Can't start Win'98

[zestril5]

I have an intel 450 based machine. When it starts up it goes as far as the windows logo (flag) screen and then the IT IS SAFE TO SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER screen comes up allowing only shut down. Is this due toa virus and if so how can I get rid of it?

 

[Kento]

It's possible. But did you just install something? It's possible that there's a wininit.ini file in the windows folder that was put there by the install of a program or virus. If a wininit.ini file exists in the windows folder but wininit.exe (a legit windows file) isn't there to process it at startup perhaps because it was deleted by a virus then you'll have your exact problem. What operating system is it? I'll assume you have win98. Turn on the computer and keep tapping the F8 key. When the startup screen appears, use the arrow keys and choose 'command prompt' from the menu and press enter. (if you have winME you'll need to startup using an ME startup disk and choose 'minimal boot' from it's options) At the blinking ms-dos prompt type the following and press enter: (note the spaces)

ren c:\windows\wininit.ini c:\windows\wininit.old

Wait a moment then type exit or win and press enter to restart or do a ctrl + alt + del to restart. Does windows load now? If so you need to replace wininit.exe since it must be missing. It belongs in the windows folder. But run a virus scan first before doing anything. You can do it online here:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Let us know the scan results. If you have 98 I can email you a copy of wininit.exe if you don't know how to extract it from the cd if indeed it's missing. But you could extract it using system file checker. See this:

http://users.erols.com/dj-paulen/ss/

 

[zestril5]

Thanks
For some reason I couldn't ren the winit.ini file so I just deleted it. Will now install and scan with Norton 2K

I really appreciate the help