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Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!



 
 
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  #11  
Old January 6th 08, 02:31 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
Arlykat
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 10
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!



"Don Phillipson" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...

Hi. I have a computer I haven't run for about a year. It got plugged in

and
out, disconnected things, connected them back, etc. thru the year. When I

now
want to start it up to copy or move all of my important pics/info so I can
give the computer to a friend, Windows won't start.


Separate your two tasks.
1. You want to save onto your regular PC your important
pics/info. Method A is to link the two PCs together as a
temporary network, then just copy over. Method B is to
put the hard drive from the old PC into the new PC, copy
over what you want (e.g. all files created between dates A and B)
then put the hard drive back. Method B would be the
fastest if you have any trouble starting the old PC.

2. You want to give away the old computer in good running
order. The fastest way of doing this is to use FDISK to blank
the hard drive, then reformat and reinstal the operating system,
as described he
http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/w98_restore.html

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)




Hi Don,

Thanks for answering my post. To save the info I want from the old computer
would have to make me use your Method B - switch the hard drives to new
computer, etc. I can't get the old computer up at all. Don, this is just
way out of my league, I wish it wasn't, but it is. I posted to Ben that I am
female and I am so close to start crying it is depressing. So, I won't be
changing any hard drives today. The REASON I want to see what is on the old
computer is because my mom died recently and there MAY be pictures of her on
that computer that I surely wouldn't want to lose. That is why I am still
trying to do everything the other people who are trying to help me are
posting. Doing the FDISK thing will be my last resort, but I do thank you
for letting me know that is what I would need to do to clean it out. Sooooo
Don, again, I am grateful to you and, if you happen to have any other ideas
that don't involve actual hand tools, please let me know.

Arlykat
  #12  
Old January 6th 08, 04:50 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
glee
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2,458
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Glee,

I did what you said and it basically came back with not finding any damage.
I then removed the disk and did control, alt, delete and it brought me back
to the "Open Using Command Prompt" and I am back where I started without
having the computer start up correctly. I am so discouraged. Thanks though
for your help. Arlykat

"glee" wrote:

Start the computer with the boot disk again, and this time at the A:\ prompt,
type
the following and press Enter:

scandisk /surface

(that is: scandisk space /surface)

It will take quite a while to complete a surface scan, which checks the actual
surface of the hard drive platters for damage.

When it completes, you will be returned to the A:\ prompt.
You can then remove the floppy and press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Ben,

I created the boot disk and went through the process of it running on the
computer that won't start. It found several errors that it fixed, took quite
some time to get to the end. Unfortunately, I still can't get Windows 98 to
come up. I ran your SCANDISK C:, I did get to a point where it told me there
were many new changes in Windows 98, a long read. From that, I also tried
running SCANDISK/MOUNT C: and SCANDISK/ALL and CHKDSK.EXE (when I ran the
last one it told me to run scandisk which would fix more problems).

Now, when I turn on the computer I get the IBM Aptiva screen and Windows
screen, then it shoots me into open the computer with the list of safemode,
normal, safemode with command prompts, etc. It has highlighted and tells me
to open the computer in Command Mode. Tried every mode also, keeps bringing
me back to the command mode thing and A:/. I open the computer with the disk
in the A drive and again type SCANDISK C:. It says it is going to begin to
open my computer (which it did when I first ran the boot disk that did all
the fixing) and it may take some time. I can see a time progression line on
the bottom showing it is beginning to do something. Then the final prompt I
get is: "ScanDisk encountered a data error while reading the FAT entry for
cluster 1829168 (I am assuming they are the number '8' - it looks like a zero
with a single dot in the middle which makes it look sorta like an 8). This
error prevents ScanDisk from fixing this drive."

So, that is pretty much where I am - the above being the ultimate last
sentence it continues to give me and I click exit. This is so frustrating.
The computer was running fine when I shut it down over a year ago, just short
on memory. We did unplug it and replug things, but everything is all back to
where it was. I can't imagine what has caused this huge problem on it now.
Because of a smaller memory card we loaded Win. 98 (2nd edition I THINK) and
when we went on line using AOL at the time it would only run up to Win. 95
which limited us very much. We then only pretty much used the computer to
look at floppy disks and copy them, delete them, etc.

Between the time we used the computer for mainly pictures my mom, who was
living with me and was 98, died. I honestly don't know if there are any
pictures of her on the computer or not. I would hate to lose them, but, if
there is no way to "fix" this computer, I am willing to try and empty it out
and either reload Win. 98 SE or just give it to my friend with nothing on it.
I think they would like the Win. 98 SE on it because they have virtually NO
money (husband ran off with gf, left wife and two infants, pays nothing to
help them) so at least they would have SOMETHING on the computer to get them
online, albiet, slowly.

