Are there any specific patches or service paks that address startup /hanging issues with 98se.??

I have an early Pent 4 running 98se. I have intermittent problem with the computer hanging half way to start.
Lately it's become more pronounced. I then reboot in safe mode,then do a complete scandisk and defrag.
The problem seems to go away (for awhile or...day/month/week).
I always defrag usually daily before shut down and scandisk at least once a week.
I run various anti-virus and anti-spyware programs as well.
I am behind a password protected router.

Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

TIA

Mikey da N00b

I forgot to mention that when this problem happens and I go into 'safe mode' I have to switch the msconfig startup from selective , back to normal startup. Then it usually reboots ok. Might be unrelated??

To be able to help you we'd need more information about your computer and the error, like:
1. When exactly does it hang: Before the video drivers kick in? After entering windows but before loading Explorer?
2. Any error messages?
3. Before changing msconfig startup from selective to normal what is being prevented from starting?
4. Computer specs.

ok, thanks for responding.
#1)The computer tends to hang/freeze when the M$flag screen appears. When I do a cold reboot, I get ...
#2)the 'safe mode' screen telling me that windows couldn't load on the previous attempt ...(choose #3) which i do ...and it boots in safe mode.
your #3) not sure, but it reverts back to selective startup in the safe mode. I then change it back to normal, and reboot
sometimes it works fine , or other times it doesn't. Sometimes after reverting back to normal startup I also defrag and do a thorough scandisk. Then it almost always 'solves' the problem.
Like I said (above) it's intermittent
#4) Pent 4 Celeron 788 (I think) Compaq machine 2004. 98se 410.2222a


hmmm I may have just found the prob... it's reporting 256 ram and I have 383, maybe the memory stick is going bad.
I'm going to check it now..

Have you try reformatting your computer? Also back up your data if you choose to reformat. Yes, I take my own advices. I have reformat my computer every few months.

ok. Checked and reseated memory. 256 and 128 sticks. when I reboot in safe mode, it reports 383 (correctly)
When I get it to boot normally it recognizes only 256.

I'm going to take out the 128 and replace it with a 64 that I know is good. See if this solves the memory problem.
If not, then your suggestion of reformatting might be the way to go. Thanks for your help.

swapped the 128 memory. now reads 319 in both modes. But doesn't seem to affect my problem either way.
To get the computer to boot normally, I use selective startup and only check 4 items. I uncheck the rest.

this is what is checked:
LOAD POWER PROFILE
SYSTEM TRAY
SCAN REGISTRY
PTSNOOP

unchecked
TWEAKUI
LWBMOUSE
KB891711
WINZIP QUICKPICK
HP DIGITAL IMAGING MONITOR

Again, I would welcome any comments or advice. Mikey

Instead of all that messing with the ram just dl this and run it for about an hour ----> http://hcidesign.com/memtest/ it will tell you if your ram is bad or not.

Wait, if it loads before GUI, then perform a Logged boot via F8 and check \bootlog.txt (\bootlog.prv) after unsuccessful booting.

Now you tell me (laughs) Great tool! Thanks. I ran it up to 5000. Memory checks out.
I think the problem is in the configsys . I'm going to try looking at the bootlog , like the other gentleman suggested.

Anything else I should/could check?

Thanks, guys

Mikey

Failure code 016 ??

***

Init =
LoadStart = DISPLAY.drv
LoadSuccess = DISPLAY.drv
InitDone = DISPLAY
Init = Display Resources
InitDone = Display Resources
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\MARLETT.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\MARLETT.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\SSERIFE.FON
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\SSERIFE.FON
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\NWGTHC.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\NWGTHC.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\NWGTHCB.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\NWGTHCB.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\NWGTHCI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\NWGTHCI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\LHANDW.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\LHANDW.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\LSANSI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\LSANSI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\LSANSUNI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\LSANSUNI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\BKANT.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\BKANT.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ANTQUAB.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ANTQUAB.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ANTQUABI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ANTQUABI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ANTQUAI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ANTQUAI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHIC.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHIC.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHICB.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHICB.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHICBI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHICBI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHICI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\GOTHICI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\OCRAEXT.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\OCRAEXT.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\CALIST.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\CALIST.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ABALC.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ABALC.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COPRGTB.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COPRGTB.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COPRGTL.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COPRGTL.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\MATISSE_.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\MATISSE_.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TEMPSITC.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TEMPSITC.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\WESTM.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\WESTM.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\LUCON.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\LUCON.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TAHOMA.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TAHOMA.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TAHOMABD.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TAHOMABD.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ARIAL.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ARIAL.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ARIALBD.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ARIALBD.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ARIALBI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ARIALBI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ARIALI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ARIALI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COUR.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COUR.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COURBD.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COURBD.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COURBI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COURBI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COURI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COURI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TIMES.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TIMES.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TIMESBD.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TIMESBD.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TIMESBI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TIMESBI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\TIMESI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\TIMESI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\WINGDING.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\WINGDING.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\SYMBOL.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\SYMBOL.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\ARIBLK.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\ARIBLK.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COMIC.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COMIC.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\COMICBD.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\COMICBD.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\IMPACT.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\IMPACT.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANA.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANA.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANAB.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANAB.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANAI.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANAI.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANAZ.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\VERDANAZ.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\WEBDINGS.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\WEBDINGS.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Georgia.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Georgia.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Georgiab.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Georgiab.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Georgiai.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Georgiai.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Georgiaz.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Georgiaz.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Trebuc.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Trebuc.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Trebucbd.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Trebucbd.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Trebucbi.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Trebucbi.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Trebucit.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Trebucit.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\Andalemo.TTF
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\Andalemo.TTF Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\artrbdo.ttf
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\artrbdo.ttf Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\artro.ttf
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\artro.ttf Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\tradbdo.ttf
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\tradbdo.ttf Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\trado.ttf
LoadFail = c:\windows\fonts\trado.ttf Failure code is 0016

LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_czec.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_czec.fon
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_engl.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_engl.fon
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_fren.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_fren.fon
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_germ.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_germ.fon
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_ital.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_ital.fon
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_span.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_span.fon
LoadStart = c:\windows\fonts\wst_swed.fon
LoadSuccess = c:\windows\fonts\wst_swed.fon
LoadSuccess = USER.EXE
LoadStart = MSGSRV32.EXE
LoadSuccess = MSGSRV32.EXE
Init = Final USER
InitDone = Final USER
Init = Installable Drivers
InitDone = Installable Drivers
Init = TSRQuery
InitDone = TSRQuery
[0017A8EF] Starting Unknown (HTREE\RESERVED\0)
[0017A8EF] Started Unknown (HTREE\RESERVED\0)
[0017A8F0] Enumerating Unknown (HTREE\RESERVED\0)
[0017A8F0] Enumerated Unknown (HTREE\RESERVED\0)
Terminate = User
Terminate = Query Drivers
EndTerminate = Query Drivers
Terminate = Unload Network
EndTerminate = Unload Network
Terminate = Reset Display
EndTerminate = Reset Display
EndTerminate = User

One of my systems sometimes hangs on startup and all i need to do is to enable boot logging as Tihiy suggested, then it starts fine. Maybe some weird driver misbehaves when the system starts too fast. Logging slows down the boot process a lot, so drivers have some more time to settle.

HTH

P.S. You could ignore the "Failure code is 0016" lines, it's normal.
Did Windows started on this attempt ?

Thanks for such quick responses
This forum is great!

I'm going to try enabling bootlogging, but I think that is solving the symptom as opposed to solving the problem.

Oh well. if it works...

getting back on line was tough. ok It's NOT physical memory related.
In looking around in the system.ini ...I found a 'pencil' next to MAX PHYS PAGE=3E6FF

does that mean anything?

sorry to be a n00b and kinda stupid....any help would be appreciated - Mikey

edit: checking bootlog failures:

C:\ESSAUDIO.SYS
LoadFailed=ndis2sup.vxd
initcompleteFailed=sdvxd

???

If you explain what's that 'pencil' thing would be nice. or better copy/post the actual line from system.ini



I'm not experienced with ESS cards/drivers, but you could try commenting the ESSAUDIO.sys line in config sys. If sound works using the windows drivers, you don't need it to be loaded from dos (unless you play games in pure dos, but then a separate configuration would work better)

NDIS2SUP is responsible for your network, SDVXD is part of the Smartdrive cache.
I've seen comments on the net, that both these errors are normal, but you could at least try a different NIC driver version if you still have problems.

So, does your system start fine when boot-logging is enabled?

??? is right! wot-tha-heck is a pencil?

mine (normal start) -
The line in question is a "hex" string and nothing else should be on it...
(unless of course Safe Mode/Selective Startup/Reboot is what "inserted" it... unfamiliar with the result; never use it)

Oh, yeah, on a side note - FWIW, I have installed 98SE using the UBCD and used Autopatcher (on clean install). I'm using the UBCD-version now... yep, slow on startup but eventually "kicks in"... haven't figgered it out yet (looking into it now; could be "unofficial" IE6/Explorer stuff)...

The 'pencil' thingy is gone, I presume it was indicating an edit??

It doesn't start with bootlogging, any better than without it

UBCD version??

Reloaded the ESS audio from HP/Compaq
doesn't seem to make a difference either.

ok, It seems like the problem is located somewhere in the configsys.
I have to fool around with normal and selective startup settings ,to get it to boot up.
No predictable pattern it would seem.

hmmm.

