can't access .pif

Thanks. I did step one (repaired IE) and rebooted. At first it wouldn't
connect to my home page. So I rebooted again and it seems ok now. So I
suppose I don't need to go to step two?
Also, will it help if I reinstalled Win98 from my CD? If it won't hurt I can
try that. Things still don't seem quite right.

"PCR" wrote in message
...
OK, that came into my Inbox, & I obliterated it after making the sign of
the cross. (I thought that would be enough, but...)

I think a lot has happened, there, & with big applications. Although a
Registry /Restore can often do amazing things (I've seen a thread in
which it undid a clicking fest in Device Manager, updating drivers),--
it isn't a perfect tool, as it only affects settings & pointers that are
in the Registry, System.ini, & Win.ini. I guess that covers a lot, but
it won't undo any file replacements, delete any new files/folders, nor
recover any deleted files/folders. Hopefully, files lying around
unreferenced are harmless. Hopefully, you do not end up with a call to a
file that was deleted.

I guess begin with...

(1) "START, Run, MSInfo32, Tools menu, IE Repair Tool"
It produces a rather large "Fix IE Log.txt" in C:\Windows. IE & E
are basically one & the same. If this crashes, an over-install of IE is
indicated.

(2) Over-install IE. Try first without, but I believe it will request an
internet connection. Perhaps it is best to let it connect, actually. If
you don't care to get this fancy, just skip to step (c).

(a) Turn off interfering programs. Use http://www.pcmag.com/ 's
"StartupCop" or "EndItAll2". Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab".
Note what is unchecked, if anything. Then, go to the General tab &
disable the entire Startup Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking
"Load Startup...". Reboot.

(b) Perhaps, if you haven't got EndItAll2, then "Ctrl-Alt-Del" & end
task all but Explorer & Systray. If this goes badly, start again from
top, & skip it next time.

(c) "START, Find, F/F, IE6Setup.exe". Click it in the Find window.
NOTE: If you are IE5, then it's "IE5Setup.exe". If there are more
than one (I have two each), click the one in "C:\WINDOWS\Windows
Update Setup Files" or "C:\Windows Update Setup Files", as applicable.

(d) Re-enable the Startup Group. That will automatically check all
items. Go to the Startup tab & uncheck any noted in step (a). Reboot.

(e) Perhaps go to Windows Update, to see whether it now offers
criticals.