So Ben, what should I do? Again, I appreciate your help more than you know.

Arlykat


"Arlykat" wrote:

Ben,

I can't thank you enough for trying to help me. I'm going to make and run
the disk right now and "see what is found" and then get back to you. Thanks
again.

Arly

"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi. I have a computer I haven't run for about a year. It got plugged in
and
out, disconnected things, connected them back, etc. thru the year. When I
now
want to start it up to copy or move all of my important pics/info so I can
give the computer to a friend, Windows won't start. It is Win. 98 prob
with
2nd edition. 1st it started and I got the screen files were missing or
corrupted - choose how to proceed: Safe Mode, Regular, Safe Mode With
Commands, etc. Whatever I clicked it took me to Startup Options. Told me I
had missing or corrupted files, 3 of them, can't remember exactly which,
Win
snip

Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows 98
boot floppy. Use it to start the computer, type "scandisk c:", press
"Enter"
and see what is found.

Ben




  #13  
Old January 6th 08, 10:37 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
Arlykat
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 10
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


Hi Glen,

Thank you.

Without any disks in the computer I started it, the IBM Aptiva screen
flashed (showing press F1 to go to Startup Menu, which when pressed
previously will take me to the Startup Menu which shows all info regarding
the computer) and then goes to the following menu showing 1. Normal, 2.
Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) etc. with:

5. Command Prompt Only highlighted. A message below that reads: "Warning:
Windows has detected a registry/configuration error. Choose Command Prompt
Only, and run SCANREG."

I click return on Command Prompt Only (When I click on Safe Mode I am
brought to the same following screen) and the message reads:

"The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS

C:\
Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows
C:\"

At the C:\ prompt I type in SCANREG and hit return and get "Bad command or
file name" and below that the C:\ prompt shows again. If I retype SCANREG I
get the same response.

Okay Glen, that is exactly where I am at now.

Arlykat

*THE REST OF GLEE'S TXT FROM ABOVE MSG. INC. BELOW:


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Glee,

I did what you said and it basically came back with not finding any damage.
I then removed the disk and did control, alt, delete and it brought me back
to the "Open Using Command Prompt" and I am back where I started without
having the computer start up correctly. I am so discouraged. Thanks though
for your help. Arlykat

"glee" wrote:

Start the computer with the boot disk again, and this time at the A:\ prompt,
type
the following and press Enter:

scandisk /surface

(that is: scandisk space /surface)

It will take quite a while to complete a surface scan, which checks the actual
surface of the hard drive platters for damage.

When it completes, you will be returned to the A:\ prompt.
You can then remove the floppy and press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Ben,

I created the boot disk and went through the process of it running on the
computer that won't start. It found several errors that it fixed, took quite
some time to get to the end. Unfortunately, I still can't get Windows 98 to
come up. I ran your SCANDISK C:, I did get to a point where it told me there
were many new changes in Windows 98, a long read. From that, I also tried
running SCANDISK/MOUNT C: and SCANDISK/ALL and CHKDSK.EXE (when I ran the
last one it told me to run scandisk which would fix more problems).

Now, when I turn on the computer I get the IBM Aptiva screen and Windows
screen, then it shoots me into open the computer with the list of safemode,
normal, safemode with command prompts, etc. It has highlighted and tells me
to open the computer in Command Mode. Tried every mode also, keeps bringing
me back to the command mode thing and A:/. I open the computer with the disk
in the A drive and again type SCANDISK C:. It says it is going to begin to
open my computer (which it did when I first ran the boot disk that did all
the fixing) and it may take some time. I can see a time progression line on
the bottom showing it is beginning to do something. Then the final prompt I
get is: "ScanDisk encountered a data error while reading the FAT entry for
cluster 1829168 (I am assuming they are the number '8' - it looks like a zero
with a single dot in the middle which makes it look sorta like an 8). This
error prevents ScanDisk from fixing this drive."

So, that is pretty much where I am - the above being the ultimate last
sentence it continues to give me and I click exit. This is so frustrating.
The computer was running fine when I shut it down over a year ago, just short
on memory. We did unplug it and replug things, but everything is all back to
where it was. I can't imagine what has caused this huge problem on it now.
Because of a smaller memory card we loaded Win. 98 (2nd edition I THINK) and
when we went on line using AOL at the time it would only run up to Win. 95
which limited us very much. We then only pretty much used the computer to
look at floppy disks and copy them, delete them, etc.

