Could it be that I'm not spaces in the command properly? I know it should work

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You need to be more specific, but yes, DOS syntax is very 'fussy' - commands should be entered precisely (other than capitalization) Are you able to boot from a floppy to an a: prompt? The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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Unless I'm entering the(a:\> prompt type: sys c:) wrong, I can not boot from floppy. I gues you can how much I know about dos :(

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Normally the command interpreter would be: c:\command.com The message you're getting is because it can't find that file. There is also a copy at: c:\windows\command.com If you don't have a bootdisk that's the same OS version as is on your HD, you can try entering that line and see if it then finds it. If that works your prompt will be c:\> instead of c:>. If you get that far then type: copy c:\windows\command.com c:\ and enter. However it's usually easier to use a bootdisk if you have one.

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Right, well you need to boot from the floppy in order to transfer its system files to your hard drive. Likely you need to enter the CMOS/BIOS setup and select A: as the first boot device. Usually hitting the 'del' key at startup gets you to the setup, but your machine may be different - should be instructions onscreen when your power up. Is your bootdisk known to be good? The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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Oops, simul-posting. Whichever is easiest/works. The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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del key? I haven't tried that yet. The boot I have was downloaded from the internet because my original bootdosk is corrupt. I'll try del, brb thankyou

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Ok - also worth noting that merely copying the d/l'd file to a floppy does not create a bootdisk. The file must be executed to create the actual bootable floppy. The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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I tried using the del key at startup, but that didn't work either :(

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Yeah, I think Jboy's right about the floppy drive not being your first boot device. If you boot from a bootdisk you'll see the floppy light come on as the drive is accessed and you'll end up with an a:\> prompt. I've noticed that entering a location for command.com often doesn't work but I mentioned it as I wasn't sure if you had a good bootdisk. Another thing to check in cmos is to make sure the HD is properly identified. Occassionally (and I don't know why) a misidentified drive causes that error.

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I have another disk containing the 3 missing files(only) other than the boot disk, I wonder if that would work?

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I'm slow today! DEL, F1 and F2 are the most common keys. Start tapping them when you first start the computer.

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Very often booting from the floppy is disabled in order to speed up the boot process - which is fine unless you run into trouble and aren't aware of the feature. Have to go out (yes, it does happen <g>), so I'll leave you in DAVE's very capable hands. The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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No, you have to get to an a:\> or c:\> prompt before you can do anything else.

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Dave, I've got something now! When I pressed the F1 key at startup I now have C>\COMMAND.COM

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Do you mean it's located command.com and you can enter commands like dir?

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All I did was press the FI key as I turned on the laptop. This is what I have in front of me: Starting Windows 98... The following file is missing or corrupt: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS The following file is missing or corrupt: C:\WINDOWS\DBLBUFF.SYS The following file is missing or corrupt: C:\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS Type the name of the Command Interpreter (e.g., C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM) C>COMMAND.COM

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OK, that's basically the same message. I don't think anything has changed. Until it loads command.com correctly and you get a normal prompt you can't really do anything to fix the other problems. Try again to get into cmos/bios setup. If you have a compaq the key to hit will be F10. Or who made your laptop?

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I use TOSHIBA TECRA8000 Pentium2 with Windows98, I don't know if that helps?

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Dave, I tried pressing the Esc key and it asked if I would like to check the system, I am now in BIOS, can you guide me from here?

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I'm not familiar with the Toshiba setup pages but somewhere there will be an option to configure the boot sequence. You want to have the a: or floppy drive first. With the Phoenix bios there's usually a BOOT page. With Award it'll be in the BIOS FEATURES page. You'll just have to look through there and see if you can figure it out. If you're not sure, post back with the various options.