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"Ron Jacob" wrote in message
...
| It all started with the AT&T accelerator which I installed recently.
It
| wasn't speeding up my browser. Also, McAfee would not always startup.
So I
| uninstalled it but that created more problems. The connection manager
| wouldn't start so I tried reinstalling it but I had to delete some
other
| file first per ATT helpdesk. And in the meantime I imported a previous
| version of my registry that I had backed up 2 weeks earlier before I
updated
| Win98 with the latest security patch. I tried updating Windows again
but my
| browser wouldn't start. So I uninstalled the update. Now some of my
| applications freeze up and I have to restart. All of these things are
| connected. Is this enough background info? I had said all this in
another
| post but Eric suggested I reformat my hard drive. That's not what I
would
| consider incisive analysis. I don't have any viruses, my computer is
clean.
| All I need is a simple fix. My instinct tells me it is a simple fix.
So you
| guys there don't bombard me with a barrage of links and useless info.
And
| don't tell me to reformat. Give me something simple and precise that
works!!
|
| PS: My OE6 also was acting weird. I thought I posted this yesterday
but
| since I don't see it, an posting again.
|
|
| "PCR" wrote in message
| ...
| Ah! Wonderful! I'll move that one to the top of the list!
|
| Well, both Winoa386.mod & Vgafull.3gr are as old as they get in
Win98SE:
| "Friday, April 23, 1999 10:22:00 PM". This means your job is done, &
no
| need to worry over an update. Can you think how the later was
deleted in
| the first place? Mine has been sitting here undisturbed from early
in
| 2000.
|
| I see Candlin answered your question about SFC.
|
|
| --
| Thanks or Good Luck,
| There may be humor in this post, and,
| Naturally, you will not sue,
| should things get worse after this,
| PCR
|
| "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| ...
| | Here's the link that fixed my problem:
| | http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;195176
| | I extracted 2 files in sfc mode. Funny thing is I had already run
sfc
| and
| | there were no missing files. But the Vgafull.3gr file was missing
when
| I did
| | a search. After I extracted it to Windows/System I was able to
restart
| in MS
| | Dos mode. Now my question is this: If sfc doesn't work and I
suspect
| there
| | are other missing files, how can I restore them and/or fix sfc??
| |
| |
| | "PCR" wrote in message
| | ...
| | Well, that URL I posted says how to get PolEdit. Anyway, I
notice I
| have
| | another master post for you, (if you don't like that first
one!)...
| |
| | http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US
| MSKB
| | Search "MS-DOS Mode"; Windows 98; Full Text; Exact Phrase;
produces
| | quite a bundle, including...
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...57&Product=w98
| | Computer Hangs When You Try to Restart in MS-DOS Mode
| | (232657) - When you try to restart your computer in MS-DOS mode,
| your
| | computer may stop responding (hang).
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...22&Product=w98
| | Problems Restarting Laptop Computer in MS-DOS Mode
| | (188322) - When you try to restart your Windows 98-based Fujitsu
or
| NEC
| | Versa 6000 laptop computer in MS-DOS mode, your computer may
shut
| down
| | but not restart.
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...15&Product=w98
| | Windows 98 Second Edition May Not Shut Down or Restart in MS-DOS
| Mode
| | (232915) - After you install Windows 98 Second Edition, you may
not
| be
| | able to use the Shut down or Restart in MS-DOS mode options
| | successfully. NOTE: If your computer is configured to use
multiple
| | monitor support, you may be able to shut down properly.
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...29&Product=w98
| | "Invalid COMMAND.COM" Restarting Computer in MS-DOS Mode
| | (130329) - When you choose the "Restart the computer in MS-DOS
| mode"
| | option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box and then click OK,
you
| may
| | receive the error message "Invalid COMMAND.COM," or the screen
may
| go
| | black and then Windows restarts.
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...76&Product=w98
| | Cannot Start a Command Prompt or Restart in MS-DOS Mode
| | (195176) - When you try to start a command prompt in Windows, or
| restart
| | your computer in MS-DOS mode, or start an MS-DOS-based program,
you
| may
| | receive one or more of the following error messages:
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...36&Product=w98
| | Err Msg: Cannot Find the File 'C:\Windows\Exit to Dos.pif'...
| | (193936) - When you attempt to restart your computer in MS-DOS
mode,
| you
| | may receive the following error message: Cannot find the file
| | 'C:\Windows\Exit to Dos.pif'. Make sure the file exists on your
| system
| | and that the path name and filenames are correct.
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...91&Product=w98
| | Internal Stack Overflow When Quitting to MS-DOS
| | (263891) - When you click Restart in MS-DOS mode in the Shut
Down
| | Windows dialog box, your computer may stop responding (hang)
with
| the
| | following error message: An internal stack overflow has caused
this
| | session to be halted. Change the STACKS setting in your...
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...15&Product=w98
| | QEMM QuickBoot May Cause Computer to Hang
| | (127915) - When you boot your computer in MS-DOS mode (either
from
| the
| | Shut Down Windows dialog box or from the properties for an
| MS-DOS-based
| | application) with Quarterdeck's QEMM, the computer may stop
| responding
| | (hang). When this occurs, you must turn the...
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...17&Product=w98
| | Computer Hangs When Viewing MS-DOS-Based Programs Full-Screen
| | (187217) - When you attempt to view an MS-DOS-based program in
| | full-screen mode or restart your computer in MS-DOS mode on a
| computer
| | with a Rendition Verite 2x00-based video adapter, your computer
may
| stop
| | responding (hang).
| |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...87&Product=w98
| | Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement
| | (239887) - You may experience any of the following symptoms when
you
| | select an option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
| |
| |
| | --
| | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | should things get worse after this,
| | PCR
| |
| | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | ...
| | | Can't run poledit--it can't find file. I don't think this has
| anything
| | to do
| | | with administrator privileges. I can't open any .pif file. Is
| there
| | someone
| | | who can come up with another angle?
| | |
| | |
| | | "PCR" wrote in message
| | | ...
| | | When "Administrator" or "Access denied" is mentioned & you
don't
| | know
| | | why...
| | |
| | | (a) Better update definitions, & run a virus check.
| | | (b) "START, Run, PolEdit".
| | |
| | | Likely, it won't be there, or you'd have known to do that.
So...
| | | http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=147381
| | | How to Use System Policies On a Standalone Computer
| | |
| | | (c) The MSKB...
| | |
http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US
| | | Search "System Administrator"; Windows 98; Full Text; Exact
| Phrase;
| | does
| | | come up with many, including...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...44&Product=w98
| | | Policy That Disables MS-DOS Prompt Disables All MS-DOS
Programs
| | | (179644) - When you double-click an MS-DOS-based program,
you
| may
| | | receive the following error message: This program cannot be
run
| due
| | to
| | | restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your
| system
| | | administrator. This same behavior may occur if you type...
| | |
| | |
| | | --
| | | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | | should things get worse after this,
| | | PCR
| | |
| | | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | | ...
| | | | When I click Restart in DOS, it says access denied (to
file
| | | Windows/Exit to
| | | | Dos.pif). Can't access any of the .pif files. I did an SFC
and
| ran
| | | Spybot,
| | | | AdAware, etc. My system is clean. Should I reinstall
Win98SE?
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|

Step 2 is unnecessary, if step 1 worked. But what precisely doesn't
"seem quite right"? Here is what I know (have read) about an
over-install of Windows...

If errors are caused by hardware, then a reinstall of Windows is not the
cure. However...

