurt to try a different modem if one is available.

Oh, and try Everest from http://www.lavalys.com/ to more accurately
identify your modem chipset, identify what's on your system, etc..

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

"Barb" wrote in message
m...
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We have tried the options
mentioned
with no luck . . . except for yours, Gary, about the BIOS. I hope this
multi-layered cry for help is not "against the rules" of newsgroups.

This computer is a Compaq Presario 5050 Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB
RAM.
The first thing we did was run a full virus scan . . . four Trojan
Dialers
(?) were found, along with a host of spyware and adware. These were
all
cleaned or deleted. Scans now come up negative.

We are not knowledgeable enough yet to know how to get into the BIOS
of a
computer that does not show the black and white startup screens . . .
only
the big red COMPAQ screen, have tried pressing Ctrl, F2, and other
possible
keys while booting up with no luck. We have run Compaq's "diagnostic
tests"
and everything came out 100% passed.

We are unable to get the modem to work to get online(which was the
original
problem), and when checking the ports, it shows only COM1 and LPT1, no
COM2
where the modem is supposed to be. Is this possibly another BIOS
problem?

The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K DAta Fax PCI modem. Have removed,
then
reinstalled three times. During installation it requests the Win95
(the
computer is running Win98 - ??) Installation CD, then says that file
"b0bc120.cat" cannot be found on the CD. We downloaded .zip file
"Cpq_56k.zip" from modem-drivers.com, which includes that .cat file,
however, when trying to install the software, it comes up with "Cannot
find
file "_setup.dll".

We certainly did not expect to come upon a brick wall. Any help you
can
give is much appreciated and we sincerely thank you.

"We" is:
Barb and Ray





"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
Check BIOS for Standby settings.

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

"Barb" wrote in message
...
This mode is set up on an old Win98 computer we are trying to clean
up. We
thought we had re-set it to not go into Standby, but it's still
doing
it.
Any advice?

Thanks in advance.
Barb

"Barb" wrote in message
m...
Back again. We did everything outlined in your last message, except
removing the Wave Device for Modem since there was no item in the
Sound
section named that. We did review the list of devices, and listed the
duplicates. When we restarted, the duplicates were gone.

You won't see any duplicates in Device Manager in Normal Mode. Normal
Mode DM only shows the drivers that were loaded. Safe Mode DM shows all
drivers that are installed. For various reasons, the same device can get
installed twice for the same device, but each of the installations will
have a slightly different configuration. The problem with this is that
many devices are installed "onto" other devices (hard drives are
installed "onto" IDE Controllers, Printers are installed "onto" LPT
ports, etc. If the wrong parent device drivers and configurations are
loaded, then the child device that depends on it may not operate
properly. There are some devices that will be duplicated simply because
there really are two or more of the same device installed. The idea is
to determine which devices are duplicated when they shouldn't be, and
then remove *all* copies of thaqt instalaltion, plus any child devices
that depend on them, then restart and let Windows reinstall. So, it
might help us diagnose the issue if you tell use just which devices are
duplicated in Safe Mode.

Went to BIOS . . . nothing regarding COM ports was visible in any of
the
screens (very sketchy info), exited and reinserted the modem in a
different
slot, restarted, and installed all the files for the drivers, we hope.
Using teh make/model information, below, here is teh page that describes
BIOS settings.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...07110# N1013D

If that link causes problems, try this TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/9o4bg

You want to go into the "Advanced" menu, then the "PCI Configuration"
sub-menu, and finally, into the I/O Device Configuration sub-menu of
"PCI Configuration." I can't be certain, but it looks as if Compaq calls
them "Serial Port A" and "Serial Port B" instead of the usual Com1 and
COM2. On the other hand, they may actually be referring to the serial
connectors, not to COM ports. I'd make sure that both are enabled.

The make/model is Compaq Presario 5050, Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB
RAM.
We don't know if the computer was originally Win95, then upgraded to
Win98.
Could be. The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K Data Fax PCI.