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GOt booted off the net, This is what I have for Boot Priority: 'CD-ROM->LAN->FDD->HDD' My options are: HDD->CD-ROM->LAN->FDD CD-ROM->LAN->FDD->HDD CD-ROM->LAN->HDD->FDD FDD->HDD->CD-ROM->LAN HDD->FDD->CD-ROM->LAN FDD->CD-ROM->LAN->HDD Note: -> is an arrow

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Is FDD-FloppyDiskDrive? :)

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Yes - although the original settings should have worked - so long as the floppy is ahead of the hard drive. Try setting it first anyways: FDD->HDD->CD-ROM->LAN The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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OK, It worked so far and I'm back to C> again. I'm assuming I should backtrack through these logs of Response and try booting with the bootdosk again?

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Hey, you're back. Now I can run my errands.

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Yep, back - spring is reluctant to take hold here in Canada & it's still pretty nippy outside. whitewolf - do you mean the 'sys c:' worked? You were able to boot to A:, do sys c:, got the 'system transferred' message, and now you can boot from the hard drive properly? The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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Not Yet, I had to reboot

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I will try the booting stuff while you do your errands, happy erranding from Ontario. I'm not going to quit until I get this right,heh. I'll be online for a while until it's fixed. Thankyou Dave, I'll keep you posted

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One last thing before you do your errands, should I be entering the word 'prompt' as well?

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Ontario eh? We could be neighbours. Yes, simplest (hopefully) will be to boot to the A: prompt from the bootdisk and transfer the system files (sys c:) Can't do a whole lot until the machine starts properly in DOS. The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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No - that's just a description of C:> (the C 'prompt') What you want to do is boot from the floppy to an A: 'prompt' A:> and then enter (only) sys c: ... and if successful you will be rewarded with the message 'system transferred' - remove floppy and (with luck) reboot from the hard drive without error messages etc The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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So have you gotten it to boot from the bootdisk yet?

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Not yet Dave, I did get something else after that. Once I had set the bios for the bootdrive I tried to to boot with the disk and got another message saying "The configuration specified in your config.sys file is too large for memory. Remove some drivers, and try again. I'm not sure what this means, but I can only assume that I will have to go back into bios again.

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When I go into Bios, I see something called CONFIGURATION where I can switch between either 'All Devices' or 'Setup by OS' The current setting is 'All Devices' Perhaps I should try switching to 'Setup by OS'?

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I just got some news from my local server that may the cause of my problem: 'WORM_SASSER.B is a worm that exploits the Windows LSASS vulnerability, which is a buffer overrun that allows remote code execution and enables an attacker to gain full control of the affected system'.

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You can find more information and a free download from Symantec Security Response at this addy: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sasser.worm.html I'm going to check it out

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It's hard to know for certain if this virus has hit my computer, Symantec says it only affect windows2000 and windowsXP. It makes me wonder if it can still affect my computer because some of the software I had on my computer is also compatible with Win2000 and WinXp

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Anyway, I'm outta here for the night, Thanks everyone for your help. I hope I didn't drive you up the wall,heh. I'm gonna try again tommorrow.

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If you were booting from the bootdisk and getting the message in #40 you probably need another bootdisk. Just so I know what you're using I'm going to send you one. It'll be a zipped file so when you get it unzip it with something like winzip. Then run (click on) the extracted file. Running it will create a bootdisk. Don't just copy the extracted file to a disk as the file itself is not bootable. Then boot with the disk and do the sys c:. The disk I'm sending is second edition. If you have first edition on your HD we'll get that sorted out later. Right now you just need to get it to successfully boot. A virus on your HD won't affect a bootdisk unless it too is contaminated. If you create the bootdisk on a good machine you should be OK.

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Systems Not Affected: DOS, Linux, Macintosh, Novell Netware, OS/2, UNIX, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003 ok? Don't assume - config.sys has nothing to do with the BIOS - although that is an odd message. Open the config.sys file (on the bootdisk) with notepad or similar and post its contents The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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.. or just use DAVE's disk. The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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Hmm - a bit more on Sasser: "W32.Sasser.B.Worm can run on (but not infect) Windows 95/98/Me computers. Although these operating systems cannot be infected, they can still be used to infect vulnerable systems that they are able to connect to. In this case, the worm will waste a lot of resources so that programs cannot run properly, including our removal tool. (On Windows 95/98/Me computers, the tool should be run in Safe mode.) Still - don't borrow trouble, solve the boot problem first. The bug doesn't run in plain DOS so I can't see it being a factor here. The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.