Between the time we used the computer for mainly pictures my mom, who was
living with me and was 98, died. I honestly don't know if there are any
pictures of her on the computer or not. I would hate to lose them, but, if
there is no way to "fix" this computer, I am willing to try and empty it out
and either reload Win. 98 SE or just give it to my friend with nothing on it.
I think they would like the Win. 98 SE on it because they have virtually NO
money (husband ran off with gf, left wife and two infants, pays nothing to
help them) so at least they would have SOMETHING on the computer to get them
online, albiet, slowly.

So Ben, what should I do? Again, I appreciate your help more than you know.

Arlykat


"Arlykat" wrote:

Ben,

I can't thank you enough for trying to help me. I'm going to make and run
the disk right now and "see what is found" and then get back to you. Thanks
again.

Arly

"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi. I have a computer I haven't run for about a year. It got plugged in
and
out, disconnected things, connected them back, etc. thru the year. When I
now
want to start it up to copy or move all of my important pics/info so I can
give the computer to a friend, Windows won't start. It is Win. 98 prob
with
2nd edition. 1st it started and I got the screen files were missing or
corrupted - choose how to proceed: Safe Mode, Regular, Safe Mode With
Commands, etc. Whatever I clicked it took me to Startup Options. Told me I
had missing or corrupted files, 3 of them, can't remember exactly which,
Win
snip

Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows 98
boot floppy. Use it to start the computer, type "scandisk c:", press
"Enter"
and see what is found.

Ben





  #14  
Old January 6th 08, 11:36 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
Ben Myers
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 356
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

"Arlykat" wrote in message ...
Hi Ben,
Again, thanks so much for sticking with me and trying to help me get this
computer up and running for my friend. Will tell you something before I go
any farther in this response - I am a female and I am about 2% under the
point of starting to cry over this in frustration. Okay? Just so you know
what frame of mind I am getting shoved into.
I found something similar to what you said to click when the computer was
starting up and it took me to the Setup menu which is the one that also lists
computer info, etc. When you then say to "Restart pressing appropriate key"
you lost me.

snip

Most computers have built-in configuration program for basic things like hard
and floppy drives. This is typically accessed by pressing a certain key in the
early stages of bootup, usually "Delete", "F1" or "F10". Instructions sometimes
appear at the bottom of the screen and there may be no mouse support. The
idea is to get the system to redetect the hard drive or drives. Be sure to save
the new settings before exiting the configuration program. Then start the
computer with the Windows 98 boot floppy and run Scandisk again.
Also, some of the symptoms you are describing could be caused by
a missing or corrupt "C:\MSDOS.SYS" file. Copy and paste the
following text to Notepad and save it to a floppy as "a:\winboot.ini"
Start the problem computer in Command Prompt, insert the floppy,
type "c:\windows\command\move a:\winboot.ini c:\" and press
"Enter". Then remove the floppy and restart.

[Paths]
WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
HostWinBootDrv=C

[Options]
BootGUI=1
;end


Ben

  #15  
Old January 7th 08, 02:37 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
Arlykat
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 10
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message ...
Hi Ben,
Again, thanks so much for sticking with me and trying to help me get this
computer up and running for my friend. Will tell you something before I go
any farther in this response - I am a female and I am about 2% under the
point of starting to cry over this in frustration. Okay? Just so you know
what frame of mind I am getting shoved into.
I found something similar to what you said to click when the computer was
starting up and it took me to the Setup menu which is the one that also lists
computer info, etc. When you then say to "Restart pressing appropriate key"
you lost me.

snip

Most computers have built-in configuration program for basic things like hard
and floppy drives. This is typically accessed by pressing a certain key in the
early stages of bootup, usually "Delete", "F1" or "F10". Instructions sometimes
appear at the bottom of the screen and there may be no mouse support. The
idea is to get the system to redetect the hard drive or drives. Be sure to save
the new settings before exiting the configuration program. Then start the
computer with the Windows 98 boot floppy and run Scandisk again.
Also, some of the symptoms you are describing could be caused by
a missing or corrupt "C:\MSDOS.SYS" file. Copy and paste the
following text to Notepad and save it to a floppy as "a:\winboot.ini"
Start the problem computer in Command Prompt, insert the floppy,
type "c:\windows\command\move a:\winboot.ini c:\" and press
"Enter". Then remove the floppy and restart.

[Paths]
WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
HostWinBootDrv=C

[Options]
BootGUI=1
;end


Ben

____________
Hi Ben,

I copied down what you wrote above, thank you, again. I just wanted to make
sure that you are fully aware of the little quirks and responses I have been
getting from the computer. I am going to copy here what I wrote to glee's
(Glen) most recent response to me - it tells you exactly what my computer is
up to right at this point. It will be directly below this text to you. I am
also going to send Glen what you have just told me above. Arlykat
**
"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


Hi Glen,

Thank you.

