windows errors on bootup

[yoshi1000]

Forgive my lack on windows knowledge, I've been using Mac's for years.

I was asked to install the broadband software on my father-in-laws' PC laptop. It's running Windows 98SE.

The install process went smoothly (the broadband CD installed Internet Explorer 6), and we were surfing the net in no time. However the machine crashed after about half an hour, when I reboot windows will not start properly. I get the message...

Rundll32
This program has performed an illegal operation ...

then..

Runonce
This program has performed an illegal operation ...

then..

Avgserv9
This program has performed an illegal operation ...

then

Rnaapp
This program has performed an illegal operation ...

then

Explorer
This program has performed an illegal operation ...

I've tried opening in safemode, and uninstalling Internet Explorer 6, to no avail.

 

[wolluf]

was the machine connected to the internet (dial-up) before?

do you have up to date anti-virus (you obviously have AVG) and anti-spyware (several - eg, adaware, spybot) apps on the machine? Firewall?

If AV installed, try running a scan in safe mode.

ditto anti-spyware.

Also in safe mode, type msconfig in the run prompt, and have a look at list of startup apps. If the scans don't find anything/won't run, try disabling all the items in msconfig (untick them) and see if it will let you in normal mode

 

[yoshi1000]

yes, the machine used to connect via dial-up before installing broadband.

only have AVG anti-virus, no anti-spyware apps or firewall.

i tried running safemode again to run msconfig, but I now get the 'Exporer: illegal operation' message in safemode too. Aaarrgghh!

 

[mattjurado]

Long shot, but try booting to dos and running c:\windows\command\scanreg.exe /fix

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.