Setup.exe, run from your Installation CD or from your .cabs folder,
accomplishes either an Over-Install or a Fresh Install. The procedural
difference is you first wipe the prior Windows installation for a Fresh
Install, or install it to different folders. Two folders are involved:
"C:\Windows" & "C:\Program Files", and these files: MSDOS.sys,
Config.sys, Autoexec.bat & System.1st.

For an Over-install, you must direct it to install to C:\Windows,
instead of C:\Windows.000 (where it normally would want to go, when it
sees a "C:\Windows" already exists).

An over-install supposedly leaves all else intact, but there are some
who say it will over-write .vxds (drivers) and otherwise musses
settings. Therefore, it becomes a lot of work to do it, as you must
un/re-install large applications, before/after the over-install. Also,
you must go to Windows Update afterwards, to see whether it detects it
needs to reinstall it's criticals. There is Version Conflict Manager to
do. Finally, they say, it is wise to back up critical data even before
an over-install.

Others swear an over-install is effortless (under an hour) and
effective. Just select to install to the existing directory, when it
makes the offer to go elsewhere. If it fails, then you may need to do a
tweak, such as renaming Win.com before starting. (Personally, I have
never Fresh or Over-Installed Windows. I did actually click Setup.exe
once, and was presented with an alluring screenful-- but I cancelled.)
Well, anyway, take a look at the URLs below, which really apply to both.

You want to do a FRESH Install? Are you pure Windows or OEM, such as
Compaq? If you are OEM, then you can get back to factory condition by
using their recovery CD, such as QuickRestore, which may contain
proprietary drivers and add-ons. Otherwise...

http://www.hexff.com/index.html How to Clean Install
This first has it all, but..
(a) Perhaps don't do the 2.5 swap file thing, &
(b) You may rather have multiple partitions, &
(c) Attend it's warning: Have any non-Windows peripheral drivers
available to install afterwards. Here...
http://www.pchelpandconsulting.com/links/windows.html WinDrvExpert
http://www.jermar.com/wdrvbck.htm WinDrvBckup free version
Those two supposedly back up all currently installed drivers, such that
they can be reinstalled. I never tried it but have seen a favorable
report.

http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/w98_restore.html Badour has one
http://aumha.org/win4/a/clean.htm Aumha has one
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=250928 How to Reinstall Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193902
How to Reinstall Windows into a new folder

"Setup.txt", located in the same folder as "Setup.exe", either on CD or
hard drive. This instructs how to run it from a folder on the hard
drive, but "hexff" says it better.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...71&Product=w98
"SU" Error Message List for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me Setup

Get a Startup Diskette from
http://www.bootdisk.com/ , if you don't already have one from "Control
Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Startup Disk tab". Test the Startup
Diskette. Boot it, put in a CD and "DIR" the CD. It will say which
letter is the CD. (Otherwise, it is likely one letter higher than
normal.)

Here is what I know of those Installation CD's. The full list of
capabilities of each type of CD is as follows, says Harper. Each
requires a valid Product key. "Proof" means it must see you had a prior
version. So, if it isn't sitting there, expect to insert a floppy or
earlier CD.

FULL VERSION: Will perform either clean install or upgrade of existing
OS. Does not ask for proof of ownership of an earlier version.

UPGRADE VERSION: Will perform either clean install or upgrade of
existing OS. Will ask for proof of ownership of an earlier version if
one is not installed.

WIN98 SE UPDATES: Will only install if Windows 98 is present on the hard
drive. Cannot be used for a clean install at all.

OEM VERSION: Only installs on a clean, fresh-formatted hard drive. May
be customized to include or omit components that would be found/not
found on a retail CD.

Be sure of your ProductKey...
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
ProductKey "12345-12345-12345-12345-12345"

(1) "START, Run, RegEdit"
(2) Click plus signs beginning at "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE", & ending with
"Windows".
(3) Click "CurrentVersion" in the left pane under "Windows".
(4) Look in right pane for ProductKey.

That is the one that was used to install your current Windows. Jot it
down, as it may work if different from the one on your Windows 98 Manual
or CD case.