Without any disks in the computer I started it, the IBM Aptiva screen
flashed (showing press F1 to go to Startup Menu, which when pressed
previously will take me to the Startup Menu which shows all info regarding
the computer) and then goes to the following menu showing 1. Normal, 2.
Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) etc. with:

5. Command Prompt Only highlighted. A message below that reads: "Warning:
Windows has detected a registry/configuration error. Choose Command Prompt
Only, and run SCANREG."

I click return on Command Prompt Only (When I click on Safe Mode I am
brought to the same following screen) and the message reads:

"The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS

C:\
Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows
C:\"

At the C:\ prompt I type in SCANREG and hit return and get "Bad command or
file name" and below that the C:\ prompt shows again. If I retype SCANREG I
get the same response.

Okay Glen, that is exactly where I am at now.


  #16  
Old January 7th 08, 02:43 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
glee
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2,458
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the
frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine
what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on
the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little
better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop
and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it
will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then
find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to
another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any
pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


Hi Glen,

Thank you.

Without any disks in the computer I started it, the IBM Aptiva screen
flashed (showing press F1 to go to Startup Menu, which when pressed
previously will take me to the Startup Menu which shows all info regarding
the computer) and then goes to the following menu showing 1. Normal, 2.
Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) etc. with:

5. Command Prompt Only highlighted. A message below that reads: "Warning:
Windows has detected a registry/configuration error. Choose Command Prompt
Only, and run SCANREG."

I click return on Command Prompt Only (When I click on Safe Mode I am
brought to the same following screen) and the message reads:

"The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS

C:\
Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows
C:\"

At the C:\ prompt I type in SCANREG and hit return and get "Bad command or
file name" and below that the C:\ prompt shows again. If I retype SCANREG I
get the same response.

Okay Glen, that is exactly where I am at now.


OK....that's some info we can try to work with.
At the C:\ prompt, type the following and press Enter:

CD \Windows

(CD space \Windows...a space between the D and the slash)

If that gives you a C:\Windows prompt, then we know the Windows folder is there
using that name. If it gives an error ("invalid directory") then we know the
Windows folder is not there or has a different name.

If you are then at the C:\Windows prompt, type the following and press Enter:

dir /a himem.sys

(dir space /a space himem.sys)

If that shows you the file is found, and gives its size and date, then the file is
not missing but may be corrupt, OR the PATH section of the msdos.sys file may be
missing.

So let's go this far and report back with your findings, and we'll see which way to
go from there.

I'll try to stick around for your reply so you don't have to wait so long this time.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

  #17  
Old January 7th 08, 02:45 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
Arlykat
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 10
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!



"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


_________

Glen,

I am going to copy and paste to you the information that I just received by
Ben. It seems you both are the ones helping me and I am not sure if you are
aware of what the other is writing. I don't want to do something suggested
in one post if it will upset what was being done regarding a different post,
or something like that. Anyway, I copied your post with my reply regarding
where exactly my computer stands right now and listed it with Ben and told
him I was listing what he wrote on your posting. Arlykat
**
"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message ...
Hi Ben,
Again, thanks so much for sticking with me and trying to help me get this
computer up and running for my friend. Will tell you something before I go
any farther in this response - I am a female and I am about 2% under the
point of starting to cry over this in frustration. Okay? Just so you know
what frame of mind I am getting shoved into.
I found something similar to what you said to click when the computer was
starting up and it took me to the Setup menu which is the one that also lists
computer info, etc. When you then say to "Restart pressing appropriate key"
you lost me.

snip

Most computers have built-in configuration program for basic things like hard
and floppy drives. This is typically accessed by pressing a certain key in the
early stages of bootup, usually "Delete", "F1" or "F10". Instructions sometimes
appear at the bottom of the screen and there may be no mouse support. The
idea is to get the system to redetect the hard drive or drives. Be sure to save
the new settings before exiting the configuration program. Then start the
computer with the Windows 98 boot floppy and run Scandisk again.
Also, some of the symptoms you are describing could be caused by
a missing or corrupt "C:\MSDOS.SYS" file. Copy and paste the
following text to Notepad and save it to a floppy as "a:\winboot.ini"
Start the problem computer in Command Prompt, insert the floppy,
type "c:\windows\command\move a:\winboot.ini c:\" and press
"Enter". Then remove the floppy and restart.

[Paths]
WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
HostWinBootDrv=C

[Options]
BootGUI=1
;end


Ben



*REMAINDER OF GLEN'S POST THAT IS WRITTEN ABOVE FOLLOWS:
"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Glee,

I did what you said and it basically came back with not finding any damage.
I then removed the disk and did control, alt, delete and it brought me back
to the "Open Using Command Prompt" and I am back where I started without
having the computer start up correctly. I am so discouraged. Thanks though
for your help. Arlykat

"glee" wrote:

Start the computer with the boot disk again, and this time at the A:\ prompt,
type
the following and press Enter:

scandisk /surface

(that is: scandisk space /surface)

It will take quite a while to complete a surface scan, which checks the actual
surface of the hard drive platters for damage.

