Cannot Boot onto Win '98 Desktop

[JockVSJock]

I am trying to troubleshoot an error with my parent's computer.
They are running Windows '98 machine with plenty of ram/hd and AMD 500mhz processor.

They are not sure if there was a power surge or what, but the machine now boots into a menu that ask a person to choose either safe or normal mode, with 4 other choices. I've tried to boot into normal mode but it comes up with an error, and I have to re-boot the machine. If I boot under safe mode, it will boot to the desktop, but most of the drivers, such as the modem, are disabled.

I've booted into safe mode, step by step confirmation and this is what I get:

-Create startup log file(bootlog.txt) Yes

-Startup device drivers(config.sys) Yes

-Device=C:\Windows\Himen.sys Yes

-Device=C:\Windows\EMM386.exe Yes

-Device=C:\Windows\DBluff.sys Yes

-Devicehigh=C:\Windows\ifshlp.sys Yes

-Process your startup command files (autoexec.bat)

-set blaster=A220 I7 D1 H7 P330 T6 Y

-set sbpci=C:\Audipci Yes

After I say yes to this command, the machine outputs a bunch of garbled text out for three or four more prompts and then it ask

-WIN? Yes

-Load all WIN drivers Yes

Then there are a bunch of prompts if I want to load certain files with .vxd extentions. This goes on for awhile and then sometimes it boots ok into safe mode and other times it goes to a blue screen of death.

Any ideas of what to do here to save their machine, or should I just re-install Win '98?

thanks

-Chris

 

[ski]

What is the exact text of the error message(incl. details) when the machine is booted in Normal mode.
Also, the same for the BSOD(if it's different) from the above.

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

On the face of it, it looks like a soundblaster problem, but more info is needed. Try uninstalling Creative Labs Soundblaster, remove sound card from PC, boot, have a look at SYSTEM, DEVICE MANAGER, is all OK? If so , reintroduce sound card, boot and reinstall driver when asked.

Let us know what happens.
Regards
Phil
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.

 

[JockVSJock]

This machine is at my parents place who live about 40 minutes away from me, and with me being in college/working fulltime, it is hard for me to troubleshoot it.

The exact error message while trying to boot into normal mode, I didn't get but basically it is referrencing some hexadecimal number in memeory and claims that I can push and key to continue. I do this and it doesn't go on, but it also offers the option to hit alt+ctr+delete to reboot, which I end up doing most of the time anyways.

Crustyoldbloke, what is SYSTEM, DEVICE MANAGER, is that sysedit under DOS?

thanks

-Chris

 

[ski]

You have to help us to help you.
Please post the exact text of all error messages.

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

Chris

Right click MY COMPUTER, PROPERTIES, DEVICE MANAGER. Have a look there, are there any exclamation marks or caution signs?
Regards
Phil
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.

 

[wolluf]

Step-by-step..
'Then there are a bunch of prompts if I want to load certain files with .vxd extentions.'
Have you tried selectively saying NO to these & seeing what happens (eg, say yes to all but one, then if still problem, repeat with another - to try to isolate problem). Also, try saying NO to set sbpci=C:\Audipci. CrustyOldBloke's idea to remove Soundblaster is a good one - you can access Device Manager in Safe Mode to remove stuff.

 

[aldiboronti]

Go into safe mode, run Msconfig and try deselecting various options to see what's causing the trouble. Start by deselecting your autoexec.bat and config.sys - Windows doen't need these anyway, they're purely for DOS options.

 

[JockVSJock]

I've moved my parent's pc into my place and I'm lookin' into the problem here.

When booting up and seeing the Windows '98 logo, I get this error:

A fatal exception OD had occurred at 203F:00000316.

The current application will be terminated

I don't think that will be much help in troubleshooting this problem.



Now when I run msconfig and check out the different tabs, under Autoexec.bat shows garbles file names/paths after

set Blaster = 4220 17 D1 H7 P330 T6

set SBPCI = C:\Audiopci


What do you all think?

thanks

-Chris

 

[ski]

Your guess is correct in this instance, there is nothing listed for that error message.
However, it's still important to list any and all error messages when posting a computer problem in order to help us troubleshoot it expeditiously.

Try here for a fix:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q188867

 

[zlito]

Try the simple thing first, boot into safe mode run disk cleanup to remove any temp, and anything it says. Defrag and scandisk. All are at start, programs, accessorys, system tools. Then reboot if you still get the error message go back to safe mode and right click on the desk top and select settings, properties and default, vga and reboot. Let me know if this works.

 

[Accessdabbler]

Win 98 does not need your config.sys or autoexec.bat files in order to load. Rename those files to config.old, autoexec.old and try booting in Normal mode.

If it still won't boot you likely have a corrupted driver or Windows component. Since you are willing to reinstall if need be, try booting into Safe Mode and removing the video card, sound card and network card. You must also make sure the INF files for each device has been removed from your system! Locate the INF file for each device you've removed from your installation disks. Make sure a copy of that INF file does NOT exist in the Windows/INF directory. If it does, delete it. This prevents windows from reinstalling that device from this INF file by default.

Hopefully, your next boot to windows will proceed properly and automatically reinstall your devices.

If you still can't get a decent boot, backup your personal files and have fun on the re-install