Drive Not Found on 98SE bootup

On Nov 21, 8:26 pm, who where wrote:
On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:00:04 -0800 (PST), "

wrote:
Thanks Brian. Even Norton Ghost won't see the "C" drive. However, the
1 gig settings file + bootup file for Puppy Linux are on the "C"
drive. Puppy seems to access these files perfectly, booting with all
the settings intact. Even the GParted partitioning software on Puppy
sees my "C" drive as a legit Fat 32 single partition comprising the
entire drive.

98SE on a single 1G FAT32 partition? More info required. What sort
of disk manager system are you using?

who where, my problem went away on its own, check my earlier reply.
The I gig file is a "save settings" file for Puppy Linux live cd which
is how I got to my "C" drive when 98SE would not boot up.

On Nov 21, 10:14 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 08:24 PM, wrote:



On Nov 21, 7:49 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 06:47 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 3:16 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 02:45 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 2:28 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 02:07 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 1:48 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 01:00 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 11:41 pm, "Brian A." gonefish'n@afarawaylake wrote:
wrote in message



For the first time ever, when I bootup 98SE, I get a "Drive not
Found", insert boot floppy then press any key, nothing happens. When I
reboot the machine with the boot floppy in it, I get the 3 possibility
error choice before the "A" prompt. either not a valid Fat32
partition, create another partition, or a virus. I just spent 3 hours
performing a complete virus + spyware scan, no problems. I am not a
techie so the other two make no sense since the computer has been
working perfectly all along. I also perform a Scandisk from the boot
floppy, everything is fine. I was planning to install XP Pro in the
near future. When I run the XP install cd and it comes to the point of
what to do with the "C" drive, it also won't recognise a valid "C"
drive, asks me if I want to delete my 98SE configuration then create a
new partition, start from scratch, which I will do if I can't fix the
existing problem. I have everything on 98SE backed up on a Norton
Ghost image disk, as well as other backup cd's. I can even extract
material from my "C" drive to a usb key in Linux. When I try Fdisk, I
get the message that there is no drive found, even Format c: won't
work. I am writing this from my Puppy Linux live cd, which boots
perfectly from my cd/rw. I also check my "C" drive from Linux,
everything seems ok. Is there anyway a non-techie like me can rescue
my 98SE system easily. Thanks.

Have you tried booting with the Ghost disk to restore the image?
If Ghost fails to recognize the drive see:
Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problemshttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q188867

How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q192926

Also read "Clean Boot -- What it is and why you need it" by MS MVP Gary Terhune.http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cl...w..grystmill.c...

--

Brian A. Sesko
Conflicts start where information lacks.http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://members.shaw.ca/dts-l/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

Thanks Brian. Even Norton Ghost won't see the "C" drive. However, the
1 gig settings file + bootup file for Puppy Linux are on the "C"
drive. Puppy seems to access these files perfectly, booting with all
the settings intact. Even the GParted partitioning software on Puppy
sees my "C" drive as a legit Fat 32 single partition comprising the
entire drive. Even the Pdisk Puppy software sees the model number of
the "C" drive, says its OK. I am checking the links you gave me but
there is so much info, some I can't figure out that it will take
awhile. Since I want to install XP Pro anyways, I think I might just
do that to restore the integrity of the drive for Windows. Then I
still have the 98SE ghost image if I want to revert back.
This type of experience speaks volumes for having a Linux live cd at
least for rescue purposes. Puppy is so small that it loads into ram so
it runs almost as quick as 98SE. Also I am experimenting with a Mac
G3/400, that I think (when I get a more powerful machine) is the
future for me, no viruses, no blue screens, almost no crashes,
elegant, simple software install/uninstalls. Just fun in the winter to
plays with all these formats.

Couple of questions:

1. Is the partition "ACTIVE".

[related to potential manager issues]

2. Do you dual/multi boot?

3. Which boot manager are you using and version?

4. Did you recently upgrade the boot manager?

5. Did you install the boot manager to the MBR or a distinct area?

And something you may not want to hear; there are Apple/MAC malware in
the wild. It is just sales hype that it is free from that type of
activity, and they do contain somewhat different hack vectors than those
normally found in Windows machines. Not to the same attacked activities
as in a Windows based computer, but trojan and like are found. The main
attack points appear to be leveraged more towards the installed
applications [just as in other OSs] like QT, ITunes, Safari, etc.. [see
CERT and like materials], which of course provides the "door" necessary
for other activities. The old "limited usage is protection" argument no
longer holds the same value it once did.