When it completes, you will be returned to the A:\ prompt.
You can then remove the floppy and press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Ben,

I created the boot disk and went through the process of it running on the
computer that won't start. It found several errors that it fixed, took quite
some time to get to the end. Unfortunately, I still can't get Windows 98 to
come up. I ran your SCANDISK C:, I did get to a point where it told me there
were many new changes in Windows 98, a long read. From that, I also tried
running SCANDISK/MOUNT C: and SCANDISK/ALL and CHKDSK.EXE (when I ran the
last one it told me to run scandisk which would fix more problems).

Now, when I turn on the computer I get the IBM Aptiva screen and Windows
screen, then it shoots me into open the computer with the list of safemode,
normal, safemode with command prompts, etc. It has highlighted and tells me
to open the computer in Command Mode. Tried every mode also, keeps bringing
me back to the command mode thing and A:/. I open the computer with the disk
in the A drive and again type SCANDISK C:. It says it is going to begin to
open my computer (which it did when I first ran the boot disk that did all
the fixing) and it may take some time. I can see a time progression line on
the bottom showing it is beginning to do something. Then the final prompt I
get is: "ScanDisk encountered a data error while reading the FAT entry for
cluster 1829168 (I am assuming they are the number '8' - it looks like a zero
with a single dot in the middle which makes it look sorta like an 8). This
error prevents ScanDisk from fixing this drive."

So, that is pretty much where I am - the above being the ultimate last
sentence it continues to give me and I click exit. This is so frustrating.
The computer was running fine when I shut it down over a year ago, just short
on memory. We did unplug it and replug things, but everything is all back to
where it was. I can't imagine what has caused this huge problem on it now.
Because of a smaller memory card we loaded Win. 98 (2nd edition I THINK) and
when we went on line using AOL at the time it would only run up to Win. 95
which limited us very much. We then only pretty much used the computer to
look at floppy disks and copy them, delete them, etc.

Between the time we used the computer for mainly pictures my mom, who was
living with me and was 98, died. I honestly don't know if there are any
pictures of her on the computer or not. I would hate to lose them, but, if
there is no way to "fix" this computer, I am willing to try and empty it out
and either reload Win. 98 SE or just give it to my friend with nothing on it.
I think they would like the Win. 98 SE on it because they have virtually NO
money (husband ran off with gf, left wife and two infants, pays nothing to
help them) so at least they would have SOMETHING on the computer to get them
online, albiet, slowly.

So Ben, what should I do? Again, I appreciate your help more than you know.

Arlykat


"Arlykat" wrote:

Ben,

I can't thank you enough for trying to help me. I'm going to make and run
the disk right now and "see what is found" and then get back to you. Thanks
again.

Arly

"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi. I have a computer I haven't run for about a year. It got plugged in
and
out, disconnected things, connected them back, etc. thru the year. When I
now
want to start it up to copy or move all of my important pics/info so I can
give the computer to a friend, Windows won't start. It is Win. 98 prob
with
2nd edition. 1st it started and I got the screen files were missing or
corrupted - choose how to proceed: Safe Mode, Regular, Safe Mode With
Commands, etc. Whatever I clicked it took me to Startup Options. Told me I
had missing or corrupted files, 3 of them, can't remember exactly which,
Win
snip

Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows 98
boot floppy. Use it to start the computer, type "scandisk c:", press
"Enter"
and see what is found.

Ben





  #18  
Old January 7th 08, 11:28 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
glee
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2,458
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

It doesn't matter which instructions you use, as Ben and I are both looking at the
same possibility that your msdos.sys file may be corrupt / incomplete. Of course,
you should only follow one method or the other.

I suggest following the first part of my suggestion, which was this:

At the C:\ prompt, type the following and press Enter:

CD \Windows

(CD space \Windows...a space between the D and the slash)

If that gives you a C:\Windows prompt, then we know the Windows folder is there
using that name. If it gives an error ("invalid directory") then we know the
Windows folder is not there or has a different name.

If you are then at the C:\Windows prompt, type the following and press Enter:

dir /a himem.sys

(dir space /a space himem.sys)

If that shows you the file is found, and gives its size and date, then the file is
not missing but may be corrupt, OR the PATH section of the msdos.sys file may be
missing.