Considering the processor speed you report, I will assume that the
machine came with Windows 98 pre-installed. Compaq issues drivers and
other downloads as "SoftPaqs." Here is the download page for the
Rockwell HCF modem. Once we get your other issues straightened out, this
is what you'll want to use to install the modem.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...wareitem=33681

If that link doesn't work for you, try this TinyURL:
http://tinyurl.com/bnehv

Our big problem now is we can't get out of Safe Mode! We have tried
everything . . . restarting (half a dozen times or so), going back
into
MSCONFIG and reversing the checkmark, and checking to see if there is
any
other place that might have something to do with it.

The checkmark in MSCONFIG only enables or disables the Startup Menu,
where you can choose different startup modes. It does not force one mode
or the other. Are you saying that when you choose Normal Mode in teh
Startup menu, it still forces you into Safe Mode? Safe Mode usually has
very clear indicators that you are in Safe Mode. Four little "Safe Mode"
messages at the four cornerrs of the screen. And, as previously
mentioned, it also shows things in Device Manager that you don't see in
Normal Mode. One sure givaway is that in Device Manager, under the
System category, you'll see several IRQ Holders. Many of these are
normal, and you won't see them in Normal Mode.

If you determine that you're actually booting into Normal Mode, but the
screen has "Safe Mode resolution", then the problem is that you need to
readjust Resoplution settings in Display Settings. If you really are
being forced into Safe Mode, regardless of having chosen Normal Mode, do
you get any special messages, like, "Warning: Windows did not finish
loading on the previous attempt. Choose Safe mode, to start Windows with
a minimal set of drivers."? If so, see he
"Windows 98 or Windows 95 Defaults to Safe Mode Even After Successful
Start"
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;143283

If not, try this article:
"The Computer Always Starts in Safe Mode"
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;306615

Other articles of interest:
""'Show Small Icons in Start Menu' Setting Changes If You Start Your
Computer in Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;267499

Don't know if the modem would work on Safe Mode, but tried anyway and
when
trying to connect we still get the error message "Cannot dial".

No, the modem won't work in Safe Mode.


If anyone has a magic hint, tip or trick, we would welcome it . . .
right
now we are frustrated!

OK, I've given you some things to work with. See how it goes, and be
sure to get back to us. Even if everything gets fixed and you don't need
us anymore, it's nice to get feedback regarding what solutions worked.

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

Regarding devices . . . your explanation of configuration was complicated
for us to understand, but hopefully, that's OK. We can tell you which
devices are duplicated in Safe Mode . . . as follows:

Monitors:
Plug & Play Monitor - 2
Sound, Video, etc:
Gameport Joystick - 2
MS Streaming Tee/Sink-to-sink Converter - 2
System Devices:
Direct memory access controller - 3
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering - 4
Motherboard Resources - 6
Numeric data processor - 3
PCI Bus - 3
Programmable Interrupt controller - 3
System board extension for PNP BIOS - 3
System CMOS/realtime clock - 3
System speaker - 3
System timer - 3

Regarding BIOS . . . the BIOS settings outlined at the HP/Compaq website
simulates nothing like what is on this Compaq computer. Whereas the website
is quite detailed (like most BIOS/CMOS setups we have seen), this one is
very skimpy. Don't see a thing about Ports, Com or Serial. The info can be
copied in a message if you wish. Is it possible this needs a BIOS Update or
Upgrade? We have never had to do one.

Regarding Safe Mode . . . you were right, it was determined that the
resolution was the problem, although we had tried to change it several times
within Safe Mode and it kept popping back to 16 color. Don't know what that
was all about, but after several hours, we now have a screen that looks
normal.

Regarding Modem . . . still not working, after this week-end (babysitting),
we will be able to get this machine going.

We are learning more each day. Thank you again, so very much for your
kindness, knowledge, and especially patience.

Barb and Ray




"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
"Barb" wrote in message
m...
Back again. We did everything outlined in your last message, except
removing the Wave Device for Modem since there was no item in the
Sound
section named that. We did review the list of devices, and listed the
duplicates. When we restarted, the duplicates were gone.

