Explorer causes error and can't load at startup

Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

Finally, after I click through that error, and the login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I will
check back later this afternoon.

Thanks,

chris shorb

"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't determine the location of
the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Turn off auto-protect and see if the message goes away. Contact Symantec to see if
they can resolve it.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

You don't provide the line for any to see and comment on. My guess on the notice is
it has to do with the SB16 Emulation which is used for sound in DOS. If you do not
use sound in DOS:

Right click MyComputer
Click Properties Device Manager tab
Click the + next to Creative Miscellaneous Devices
Double click SB16 Emulation
Click Disable Ok Ok.


Finally, after I click through that error, and the login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I will
check back later this afternoon.

Please supply the exact error message.


--
Brian A.

Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether. IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any, down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

Thanks for your help. I aplogize in advance for top-
posting.

I should clarify. I can't get Explorer, so I don't get a
task bar.

I can load DOS, but I can't load working Windows in
either regular or Safe mode. If you know a way to use
commands from a window without a task bar, please let me
know.

Here is the Autoexec.bat. This is copied by hand. My
comments are bracketed in {}:

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6
SET SBPCI={A BUNCH OF GARBAGE CHARACTERS. I have put a
REM in front of this line and saved it several times, but
each new restart, it comes back it seems.}
REM [Header]
@ECHO OFF





{a ton of carriage returns}

REM [CD-ROM Drive] {we do not have a CD-Rom drive
installed}

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

{End Autoexec.bat}

Here is my Config.sys. Again, my comments in {}.

REM [Header]
device=c:\windows\himem.sys /testmemff /s:1
device=c:\windows386.exe noems x=a000-bfff
dos=high
files=150
buffers=60,0
stacks-12,256
REM == PISETUP Begin Delete ==
REM == PISETIP End Delete ==

REM [CD-Rom Drive]

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

In addition, my system.ini has Shell=Explorer.exe.
System.ini is so long, I would rather not type it by hand
into this computer. Is there a way from DOS to copy it
so that I can just paste it into this post across my
network? If I could copy a file from across the network,
that would make things really good, since that is what I
need most out of this computer.

Anyway, here are my errors as I warm re-boot my computer,
and try to start in Safe Mode.

Windows mouse Support
Windows did not detect a mouse attached to the computer.
You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first
turn the computer off.

[box] Do notshow this message in the future.

{I hit ok, without clicking the box.}

Windows is running in safe mode etc etc etc.

{I hit ok.}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 0167:00401f31.
Registers:
{You asked not to post after this word.}

I select Close by choosing Alt-C. Remember this is SAfe
Mode. The wallpaper is there, but other wise the screen
is blank. When I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, the list of active
programs is empty.

Now, I will hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, and load in Windows 98SE in
Normal mode. Here we go:

{In a DOS-like window, we see:}
NAV Auto-Protect
Unable to determine the locaiton of the configuration
files.

{I hit OK. The Sound blaster error and the Login screen
comes up at the same time.}

{Header} Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D Driver
The Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D driver cannot load MIDI
Waveset. MIDI Playback has been disabled.

{I hit enter, my only option is OK}
{I use the mouse to click OK on the Login screen}.
{I get the same message:}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 017f:00401f31.
Registers:
{note the slighty different module.}
I'll stop using brackets now.
The only other weird thing at this point: The wallpaper
is up, but the screen size is much smaller than the size
of my monitor.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you for any help you can provide.


best -

chris shorb





-----Original Message-----
"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether.
IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same
error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored
this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why
don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the
login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an
error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I
will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help
you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any,
down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup
issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that
after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User


.

Whoa! That's a lot of different stuff going on! I don't mind top-posting. It's
what I usually do unless inline comment is more appropriate. In fact, I'm not up
for inline diagnosis right now, so I think I'll just go through a list of ideas.

If all you really need is to retrieve some files from the drive, easiest thing
to do is to move it to another machine. You want to remember that the problem
may be a virus infection, so make sure the system you're moving it to has
up-to-date AV protection. Of course, if the only other machine available is a
laptop, this won't work, but considering the mess that this machine is in, I
thought I'd mention it. As for copying over relatively small files like
System.ini or Win.ini, in order to post them here, you can use a floppy disk,
perhaps?

Not detecting a mouse makes me wonder if hardware is the problem. The weird
video is another head-scratcher. Almost sounds as if the sound card itself is
also not responding well. All in all, it's something to consider, that some
hardware issue is at the core of these events, but it's difficult to diagnose
such things without reinstalling Windows from scratch.