From there, you can either:
a) follow further instruction by me, to edit or better yet, to replace the msdos.sys
file, after we have a look at its contents to determine if it is the problem;
*OR*
b) follow Ben's direction to create a winboot.ini file, which should then be used
instead of msdos.sys (Windows will bypass msdos.sys if it finds a winboot.ini, IIRC)

Your choice.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...


"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the
frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine
what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on
the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little
better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop
and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it
will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then
find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to
another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any
pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


_________

Glen,

I am going to copy and paste to you the information that I just received by
Ben. It seems you both are the ones helping me and I am not sure if you are
aware of what the other is writing. I don't want to do something suggested
in one post if it will upset what was being done regarding a different post,
or something like that. Anyway, I copied your post with my reply regarding
where exactly my computer stands right now and listed it with Ben and told
him I was listing what he wrote on your posting. Arlykat
**
"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Ben,
Again, thanks so much for sticking with me and trying to help me get this
computer up and running for my friend. Will tell you something before I go
any farther in this response - I am a female and I am about 2% under the
point of starting to cry over this in frustration. Okay? Just so you know
what frame of mind I am getting shoved into.
I found something similar to what you said to click when the computer was
starting up and it took me to the Setup menu which is the one that also lists
computer info, etc. When you then say to "Restart pressing appropriate key"
you lost me.

snip

Most computers have built-in configuration program for basic things like hard
and floppy drives. This is typically accessed by pressing a certain key in the
early stages of bootup, usually "Delete", "F1" or "F10". Instructions sometimes
appear at the bottom of the screen and there may be no mouse support. The
idea is to get the system to redetect the hard drive or drives. Be sure to save
the new settings before exiting the configuration program. Then start the
computer with the Windows 98 boot floppy and run Scandisk again.
Also, some of the symptoms you are describing could be caused by
a missing or corrupt "C:\MSDOS.SYS" file. Copy and paste the
following text to Notepad and save it to a floppy as "a:\winboot.ini"
Start the problem computer in Command Prompt, insert the floppy,
type "c:\windows\command\move a:\winboot.ini c:\" and press
"Enter". Then remove the floppy and restart.

[Paths]
WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
HostWinBootDrv=C

[Options]
BootGUI=1
;end


Ben



*REMAINDER OF GLEN'S POST THAT IS WRITTEN ABOVE FOLLOWS:
"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Glee,

I did what you said and it basically came back with not finding any damage.
I then removed the disk and did control, alt, delete and it brought me back
to the "Open Using Command Prompt" and I am back where I started without
having the computer start up correctly. I am so discouraged. Thanks though
for your help. Arlykat

"glee" wrote:

Start the computer with the boot disk again, and this time at the A:\ prompt,
type
the following and press Enter:

scandisk /surface

(that is: scandisk space /surface)

It will take quite a while to complete a surface scan, which checks the actual
surface of the hard drive platters for damage.

When it completes, you will be returned to the A:\ prompt.
You can then remove the floppy and press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi Ben,

I created the boot disk and went through the process of it running on the
computer that won't start. It found several errors that it fixed, took quite
some time to get to the end. Unfortunately, I still can't get Windows 98 to
come up. I ran your SCANDISK C:, I did get to a point where it told me
there
were many new changes in Windows 98, a long read. From that, I also tried
running SCANDISK/MOUNT C: and SCANDISK/ALL and CHKDSK.EXE (when I ran the
last one it told me to run scandisk which would fix more problems).

Now, when I turn on the computer I get the IBM Aptiva screen and Windows
screen, then it shoots me into open the computer with the list of safemode,
normal, safemode with command prompts, etc. It has highlighted and tells me
to open the computer in Command Mode. Tried every mode also, keeps bringing
me back to the command mode thing and A:/. I open the computer with the
disk
in the A drive and again type SCANDISK C:. It says it is going to begin to
open my computer (which it did when I first ran the boot disk that did all
the fixing) and it may take some time. I can see a time progression line on
the bottom showing it is beginning to do something. Then the final prompt I
get is: "ScanDisk encountered a data error while reading the FAT entry for
cluster 1829168 (I am assuming they are the number '8' - it looks like a
zero
with a single dot in the middle which makes it look sorta like an 8). This
error prevents ScanDisk from fixing this drive."

So, that is pretty much where I am - the above being the ultimate last
sentence it continues to give me and I click exit. This is so frustrating.
The computer was running fine when I shut it down over a year ago, just
short
on memory. We did unplug it and replug things, but everything is all back
to
where it was. I can't imagine what has caused this huge problem on it now.
Because of a smaller memory card we loaded Win. 98 (2nd edition I THINK) and
when we went on line using AOL at the time it would only run up to Win. 95
which limited us very much. We then only pretty much used the computer to
look at floppy disks and copy them, delete them, etc.