You won't see any duplicates in Device Manager in Normal Mode. Normal
Mode DM only shows the drivers that were loaded. Safe Mode DM shows all
drivers that are installed. For various reasons, the same device can get
installed twice for the same device, but each of the installations will
have a slightly different configuration. The problem with this is that
many devices are installed "onto" other devices (hard drives are
installed "onto" IDE Controllers, Printers are installed "onto" LPT
ports, etc. If the wrong parent device drivers and configurations are
loaded, then the child device that depends on it may not operate
properly. There are some devices that will be duplicated simply because
there really are two or more of the same device installed. The idea is
to determine which devices are duplicated when they shouldn't be, and
then remove *all* copies of thaqt instalaltion, plus any child devices
that depend on them, then restart and let Windows reinstall. So, it
might help us diagnose the issue if you tell use just which devices are
duplicated in Safe Mode.

Went to BIOS . . . nothing regarding COM ports was visible in any of
the
screens (very sketchy info), exited and reinserted the modem in a
different
slot, restarted, and installed all the files for the drivers, we hope.
Using teh make/model information, below, here is teh page that describes
BIOS settings.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...07110# N1013D

If that link causes problems, try this TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/9o4bg

You want to go into the "Advanced" menu, then the "PCI Configuration"
sub-menu, and finally, into the I/O Device Configuration sub-menu of
"PCI Configuration." I can't be certain, but it looks as if Compaq calls
them "Serial Port A" and "Serial Port B" instead of the usual Com1 and
COM2. On the other hand, they may actually be referring to the serial
connectors, not to COM ports. I'd make sure that both are enabled.

The make/model is Compaq Presario 5050, Intel Celeron 333, with 128MB
RAM.
We don't know if the computer was originally Win95, then upgraded to
Win98.
Could be. The modem is a Rockwell HCF 56K Data Fax PCI.

Considering the processor speed you report, I will assume that the
machine came with Windows 98 pre-installed. Compaq issues drivers and
other downloads as "SoftPaqs." Here is the download page for the
Rockwell HCF modem. Once we get your other issues straightened out, this
is what you'll want to use to install the modem.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...wareitem=33681

If that link doesn't work for you, try this TinyURL:
http://tinyurl.com/bnehv

Our big problem now is we can't get out of Safe Mode! We have tried
everything . . . restarting (half a dozen times or so), going back
into
MSCONFIG and reversing the checkmark, and checking to see if there is
any
other place that might have something to do with it.

The checkmark in MSCONFIG only enables or disables the Startup Menu,
where you can choose different startup modes. It does not force one mode
or the other. Are you saying that when you choose Normal Mode in teh
Startup menu, it still forces you into Safe Mode? Safe Mode usually has
very clear indicators that you are in Safe Mode. Four little "Safe Mode"
messages at the four cornerrs of the screen. And, as previously
mentioned, it also shows things in Device Manager that you don't see in
Normal Mode. One sure givaway is that in Device Manager, under the
System category, you'll see several IRQ Holders. Many of these are
normal, and you won't see them in Normal Mode.

If you determine that you're actually booting into Normal Mode, but the
screen has "Safe Mode resolution", then the problem is that you need to
readjust Resoplution settings in Display Settings. If you really are
being forced into Safe Mode, regardless of having chosen Normal Mode, do
you get any special messages, like, "Warning: Windows did not finish
loading on the previous attempt. Choose Safe mode, to start Windows with
a minimal set of drivers."? If so, see he
"Windows 98 or Windows 95 Defaults to Safe Mode Even After Successful
Start"
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;143283

If not, try this article:
"The Computer Always Starts in Safe Mode"
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;306615

Other articles of interest:
""'Show Small Icons in Start Menu' Setting Changes If You Start Your
Computer in Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;267499

Don't know if the modem would work on Safe Mode, but tried anyway and
when
trying to connect we still get the error message "Cannot dial".

No, the modem won't work in Safe Mode.


If anyone has a magic hint, tip or trick, we would welcome it . . .
right
now we are frustrated!

OK, I've given you some things to work with. See how it goes, and be
sure to get back to us. Even if everything gets fixed and you don't need
us anymore, it's nice to get feedback regarding what solutions worked.