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"Ron Jacob" wrote in message
...
| Thanks. I did step one (repaired IE) and rebooted. At first it
wouldn't
| connect to my home page. So I rebooted again and it seems ok now. So I
| suppose I don't need to go to step two?
| Also, will it help if I reinstalled Win98 from my CD? If it won't hurt
I can
| try that. Things still don't seem quite right.
|
| "PCR" wrote in message
| ...
| OK, that came into my Inbox, & I obliterated it after making the
sign of
| the cross. (I thought that would be enough, but...)
|
| I think a lot has happened, there, & with big applications. Although
a
| Registry /Restore can often do amazing things (I've seen a thread in
| which it undid a clicking fest in Device Manager, updating
drivers),--
| it isn't a perfect tool, as it only affects settings & pointers that
are
| in the Registry, System.ini, & Win.ini. I guess that covers a lot,
but
| it won't undo any file replacements, delete any new files/folders,
nor
| recover any deleted files/folders. Hopefully, files lying around
| unreferenced are harmless. Hopefully, you do not end up with a call
to a
| file that was deleted.
|
| I guess begin with...
|
| (1) "START, Run, MSInfo32, Tools menu, IE Repair Tool"
| It produces a rather large "Fix IE Log.txt" in C:\Windows. IE
& E
| are basically one & the same. If this crashes, an over-install of IE
is
| indicated.
|
| (2) Over-install IE. Try first without, but I believe it will
request an
| internet connection. Perhaps it is best to let it connect, actually.
If
| you don't care to get this fancy, just skip to step (c).
|
| (a) Turn off interfering programs. Use http://www.pcmag.com/ 's
| "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2". Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab".
| Note what is unchecked, if anything. Then, go to the General tab &
| disable the entire Startup Group, by clicking "Selective.." &
unchecking
| "Load Startup...". Reboot.
|
| (b) Perhaps, if you haven't got EndItAll2, then "Ctrl-Alt-Del" & end
| task all but Explorer & Systray. If this goes badly, start again
from
| top, & skip it next time.
|
| (c) "START, Find, F/F, IE6Setup.exe". Click it in the Find window.
| NOTE: If you are IE5, then it's "IE5Setup.exe". If there are
more
| than one (I have two each), click the one in "C:\WINDOWS\Windows
| Update Setup Files" or "C:\Windows Update Setup Files", as
applicable.
|
| (d) Re-enable the Startup Group. That will automatically check all
| items. Go to the Startup tab & uncheck any noted in step (a).
Reboot.
|
| (e) Perhaps go to Windows Update, to see whether it now offers
| criticals.
|
|
| --
| Thanks or Good Luck,
| There may be humor in this post, and,
| Naturally, you will not sue,
| should things get worse after this,
| PCR
|
| "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| ...
| | It all started with the AT&T accelerator which I installed
recently.
| It
| | wasn't speeding up my browser. Also, McAfee would not always
startup.
| So I
| | uninstalled it but that created more problems. The connection
manager
| | wouldn't start so I tried reinstalling it but I had to delete some
| other
| | file first per ATT helpdesk. And in the meantime I imported a
previous
| | version of my registry that I had backed up 2 weeks earlier before
I
| updated
| | Win98 with the latest security patch. I tried updating Windows
again
| but my
| | browser wouldn't start. So I uninstalled the update. Now some of
my
| | applications freeze up and I have to restart. All of these things
are
| | connected. Is this enough background info? I had said all this in
| another
| | post but Eric suggested I reformat my hard drive. That's not what
I
| would
| | consider incisive analysis. I don't have any viruses, my computer
is
| clean.
| | All I need is a simple fix. My instinct tells me it is a simple
fix.
| So you
| | guys there don't bombard me with a barrage of links and useless
info.
| And
| | don't tell me to reformat. Give me something simple and precise
that
| works!!
| |
| | PS: My OE6 also was acting weird. I thought I posted this
yesterday
| but
| | since I don't see it, an posting again.
| |
| |
| | "PCR" wrote in message
| | ...
| | Ah! Wonderful! I'll move that one to the top of the list!
| |
| | Well, both Winoa386.mod & Vgafull.3gr are as old as they get in
| Win98SE:
| | "Friday, April 23, 1999 10:22:00 PM". This means your job is
done, &
| no
| | need to worry over an update. Can you think how the later was
| deleted in
| | the first place? Mine has been sitting here undisturbed from
early
| in
| | 2000.
| |
| | I see Candlin answered your question about SFC.
| |
| |
| | --
| | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | should things get worse after this,
| | PCR
| |
| | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | ...
| | | Here's the link that fixed my problem:
| | | http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;195176
| | | I extracted 2 files in sfc mode. Funny thing is I had already
run
| sfc
| | and
| | | there were no missing files. But the Vgafull.3gr file was
missing
| when
| | I did
| | | a search. After I extracted it to Windows/System I was able to
| restart
| | in MS
| | | Dos mode. Now my question is this: If sfc doesn't work and I
| suspect
| | there
| | | are other missing files, how can I restore them and/or fix
sfc??
| | |
| | |
| | | "PCR" wrote in message
| | | ...
| | | Well, that URL I posted says how to get PolEdit. Anyway, I
| notice I
| | have
| | | another master post for you, (if you don't like that first
| one!)...
| | |
| | |
http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US
| | MSKB
| | | Search "MS-DOS Mode"; Windows 98; Full Text; Exact Phrase;
| produces
| | | quite a bundle, including...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...57&Product=w98
| | | Computer Hangs When You Try to Restart in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (232657) - When you try to restart your computer in MS-DOS