Between the time we used the computer for mainly pictures my mom, who was
living with me and was 98, died. I honestly don't know if there are any
pictures of her on the computer or not. I would hate to lose them, but, if
there is no way to "fix" this computer, I am willing to try and empty it out
and either reload Win. 98 SE or just give it to my friend with nothing on
it.
I think they would like the Win. 98 SE on it because they have virtually NO
money (husband ran off with gf, left wife and two infants, pays nothing to
help them) so at least they would have SOMETHING on the computer to get them
online, albiet, slowly.

So Ben, what should I do? Again, I appreciate your help more than you know.

Arlykat


"Arlykat" wrote:

Ben,

I can't thank you enough for trying to help me. I'm going to make and run
the disk right now and "see what is found" and then get back to you.
Thanks
again.

Arly

"Ben Myers" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Hi. I have a computer I haven't run for about a year. It got plugged in
and
out, disconnected things, connected them back, etc. thru the year. When
I
now
want to start it up to copy or move all of my important pics/info so I
can
give the computer to a friend, Windows won't start. It is Win. 98 prob
with
2nd edition. 1st it started and I got the screen files were missing or
corrupted - choose how to proceed: Safe Mode, Regular, Safe Mode With
Commands, etc. Whatever I clicked it took me to Startup Options. Told
me I
had missing or corrupted files, 3 of them, can't remember exactly
which,
Win
snip

Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and create a Windows 98
boot floppy. Use it to start the computer, type "scandisk c:", press
"Enter"
and see what is found.

Ben






  #19  
Old January 8th 08, 02:07 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
Arlykat
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 10
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

Copy of Glee's response:
OK....that's some info we can try to work with.
At the C:\ prompt, type the following and press Enter:

CD \Windows

(CD space \Windows...a space between the D and the slash)

If that gives you a C:\Windows prompt, then we know the Windows folder is there
using that name. If it gives an error ("invalid directory") then we know the
Windows folder is not there or has a different name.

If you are then at the C:\Windows prompt, type the following and press Enter:

dir /a himem.sys

(dir space /a space himem.sys)

If that shows you the file is found, and gives its size and date, then the file is
not missing but may be corrupt, OR the PATH section of the msdos.sys file may be
missing.

So let's go this far and report back with your findings, and we'll see which way to
go from there.

I'll try to stick around for your reply so you don't have to wait so long this time.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm



Hi Glen,

When I put in CD \Windows I got the C:\Windows prompt.

At the C:\Windows prompt I typed in dir /a himem.sys and got:
"Volume in drive C is IT2US0Z
Volume in serial number is 0A32-15D9
Directory of C:\Windows
File Not Found
3,529,953,280 bytes free

C:\Windows"

That's where I am now.
Arlykat
___________________

REMAINDER OF GLEE'S POST AT END OF ABOVE INFORMATION FROM GLEE:
"glee" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the
frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine
what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on
the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little
better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop
and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth, select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if it
will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive, then
find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to
another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any
pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


Hi Glen,

Thank you.

Without any disks in the computer I started it, the IBM Aptiva screen
flashed (showing press F1 to go to Startup Menu, which when pressed
previously will take me to the Startup Menu which shows all info regarding
the computer) and then goes to the following menu showing 1. Normal, 2.
Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) etc. with:

5. Command Prompt Only highlighted. A message below that reads: "Warning:
Windows has detected a registry/configuration error. Choose Command Prompt
Only, and run SCANREG."

I click return on Command Prompt Only (When I click on Safe Mode I am
brought to the same following screen) and the message reads:

"The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS

C:\
Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows
C:\"

At the C:\ prompt I type in SCANREG and hit return and get "Bad command or
file name" and below that the C:\ prompt shows again. If I retype SCANREG I
get the same response.

Okay Glen, that is exactly where I am at now.



  #20  
Old January 8th 08, 03:43 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.setup
glee
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2,458
Default Can't Start Windows, No Way, No How - HELP!

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
Copy of Glee's response:
OK....that's some info we can try to work with.
At the C:\ prompt, type the following and press Enter:

CD \Windows

(CD space \Windows...a space between the D and the slash)

If that gives you a C:\Windows prompt, then we know the Windows folder is there
using that name. If it gives an error ("invalid directory") then we know the
Windows folder is not there or has a different name.

If you are then at the C:\Windows prompt, type the following and press Enter:

dir /a himem.sys

(dir space /a space himem.sys)

If that shows you the file is found, and gives its size and date, then the file
is
not missing but may be corrupt, OR the PATH section of the msdos.sys file may be
missing.

So let's go this far and report back with your findings, and we'll see which way
to
go from there.