A couple cross-countering arguments to review:
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/0...-malware-myth/
http://blog.trendmicro.com/more-mac-...e-in-the-wild/
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/55765.html

--
MEB

Thanks MEB. I'll check out your links. I am just going by my fairly
non-techie experiences with my iMac G3/400. I run ClamXav, the only
free anti-virus software for the Mac, never a problem. The Panther
10.3.9 OS just seems to run problem free. I use Firefox, the Gimp,
Apple Mail, just works that's all I can say. Just want to keep all my
OS options open.

Well, it wasn't meant to deter usage nor discredit the long security
history of the Apple OSs, just more of an FYI type of addition due to
changing attitudes in the hacker world; *security through obscurity*
just isn't viable anymore.

The reason I asked per the potential boot manager and drive issue was
due to my own recent issue with a grub update which kill access when it
decided to change its method *on its own* during an update.

Glad you got the drive issue fixed...

--
MEB

The only problem with the Mac is the outrageous price of new machines
probable 2-3 times more than a comparable Windows machine. That's why
I am looking for an older Mac with sufficient tech specs to enjoy what
contemporary computing has to offer. I am never in a hurry, so I will
be careful when I choose. Ken.

Then you'll likely run across information that the non-Intel based
systems were somewhat more secure since the Apple OSs were specifically
designed for it. When the change came through to Intel, the code
naturally and by necessity changed bringing more errors and potential
vulnerabilities along with the code changes.

As for price issues, you must remember there aren't multiple Apple
*clones* causing price reduction. Blame Apple for crushing competitors
through various legal actions.

--
MEB

I agree, there is no Apple competition, but I am looking for a PPC not
an Intel Mac preferably to run Tiger 10.4.11 as the OS, hence the
greater security I am experiencing. I am actually writing this from my
iMac, just hooked up my IBM 19" CRT monitor to see both monitors in
action. The IBM C92 just blows away the iMac monitor away, the clarity
is excellent. Ken.

Finer pixel count and/or different grid pattern maybe...
Yeah, older actually is sometimes better... and even with some
computers ;=}

As for Tiger 10.4.11, some stuff you may or may not want to know:

Apple Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: Sep 16, 2008
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-260A.html

Apple Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: December 15, 2008
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-350A.html

Search of US CERT for Tiger 10.4.11
http://search.us-cert.gov/search?q=T...=0&btnG.y=0&bt...

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...tes/macosx1041....

Compared to the MS OSs, there isn't much found vulnerability-wise, then
again there aren't that many users either, so maybe some things aren't
being found that should be...

--
MEB

MEB. I am currently running Panther 10.3.9 on my iMac G3/400. Even if
I acquire a higher spec Mac with the Tiger install disks, the update
process is fairly automatic. After installing Tiger 10.4, usually a
screen comes up soon after offering all the updates to 10.4.11 usually
in one pack, takes awhile to install but nothing after that unless
some special security update happens. Usually any further updates are
software specific (eg Firefox, Microsoft Office). Ken.

Well, that's good to know. I don't have much experience even using MACs
so all I can do is look at the available materials and wonder.
There does seem to be some complaints on slowness of updates, then
again there always is. On the other hand, looking at the comparative
vulnerabilities in other Apple applications fills in ...

read more »

MEB. I never have a problem with the Mac OS updates. As far as using
certain software on a Mac, I use Neo Office, a strictly Mac version of
Open Office. Neo Office was written to use all the functionality of a
Mac. If you get a chance to play with even an older Mac like my iMac
G3/400, give it a good workout. I was skeptical at first, but once I
got into it, it really grew on me. No hassles, that's the key. Ken.

On Nov 21, 10:14 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 08:24 PM, wrote:



On Nov 21, 7:49 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 06:47 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 3:16 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 02:45 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 2:28 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 02:07 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 1:48 pm, MEB wrote:
On 11/21/2009 01:00 PM, wrote:

On Nov 21, 11:41 pm, "Brian A." gonefish'n@afarawaylake wrote:
wrote in message



For the first time ever, when I bootup 98SE, I get a "Drive not
Found", insert boot floppy then press any key, nothing happens. When I
reboot the machine with the boot floppy in it, I get the 3 possibility
error choice before the "A" prompt. either not a valid Fat32
partition, create another partition, or a virus. I just spent 3 hours
performing a complete virus + spyware scan, no problems. I am not a
techie so the other two make no sense since the computer has been
working perfectly all along. I also perform a Scandisk from the boot
floppy, everything is fine. I was planning to install XP Pro in the
near future. When I run the XP install cd and it comes to the point of
what to do with the "C" drive, it also won't recognise a valid "C"
drive, asks me if I want to delete my 98SE configuration then create a
new partition, start from scratch, which I will do if I can't fix the
existing problem. I have everything on 98SE backed up on a Norton
Ghost image disk, as well as other backup cd's. I can even extract
material from my "C" drive to a usb key in Linux. When I try Fdisk, I
get the message that there is no drive found, even Format c: won't
work. I am writing this from my Puppy Linux live cd, which boots
perfectly from my cd/rw. I also check my "C" drive from Linux,
everything seems ok. Is there anyway a non-techie like me can rescue
my 98SE system easily. Thanks.

Have you tried booting with the Ghost disk to restore the image?
If Ghost fails to recognize the drive see:
Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problemshttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q188867

How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q192926

Also read "Clean Boot -- What it is and why you need it" by MS MVP Gary Terhune.http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cl...w..grystmill.c...

--

Brian A. Sesko
Conflicts start where information lacks.http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://members.shaw.ca/dts-l/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

Thanks Brian. Even Norton Ghost won't see the "C" drive. However, the
1 gig settings file + bootup file for Puppy Linux are on the "C"
drive. Puppy seems to access these files perfectly, booting with all
the settings intact. Even the GParted partitioning software on Puppy
sees my "C" drive as a legit Fat 32 single partition comprising the
entire drive. Even the Pdisk Puppy software sees the model number of
the "C" drive, says its OK. I am checking the links you gave me but
there is so much info, some I can't figure out that it will take
awhile. Since I want to install XP Pro anyways, I think I might just
do that to restore the integrity of the drive for Windows. Then I
still have the 98SE ghost image if I want to revert back.
This type of experience speaks volumes for having a Linux live cd at
least for rescue purposes. Puppy is so small that it loads into ram so
it runs almost as quick as 98SE. Also I am experimenting with a Mac
G3/400, that I think (when I get a more powerful machine) is the
future for me, no viruses, no blue screens, almost no crashes,
elegant, simple software install/uninstalls. Just fun in the winter to
plays with all these formats.

Couple of questions:

1. Is the partition "ACTIVE".

[related to potential manager issues]

2. Do you dual/multi boot?

3. Which boot manager are you using and version?

4. Did you recently upgrade the boot manager?

5. Did you install the boot manager to the MBR or a distinct area?

And something you may not want to hear; there are Apple/MAC malware in
the wild. It is just sales hype that it is free from that type of
activity, and they do contain somewhat different hack vectors than those
normally found in Windows machines. Not to the same attacked activities
as in a Windows based computer, but trojan and like are found. The main
attack points appear to be leveraged more towards the installed
applications [just as in other OSs] like QT, ITunes, Safari, etc.. [see
CERT and like materials], which of course provides the "door" necessary
for other activities. The old "limited usage is protection" argument no
longer holds the same value it once did.

A couple cross-countering arguments to review:
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/0...-malware-myth/
http://blog.trendmicro.com/more-mac-...e-in-the-wild/
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/55765.html

--
MEB

Thanks MEB. I'll check out your links. I am just going by my fairly
non-techie experiences with my iMac G3/400. I run ClamXav, the only
free anti-virus software for the Mac, never a problem. The Panther
10.3.9 OS just seems to run problem free. I use Firefox, the Gimp,
Apple Mail, just works that's all I can say. Just want to keep all my
OS options open.

Well, it wasn't meant to deter usage nor discredit the long security
history of the Apple OSs, just more of an FYI type of addition due to
changing attitudes in the hacker world; *security through obscurity*
just isn't viable anymore.

The reason I asked per the potential boot manager and drive issue was
due to my own recent issue with a grub update which kill access when it
decided to change its method *on its own* during an update.

Glad you got the drive issue fixed...

--
MEB

The only problem with the Mac is the outrageous price of new machines
probable 2-3 times more than a comparable Windows machine. That's why
I am looking for an older Mac with sufficient tech specs to enjoy what
contemporary computing has to offer. I am never in a hurry, so I will
be careful when I choose. Ken.

Then you'll likely run across information that the non-Intel based
systems were somewhat more secure since the Apple OSs were specifically
designed for it. When the change came through to Intel, the code
naturally and by necessity changed bringing more errors and potential
vulnerabilities along with the code changes.