mode,
| | your
| | | computer may stop responding (hang).
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...22&Product=w98
| | | Problems Restarting Laptop Computer in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (188322) - When you try to restart your Windows 98-based
Fujitsu
| or
| | NEC
| | | Versa 6000 laptop computer in MS-DOS mode, your computer may
| shut
| | down
| | | but not restart.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...15&Product=w98
| | | Windows 98 Second Edition May Not Shut Down or Restart in
MS-DOS
| | Mode
| | | (232915) - After you install Windows 98 Second Edition, you
may
| not
| | be
| | | able to use the Shut down or Restart in MS-DOS mode options
| | | successfully. NOTE: If your computer is configured to use
| multiple
| | | monitor support, you may be able to shut down properly.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...29&Product=w98
| | | "Invalid COMMAND.COM" Restarting Computer in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (130329) - When you choose the "Restart the computer in
MS-DOS
| | mode"
| | | option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box and then click
OK,
| you
| | may
| | | receive the error message "Invalid COMMAND.COM," or the
screen
| may
| | go
| | | black and then Windows restarts.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...76&Product=w98
| | | Cannot Start a Command Prompt or Restart in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (195176) - When you try to start a command prompt in
Windows, or
| | restart
| | | your computer in MS-DOS mode, or start an MS-DOS-based
program,
| you
| | may
| | | receive one or more of the following error messages:
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...36&Product=w98
| | | Err Msg: Cannot Find the File 'C:\Windows\Exit to
Dos.pif'...
| | | (193936) - When you attempt to restart your computer in
MS-DOS
| mode,
| | you
| | | may receive the following error message: Cannot find the
file
| | | 'C:\Windows\Exit to Dos.pif'. Make sure the file exists on
your
| | system
| | | and that the path name and filenames are correct.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...91&Product=w98
| | | Internal Stack Overflow When Quitting to MS-DOS
| | | (263891) - When you click Restart in MS-DOS mode in the Shut
| Down
| | | Windows dialog box, your computer may stop responding (hang)
| with
| | the
| | | following error message: An internal stack overflow has
caused
| this
| | | session to be halted. Change the STACKS setting in your...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...15&Product=w98
| | | QEMM QuickBoot May Cause Computer to Hang
| | | (127915) - When you boot your computer in MS-DOS mode
(either
| from
| | the
| | | Shut Down Windows dialog box or from the properties for an
| | MS-DOS-based
| | | application) with Quarterdeck's QEMM, the computer may stop
| | responding
| | | (hang). When this occurs, you must turn the...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...17&Product=w98
| | | Computer Hangs When Viewing MS-DOS-Based Programs
Full-Screen
| | | (187217) - When you attempt to view an MS-DOS-based program
in
| | | full-screen mode or restart your computer in MS-DOS mode on
a
| | computer
| | | with a Rendition Verite 2x00-based video adapter, your
computer
| may
| | stop
| | | responding (hang).
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...87&Product=w98
| | | Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement
| | | (239887) - You may experience any of the following symptoms
when
| you
| | | select an option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
| | |
| | |
| | | --
| | | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | | should things get worse after this,
| | | PCR
| | |
| | | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | | ...
| | | | Can't run poledit--it can't find file. I don't think this
has
| | anything
| | | to do
| | | | with administrator privileges. I can't open any .pif file.
Is
| | there
| | | someone
| | | | who can come up with another angle?
| | | |
| | | |
| | | | "PCR" wrote in message
| | | | ...
| | | | When "Administrator" or "Access denied" is mentioned &
you
| don't
| | | know
| | | | why...
| | | |
| | | | (a) Better update definitions, & run a virus check.
| | | | (b) "START, Run, PolEdit".
| | | |
| | | | Likely, it won't be there, or you'd have known to do
that.
| So...
| | | | http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=147381
| | | | How to Use System Policies On a Standalone Computer
| | | |
| | | | (c) The MSKB...
| | | |
| http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US
| | | | Search "System Administrator"; Windows 98; Full Text;
Exact
| | Phrase;
| | | does
| | | | come up with many, including...
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...44&Product=w98
| | | | Policy That Disables MS-DOS Prompt Disables All MS-DOS
| Programs
| | | | (179644) - When you double-click an MS-DOS-based
program,
| you
| | may
| | | | receive the following error message: This program cannot
be
| run
| | due
| | | to
| | | | restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact
your
| | system
| | | | administrator. This same behavior may occur if you
type...
| | | |
| | | |
| | | | --
| | | | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | | | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | | | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | | | should things get worse after this,
| | | | PCR
| | | |
| | | | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | | | ...
| | | | | When I click Restart in DOS, it says access denied (to
| file
| | | | Windows/Exit to
| | | | | Dos.pif). Can't access any of the .pif files. I did an
SFC
| and
| | ran
| | | | Spybot,
| | | | | AdAware, etc. My system is clean. Should I reinstall
| Win98SE?
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|