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Goodmorning everyone, I got the Disk Dave, and was able to boot with it. On the screen it now says: A:\>sys c: System transfered A:\> At this point I'm not sure what I should be doing next, but I'm going to try rebooting the computer. Wish me luck!

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I just rebooted my computer and the screen still comes up in dos mode. Now it is telling me: Cannot find WIN.CO, unable to continue loading windows C:\>_ I'm ready for step 2, big grin!

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TYPO,oops! Cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading windows C:\>_

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By the way, I was able to get Win.com off another computer and put it onto floppy disk.

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I tried searching for information on this orum about WIN.COM missing and how to install it. It worked but in DOS I'm told that there was an 'File creation error' My current mode is now Command promtp' only because the computer was shutting down after pressing the button to start the computer. I can only guess that the win.com I used is not the right one for Win98se, oops! Still searching.

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There may be another way of getting the win.com file I need, I have a folder in C: I think it is Win98 which stores cab files. perhaps someone can tell me how to copy this in dos and place it into the Windows folder?

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OK, you may have different OS versions of the files. To determine which version was installed on your machine you can post back a date associated with one of the windows files. At the c:\> prompt type: dir c:\windows\taskman.exe and enter. Post back the date associated with that file. Then we can make sure you have the correct versions of the files you need.

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In DOS it say's File not found :(

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What is that 'Alert me" button at the top right corner for? is that to alert you for help? or to let me know that someone has replied?

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It's to bad This computer doesn't have Yahoo messenger or icq, I;d post my number to know when you are back -hmhmhm :)

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I'll try to check back more often. At the c:\> prompt type: dir c:\windows/p/o:d and enter. This will list the files in the windows directory by date. Many different dates will be listed. Any that are dated 5-11-98 with a time of 7:01 are first edition files. If they're dated 4-23-99 with a time of 10:22 they're second edition. Which do you have? I think you're probably going to end up having to reinstall windows over itself as you're probably missing too many files.

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I do not have the CD that should have come with this computer. I bought it from a previous user last year. I do know that I have a folder in C drive with all the Win98SE file that were on the CD Win98SE. I am wondering if I can go into DOS and extract it from there, coopy it and replace win.com. Is that possible?

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It worked, brb. I'm going to give you a list in about 2-5 minutes of everything listed :)

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OK, you've got SE. What is the folder name containing the setup files. Also after you've booted from the hard drive and are at the c:\> prompt, put the bootdisk I sent in the floppy drive and at the c:\> prompt type: a:\diag and enter. If your registry isn't damaged, one of the things that shows up will be your product key. Write that down exactly and keep it for future reference. You'll need it if you ever have to do a fresh installation of 98.

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I probably don't need a list since you've said you have SE. I needed to know that if I were to send more files.

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Vollume in drive C has no lable Volume Serial Number is 431B-0DE5 Directory of C:\Windows WIN 24,791 05-11-98 7:01p -assuming that this is either a corrupt file or or the one I tried to install from my friends computer which installed as ERROR I do not see HIMEM.SYS in the list, nor do I see DBLBUFF.SYS in the list, not even IFSHLP.SYS (but I do have a long list) and at least I can boot :) I'll double check again in about half an hour it's suppertime :) I'll email you some supper, lol!

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That file is the same size as win.com so that's probably what it's supposed to be and it's first edition. It must be the one you copied from another computer. Post back the directory name containing the 98 SE files. If you don't know you can do: dir/p at the c:\> prompt to see the file and directory names. If there's a win98 directory that's probably it. If you find the directory type: cd directory name and enter to change to that directory. Then type: dir/p and enter. See if extract.exe is there.

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OK, I'm back Directory of C:\ COMMAND COM 93,890 MYDOCU~1 <DIR> MYPHOT~1 <DIR> PROGRA~1 <DIR> WIN98 <DIR> WINDOWS <DIR> WIN36 SWP 133,656,576 2 file(s) 133,750,466 5 dir(s) 9,241.79 MB free C:\>

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How do I enter "cd directory name " for the WIN98 <DIR>? Meaning what should it look like in type form?