I also have occasional failure to start for unkown reasons.
For a moment it froze at the middle of autoexec.bat! ? Now this problem is gone, yet still sometimes freezes with the screen totaly black and dos cursor flashing slowly.
Ctrl+Alt+Del solves the problem.

I never tried to find out why because that's not too often.
One day changing the power block solved the problem. Lately I reformated and reinstalled and it was better.
On my very fist computer, slaping the case to unblock the HD was the way to go...

ok... clueless but a tidbit of info (correct me if wrong, anyone) -

the idea behind an attempted normal boot is so you can go back into safe mode immediately after, rename bootlog.txt to bootlogx.txt (just to keep it from getting it renamed if another boot with logging), then open it and look it over. last thing(s) you should find is either an error message or the last successful process (or whatever). this may help to isolate the culprit.

using msconfig during safe mode and rebooting (allowing "normal" boot excluding items unchecked in msconfig) should also help uncover the culprit. using msconfig should allow enabling one-by-one each item until the culprit (the last checkmarked-item to finally fail) is found.

beyond that, yeah, check config.sys (and/or autoexec.bat). obviously (or maybe not), something is corrupt or hogging the system.

I posted this (above)

edit: checking bootlog failures:

C:\ESSAUDIO.SYS (re-installed successfully, but no bearing on the problem, it would seem)
LoadFailed=ndis2sup.vxd
initcompleteFailed=sdvxd

???

still working on this. Thanks guys

If I do a selective startup, with load startup items unchecked - it seems to start fine.
So now it should be easy to isolate.. right? Wrong! I can try adding different entries one at a time, BUT , again no particular pattern. I add only 2 it boots... try again it freezes ...and so on.

My question.. is there a way to delete and replace my startup entries, or a better way to check them for corruption??

You could always export and then import the "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Run" and "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Run", but I don't really think they are corrupt (if they were, the system would just display a message about the specific program not being found). Also, these entries are only executed BY THE SHELL, which means AFTER the GUI boots.

Which two work? Any two? Which one/ones cause/causes freeze? No help if you don't give specifics... How about listing the following -
system.ini
win.ini
autoexec.bat
config.sys
start menu->programs->startup (has a list of items loaded for your user profile
any items listed in the registry as Run/Runonce/Runservices, etc. (may be listed in msconfig; AFAIK, all items above will be listed in msconfig)

these are the main items that load drivers/etc at startup. please use "insert codebox" function under "quick access" during "reply".

go here - http://www.geocities.com/~budallen/bootboot.html for an explanation of what we are looking for. also here - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/127970 for particulars on ndis2sup.vxd. it may not even matter for that VXD; see here - what's the use of ndis2sup.vxd.

in other words, something is being loaded that's clobbering you and if that's all that's showing in bootlog.txt, then we need to look somewhere else at what item is causing it. surely "random" changes via msconfig can/can't cause it to boot/not-boot. please be more specific (make the lists)...

Well, I'm just going to leave it on selective startup with all entries other than SYSTRAY unchecked.
It boots this way.
Unless someone has any more comments or solutions, that's where I'm going to leave it.

Thanks to all of you for helping this n00b

Mikey

I just saw your response. Thank You. I agree with your prognosis, but some of it is over my head

The system will boot ok, with just SYSTRAY checked on a selective startup. But any other additions may or may not work. I have tried adding 1 by 1 (startup menu entries) Sometimes it still boots with a few more entries checked, but not twice in a row. I then have to uncheck back down to SYSTRAY only, to be able to reboot ok How strange is that??

My startup entries:

SYSTRAY
PTSNOOP
SCANREGISTRY c:\windows\scanregw.exe/autorun
TWEAKUI RUNDLL32.exe c:\windows\SYSTEM\TWEAKUI.CPL,TWEAKMEUP
LoadPowerProfile Rundll.32.exe powerprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
KB891711 c\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
HP Digital Imaging Monitor C:\ PROGRA~1\HP\DIGITA~1\BIN\HPQTRA08.EXE

CONFIG.SYS:

DEVICE=C:\ESSAUDIO.SYS
DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
DOS=HIGH,UMB,AUTO
FILESHIGH=80
BUFFERSHIGH=40,4
DEVICEHIGH=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\CPQIDECD.SYS /D:IDECD001
SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /P /E:2048

AUTOEXE.BAT

C:\ESSAUDIO.COM -BLASTER
C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG7\BOOTUP.EXE
@ECHO OFF
SET Path=%Path%;"C:\Program Files\Executive Software\DiskeeperLite\"

edit: more info:

[boot]
oemfonts.fon=vgaoem.fon
shell=Explorer.exe
system.drv=system.drv
drivers=mmsystem.dll power.drv
user.exe=user.exe
gdi.exe=gdi.exe
sound.drv=mmsound.drv
dibeng.drv=dibeng.dll
comm.drv=comm.drv
mouse.drv=mouse.drv
keyboard.drv=keyboard.drv
*DisplayFallback=0
fonts.fon=vgasys.fon
fixedfon.fon=vgafix.fon
386Grabber=vgafull.3gr
display.drv=pnpdrvr.drv
SCRNSAVE.EXE=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\FLYING~2.SCR

[keyboard]
keyboard.dll=
oemansi.bin=
subtype=
type=4

[boot.description]
system.drv=Standard PC
keyboard.typ=Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
mouse.drv=Standard mouse
aspect=100,96,96
display.drv=Intel® 810e Chipset Graphics Driver (DC133 FSB133) 4.11.01.2537

[386Enh]
ebios=*ebios
woafont=dosapp.fon
mouse=*vmouse, msmouse.vxd
device=*dynapage
device=*vcd
device=*vpd
device=*int13
keyboard=*vkd
display=*vdd,*vflatd
PagingDrive=C:
MinPagingFileSize=392192
MinSPs=16
ConservativeSwapfileUsage=1
DMABufferSize=64
PageBuffers=4

[NonWindowsApp]
TTInitialSizes=4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22

[power.drv]

[drivers]
wavemapper=*.drv
MSACM.imaadpcm=*.acm
MSACM.msadpcm=*.acm
wave=mmsystem.dll
midi=mmsystem.dll

[iccvid.drv]

[mciseq.drv]

[mci]
cdaudio=mcicda.drv
sequencer=mciseq.drv
waveaudio=mciwave.drv 4
avivideo=mciavi.drv
videodisc=mcipionr.drv
vcr=mcivisca.drv
MPEGVideo=mciqtz.drv
MPEGVideo2=mciqtz.drv

[vcache]
MaxFileCache=393216

[Password Lists]
DEFAULT=C:\WINDOWS\DEFAULT.PWL

[MSNP32]

[DISPLAY]
BusThrottle=1

[drivers32]
msacm.lhacm=lhacm.acm
VIDC.VDOM=vdowave.drv
MSACM.imaadpcm=imaadp32.acm
MSACM.msadpcm=msadp32.acm
MSACM.msgsm610=msgsm32.acm
msacm.msg711=msg711.acm
MSACM.trspch=tssoft32.acm
vidc.CVID=iccvid.dll
VIDC.IV31=ir32_32.dll
VIDC.IV32=ir32_32.dll
vidc.MSVC=msvidc32.dll
VIDC.MRLE=msrle32.dll
VIDC.IV50=ir50_32.dll
msacm.iac2=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\IAC25_32.AX
msacm.msaudio1=msaud32.acm
MSACM.voxacm150=VCT32150.acm
VIDC.YUY2=msyuv.dll
VIDC.UYVY=msyuv.dll
VIDC.YVYU=msyuv.dll
msacm.l3acm=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\L3CODECA.ACM

[TTFontDimenCache]
0 4=2 4
0 5=3 5
0 6=4 6
0 7=4 7
0 8=5 8
0 9=5 9
0 10=6 10
0 11=7 11
0 12=7 12
0 13=8 13
0 14=8 14
0 15=9 15
0 16=10 16
0 18=11 18
0 20=12 20
0 22=13 22

PTSNOOP < If you have a PCTel modem AND you don't use it, you can disable this. If you never installed such a modem, check for spy/add-ware!
TWEAKUI RUNDLL32.exe c:\windows\SYSTEM\TWEAKUI.CPL,TWEAKMEUP < You can delete this. TweakUI always recreates it when started (and i always delete it afterwards )
KB891711 c\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE < usually you don't need this (unless you are a virus-paranoic), so disable it.
HP Digital Imaging Monitor C:\ PROGRA~1\HP\DIGITA~1\BIN\HPQTRA08.EXE < I'd advice you to create a shortcut to this and run it only when you use your scanner.


C:\ESSAUDIO.SYS < If you don't play games in pure DOS (not a DOS window) and if your soundcard works within Windows without this, then you don't need it (add a REM at the line begining)
C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS < You could cut some startup time by adding /TESTMEM:OFF at the end of the line.
CPQIDECD.SYS < You don't need this unless you spend too much time in real DOS, so REM it.



C:\ESSAUDIO.COM -BLASTER < See my comment on ESSAUDIO.SYS above. These two probably work together, so if you disable one you should disable the other too.
C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG7\BOOTUP.EXE < disable this for a few boots, just to be sure.


How much RAM do you have? If it's 384MB or less, you better reduce this. Try MaxFileCache=65536

You could also add NoWaitNetIO=On to the [386Enh] section of system.ini , not sure if it'll make any difference though.

HTH

Ok...did what you suggested.
Yes, I had a PacBell modem but now am on an ethernet connection.