None of what is in your autoexec.bat or config.sys files is truly necessary. In
fact, such configurations are meant exclusively for DOS mode and should more
rightly be loaded by a PIF file only when a restart in DOS mode method is used
to run DOS programs. I'd rename both of those files to *.OLD and see if that
helps (and I'd leave them that way, anyway.)

If you haven't disabled it, SCANREGW ("Scan Registry") should have been saving
daily backups of your main configuration files--the Registry files, System.ini,
Win.ini and perhaps Config.sys and Autoexec.bat. You can find out by running the
following command at the C:\ prompt:

scanreg /restore

See what's offered. Look at the dates. If you see recent dates, I'd recommend
you try restoring one, perhaps not the most recent one, but not necessarily the
oldest one, either. Since you may want to try restoring various of these
backups, and since I'm always hesitant to mess with these backups without
backing up the backups, I'd recommend the following. Note that I would not
normally recommend restoring very old backups, but assuming that you consider
this a last-ditch effort, you might just as well.

To back up the backups, (because if you succeed in loading Windows even for a
short time, an old backup that you may want may be overwritten), do the
following at the C:\ prompt:

attrib -h c:\windows\sysbckup
md regback
copy c:\windows\sysbckup rb*.cab regback
attrib +h c:\windows\sysbckup

(There's three spaces in all of those commands except the md command, which has
only one space.)

Then, to make life a bit easier, I suggest enabling the Startup Menu. Do the
following (we're still at the C:\ prompt

attrib -h-r msdos.sys
edit msdos.sys

Use Ctrl-End to go to end of the last line, put in a carriage return, then add:
BootMenu=1

Use Alt-F-S to save and Alt-F-X to exit. Then run:

attrib +r+h msdos.sys

Then run Scanreg /restore and choose a backup to restore. When you do this, the
previous files that are replaced will be backed up as
C:\Windows\Sysbckup\RBBAD.CAB. If you want to save that file, use the routine I
suggested above, only don't copy it to C:\regback, put it somewhere else, even
right on C:\. Lastly, rename Config.sys and Autoexec.bat to *.old if they once
again exist. Then use Ctrl-Alt-Del to restart. When the Startup Menu appears,
I'd try Safe Mode first. If it loads, great. If it doesn't, I'd say you are in
for a complete reinstall.

First thing I'd do in Safe Mode is disable NAV from starting up using it's
preferences. Then run MSCONFIG. Choose Selective Startup and then disable
everything except the "Process..." System.ini and Win.ini files. Next, go into
Device Manager and look through it for duplicated entries Remove ALL instances
of any entry that's been duplicated. Don't delete all but one, delete all (of
duplicated entries.) Last, go into Display Properties and change the display to
Standard VGA. Then restart and try Normal Mode.

If these things don't get you into Windows, I'm afraid you are in need of a full
reformat and reinstall. Personally, I think that system probably needs it
anyway, but getting into it at least temporarily will allow you to save off
personal files. On the other hand, perhaps all you need to do is uninstall
Norton, switch to something less intrusive like eTrust, and reinstall some
drivers.

If you look through posts from me over the last few days, you'll find a few
extra long ones describing in detail my preferences for protection (you may not
have a virus, but these symptoms might very well be caused by other malware
known as parasites--Spyware/Adware, etc.) I also link to an even longer article
on "Clean Boot" procedures good for maintenance, uninstalling/reinstalling apps
and drivers, and trouble-shooting. I'd rather not repost that long list again,
as it gets tiresome to for the regulars here to see it over and over and over. I
suggest that *if* you can get back into your system, even if you intend to very
quickly reformat and reinstall, you should get all of the protective scanners I
note, including a new AV, and run full scans. This should be done, if possible,
before trying to copy files to any other machine, since if you have infections,
they might just tag along.

If you actually use DOS mode a lot for games, etc., you will want to learn how
to configure your system so that all that stuff in Autoexec.bat and Config.sys
only load when needed. But I wouldn't be loading them for normal Windows use.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Thanks for your help. I aplogize in advance for top-
posting.

I should clarify. I can't get Explorer, so I don't get a
task bar.

I can load DOS, but I can't load working Windows in
either regular or Safe mode. If you know a way to use
commands from a window without a task bar, please let me
know.

Here is the Autoexec.bat. This is copied by hand. My
comments are bracketed in {}:

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6
SET SBPCI={A BUNCH OF GARBAGE CHARACTERS. I have put a
REM in front of this line and saved it several times, but
each new restart, it comes back it seems.}
REM [Header]
@ECHO OFF





{a ton of carriage returns}

REM [CD-ROM Drive] {we do not have a CD-Rom drive
installed}

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

{End Autoexec.bat}

Here is my Config.sys. Again, my comments in {}.