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cdWIN98? I not sure what you mean :(

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You'd type: cd\win98 and enter. The prompt should now be c:\win998>. At that prompt type the dir/p to get a list of files in that directory. Extract.exe should be there, but make sure. Did you run diag to get your product key?

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It shows alot but no it does not list Extract.exe diag to get my product key? I'm not sure I should look for if I look for production key, 'm guessing it's volume serial number? If thats what youmean then Volume Serial Number is 431B-0DE5 -not certain

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In C:\WIN98 at the bottom of the list it indicates 77file(s) and 2 dir(s)

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This should extract win.com from your win98 directory and copy it to the windows directory: extract /a c:\win98\win98_21.cab win.cnf /L c:\windows\win.com extract /a c:\win98\win98_02.cab himem.sys /L c:\windows will extract himem.sys. (A space after L in both cases) Do it from the c:\win98> prompt. You can try replacing the files this way but it may be easier to reinstall windows over itself. Let me now if you want to do it this way.

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I'll try it since I do not have a WIN98SE CD. I was wondering about another possibility. Would if I installed a cousins WIN XP over it? Would that be catastrophic? lol

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also, should I restart the computer before attempting the extraction? or should I just continue at C:\WIN98> to extract?

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Post #63 explains about using diag to get your product key. You can run extract without rebooting. Yes do it from the c:\win98> prompt. If it's not there you'll get an error message. I don't know about XP. Your system may not be new enough and you'll have problem because you'll have to register XP and that one is already registered to your cousin. There should be more files in the win98 directory. Do a dir/p again from the c:\win98> prompt and see if setup.exe is there.

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I tried the first one extract /a c:\win98\win98_21.cab win.cnf /L c:\windows\win.com and got Bad command or file name, I'm guessing that I'm not reading your instruction correctly?

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setup.exe is not listed there either but I'm going to try 'Response#73" brb

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ok, I tried the first one again and nothing happened other than Bad command or file name. I'm going to try Response#63, brb

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Product Key:

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'Bad command or file name' means extract.exe is not there. I don't think there's enough files there to reinstall windows. Assuming diag works to get your product key, post back your product ID, which is listed there also. That will tell me if you have an OEM or Retail disk. Maybe I'll just mail you a 98 SE disk and you can use your product key.

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I have it in front of me, should I email it to you, since it didn't show in my last response.

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I don't need to know your product key. Just post back your product ID.

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Product: Microsoft Windows 98, version Number: 4.10.2222

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I can only guess? :) Is that it?

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When it comes to DOS, I'm an extreme novice. It is a very educational experience though

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No, when you run diag it will show the product ID and on the line below it will be the product key. You need the product key to install windows. After it's installed, a product ID will be created. The product ID will indicate if you have an OEM or retail version.

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Let me email to you the entire page, brb

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It should be in your email :) I think I know now

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Strange, it didn't go through. I got a return saying that there was an error but it came back to me as a doc. That should of not occured since it was written in hotmail with nothing unloaded

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Haven't got it yet. Maybe things are slow right now.

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On the line below it: (c) 62NDS Solutions, 1999. 62nds@seconds.com

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Under the line you just posted it should read: Owner Company Name Product ID Product Key Windows Directory Product Etc. Is this the way it shows when you run it?

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Yes, I tried to send it to you via-homail again

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baffeling, it does list the exact words 'Product ID', perhaps a slight difference. I sent you the email again.

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I'm using AOL 4.0 and embedded stuff often doesn't come through. I got your email but couldn't read much of it. If you zip it and send it as an attachment I'll get it that way. But what I could make of what you sent indicates there was no product ID or product key listed. Is that correct or are they listed as I posted in #93.