Some of the bootup process seems to go faster, BUT it's still freezes a about 2/3 of the way.

The only way it will bootup (other than safemode) is to do a selective start with only SYSTRAY or nothing checked.
I know thats crazy , but when I next try to add LOAD POWER PROFILE or anything else in the start menu it freezes when it boots --> go figure ???

1) how can I edit/delete items in the (configsys) startup menu?
2) when putting REM in front of a line, should it be in caps? ...and should there be a "space" between it , and the rest of the command line.??

Thanks,
Mikey da ' n00b

edit: during bootup now, I get a DOS screen telling me to 'troubleshoot' rem ESS Audio , which I disabled per instruction. Is this normal and will it go away..etc??

You just open C:\CONFIG.SYS in Notepad and edit as you like. When you've finished be sure to save it with the same name (Notepad likes to put a .TXT extension on non-text files). If it refuses to overwrite the old file, type C:\windows\command\attrib -R -H -S -A C:\CONFIG.SYS in a DOS window (or in the Start>Run dialog)


You could write it in lowercase if you wish, still works the same. There must be a space after REM.
Here's an example...

Original line:


Modified line:
ororor
whichever you like

Also, if you see the boot logo during startup, add a Logo=0 line to the [Options] section of C:\MSDOS.SYS so that you can see if an error message pops.

Sometimes you just need to wait a bit. When the bootup freezes next time, press NumLock a few times and if the light on the keyboard turns on-off then the PC isn't fully halted. Wait a min. and observe the HDD light on the PC case. If it flashes then the system is doing something (so you sit and wait).
If the HDD light stays lit longer than a minute during the freeze AND the keyboard lights don't turn on/off when you press a Num/Caps/Scroll lock key, then the system probably fully halted (and only Reset works).

For managing startup items which load after the GUI is initialised StartupCPL is a pretty handy tool. The Autoruns program from SysInternals (now property of M$) could be used too, but you could screw-up your system if you don't know what you're doing (geeks only app ).

I've used autoruns for a while. Now M$ will find a way to mess it up...no doubt.

Thanks for the tips, trying them.
I appreciate you staying with me on this ..ahem..fairly trivial problem.

When I grow up, I wanna be like you guys

edit: ok, after doing everything and clearing up my start menu, it's booted 3 times in a row !!!!

on bootup a DOS screen tells me to:: T-SHOOT the 2 items rem'd (ESS and AVG)

should/could I delete those lines or correct them??

nuts! (per the "tshoot" messages)

just boot into safe mode command-prompt only (using f8 at bootup) then

copy config.sys config.bak

the above will backup up the offender (so you still have the "modified original")

you can do the same with autoexec.bat if you want... (-> autoexec.bak)

now reboot and edit (notepad) the config.sys/autoexec.bat (whatever/both) and completely remove the lines then save... just REM'ing those lines shouldn't have made the messages, but this way POOF no line to give a message... (looks like maybe you need to get rid of entries in both autoexec.bat and config.sys...)

Cleaned!

@RainyShadow - good 'splanation! such a nice person!

I appreciate all of your help! Looks like it's solved..well..it works now
Being new here , I am amazed at the knowledge and your collective patience in helping me.
On some other boards they would have run me off, but you guys are the BEST.

I'm glad I found this board and hope to help anyone, any way I can!

Mikey

( my friends call me Mike - Mike Hunt )

uh...oh.. dammit... after several successful boots, the problem returns...and now even worse.
I incorporated all the suggestions in this thread, and thought we had the problem licked.
Heres what I know:
The computer freezes 1/2 way during boot process -randomly
it reboots OK in Safe mode.
There is no evident pattern - although messing with the configsys startup seems to help - sometimes
Now, when normal boot is accomplished - any program I try to run FREEZES & the 'end task' box comes up..then even that freezes.
cntrl/alt/del/ doesn't work , so a hard boot , back into safe mode is the only way back. During Safe Mode boot -the scan disk then tells me that the volume on C is incorrectly reported , do I want to fix?..Yes..then scandisk finishes

I'm frustrated as hell, I must be overlooking something obvious , maybe..
I don't want to format, if I can help it, since I don't have an 98se disk
(98se came preinstalled on this computer)
I was too stupid, at the time, to make them give me the disk, for situations like this.


oh..well If anyone has any ideas... Please feel free to advise me.

Hmm, this looks like a hardware problem (or a very damaged Windows).
Check the voltages in the BIOS setup.
Have you maintenanced your system recently, like cleaning the dust inside, etc. ? If not, maybe it's time do do it. A compressor (air pump, not sure about the english name) does pretty goog job at cleaning, just be careful to not blow away any parts.
Remove the side cover of the PC case, check for blown capacitors and for excessive amount of dust on the fans and heatsinks.
Remove each expansion card inside, clean it with a brush and reinsert it to the same slot (if you switch places Windows will detect it as new hardware). Avoid static electricity (don't wear woolen clothes, etc.).
Call an electrician friend if you feel unsure.

