[UltimateSilence]

Hello,

I have a problem with Windows 98 Second Edition. At times when I attempt to start (or reboot) the computer, the operating system stops booting. The bar at the bottom of the bootsplash stops, and the computer becomes completely unresponsive. The only way to rectify the issue is to press the power button (the computer has no reset button).

I could connect the computer with the problem to the Internet and post the bootlog.txt file (if necessary), but I was hoping that someone would already have a solution (e.g., if you've experienced the problem yourself, etc).

Any help would be appreciated.

This post has been edited by UltimateSilence: 22 December 2011 - 10:56 PM

[ScrewUpgrading]

Does the computer boot normally after hitting the power button?

-Sure, post the bootlog.txt file, it couldn't hurt. More info the better.

-this may sound dumb, but have you tried running scandisk? (if you haven't, turn off the background programs by right clicking their icons on the system tray, and exiting whatever programs are running. Then run scandisk.)

[UltimateSilence]

ScrewUpgrading, on 22 December 2011 - 11:34 PM, said:

Does the computer boot normally after hitting the power button?

-Sure, post the bootlog.txt file, it couldn't hurt. More info the better.

-this may sound dumb, but have you tried running scandisk? (if you haven't, turn off the background programs by right clicking their icons on the system tray, and exiting whatever programs are running. Then run scandisk.)

Yes, it does. I will gladly post the bootlog.txt file.

I've run scandisk multiple times (most of the time it found errors, and fixed all of them). It did not correct the problem.

This post has been edited by UltimateSilence: 22 December 2011 - 11:52 PM

[ScrewUpgrading]

Yeah, usually those file errors are created right after the failed boot attempt like you reported.

It will take longer, but have you also tried running a "surface scan" using scandisk? There might be some bad clusters on your disk, and perhaps they haven't been marked yet, depending on the last time your ran a surface scan, if ever. Just a suggestion. I know that's a pain in the butt (takes my computer about 10 hours), but it's worthwhile to do every few months.

If it comes back where the hard disk has NO bad sectors, then I'd format the disk and reinstall windows. If it DOES have bad sectors/clusters, then I'd look into replacing the hard drive.

Other than that, I don' know what to tell you. If the hard drive is %100 okay, then good. If not, then personally I'd toss it. I hope you have a good copy of Windows 98 on CD.??

This post has been edited by ScrewUpgrading: 23 December 2011 - 12:16 AM

[UltimateSilence]

 BOOTLOG.TXT (59.97K)
Number of downloads: 8

ScrewUpgrading, on 23 December 2011 - 12:12 AM, said:

Yeah, usually those file errors are created right after the failed boot attempt like you reported.

It will take longer, but have you also tried running a "surface scan" using scandisk? There might be some bad clusters on your disk, and perhaps they haven't been marked yet, depending on the last time your ran a surface scan, if ever. Just a suggestion. I know that's a pain in the butt (takes my computer about 10 hours), but it's worthwhile to do every few months.

If it comes back where the hard disk has NO bad sectors, then I'd format the disk and reinstall windows. If it DOES have bad sectors/clusters, then I'd look into replacing the hard drive.

That might explain it.

Yes, I've used the Thorough scan option (telling it to scan system and data areas). I've also set it to check files for invalid file names, dates and times, and duplicate names. Scandisk has never detected a bad sector(s) or cluster(s).

Anyway... I apologize for taking so long to post this. I was having trouble with my network adapter (would not load for some reason).

Bootlog.txt is attached.

 BOOTLOG.TXT (59.97K)
Number of downloads: 8

This post has been edited by UltimateSilence: 23 December 2011 - 12:36 AM

[Foxbat]

UltimateSilence, is this booting problem in any way related to the booting problem in your other thread?

[ScrewUpgrading]

From your bootlog:

Quote

[000FF318] Dynamic load failed C:\WINDOWS\system\MRCI.VXD : [000FF318] File not found

[000FF426] INITCOMPLETEFAILED = SDVXD

[000FF272] LoadFailed = ndis2sup.vxd

Obviously, you're missing some important files. Or else they're corrupted. Something isn't loading right.

This post has been edited by ScrewUpgrading: 23 December 2011 - 12:50 AM

[ScrewUpgrading]

Here's some links to a "potential" solution. I can't verify whether or not it works of course.

http://www.computing...civxd/1884.html

http://discussions.v...read.php?t=7548

[UltimateSilence]

Foxbat, on 23 December 2011 - 12:24 AM, said:

UltimateSilence, is this booting problem in any way related to the booting problem in your other thread?

In a sense, yes. They both started occurring at around the same time. Unless the computer boots normally, then one of those two problems occur.
I could post Belarc results (I think I can do that). The other programs did not work.
-
I will look at the links. Thank you, Foxbat and ScrewUpgrading.

