Need help with recovery - CD will not run

[scott4444]

I am trying to run the Windows 98 recovery CD to restore the factory settings to my computer and the CD will not run.
I've been having trouble with error messages when I launch programs as well as when I exit them. I know there is some kind of damage or missing files that Norton and Scandisk cannot fix. Tech support cannot figure out why the CD will not run.
Wehn I put the recovery CD in the drive (which works for other CD's) the computer spins it and then stops. Nothing else happens. I've even ordered a second CD just in case the first one was bad. The same thing happened.
My system is useless right now and I really need help - is there a way to "force" the system to run the CD? I think it's the only way I can get rid of my problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated - Thanks!

 

[ripcord2k2]

I had a similar problem on a friend's system....couldn't get it to read hardly any CD's (kept popping up error messages even after swapping CD-ROM drives). After yanking almost everything out it ended up being a bad stick of RAM that was causing the problems. If you have the means, I would try swapping/testing whatever components/peripherals you can as it sounds like some sort of hardware issue.

 

[wolluf]

Presume the recovery CD is bootable - but is there an option to use it with a floppy boot disk? Also, you say drive reads other CDs fine - but does it boot from other bootable CDs (have you got one to try).
Finally - just occurred to me - is machine set to boot from CD? (ie, bios setting)

 

[mainegeek]

I concur with Wolluf. Most Restore CD's are designed to work
in conjunction with the Restore Floppy Disk. Usually put the two in and boot up.

 

[scott4444]

Thanks for the responses - No floppy disk came with the computer, only a recovery CD.
Now that you mention it, I am able to run CD's without a problem from the CD drive but I have been unable to install anything from a CD. I usually come up with a memory error or some other kind of error even though I have more than ample hard drive space and RAM to handle what I'm trying to install. The odd thing is that the drive auto-runs CD's only part of the time. The other times it does nothing.

The CD Drive is selected in the system set-up according to the instructions on the CD jacket.

Is it time to replace the hard drive or does it sound like there is another culprit at work here?

 

[scott4444]

I need to upgrade my OS anyway (I'm running Windows 98) - If I was somehow able to install Windows 2000 onto my system, would that wipe out everything just as if I had run a recovery CD?
I just need to get back up and running - it doesn't really matter how I get from point A to B.

 

[wolluf]

I wouldn't be surprised if its another hardware problem (eg, memory, cpu, motherboard)

 

[BFOJ]

Awhile back I had similar problems with a desktop running Windows 95, seemed some critical files were missing or corrupted. I upgraded the machine to Windows 98 and this resolved the problems, did not lose any applications or data in the process.

 

[scott4444]

I realized just how bad my situation was when I tried to hook up an external cable modem to my system via USB cable. At first, the system recognized a new device being introduced and prompted me to install the driver. I did so, but the modem was never able to communicate with the provider. Tech support for my internet provider told me to unplug the cable and plug it back in. I did so, but this time the computer didn't recognize the device at all. Tehc support was baffled, but thought it might be a bad USB port.

Since this seems to be steering towards a hardware issue (RAM, etc.), is it feasible to suggest that a bad USB port could cause this many problems?

 

[prajapat]

It seems that the basic system files are corrupted. That is all causing your recovery CD to not to run, modem not to work etc. You may try to run Sustem File Checker (Run>SFC)and try virus detection tool. If your recovery CD can work from DOS prompt, try to get win98 startup disk and run it from prompt.

It is very common problem for the users installing a lot of S/W and H/W also due to the change of versions of the system files. Many times, the Hardware drivers cause the problem. Virus corrupts many files and such situations are direct indication of infection.

Chetan Prajapat