Make a backup of your system (at least the Windows and Program Files folders and the files in the root folder).

When the PC freezes what's the last thing shown on screen? Does it respond to NumLock? Does the HDD light stay lit?

Attach a couple bootlogs from unsuccessful boots.

P.S. the ""t-shoot" thing is a comment added by msconfig when you disable stuff. If the line starts with REM or ";" (semicolon), it's not executed.
Usually you need to press Ctrl-Alt-Del twice when in GUI (graphics) mode.

Thanks RainyShadow, for the response.

Hardware seems to check out perfectly.
Watson and the internal Compaq diagnostics (yes, I know , it's a p***-Sorry-O)
all tests pass..memory, HD...everything.

voltages in BIOS?? (over my skill level )

I clean the inside of the computer every 2 months.
With proper tool and safeguards , as you mention.
Recently I cleaned & re-seated the memory cards (see earlier in this thread) ... thinking the problem might have to do with memory. (It doesn't seen to be the cause)
I looked around carefully inside,inch by inch, looking for anything unusual. Nothing. Fan works good, no burnt or tangled wires or ...unseated cards..no burnt smells...etc
Once I get it to boot NORMALLY, (other than the Internet) , anything I then try, freezes the machine.
Sometimes the: PROGRAM NOT RESPONDING / END TASK box appears, but doesn't respond , even to ctrl/alt/del, or numlock HDD stays lit..until I hard boot the machine.
I have current backups of my files and program files, and my system.sav D drive .

If I try to boot in safe mode, with bootlog.txt option, it won't boot and freezes. - even though it's in 'safe' mode.
Earlier in this thread I posted the failed items that showed up before in the bootlog.

The random nature of this problem get me the most frustrated. I've tried to use common sense , logic , process of elimination, and re-tracing my steps, but can't seem to find any pattern..
The more I try to solve this problem, the worse it's seeming to get.
RainyShadow, I appreciate your help and advice - Mikey


edit: ran: System File Checker, no altered or corrupted file listed , No ASD failures, Nothing in Version Conflict.

If you haven't done it yet, try removing all PCI/ISA cards, even the video one, if you have one and your motherboard has onboard video to fallback on, and keep testing. I've had some serious issues with a GeForce 4 MX and a PCChips motherboard, although both were perfectly fine. It seems that my mobo had faulty support for AGP fastwrites and my graphics card exposed it, just disabled it in the drivers and it ran fine for quite some time (until I sold it to buy me a better PC).
If it still crashes with all the expansion cards removed, I'd format the computer. If it still crashes afterwards, well, save some money because you'll probably have to replace the PC.

Thanks alexanrs! Your suggestions are a bit over my head If you could dumb it down , or walk me through it, that would be great.

Right now I can get to boot past the M$ logo screen - most of the time, but now, any program I try to open immediately LOCKS UP the computer , except the mouse can move, but it can't perform any functions.
I have to hard reboot the system and scandisk runs - now it's saying the volume of C drive is being reported incorrectly..bla bla...do I want to fix it...Yes ...and it completes... and usually boots up now, only to repeat the cycle.

I can get on the internet , but that's it. I've downloaded 2.0a patch (Gabes) and the October service package.

Are there any issues with these , that could be contributing to the problems, I'm having??

uhhh, some toopid questions that may have a bearing(?) (Compaq ) -

- does you BIOS have "Auto" set for detecting the HDD? force it to re-detect (there's a selection for that in main menu); sometimes bad setting will cause BAAAD things to happen DO THIS FIRST!
- do you have enough space on HDD, e.g. clearing Internet Cache, deleting contents of TEMP folder, emptying Recycle Bin... (assume YES since you downloaded stuff)
- are you absolutely certain you don't have a virus (eg a memory-eating one); they "hide" under real Opsys filenames sometimes...

If it's pre-installed Win98 (SE?), get the WINDOWS\OPTIONS folder off-HDD (C-drive) backed up at least and the WINDOWS\INF folder (to help get a clue of you drivers). I suggest this in the event that you may have to re-install. Oh, yeah, get you Windows Install Key out of the Registry (NOT product-id) and write it down. Also back up any files that you don't want to lose and find out what software (other than Windows) is is installed and make sure you have (Re)Installs. (Last-resort stuff here...)

It really seems like you have something running at startup that is "eating" your system (no indication of that though). But a BIOS setting misinterpreting your HDD parameters will cause real havoc. Selecting the "Autodetect" then selecting "Y" on the first HDD should force it to correctly detect.

One more silly thing (probably won't help?) - boot to Safe/Command-Prompt and delete WINDOWS\WIN386.SWP and reboot (forces a rebuild of the Swap file).