REM [Header]
device=c:\windows\himem.sys /testmemff /s:1
device=c:\windows386.exe noems x=a000-bfff
dos=high
files=150
buffers=60,0
stacks-12,256
REM == PISETUP Begin Delete ==
REM == PISETIP End Delete ==

REM [CD-Rom Drive]

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

In addition, my system.ini has Shell=Explorer.exe.
System.ini is so long, I would rather not type it by hand
into this computer. Is there a way from DOS to copy it
so that I can just paste it into this post across my
network? If I could copy a file from across the network,
that would make things really good, since that is what I
need most out of this computer.

Anyway, here are my errors as I warm re-boot my computer,
and try to start in Safe Mode.

Windows mouse Support
Windows did not detect a mouse attached to the computer.
You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first
turn the computer off.

[box] Do notshow this message in the future.

{I hit ok, without clicking the box.}

Windows is running in safe mode etc etc etc.

{I hit ok.}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 0167:00401f31.
Registers:
{You asked not to post after this word.}

I select Close by choosing Alt-C. Remember this is SAfe
Mode. The wallpaper is there, but other wise the screen
is blank. When I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, the list of active
programs is empty.

Now, I will hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, and load in Windows 98SE in
Normal mode. Here we go:

{In a DOS-like window, we see:}
NAV Auto-Protect
Unable to determine the locaiton of the configuration
files.

{I hit OK. The Sound blaster error and the Login screen
comes up at the same time.}

{Header} Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D Driver
The Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D driver cannot load MIDI
Waveset. MIDI Playback has been disabled.

{I hit enter, my only option is OK}
{I use the mouse to click OK on the Login screen}.
{I get the same message:}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 017f:00401f31.
Registers:
{note the slighty different module.}
I'll stop using brackets now.
The only other weird thing at this point: The wallpaper
is up, but the screen size is much smaller than the size
of my monitor.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you for any help you can provide.


best -

chris shorb





-----Original Message-----
"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether.
IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same
error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored
this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why
don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the
login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an
error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I
will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help
you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any,
down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup
issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that
after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User


.

Extract a new copy of Explorer.exe from your Windows CD or from the .cab file
location on your hard drive, using the EXT command from a DOS boot:

HOW TO: Extract Original Compressed Windows Files:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...EN-US;129605#7

Restart....if no joy, follow the procedures he
Blank Desktop or Illegal Operations Error Message After You Install Internet
Explorer:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=kb;en-us;249191

If those procedures do not help, have a look here (or just go directly here as the
second step):
Recovering From a Failed Internet Explorer Upgrade in Windows 98:
http://tinyurl.com/r5ba

Especially this section at the end:

"If you still have boot problems after you reboot, you should use the command prompt
to edit the c:\windows\system.ini file. On the command line type edit
c:\windows\system.ini.

"Once it is open, change the line shell=explorer.exe to shell=progman.exe. What you
are doing here is changing the default shell (that is having problems) from the
Windows Explorer to the old Windows Program Manager shell.

"Reboot Windows. It should now successfully boot with no errors into an empty
Program Manager shell. Use the File | Run | Browse drop down menu selection to
browse to c:\program files\internet explorer and launch ie5setup.exe or ie6setup.exe
(depending on what is there). Do a custom install and check all the Bold faced
options. When the setup program alerts you that these files are already installed,
tell it to reinstall all of the files.

"When the Internet Explorer Setup program is done and reboots, hit the F8 key to
bring up a Boot Menu. Choose Command Prompt and boot to the command prompt. Once
there, type edit c:\windows\system.ini and, once it is open, change the line
shell=progman.exe back to shell=explorer.exe. Save and exit the file. You have now
set the shell back to the original value."
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Thanks for your help. I aplogize in advance for top-
posting.

I should clarify. I can't get Explorer, so I don't get a
task bar.

I can load DOS, but I can't load working Windows in
either regular or Safe mode. If you know a way to use
commands from a window without a task bar, please let me
know.

Here is the Autoexec.bat. This is copied by hand. My
comments are bracketed in {}:

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6
SET SBPCI={A BUNCH OF GARBAGE CHARACTERS. I have put a
REM in front of this line and saved it several times, but
each new restart, it comes back it seems.}
REM [Header]
@ECHO OFF





{a ton of carriage returns}

REM [CD-ROM Drive] {we do not have a CD-Rom drive
installed}

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

{End Autoexec.bat}

Here is my Config.sys. Again, my comments in {}.