Thanks. That's a lot of stuff. I'll do it later if my apps freeze up or I
keep getting blue screen fatals.


"PCR" wrote in message
...
Step 2 is unnecessary, if step 1 worked. But what precisely doesn't
"seem quite right"? Here is what I know (have read) about an
over-install of Windows...

If errors are caused by hardware, then a reinstall of Windows is not the
cure. However...

Setup.exe, run from your Installation CD or from your .cabs folder,
accomplishes either an Over-Install or a Fresh Install. The procedural
difference is you first wipe the prior Windows installation for a Fresh
Install, or install it to different folders. Two folders are involved:
"C:\Windows" & "C:\Program Files", and these files: MSDOS.sys,
Config.sys, Autoexec.bat & System.1st.

For an Over-install, you must direct it to install to C:\Windows,
instead of C:\Windows.000 (where it normally would want to go, when it
sees a "C:\Windows" already exists).

An over-install supposedly leaves all else intact, but there are some
who say it will over-write .vxds (drivers) and otherwise musses
settings. Therefore, it becomes a lot of work to do it, as you must
un/re-install large applications, before/after the over-install. Also,
you must go to Windows Update afterwards, to see whether it detects it
needs to reinstall it's criticals. There is Version Conflict Manager to
do. Finally, they say, it is wise to back up critical data even before
an over-install.

Others swear an over-install is effortless (under an hour) and
effective. Just select to install to the existing directory, when it
makes the offer to go elsewhere. If it fails, then you may need to do a
tweak, such as renaming Win.com before starting. (Personally, I have
never Fresh or Over-Installed Windows. I did actually click Setup.exe
once, and was presented with an alluring screenful-- but I cancelled.)
Well, anyway, take a look at the URLs below, which really apply to both.

You want to do a FRESH Install? Are you pure Windows or OEM, such as
Compaq? If you are OEM, then you can get back to factory condition by
using their recovery CD, such as QuickRestore, which may contain
proprietary drivers and add-ons. Otherwise...

http://www.hexff.com/index.html How to Clean Install
This first has it all, but..
(a) Perhaps don't do the 2.5 swap file thing, &
(b) You may rather have multiple partitions, &
(c) Attend it's warning: Have any non-Windows peripheral drivers
available to install afterwards. Here...
http://www.pchelpandconsulting.com/links/windows.html WinDrvExpert
http://www.jermar.com/wdrvbck.htm WinDrvBckup free version
Those two supposedly back up all currently installed drivers, such that
they can be reinstalled. I never tried it but have seen a favorable
report.

http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/w98_restore.html Badour has one
http://aumha.org/win4/a/clean.htm Aumha has one
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=250928 How to Reinstall Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193902
How to Reinstall Windows into a new folder

"Setup.txt", located in the same folder as "Setup.exe", either on CD or
hard drive. This instructs how to run it from a folder on the hard
drive, but "hexff" says it better.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...71&Product=w98
"SU" Error Message List for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me Setup

Get a Startup Diskette from
http://www.bootdisk.com/ , if you don't already have one from "Control
Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Startup Disk tab". Test the Startup
Diskette. Boot it, put in a CD and "DIR" the CD. It will say which
letter is the CD. (Otherwise, it is likely one letter higher than
normal.)

Here is what I know of those Installation CD's. The full list of
capabilities of each type of CD is as follows, says Harper. Each
requires a valid Product key. "Proof" means it must see you had a prior
version. So, if it isn't sitting there, expect to insert a floppy or
earlier CD.

FULL VERSION: Will perform either clean install or upgrade of existing
OS. Does not ask for proof of ownership of an earlier version.

UPGRADE VERSION: Will perform either clean install or upgrade of
existing OS. Will ask for proof of ownership of an earlier version if
one is not installed.

WIN98 SE UPDATES: Will only install if Windows 98 is present on the hard
drive. Cannot be used for a clean install at all.

OEM VERSION: Only installs on a clean, fresh-formatted hard drive. May
be customized to include or omit components that would be found/not
found on a retail CD.

Be sure of your ProductKey...
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
ProductKey "12345-12345-12345-12345-12345"

(1) "START, Run, RegEdit"
(2) Click plus signs beginning at "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE", & ending with
"Windows".
(3) Click "CurrentVersion" in the left pane under "Windows".
(4) Look in right pane for ProductKey.

That is the one that was used to install your current Windows. Jot it
down, as it may work if different from the one on your Windows 98 Manual
or CD case.