I hesitate to suggest a Re-Install of Windows (from Windows\Options\Cabs folder) because it's not a totally reliable solution. (GET THAT COA KEY!)...

Anyone else want to chip in and help?

agreed (PlSS-SORRY-OH)
cannot find BIOS auto detect setting -dumb it down for me
WINDOWS\WIN386.SWP (from DOS prompt) doesn't work - did I enter it wrong
Plenty of space on HD and kept clean , empty using CCleaner & RegSeeker
I have been checking spyware and virus check almost daily - I use Dr. WEB & AVG - sometimes Anti-Vir
should I try another /better program??
If I try to open any files or backup anything - right now , it almost always locks up the computer.
VNETBIOS.VXD 4.90.3000 Millennium??
BIOS.VXD 4.10.1998 - Should i have both of these? with 98se system. Ram memory is '383'

Thanks for the comments and help -
Mikey

Enter Bios by pressing what ever you're prompted on 1st screen "to enter BIOS" or "to enter Setup". For most brands, it's the "Del" key or F1 or F2. Navigate the options. Recheck the HDD auto detection. Also check any "agressive" setting on the RAM speed. If there is an option to restore some "safe settings", I'd use it.
If any doubts about moved parts, open your case and recheck the HDD connections, both sides of the signal cable.
I agree with Mickey on the fact intermittent problems often have a hardware cause.

Uhhh, yeah... never seen that, even in "unofficial" patches... but I don't think that's the problem. (been using the "unofficial" patches, have we? 's ok, you just may have went overboard or installed in the "wrong sequence")

First need to make sure BIOS is properly recognizing your HDD (ref. Ponch' post). We may have to (since you have plenty of HDD space) resort to a "stunt" to "clean install" 98SE on a separate partition. More on this later/tomorrow; this is Dec-31-07, after all... Don't worry, this "stunt" won't cause a loss of the "original" install partition or data, pics, music, etc., but may require complete re-install of any/all software you have installed since (on the "new" paritition)... we'll see how it goes.

For now, just enjoy the nite and see ya tomorrow...

oh yeah, slim your "quotes" down (use the DEL key)... no need to repeat everything, just what's relevant

Thanks guys, Happy New Year. we'll look at it tomorrow.

edit: when I tried to install another antivirus program, I got this..
Application requested runtime to terminate in an unusual way..bla..bla.
In checking on the internet ...its supposedly has something to do w/Google toolbar, which I don't have (it's already present in upper corner of firefox. Anyhow, I tried an LSPfix tool and it said 'no detection'.

edit2 : upon bootup I now get a message: ATAPI IDE CD-ROM driver detected...bla ..bla ..then it continues to boot.
(I haven't installed any new software or hardware relating to CD-ROM)
Still can't find BIOS settings ..I tried the F1, F2 F5 10 all of them. Besides 'safe mode boot' I can only access: Compaq Computer Corporation Startup Menu (DOS) no BIOS settings there.

I'm just noting anything I see out of the norm, in hopes it will contribute to solving the problem.

edited - removed no longer needed text; link kept

Here is the link to the page I quoted -
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...94479&os=20

Actually Mikey is an 'old geezer' self taught... almost 60 years young.
I know a fair amount about the inner workings of a computer, but not as much as most of you guys.
Several places in this post I stated , Being a n00b and indicated when instructions and comments were-over-my-head.
That being said .....
Yes,I am able to download off the internet, actually all internet functions are normal, quite snappy actually. The problem remains freezing at startup at the M$ screen 8 out of 10 times, no apparent pattern.
Starts in safe mode everytime.
When I'm not on the internet and I go to , say , MY COMPUTER icon..it locks up.
When I fiddle around with the msconfig settings - (in Safe mode) it seemed to increase the odds of booting normally, but again, no pattern.
I had downloaded the 'patches' service packs..in hopes that they might replace anything that might be causing my problems.
I won't download or fiddle with anything until this is resolved
I have printed out your comments (yes, the printer works - while I'm on the internet).
I will follow your instructions carefully, and report stuff more accurately.
Thanks for having patience and breaking this down for me.. Mikey

That having been said, the list you will get from AIDA32 should be invaluable for your problem resolution. No offense (again), just a kind of curiosity that you couldn't get into the BIOS... I, too have "relative experience" (Mainframe, mostly - buh-byee!); these beasties are toughies, though... at least Mainframes were more-or-less "standardized" (and source code was available for an extra $)...

Good luck digging through the list. Hope it isn't hardware related. (a thought... a bad driver?)

And if you have the CABS/Install files (should be there) you can use a product call "BootIt NG" ("Next Generation"; trialware) for installing to a second partition (from scratch) as a last resort (or at least to see if the problem persists). Just don't "install" it; use the functions (Maintenance selection) of the Boot Floppy to "shrink" the primary and to create another "primary" in the retrieved space (after a Defrag of the original primary first). If you wish to pursue that course, let me know and I'll try to assist... it's easy and painless.