REM [Header]
device=c:\windows\himem.sys /testmemff /s:1
device=c:\windows386.exe noems x=a000-bfff
dos=high
files=150
buffers=60,0
stacks-12,256
REM == PISETUP Begin Delete ==
REM == PISETIP End Delete ==

REM [CD-Rom Drive]

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

In addition, my system.ini has Shell=Explorer.exe.
System.ini is so long, I would rather not type it by hand
into this computer. Is there a way from DOS to copy it
so that I can just paste it into this post across my
network? If I could copy a file from across the network,
that would make things really good, since that is what I
need most out of this computer.

Anyway, here are my errors as I warm re-boot my computer,
and try to start in Safe Mode.

Windows mouse Support
Windows did not detect a mouse attached to the computer.
You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first
turn the computer off.

[box] Do notshow this message in the future.

{I hit ok, without clicking the box.}

Windows is running in safe mode etc etc etc.

{I hit ok.}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 0167:00401f31.
Registers:
{You asked not to post after this word.}

I select Close by choosing Alt-C. Remember this is SAfe
Mode. The wallpaper is there, but other wise the screen
is blank. When I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, the list of active
programs is empty.

Now, I will hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, and load in Windows 98SE in
Normal mode. Here we go:

{In a DOS-like window, we see:}
NAV Auto-Protect
Unable to determine the locaiton of the configuration
files.

{I hit OK. The Sound blaster error and the Login screen
comes up at the same time.}

{Header} Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D Driver
The Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D driver cannot load MIDI
Waveset. MIDI Playback has been disabled.

{I hit enter, my only option is OK}
{I use the mouse to click OK on the Login screen}.
{I get the same message:}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 017f:00401f31.
Registers:
{note the slighty different module.}
I'll stop using brackets now.
The only other weird thing at this point: The wallpaper
is up, but the screen size is much smaller than the size
of my monitor.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you for any help you can provide.


best -

chris shorb





-----Original Message-----
"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether.
IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same
error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored
this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why
don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the
login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an
error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I
will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help
you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any,
down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup
issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that
after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User


.

Good catch. Alas, as the amount of knowledge my mind is able to retain
decreases, the amount I wish I could retain increases.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"glee" wrote in message
...
Extract a new copy of Explorer.exe from your Windows CD or from the .cab file
location on your hard drive, using the EXT command from a DOS boot:

HOW TO: Extract Original Compressed Windows Files:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...EN-US;129605#7

Restart....if no joy, follow the procedures he
Blank Desktop or Illegal Operations Error Message After You Install Internet
Explorer:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=kb;en-us;249191

If those procedures do not help, have a look here (or just go directly here as
the
second step):
Recovering From a Failed Internet Explorer Upgrade in Windows 98:
http://tinyurl.com/r5ba

Especially this section at the end:

"If you still have boot problems after you reboot, you should use the command
prompt
to edit the c:\windows\system.ini file. On the command line type edit
c:\windows\system.ini.

"Once it is open, change the line shell=explorer.exe to shell=progman.exe.
What you
are doing here is changing the default shell (that is having problems) from
the
Windows Explorer to the old Windows Program Manager shell.

"Reboot Windows. It should now successfully boot with no errors into an empty
Program Manager shell. Use the File | Run | Browse drop down menu selection to
browse to c:\program files\internet explorer and launch ie5setup.exe or
ie6setup.exe
(depending on what is there). Do a custom install and check all the Bold faced
options. When the setup program alerts you that these files are already
installed,
tell it to reinstall all of the files.

"When the Internet Explorer Setup program is done and reboots, hit the F8 key
to
bring up a Boot Menu. Choose Command Prompt and boot to the command prompt.
Once
there, type edit c:\windows\system.ini and, once it is open, change the line
shell=progman.exe back to shell=explorer.exe. Save and exit the file. You have
now
set the shell back to the original value."
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Thanks for your help. I aplogize in advance for top-
posting.

I should clarify. I can't get Explorer, so I don't get a
task bar.

I can load DOS, but I can't load working Windows in
either regular or Safe mode. If you know a way to use
commands from a window without a task bar, please let me
know.

Here is the Autoexec.bat. This is copied by hand. My
comments are bracketed in {}:

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6
SET SBPCI={A BUNCH OF GARBAGE CHARACTERS. I have put a
REM in front of this line and saved it several times, but
each new restart, it comes back it seems.}
REM [Header]
@ECHO OFF





{a ton of carriage returns}

REM [CD-ROM Drive] {we do not have a CD-Rom drive
installed}

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

{End Autoexec.bat}

Here is my Config.sys. Again, my comments in {}.