As for price issues, you must remember there aren't multiple Apple
*clones* causing price reduction. Blame Apple for crushing competitors
through various legal actions.

--
MEB

I agree, there is no Apple competition, but I am looking for a PPC not
an Intel Mac preferably to run Tiger 10.4.11 as the OS, hence the
greater security I am experiencing. I am actually writing this from my
iMac, just hooked up my IBM 19" CRT monitor to see both monitors in
action. The IBM C92 just blows away the iMac monitor away, the clarity
is excellent. Ken.

Finer pixel count and/or different grid pattern maybe...
Yeah, older actually is sometimes better... and even with some
computers ;=}

As for Tiger 10.4.11, some stuff you may or may not want to know:

Apple Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: Sep 16, 2008
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-260A.html

Apple Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: December 15, 2008
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-350A.html

Search of US CERT for Tiger 10.4.11
http://search.us-cert.gov/search?q=T...=0&btnG.y=0&bt...

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...tes/macosx1041....

Compared to the MS OSs, there isn't much found vulnerability-wise, then
again there aren't that many users either, so maybe some things aren't
being found that should be...

--
MEB

MEB. I am currently running Panther 10.3.9 on my iMac G3/400. Even if
I acquire a higher spec Mac with the Tiger install disks, the update
process is fairly automatic. After installing Tiger 10.4, usually a
screen comes up soon after offering all the updates to 10.4.11 usually
in one pack, takes awhile to install but nothing after that unless
some special security update happens. Usually any further updates are
software specific (eg Firefox, Microsoft Office). Ken.

Well, that's good to know. I don't have much experience even using MACs
so all I can do is look at the available materials and wonder.
There does seem to be some complaints on slowness of updates, then
again there always is. On the other hand, looking at the comparative
vulnerabilities in other Apple applications fills in ...

read more »

MEB. I never have a problem with the Mac OS updates. As far as using
certain software on a Mac, I use Neo Office, a strictly Mac version of
Open Office. Neo Office was written to use all the functionality of a
Mac. If you get a chance to play with even an older Mac like my iMac
G3/400, give it a good workout. I was skeptical at first, but once I
got into it, it really grew on me. No hassles, that's the key. Ken.

wrote:
[snip]
MEB

MEB. I am currently running Panther 10.3.9 on my iMac G3/400. Even
if I acquire a higher spec Mac with the Tiger install disks, the
update process is fairly automatic. After installing Tiger 10.4,
usually a screen comes up soon after offering all the updates to
10.4.11 usually in one pack, takes awhile to install but nothing
after that unless some special security update happens. Usually any
further updates are software specific (eg Firefox, Microsoft
Office). Ken.

Well, that's good to know. I don't have much experience even using
MACs so all I can do is look at the available materials and wonder.
There does seem to be some complaints on slowness of updates, then
again there always is. On the other hand, looking at the comparative
vulnerabilities in other Apple applications fills in ...

read more »

MEB. I never have a problem with the Mac OS updates. As far as using
certain software on a Mac, I use Neo Office, a strictly Mac version of
Open Office. Neo Office was written to use all the functionality of a
Mac. If you get a chance to play with even an older Mac like my iMac
G3/400, give it a good workout. I was skeptical at first, but once I
got into it, it really grew on me. No hassles, that's the key. Ken.

Can you snip the contents of useless material in your replies when using a
MAC???
Buffalo

wrote:
[snip]
MEB

MEB. I am currently running Panther 10.3.9 on my iMac G3/400. Even
if I acquire a higher spec Mac with the Tiger install disks, the
update process is fairly automatic. After installing Tiger 10.4,
usually a screen comes up soon after offering all the updates to
10.4.11 usually in one pack, takes awhile to install but nothing
after that unless some special security update happens. Usually any
further updates are software specific (eg Firefox, Microsoft
Office). Ken.

Well, that's good to know. I don't have much experience even using
MACs so all I can do is look at the available materials and wonder.
There does seem to be some complaints on slowness of updates, then
again there always is. On the other hand, looking at the comparative
vulnerabilities in other Apple applications fills in ...

read more »

MEB. I never have a problem with the Mac OS updates. As far as using
certain software on a Mac, I use Neo Office, a strictly Mac version of
Open Office. Neo Office was written to use all the functionality of a
Mac. If you get a chance to play with even an older Mac like my iMac
G3/400, give it a good workout. I was skeptical at first, but once I
got into it, it really grew on me. No hassles, that's the key. Ken.

Can you snip the contents of useless material in your replies when using a
MAC???
Buffalo