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"Ron Jacob" wrote in message
...
| Thanks. I did step one (repaired IE) and rebooted. At first it
wouldn't
| connect to my home page. So I rebooted again and it seems ok now. So I
| suppose I don't need to go to step two?
| Also, will it help if I reinstalled Win98 from my CD? If it won't hurt
I can
| try that. Things still don't seem quite right.
|
| "PCR" wrote in message
| ...
| OK, that came into my Inbox, & I obliterated it after making the
sign of
| the cross. (I thought that would be enough, but...)
|
| I think a lot has happened, there, & with big applications. Although
a
| Registry /Restore can often do amazing things (I've seen a thread in
| which it undid a clicking fest in Device Manager, updating
drivers),--
| it isn't a perfect tool, as it only affects settings & pointers that
are
| in the Registry, System.ini, & Win.ini. I guess that covers a lot,
but
| it won't undo any file replacements, delete any new files/folders,
nor
| recover any deleted files/folders. Hopefully, files lying around
| unreferenced are harmless. Hopefully, you do not end up with a call
to a
| file that was deleted.
|
| I guess begin with...
|
| (1) "START, Run, MSInfo32, Tools menu, IE Repair Tool"
| It produces a rather large "Fix IE Log.txt" in C:\Windows. IE
& E
| are basically one & the same. If this crashes, an over-install of IE
is
| indicated.
|
| (2) Over-install IE. Try first without, but I believe it will
request an
| internet connection. Perhaps it is best to let it connect, actually.
If
| you don't care to get this fancy, just skip to step (c).
|
| (a) Turn off interfering programs. Use http://www.pcmag.com/ 's
| "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2". Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab".
| Note what is unchecked, if anything. Then, go to the General tab &
| disable the entire Startup Group, by clicking "Selective.." &
unchecking
| "Load Startup...". Reboot.
|
| (b) Perhaps, if you haven't got EndItAll2, then "Ctrl-Alt-Del" & end
| task all but Explorer & Systray. If this goes badly, start again
from
| top, & skip it next time.
|
| (c) "START, Find, F/F, IE6Setup.exe". Click it in the Find window.
| NOTE: If you are IE5, then it's "IE5Setup.exe". If there are
more
| than one (I have two each), click the one in "C:\WINDOWS\Windows
| Update Setup Files" or "C:\Windows Update Setup Files", as
applicable.
|
| (d) Re-enable the Startup Group. That will automatically check all
| items. Go to the Startup tab & uncheck any noted in step (a).
Reboot.
|
| (e) Perhaps go to Windows Update, to see whether it now offers
| criticals.
|
|
| --
| Thanks or Good Luck,
| There may be humor in this post, and,
| Naturally, you will not sue,
| should things get worse after this,
| PCR
|
| "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| ...
| | It all started with the AT&T accelerator which I installed
recently.
| It
| | wasn't speeding up my browser. Also, McAfee would not always
startup.
| So I
| | uninstalled it but that created more problems. The connection
manager
| | wouldn't start so I tried reinstalling it but I had to delete some
| other
| | file first per ATT helpdesk. And in the meantime I imported a
previous
| | version of my registry that I had backed up 2 weeks earlier before
I
| updated
| | Win98 with the latest security patch. I tried updating Windows
again
| but my
| | browser wouldn't start. So I uninstalled the update. Now some of
my
| | applications freeze up and I have to restart. All of these things
are
| | connected. Is this enough background info? I had said all this in
| another
| | post but Eric suggested I reformat my hard drive. That's not what
I
| would
| | consider incisive analysis. I don't have any viruses, my computer
is
| clean.
| | All I need is a simple fix. My instinct tells me it is a simple
fix.
| So you
| | guys there don't bombard me with a barrage of links and useless
info.
| And
| | don't tell me to reformat. Give me something simple and precise
that
| works!!
| |
| | PS: My OE6 also was acting weird. I thought I posted this
yesterday
| but
| | since I don't see it, an posting again.
| |
| |
| | "PCR" wrote in message
| | ...
| | Ah! Wonderful! I'll move that one to the top of the list!
| |
| | Well, both Winoa386.mod & Vgafull.3gr are as old as they get in
| Win98SE:
| | "Friday, April 23, 1999 10:22:00 PM". This means your job is
done, &
| no
| | need to worry over an update. Can you think how the later was
| deleted in
| | the first place? Mine has been sitting here undisturbed from
early
| in
| | 2000.
| |
| | I see Candlin answered your question about SFC.
| |
| |
| | --
| | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | should things get worse after this,
| | PCR
| |
| | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | ...
| | | Here's the link that fixed my problem:
| | | http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;195176
| | | I extracted 2 files in sfc mode. Funny thing is I had already
run
| sfc
| | and
| | | there were no missing files. But the Vgafull.3gr file was
missing
| when
| | I did
| | | a search. After I extracted it to Windows/System I was able to
| restart
| | in MS
| | | Dos mode. Now my question is this: If sfc doesn't work and I
| suspect
| | there
| | | are other missing files, how can I restore them and/or fix
sfc??
| | |
| | |
| | | "PCR" wrote in message
| | | ...
| | | Well, that URL I posted says how to get PolEdit. Anyway, I
| notice I
| | have
| | | another master post for you, (if you don't like that first
| one!)...
| | |
| | |
http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US
| | MSKB
| | | Search "MS-DOS Mode"; Windows 98; Full Text; Exact Phrase;
| produces
| | | quite a bundle, including...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...57&Product=w98
| | | Computer Hangs When You Try to Restart in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (232657) - When you try to restart your computer in MS-DOS
mode,
| | your
| | | computer may stop responding (hang).