REM [Header]
device=c:\windows\himem.sys /testmemff /s:1
device=c:\windows386.exe noems x=a000-bfff
dos=high
files=150
buffers=60,0
stacks-12,256
REM == PISETUP Begin Delete ==
REM == PISETIP End Delete ==

REM [CD-Rom Drive]

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

In addition, my system.ini has Shell=Explorer.exe.
System.ini is so long, I would rather not type it by hand
into this computer. Is there a way from DOS to copy it
so that I can just paste it into this post across my
network? If I could copy a file from across the network,
that would make things really good, since that is what I
need most out of this computer.

Anyway, here are my errors as I warm re-boot my computer,
and try to start in Safe Mode.

Windows mouse Support
Windows did not detect a mouse attached to the computer.
You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first
turn the computer off.

[box] Do notshow this message in the future.

{I hit ok, without clicking the box.}

Windows is running in safe mode etc etc etc.

{I hit ok.}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 0167:00401f31.
Registers:
{You asked not to post after this word.}

I select Close by choosing Alt-C. Remember this is SAfe
Mode. The wallpaper is there, but other wise the screen
is blank. When I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, the list of active
programs is empty.

Now, I will hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, and load in Windows 98SE in
Normal mode. Here we go:

{In a DOS-like window, we see:}
NAV Auto-Protect
Unable to determine the locaiton of the configuration
files.

{I hit OK. The Sound blaster error and the Login screen
comes up at the same time.}

{Header} Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D Driver
The Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D driver cannot load MIDI
Waveset. MIDI Playback has been disabled.

{I hit enter, my only option is OK}
{I use the mouse to click OK on the Login screen}.
{I get the same message:}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 017f:00401f31.
Registers:
{note the slighty different module.}
I'll stop using brackets now.
The only other weird thing at this point: The wallpaper
is up, but the screen size is much smaller than the size
of my monitor.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you for any help you can provide.


best -

chris shorb





-----Original Message-----
"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether.
IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same
error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored
this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why
don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the
login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an
error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I
will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help
you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any,
down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup
issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that
after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User


.

I think the OP may need to run through much of your listed procedures, before trying
some of what I have posted....especially since, as you wrote, the mouse error
message and display problem may actually indicate some sort of hardware problem. I
was going to add something else, but I can't remember what.... ;-)
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
Good catch. Alas, as the amount of knowledge my mind is able to retain
decreases, the amount I wish I could retain increases.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"glee" wrote in message
...
Extract a new copy of Explorer.exe from your Windows CD or from the .cab file
location on your hard drive, using the EXT command from a DOS boot:

HOW TO: Extract Original Compressed Windows Files:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...EN-US;129605#7

Restart....if no joy, follow the procedures he
Blank Desktop or Illegal Operations Error Message After You Install Internet
Explorer:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=kb;en-us;249191

If those procedures do not help, have a look here (or just go directly here as
the
second step):
Recovering From a Failed Internet Explorer Upgrade in Windows 98:
http://tinyurl.com/r5ba

Especially this section at the end:

"If you still have boot problems after you reboot, you should use the command
prompt
to edit the c:\windows\system.ini file. On the command line type edit
c:\windows\system.ini.

"Once it is open, change the line shell=explorer.exe to shell=progman.exe.
What you
are doing here is changing the default shell (that is having problems) from
the
Windows Explorer to the old Windows Program Manager shell.

"Reboot Windows. It should now successfully boot with no errors into an empty
Program Manager shell. Use the File | Run | Browse drop down menu selection to
browse to c:\program files\internet explorer and launch ie5setup.exe or
ie6setup.exe
(depending on what is there). Do a custom install and check all the Bold faced
options. When the setup program alerts you that these files are already
installed,
tell it to reinstall all of the files.

"When the Internet Explorer Setup program is done and reboots, hit the F8 key
to
bring up a Boot Menu. Choose Command Prompt and boot to the command prompt.
Once
there, type edit c:\windows\system.ini and, once it is open, change the line
shell=progman.exe back to shell=explorer.exe. Save and exit the file. You have
now
set the shell back to the original value."
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Thanks for your help. I aplogize in advance for top-
posting.

I should clarify. I can't get Explorer, so I don't get a
task bar.

I can load DOS, but I can't load working Windows in
either regular or Safe mode. If you know a way to use
commands from a window without a task bar, please let me
know.