Oh yeah... fair warning. Some of the "unofficial" stuff (very few) doesn't correctly/accurately uninstall. Ask (in the appropriate topic) first. There is definitely a recommended sequence to the installation of multiples. I say this since you obviously have WinME files on your system...

ok, a couple of things, I can only get on the internet (and this board) if i get it to boot in normal mode.
Which takes several tries.

I can fiddle around and make changes and produce files in Safe mode.
I follow instructions---> but cannot find a way to attach report you wanted to this post.
If I try to import REPORT7Z from 'my documents' - the computer freezes, or it doesn't recognize the cut-n-paste function... ctrlC and ctrlV don't work either

I have to boot and reboot , scan disk , defrag, throw garlic over my shoulder , summon the rabbi ...etc... to get it finally to boot in normal mode ...again...no stinking pattern.

re: Bios and settings. here it is...

as i claimed before..NO Bios setting in the CCC StartupMenu. My setup is different than what was shown at the (link)

my columns are as follows MAIN STORAGE SECURITY ADVANCED ENGLISH

I have looked inside the menus. I found an IDE Self Test - (which was successfu)l . Other IDE info : IDE drive transfer, Enhanced IDE transfer, Ultra DMA, Primary & Secondary IDE controller ..all show: accept = F10 or ESC..no other screens beyond. So there must be another similar screen or a different place the BIOS is on my machine.
hmmm...
am I getting stooopider or what?

oh yeah, My floppy drive doesn't work, never has. I have no floppy or CD disk other than a Compaq 'recovery disk CD'

ok, this is what NOD32 found:

win386swp - locked can't open
OPTIONS\CABS\BASE4.CAB EBD.CAB - NEXT ARCHIVE VOLUME NOT FOUND
OPTIONS " RIVER11CAB.HPSCNTST.DLL - "
OPTIONS " .STRN.DOS - "
OPTIONS " PRECOPY.CAB.SUWIN.EXE - "
OPTIONS " WIN98_21.CAB..TVXDUP001 - "

WINDOWS\WINDOWS UPDATE SETUP FILES\IE .S1.CAB IE_1CAB.MSHTMG.TLB - NEXT ARCHIVE VOLUME NOT FOUND

..AND LOTS OF AD-AWARE - PASS PROTECTED FILES
*********************************************************************
still can't import 7-zip to this BB
The BIOS menu does not have the same options as pictured on HP site link (above)
still working on things - Mikey

still feeling dumber than a bag of hammers..

well, well, finally , apparently, I have detected a 'pattern'
After I am forced to reboot in SAFE mode, I go into CONFIGSYS and change ANYTHING, just change something...uncheck some items in the startup tab, or switch from selective to normal. or back again.
When I reboot.., it seems to boot 'normal' the next time,(6 times in a row) , after doing this, --> but the 'lockup/freezing' problem, affecting the computer ,while operating in normal mode still exists.
The 'pattern' only seems to affect the 'freezing' in the startup process . ?? a clue perhaps...

submix ...rainyshadow ..you still with me.??

The computer is my life line, with the outside world.
I live in a wheelchair, that's why it's so important to me.

edited - all removed since appears to be irrelevant (poster error)

Hi there, I am soooo sick of this problem. UGH

Install another partition trick..yeah I'm willing, and YES I do have a 'burner'

The burner doesn't work - it also 'freezes' if I try to burn anything. Actually I do a lot of burning on this computer. I collect rare music, an am forever burning CD's and Data Cd's.
In Safe mode - DOS I can access the screen you linked to HP (above) problem is my options are:
Accept values =F10 or QUIT = ESC. There is no F5 command or any other type of option.

re: Report.txt and 7-zip files. If I try to access them to import to my message , the computer freezes. I can access it when I'm in DOS or Safe Mode , but then can't go on the internet (catch22)

****, I forgot to list the Compaq PlSS-sorry-oh machine # it's 7585. Actually it's a pent 3 /566
I misunderstood that it was an early Pent4 - my bad

it's DRIVER 11.CAB not River or RVR - sorry typing error
My HD -about 10G (snicker) is partitioned currently 2.5 Gigs 'D' drive (system sav. and system files.- 856 mb left open.
On my Main 'C' drive Windows takes up another gig or so - and my files 3.5 Gigs - leaves about 4 gigs or 44% of Hard Drive free.

I will try and post the sections of report.txt , you requested, after closing out this reply (since-as noted above- I can't access both at the same time)
And I will check the install directory with the you commands listed.
back in a while . I will then EDIT this message

edit: (I will delete this , as soon as you review it)


ok 3,681.59 MB free