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...22&Product=w98
| | | Problems Restarting Laptop Computer in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (188322) - When you try to restart your Windows 98-based
Fujitsu
| or
| | NEC
| | | Versa 6000 laptop computer in MS-DOS mode, your computer may
| shut
| | down
| | | but not restart.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...15&Product=w98
| | | Windows 98 Second Edition May Not Shut Down or Restart in
MS-DOS
| | Mode
| | | (232915) - After you install Windows 98 Second Edition, you
may
| not
| | be
| | | able to use the Shut down or Restart in MS-DOS mode options
| | | successfully. NOTE: If your computer is configured to use
| multiple
| | | monitor support, you may be able to shut down properly.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...29&Product=w98
| | | "Invalid COMMAND.COM" Restarting Computer in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (130329) - When you choose the "Restart the computer in
MS-DOS
| | mode"
| | | option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box and then click
OK,
| you
| | may
| | | receive the error message "Invalid COMMAND.COM," or the
screen
| may
| | go
| | | black and then Windows restarts.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...76&Product=w98
| | | Cannot Start a Command Prompt or Restart in MS-DOS Mode
| | | (195176) - When you try to start a command prompt in
Windows, or
| | restart
| | | your computer in MS-DOS mode, or start an MS-DOS-based
program,
| you
| | may
| | | receive one or more of the following error messages:
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...36&Product=w98
| | | Err Msg: Cannot Find the File 'C:\Windows\Exit to
Dos.pif'...
| | | (193936) - When you attempt to restart your computer in
MS-DOS
| mode,
| | you
| | | may receive the following error message: Cannot find the
file
| | | 'C:\Windows\Exit to Dos.pif'. Make sure the file exists on
your
| | system
| | | and that the path name and filenames are correct.
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...91&Product=w98
| | | Internal Stack Overflow When Quitting to MS-DOS
| | | (263891) - When you click Restart in MS-DOS mode in the Shut
| Down
| | | Windows dialog box, your computer may stop responding (hang)
| with
| | the
| | | following error message: An internal stack overflow has
caused
| this
| | | session to be halted. Change the STACKS setting in your...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...15&Product=w98
| | | QEMM QuickBoot May Cause Computer to Hang
| | | (127915) - When you boot your computer in MS-DOS mode
(either
| from
| | the
| | | Shut Down Windows dialog box or from the properties for an
| | MS-DOS-based
| | | application) with Quarterdeck's QEMM, the computer may stop
| | responding
| | | (hang). When this occurs, you must turn the...
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...17&Product=w98
| | | Computer Hangs When Viewing MS-DOS-Based Programs
Full-Screen
| | | (187217) - When you attempt to view an MS-DOS-based program
in
| | | full-screen mode or restart your computer in MS-DOS mode on
a
| | computer
| | | with a Rendition Verite 2x00-based video adapter, your
computer
| may
| | stop
| | | responding (hang).
| | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...87&Product=w98
| | | Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement
| | | (239887) - You may experience any of the following symptoms
when
| you
| | | select an option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
| | |
| | |
| | | --
| | | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | | should things get worse after this,
| | | PCR
| | |
| | | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | | ...
| | | | Can't run poledit--it can't find file. I don't think this
has
| | anything
| | | to do
| | | | with administrator privileges. I can't open any .pif file.
Is
| | there
| | | someone
| | | | who can come up with another angle?
| | | |
| | | |
| | | | "PCR" wrote in message
| | | | ...
| | | | When "Administrator" or "Access denied" is mentioned &
you
| don't
| | | know
| | | | why...
| | | |
| | | | (a) Better update definitions, & run a virus check.
| | | | (b) "START, Run, PolEdit".
| | | |
| | | | Likely, it won't be there, or you'd have known to do
that.
| So...
| | | | http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=147381
| | | | How to Use System Policies On a Standalone Computer
| | | |
| | | | (c) The MSKB...
| | | |
| http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US
| | | | Search "System Administrator"; Windows 98; Full Text;
Exact
| | Phrase;
| | | does
| | | | come up with many, including...
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
|
http://support.microsoft.com/default...44&Product=w98
| | | | Policy That Disables MS-DOS Prompt Disables All MS-DOS
| Programs
| | | | (179644) - When you double-click an MS-DOS-based
program,
| you
| | may
| | | | receive the following error message: This program cannot
be
| run
| | due
| | | to
| | | | restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact
your
| | system
| | | | administrator. This same behavior may occur if you
type...
| | | |
| | | |
| | | | --
| | | | Thanks or Good Luck,
| | | | There may be humor in this post, and,
| | | | Naturally, you will not sue,
| | | | should things get worse after this,
| | | | PCR
| | | |
| | | | "Ron Jacob" wrote in message
| | | | ...
| | | | | When I click Restart in DOS, it says access denied (to
| file
| | | | Windows/Exit to
| | | | | Dos.pif). Can't access any of the .pif files. I did an
SFC
| and
| | ran
| | | | Spybot,
| | | | | AdAware, etc. My system is clean. Should I reinstall
| Win98SE?
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|

You are welcome. Good luck with it.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR

"Ron Jacob" wrote in message
...
| Thanks. That's a lot of stuff. I'll do it later if my apps freeze up
or I
| keep getting blue screen fatals.
....snip