Here is the Autoexec.bat. This is copied by hand. My
comments are bracketed in {}:

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6
SET SBPCI={A BUNCH OF GARBAGE CHARACTERS. I have put a
REM in front of this line and saved it several times, but
each new restart, it comes back it seems.}
REM [Header]
@ECHO OFF





{a ton of carriage returns}

REM [CD-ROM Drive] {we do not have a CD-Rom drive
installed}

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

{End Autoexec.bat}

Here is my Config.sys. Again, my comments in {}.

REM [Header]
device=c:\windows\himem.sys /testmemff /s:1
device=c:\windows386.exe noems x=a000-bfff
dos=high
files=150
buffers=60,0
stacks-12,256
REM == PISETUP Begin Delete ==
REM == PISETIP End Delete ==

REM [CD-Rom Drive]

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

In addition, my system.ini has Shell=Explorer.exe.
System.ini is so long, I would rather not type it by hand
into this computer. Is there a way from DOS to copy it
so that I can just paste it into this post across my
network? If I could copy a file from across the network,
that would make things really good, since that is what I
need most out of this computer.

Anyway, here are my errors as I warm re-boot my computer,
and try to start in Safe Mode.

Windows mouse Support
Windows did not detect a mouse attached to the computer.
You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first
turn the computer off.

[box] Do notshow this message in the future.

{I hit ok, without clicking the box.}

Windows is running in safe mode etc etc etc.

{I hit ok.}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 0167:00401f31.
Registers:
{You asked not to post after this word.}

I select Close by choosing Alt-C. Remember this is SAfe
Mode. The wallpaper is there, but other wise the screen
is blank. When I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, the list of active
programs is empty.

Now, I will hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, and load in Windows 98SE in
Normal mode. Here we go:

{In a DOS-like window, we see:}
NAV Auto-Protect
Unable to determine the locaiton of the configuration
files.

{I hit OK. The Sound blaster error and the Login screen
comes up at the same time.}

{Header} Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D Driver
The Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D driver cannot load MIDI
Waveset. MIDI Playback has been disabled.

{I hit enter, my only option is OK}
{I use the mouse to click OK on the Login screen}.
{I get the same message:}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 017f:00401f31.
Registers:
{note the slighty different module.}
I'll stop using brackets now.
The only other weird thing at this point: The wallpaper
is up, but the screen size is much smaller than the size
of my monitor.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you for any help you can provide.


best -

chris shorb





-----Original Message-----
"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether.
IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same
error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored
this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why
don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the
login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an
error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I
will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help
you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any,
down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup
issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that
after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User


.

Hello Gary -

Thanks for all the great information. I went and found your article here on this NG
about spyware, AV programs, and Firewalls. I will copy and print it later. I had
been running Ad-Aware, CWShredder, and Hijack This (on occaision). I will post in
line for a while:

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

If all you really need is to retrieve some files from the drive, easiest thing
to do is to move it to another machine.

The file I am trying to move is the back-up of my Point of Sale program. The backup
is a WinZIP file of 125 megs. It won't fit onto the ZIP drive nor of course onto
125 floppies. Is there another way to move that file through the network? My Xp
machine and my other 98SE machine don't see the affected computer on the network. I
will try yours and Glee's suggestions, maybe that will help.


You want to remember that the problem
may be a virus infection, so make sure the system you're moving it to has
up-to-date AV protection. Of course, if the only other machine available is a
laptop, this won't work, but considering the mess that this machine is in, I
thought I'd mention it. As for copying over relatively small files like
System.ini or Win.ini, in order to post them here, you can use a floppy disk,
perhaps?


Duh - in this day and age of massive file sizes, I almost never think of the floppy
disk. I will do that if your suggestions don't work.



Not detecting a mouse makes me wonder if hardware is the problem. The weird
video is another head-scratcher. Almost sounds as if the sound card itself is
also not responding well. All in all, it's something to consider, that some
hardware issue is at the core of these events, but it's difficult to diagnose
such things without reinstalling Windows from scratch.

Well, it is a machine I bought in 99, so yes hardware could be going wonky. I have
replaced the hard-drive once, the keyboard a couple of times, and the mouse once.
Nothing else internal I don't think. Oh yeah, probably added an ethernet card at
least once.

Ok, I am off to try your suggestions, and Glee's.