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It lists exactly as: Owner Company name Windows Directory Product Version number Product key Monitor... Hard drive... Computer name workgroup Display info tcp/ip... no screen saver Regional.... icon..... and thats it, let me know if I should zip it :)

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No, that's OK. I'll just send an OEM copy and a retail copy. The product key you have will only work with one of them. Email me your mailing address. Include any international address info as it's coming from the US. When you get them, try the retail version first. With the retail version you enter the product key at the beginning of the installation process. So if it's the wrong one you can cancel out before a lot of stuff gets written to the drive. To install over your existing version first rename or delete win.com. It's probably not there anyway but just in case, once you've booted from the bootdisk, choose cdrom support and type: del c:\windows\win.com and enter at the a:\> prompt. It'll probably say 'file not found'. That's OK. Then with the 98 cd in the cdrom, at the a:\> prompt type: d:\setup and enter. That starts the installation process. If it asks if you want to exit setup or replace your OS, choose to replace. It'll ask what directory to install windows to and will default to windows.000 because it detects you've already got a directory named windows. Choose 'other directory' and change windows.000 back to windows so that everything install in your old directory. The rest of the installation should continue normally. This may not correct the problem you're having. In that case you'll have to reformat and do a fresh installation.

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I guess I'll stick to borrowing another computer until then, should I try this again tommorrow or wait until I get the disks?

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I doubt you can get it going without reinstalling over your existing version. You seem to be missing too many files and also the commands necessary to possibly extract them. I'll email you extract.exe and you can try extracting the files from the win98 directory. Even if it fails to work you probably won't hurt anything. I'll zip it. When you get it, unzip it to a floppy disk. Then boot up the ailing computer. At the c:\> prompt put the floppy with extract.exe in the a: drive and type: copy a:\extract.exe c:\win98 and enter. Try extracting win.com and himem.sys as I mentioned above and see if it works. If they extract OK you can post back with other missing file names and I can give you the command to extract them. I'll send the disks off tomorrow.

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Daveincaps I'm back but with a blockage in my path. The computer that I borrowed, slowed down yesterday so I ran a check for spyware on it. The computer that I borrowed had 99 applications of spyware, viruses and registry entries of over 200 that were affecting this computer. Luckily it had Adaware, Norton and SpyHunter to help me locate and remove all the bugs. The only problem is that one of the bugs had taken over Internet Explorer and changed some of the settings so that I could not get back onto the internet. I downloaded a reboot disk which I was able to borrow from someone and had to reinstall the tools for connecting to the internet. There still seems to be a problem with the Internet Explorer but Netscape works fine. I'm going to have to call the main server and get a walk through to reset Inernet Explorer. Because of this I'm not able to check my hotmail account at this time. As soon as I can resolve this I will email you I will check back with this forum to see if you got my messege. Thanks again for all your help too! Whitewolf

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Hey Dave, I'm still having problems getting into my Hotmail account, but I'm here and will be for the rest of the atfernoon. To update, I extracted the extract.exe file and turned on my computer to try using the extract file as instructed. I realized that I still had the bootdisk in the computer. when the first sacreen came on in DOS it asked me about starting with some options of cd-rom support and I clicked the one that says 'without cd rom support' next thing I know is that I have a clean screen with an A:\> prompt. I'm not sure what I should do at this time, but I'm going to go over the posts to see if anything helps here. Hope to see you and the others -whitewolf

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If you go to add/remove programs in control panel and click on internet explorer it should have a repair option. Sometimes that'll help. Also you might try CWShredder. Spybot is good also.

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I had emailed you that I'd sent the disks yesterday but it would probably take at least a week. Then I thought maybe I could send you some additional files to attempt an installation from the 98 folder. Here's the text of the email I sent: What are the extensions of the files in the win98 folder? Are they all .cab files? If so I was thinking I could email you the non-cab files and you could copy them to that directory and try to reinstall windows from there. The total of those files is only about 1.6 meg. I could either email them in 2 zip files so you could extract each one to a floppy disk or I could send it as one file and you could burn all the files to a cd. Let me know if you want to try that.