EDIT: Can I use the following commands listed here in an MS-DOS prompt?

This post has been edited by UltimateSilence: 23 December 2011 - 12:55 AM

[ScrewUpgrading]

Yes, just ignore all the "       " crap.

Basically what you'll be doing is changing the file attributes to Read Only, System, and Hidden File.

Plus then you'll be renaming two files: dblspace.bin, drvspace.bin

*Advisement*

I hope you have a BOOT DISK handy. Just in case you need to re-rename those files. In case it makes it worse.

This post has been edited by ScrewUpgrading: 23 December 2011 - 01:07 AM

[UltimateSilence]

ScrewUpgrading, on 23 December 2011 - 01:05 AM, said:

Yes, just ignore all the "       " crap.

Basically what you'll be doing is changing the file attributes to Read Only, System, and Hidden File.

Plus then you'll be renaming two files: dblspace.bin, drvspace.bin

*Advisement*

I hope you have a BOOT DISK handy. Just in case you need to re-rename those files. In case they don't work.

Oh. Thank you.

I will post a new bootlog.txt file and Belarc results.

Belarc:

My apologies for not doing this sooner in the SP3 thread. I honestly didn't know I could do this.

Bootlog.txt:
 BOOTLOG.TXT (60.09K)
Number of downloads: 3

By boot disk, do you mean a startup disk? I have two of those floppy diskettes...and a Windows 98 Second Edition disc.

This post has been edited by UltimateSilence: 23 December 2011 - 01:11 AM

[ScrewUpgrading]

In DOS terminology:

Boot Disk or Emergency Boot Disk = floppy diskette.

Yes, a floppy disk that's capable of booting your system. Not the Windows 98 CD.

You could use the Windows 98 CD to overwrite everything though.

This post has been edited by ScrewUpgrading: 23 December 2011 - 01:21 AM

[ScrewUpgrading]

I just finished reading Foxbat's link to the other thread.

Have you considered re-installing Windows?

[UltimateSilence]

ScrewUpgrading, on 23 December 2011 - 01:42 AM, said:

I just finished reading Foxbat's link to the other thread.

Have you considered re-installing Windows?

I've reinstalled over the existing installation twice (once to remove the Unofficial Service Pack).

Or are you asking about reformatting?

[ScrewUpgrading]

reformat

[ScrewUpgrading]

Quote

I've reinstalled over the existing installation twice (once to remove the Unofficial Service Pack).

And it still works like crap?

I'd reformat that thing.

Go to my computer. Right click on the A:\ drive, and select "create system disk." Or whatever it's called in Windows 98. (For Windows ME you go to the control panel's Add/Remove thingy, not my computer. Basically, just right click on crap until you find something for making the system disk)

So, make a boot disk using the above method.

Then turn the computer off.

Then place the floppy disk into the drive while the computer is OFF.

Turn the computer back on.

When the computer loads to the DOS prompt it should say "A:\"

Then type: "Format C:" and hit enter.

Then hit "Y" for yes, it will erase EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN. AND magically fix everything! I guarantee it.

Then pop in your Windows 98 CD and install.

^^^ This will 100% fix your computer.


Oh and, if there's no FORMAT.COM created on the boot disk (Microsoft's evil attempt to screw with you!!!) copy FORMAT.COM to the boot disk you just made. It should be somwhere in the Windows folder.

This post has been edited by ScrewUpgrading: 23 December 2011 - 02:31 AM

[I41Mar]

Hello,
Currently I have a PC at the computer technician shop in order to test a PCI SATA card. The technician told me that it is not necessary to replace the HD drive if scandisk found some bad sectors, as it marks them as unusable and then you can continue to use the HDD drive!
It is that really true, or I am at risk of losing data?
I41Mar

[ScrewUpgrading]

You'll just have to check more frequently for the next bad sector to appear, and hope that it doesn't end up being a system file that gets lost or ruined.

If you're computer still works, then it still works. If it doesn't, then it doesn't. I wouldn't worry about it unless you computer stops working correctly.

I'm lucky, I've been using the same Quantum Fireball (40 gb) for eleven years and it has zero bad sectors.

This post has been edited by ScrewUpgrading: 23 December 2011 - 05:12 AM

[PROBLEMCHYLD]

It might be a hardware problem. I went through the same thing on my dell latitude c600. It would install ok, but after a few shutdowns
it would start looping at the splash screen. I removed the cd/dvd drive and all is better. Of course I replaced the dvd drive with a cd drive.

[Foxbat]

I've looked over BOOTLOG.TXT. There's nothing wrong there. Those failed entries are normal. For details: KB127970.