I'll try to stick around for your reply so you don't have to wait so long this
time.


Hi Glen,

When I put in CD \Windows I got the C:\Windows prompt.

At the C:\Windows prompt I typed in dir /a himem.sys and got:
"Volume in drive C is IT2US0Z
Volume in serial number is 0A32-15D9
Directory of C:\Windows
File Not Found
3,529,953,280 bytes free

C:\Windows"

That's where I am now.


So, the himem.sys file is actually missing. If you have an emergency boot floppy
for your version of Windows, you can boot from the diskette and then copy himem.sys
from it to the C:\Windows folder using this command from the A:\ prompt:

copy himem.sys c:\windows

Replacing ifshlp.sys (and dblbuff.sys) is a little more involved, as you have to use
the extraction method described here, after booting from the startup floppy:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=129605#5

Before you start all that, let's check two other things first:

First, let's see if the major registry file, system.dat, is still present. Start to
the Command Prompt again, as you did before, switch to the Windows folder by typing
the following and pressing Enter:

CD \Windows

Then search for the registry file by typing this command and pressing Enter, at the
C:\Windows: prompt:

dir /a system.dat

If it is found and is a fairly large file (a few megabytes) then at least the main
Registry file is still there.


Next, let's see what is in you msdos.sys file.
Go back to the C:\ prompt by typing the following and pressing Enter:

CD\

Now type this exactly, and press Enter:

type msdos.sys | more

The | symbol, called a Pipe, will appear on the keyboard as two short vertical lines
one above the other, but when typed will appear onscreen as one long vertical line.

This will display the contents of the msdos.sys file and will pause at the end of
each screen-full of data, with the word More at the bottom of the screen.
Write down the info displayed, particularly the Paths section (which should be the
first section), then press the Spacebar to proceed to the next screen-full of data,
and again copy it down, then proceed to the next screen-full if there is one. Don't
write down any multiple lines of x's preceded by a semi-colon, but note if they are
there or not. Be sure to proceed through all screens till back to the C:\ prompt,
as there may be more lines after the lines full of x's.

Now type the lines you wrote down into your reply here, along with the results of
your DIR search for system.dat.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm



___________________

REMAINDER OF GLEE'S POST AT END OF ABOVE INFORMATION FROM GLEE:
"glee" wrote:

"Arlykat" wrote in message
...
"glee" wrote:

Reading you other replies in this thread, it sounds like you are at the
frustration
point where you are not working with a clear mind. Hence we cannot determine
what
is happening. Some of the descriptions you have given indicate that you are
starting with the Windows installation CD in the drive, as well as with the
boot
floppy. You have also mentioned numerous error messages but without giving
the
exact messages in each case, or stating things like "it told me to run SYSREG
I
believe". Well was it Sysreg or was it something else? Sysreg is a spyware
app
from Gator, but I doubt you would see anything related to that before Windows
starts.

Your latest report indicates that scandisk /surface did not find any errors on
the
hard drive....this is good.

Turn off the computer. Have a good cry. Now when you are feeling as little
better,
make sure there is NO floppy disk in the floppy drive, turn on the computer
and
eject any CD from the CD drives right away. We do not want any disks in any
of
those drives now.

When the computer startup process gives you an error message of any kind, stop
and
write it down word for word in its entirety, and post the message here. Do
NOT
start typing commands on the screen trying to get something to work.

If it brings you to the startup menu with Normal, Safe Mode, and so forth,
select
Safe Mode using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then press Enter, and see if
it
will
start into that.

Post back with all messages in their entirety, and wait for further direction.

If your main objective is to get any pictures you can off this hard drive,
then
find
someone with the proper tools and knowledge to remove and slave the drive to
another
computer, or connect it via a USB enclosure to another computer, to get any
pictures
off it. After that, you can return the drive to the original computer and
reload
Windows.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm


Hi Glen,

Thank you.

Without any disks in the computer I started it, the IBM Aptiva screen
flashed (showing press F1 to go to Startup Menu, which when pressed
previously will take me to the Startup Menu which shows all info regarding
the computer) and then goes to the following menu showing 1. Normal, 2.
Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) etc. with:

5. Command Prompt Only highlighted. A message below that reads: "Warning:
Windows has detected a registry/configuration error. Choose Command Prompt
Only, and run SCANREG."

I click return on Command Prompt Only (When I click on Safe Mode I am
brought to the same following screen) and the message reads:

"The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS
The following file is missing or corrupted: C\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS

C:\
Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows
C:\"

At the C:\ prompt I type in SCANREG and hit return and get "Bad command or
file name" and below that the C:\ prompt shows again. If I retype SCANREG I
get the same response.

Okay Glen, that is exactly where I am at now.




 




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