Thanks for all your help, it's really helped to know that someone has a clue as to
what to do (I don't!).

best -

chris





None of what is in your autoexec.bat or config.sys files is truly necessary. In
fact, such configurations are meant exclusively for DOS mode and should more
rightly be loaded by a PIF file only when a restart in DOS mode method is used
to run DOS programs. I'd rename both of those files to *.OLD and see if that
helps (and I'd leave them that way, anyway.)



If you haven't disabled it, SCANREGW ("Scan Registry") should have been saving
daily backups of your main configuration files--the Registry files, System.ini,
Win.ini and perhaps Config.sys and Autoexec.bat. You can find out by running the
following command at the C:\ prompt:

scanreg /restore

See what's offered. Look at the dates. If you see recent dates, I'd recommend
you try restoring one, perhaps not the most recent one, but not necessarily the
oldest one, either. Since you may want to try restoring various of these
backups, and since I'm always hesitant to mess with these backups without
backing up the backups, I'd recommend the following. Note that I would not
normally recommend restoring very old backups, but assuming that you consider
this a last-ditch effort, you might just as well.

To back up the backups, (because if you succeed in loading Windows even for a
short time, an old backup that you may want may be overwritten), do the
following at the C:\ prompt:

attrib -h c:\windows\sysbckup
md regback
copy c:\windows\sysbckup rb*.cab regback
attrib +h c:\windows\sysbckup

(There's three spaces in all of those commands except the md command, which has
only one space.)

Then, to make life a bit easier, I suggest enabling the Startup Menu. Do the
following (we're still at the C:\ prompt

attrib -h-r msdos.sys
edit msdos.sys

Use Ctrl-End to go to end of the last line, put in a carriage return, then add:
BootMenu=1

Use Alt-F-S to save and Alt-F-X to exit. Then run:

attrib +r+h msdos.sys

Then run Scanreg /restore and choose a backup to restore. When you do this, the
previous files that are replaced will be backed up as
C:\Windows\Sysbckup\RBBAD.CAB. If you want to save that file, use the routine I
suggested above, only don't copy it to C:\regback, put it somewhere else, even
right on C:\. Lastly, rename Config.sys and Autoexec.bat to *.old if they once
again exist. Then use Ctrl-Alt-Del to restart. When the Startup Menu appears,
I'd try Safe Mode first. If it loads, great. If it doesn't, I'd say you are in
for a complete reinstall.

First thing I'd do in Safe Mode is disable NAV from starting up using it's
preferences. Then run MSCONFIG. Choose Selective Startup and then disable
everything except the "Process..." System.ini and Win.ini files. Next, go into
Device Manager and look through it for duplicated entries Remove ALL instances
of any entry that's been duplicated. Don't delete all but one, delete all (of
duplicated entries.) Last, go into Display Properties and change the display to
Standard VGA. Then restart and try Normal Mode.

If these things don't get you into Windows, I'm afraid you are in need of a full
reformat and reinstall. Personally, I think that system probably needs it
anyway, but getting into it at least temporarily will allow you to save off
personal files. On the other hand, perhaps all you need to do is uninstall
Norton, switch to something less intrusive like eTrust, and reinstall some
drivers.

If you look through posts from me over the last few days, you'll find a few
extra long ones describing in detail my preferences for protection (you may not
have a virus, but these symptoms might very well be caused by other malware
known as parasites--Spyware/Adware, etc.) I also link to an even longer article
on "Clean Boot" procedures good for maintenance, uninstalling/reinstalling apps
and drivers, and trouble-shooting. I'd rather not repost that long list again,
as it gets tiresome to for the regulars here to see it over and over and over. I
suggest that *if* you can get back into your system, even if you intend to very
quickly reformat and reinstall, you should get all of the protective scanners I
note, including a new AV, and run full scans. This should be done, if possible,
before trying to copy files to any other machine, since if you have infections,
they might just tag along.

If you actually use DOS mode a lot for games, etc., you will want to learn how
to configure your system so that all that stuff in Autoexec.bat and Config.sys
only load when needed. But I wouldn't be loading them for normal Windows use.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Thanks for your help. I aplogize in advance for top-
posting.

I should clarify. I can't get Explorer, so I don't get a
task bar.

I can load DOS, but I can't load working Windows in
either regular or Safe mode. If you know a way to use
commands from a window without a task bar, please let me
know.

Here is the Autoexec.bat. This is copied by hand. My
comments are bracketed in {}:

SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6
SET SBPCI={A BUNCH OF GARBAGE CHARACTERS. I have put a
REM in front of this line and saved it several times, but
each new restart, it comes back it seems.}
REM [Header]
@ECHO OFF





{a ton of carriage returns}

REM [CD-ROM Drive] {we do not have a CD-Rom drive
installed}

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

{End Autoexec.bat}

Here is my Config.sys. Again, my comments in {}.