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

Barb & Ray,

From the info listed below, it's obvious that what's called the "ENUM"
portions of the Registry, the part that tells Windows what drivers to
load, is hopelessly messed up. While a couple of those items are
normally (or at least sometimes) properly duplicated, most of them
aren't. All of those items with two instances should only have one, and
all of those items with three instances should only have one (the IRQ
Holders look about right, but there should only be two "Motherboard
Resources, not six.)

Add to this that most of your system is predicated on those devices, and
you arrive at an inescapable conclusion: The Hardware Profile needs to
be rebuilt from scratch. It's not usually difficult, but it can be
scary. If you and your "patient's" owner are game, it's good knowledge
to gain, and I'm willing to walk you through it.

But, first, about that BIOS. Yes, it's very possible that it needs
updating. But updating the BIOS scares any decent computer tech more
than just about any other procedure. You have to do it right, and if the
procedure doesn't finish, say because of a power failure or almost any
other hardware problem, you end up with an expensive pile of
trash--until you replace the BIOS chip. With Compaq, at least the older
models, it's even weirder, because they don't necessarily do BIOS the
same way as everyone else. So, lets leave that one alone for the
nonce...with one question: Have there recently been any problems with
the clock on this machine? Does it lose the time or date after it's been
shut down and/or unplugged? If so, the BIOS battery is suspect.

Upon further review, I'd suggest we first nail down exactly which model
this machine is. I know it's a Presario 5050, but according to the
following page, that may not be sufficiently precise for our purposes.
Please study the following page and see if you can't nail it down for
us.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...name=c00004461
(tinyURL = http://tinyurl.com/ao8f7)

Additionally, in preparation for rebuilding the Hardware Profile, we'll
want to be sure that you're familiar with backing up the Registry and
restoring a backup using SCANREG /RESTORE, just in case there are
unforeseen complications. Also, if you can discover the precise model
information needed, I suggest you download everything you can find in
the way of SoftPaqs for it onto a computer that has a CD burner, then
make a CD you can take to the Compaq.

Because I assume you have to travel at least a bit between the Compaq
and your own machine(s), I'm trying to pack as much as I can into each
post. On the other hand, I don't want to overwhelm you, and some steps
are necessarily predicated on feedback from you after other steps have
been taken.

Oh. And the reason the video started acting up the way it did is most
likely due to the problems in Device Manager, and the solution is to
reinstall the video drivers--but that may as well wait, since the rest
of the cure requires that they be reinstalled, anyway.

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

"Barb" wrote in message
...
Regarding devices . . . your explanation of configuration was
complicated
for us to understand, but hopefully, that's OK. We can tell you which
devices are duplicated in Safe Mode . . . as follows:

Monitors:
Plug & Play Monitor - 2
Sound, Video, etc:
Gameport Joystick - 2
MS Streaming Tee/Sink-to-sink Converter - 2
System Devices:
Direct memory access controller - 3
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering - 4
Motherboard Resources - 6
Numeric data processor - 3
PCI Bus - 3
Programmable Interrupt controller - 3
System board extension for PNP BIOS - 3
System CMOS/realtime clock - 3
System speaker - 3
System timer - 3

Regarding BIOS . . . the BIOS settings outlined at the HP/Compaq
website
simulates nothing like what is on this Compaq computer. Whereas the
website
is quite detailed (like most BIOS/CMOS setups we have seen), this one
is
very skimpy. Don't see a thing about Ports, Com or Serial. The info
can be
copied in a message if you wish. Is it possible this needs a BIOS
Update or
Upgrade? We have never had to do one.

Regarding Safe Mode . . . you were right, it was determined that the
resolution was the problem, although we had tried to change it several
times
within Safe Mode and it kept popping back to 16 color. Don't know
what that
was all about, but after several hours, we now have a screen that
looks
normal.

Regarding Modem . . . still not working, after this week-end
(babysitting),
we will be able to get this machine going.

We are learning more each day. Thank you again, so very much for your
kindness, knowledge, and especially patience.

Barb and Ray