REM [Header]
device=c:\windows\himem.sys /testmemff /s:1
device=c:\windows386.exe noems x=a000-bfff
dos=high
files=150
buffers=60,0
stacks-12,256
REM == PISETUP Begin Delete ==
REM == PISETIP End Delete ==

REM [CD-Rom Drive]

REM [Miscellaneous]

REM [Display]

In addition, my system.ini has Shell=Explorer.exe.
System.ini is so long, I would rather not type it by hand
into this computer. Is there a way from DOS to copy it
so that I can just paste it into this post across my
network? If I could copy a file from across the network,
that would make things really good, since that is what I
need most out of this computer.

Anyway, here are my errors as I warm re-boot my computer,
and try to start in Safe Mode.

Windows mouse Support
Windows did not detect a mouse attached to the computer.
You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first
turn the computer off.

[box] Do notshow this message in the future.

{I hit ok, without clicking the box.}

Windows is running in safe mode etc etc etc.

{I hit ok.}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 0167:00401f31.
Registers:
{You asked not to post after this word.}

I select Close by choosing Alt-C. Remember this is SAfe
Mode. The wallpaper is there, but other wise the screen
is blank. When I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, the list of active
programs is empty.

Now, I will hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, and load in Windows 98SE in
Normal mode. Here we go:

{In a DOS-like window, we see:}
NAV Auto-Protect
Unable to determine the locaiton of the configuration
files.

{I hit OK. The Sound blaster error and the Login screen
comes up at the same time.}

{Header} Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D Driver
The Sound Blaster Audio PCI 128D driver cannot load MIDI
Waveset. MIDI Playback has been disabled.

{I hit enter, my only option is OK}
{I use the mouse to click OK on the Login screen}.
{I get the same message:}

{error Message comes up, with "Explorer" across the top}
This program has performed an illegal operation and will
be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

{Details}
EXPLORER caused an invaild page fault in module
EXPLORER.EXE at 017f:00401f31.
Registers:
{note the slighty different module.}
I'll stop using brackets now.
The only other weird thing at this point: The wallpaper
is up, but the screen size is much smaller than the size
of my monitor.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you for any help you can provide.


best -

chris shorb





-----Original Message-----
"Chris Shorb" wrote in message
...
Hello -

Running 98SE.

3 Things happen:
First I get a notice that says "NAV Auto-protect can't
determine the location of the configuration files." My
only option is to hit OK. I can't find anything about
this on the Norton/Symantec site.

Reinstall Norton and/or get rid of it altogether.
IMNSHO, it's an abomination.
Still, if you reinstall Norton and still have the same
error, you may have a
PATH statement screwup. See below.


Next, when it gets to the login screen, I get a notice
that my Soundblaster can't load. I haven't explored
this
further. But of note: In my config.sys or my
autoexec.bat, there is a very strange line after the
soundblaster line.

How about you tell us what that line is? In fact, why
don't you post the entire
contents of your Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files?


Finally, after I click through that error, and the
login
screen, I get a notice that Explorer has cuased an
error,
I should contact the manufacturer. I searched in the
knowledge base, but couldn't find the exact replication
of the text of the error. I have to run off, but I
will
check back later this afternoon.

Again, it would help us immensely in our task to help
you if you were to share
the error message(s) with us. Include Details, if any,
down to but not beyond
the word "REGISTERS". Also, since this is a Startup
issue, you should learn to
use MSCONFIG to trouble-shoot your system. More on that
after you've posted
back.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User


.


--
Third Planet
www.thethirdplanet.com

3631 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance CA 90505 USA
310 791-6227

"Third Planet Main" wrote in message
...
The file I am trying to move is the back-up of my Point of Sale program. The
backup
is a WinZIP file of 125 megs. It won't fit onto the ZIP drive nor of course
onto
125 floppies. Is there another way to move that file through the network? My
Xp
machine and my other 98SE machine don't see the affected computer on the
network.

If there is some way to network using the Command Prompt Only boot, but I don't
know it. Not my forte, really. Might want to start a new thread on it. Leave out
all the rest of teh issues, just concentrate on that one aspect. As I say,
probably the easiest and safest solution is to temporarily move the affeceted HD
to another machine.

I'm going to snip the rest, here. But be sure to look closely at the line of
reasoning supplied by Glen. The signs were there, but I didn't catch them. Those
suggestions are where I'd concentrate until and if they prove irrelevant.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User