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I was able to extract and copy: Himem.sys and extract.exe with success but DBLBUFF.SYS and IFSHLP.SYS are not on the disk. I wait for your arrival,heh :^)

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It would be better to email them in 2 zip files so I could extract each one to a floppy disk. The only problem I have at the moment is that I can get to hotmail but it will not allow me to enter my email, perhaps I'l try getting temporary account and see if I can actually use it. brb Thanks again

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It should have worked. This would be the way to enter it: extract /a c:\win98\win98_21.cab dblbuff.sys /L c:\windows You should be able to replace the bold file name for whichever one you're trying to extract. The way I've configured the command it will search through all the cab files looking for the command.

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OK, post back if you want me to send it to a different address.

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I tried to open another account at a few places, but there's something in the computer thats not allowing me to register another account. So, I'm going to go to a cousin;s place this evening to access my hotmail account from there. I'll send you an email to let you know that I'm there to recieve the files. I may be able to burn them onto CD, but I'll ask my cousin if he still has his CD burner installed. I tried to extract bdlbuff.sys from the Win98 folder in C: just now but it says 'No matching files." I'm guessing that a virus took out those 3 main files and perhaps some others. I do know that I have a list of up to perhaps 74 cab files, the last one is listed as Cabinet WIN98_74.CAB Can you post the other CAB names for IFSHLP.SYS? Thanks :)

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Both those files should be in win98_52.cab. You might try this: extract /a c:\win98\win98_52.cab ifshlp.sys /L c:\windows although the previous command should have found it. Are you sure you're spelling and spacing everything right?

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I forgot to add spaces, oops! It worked, seem that all 3 have now been extracted... I'm trying to recall, I think I remember that win.com was the last one that couldn't be found, unless win.com kicks in once all 3 files have been extracted. I think I'm ready for the next step?

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I just did another boot, says that Himem is missing or courpt, I'm going to reboot with the floppy again and see if I can extract it again. :) OOPS! I meant corupt

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I just tried to extract himem.sys 3 times the same way I extracted the others and it says: ERROR: Cannot open file: c:\win98\win98_02.cab

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It would be interesting if I could just download himem.sys off of the internet and bypass the email blues :) Going to reboot, brb

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DAVEINCAPS Just noticed this post. For info my W98SE has himem.sys in base5.cab Derek.W

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whitewolf Try this to extract himem.sys: extract c:\win98\base5.cab himem.sys /L c:\windows (usual space after /L) Derek.W

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Derek, it worked! Thankyou too! :D

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I still have to do something yet about the "win.com" file and now "wininit.exe :^O

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To extract wininit.exe do this: extract c:\win98\win98_47.cab wininit.exe /L c:\windows To extract win.cnf do this: extract c:\win98\win98_25.cab win.cnf /L c:\windows To rename win.cnf to win.com do this: ren c:\windows\win.cnf win.com (single space after win.cnf) Derek.W

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Derek/Daveincaps, I have to remove the incorrect file win.com from windows first before renaming win.cnf

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recalling:When I installed the win.com file before, it was the wrong one. The one from the other computer was for win98 and not win98se. Could you please tell me how to remove the win.com file from c:\Windows before I name the win.cnf file? :D

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Good thinking. It's hard for me to get the proper drift of a post thats grown this long. Right, before you do the rename do this: del c:\windows\win.cnf Then follow with the extract (unless you've done it already - fine) and then do the rename part. Derek.W

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STOP Sorry, I meant: del c:\windows\win.com Derek.W

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ok, I deleted the win.com and renamed the win.cnf however as I did each one it went back to an A prompt without indicating that the changes were successfully made. Does that mean that everything worked or perhaps I did a typo?

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No, you are OK - doing fine. DOS is a bit like that. "By and large" it only prompts you when you ask it to overwrite a file (it depends a bit on the specific command). Derek.W

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I decided to reboot to see what happens. I have a new entry saying "VMM32.VXD is required to run Windows. If this file is not in your PATH, you may need to reinstall Windows. Windows has stopped. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to restart your computer." lol! I guess I need to find that too

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Daveincaps/Derek I am wondering if VMM32.VXD could be the last thing I need to extract from c:\win98 What would the command be for that one? :)

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Well, I suppose I just ought to have expected that thing to rear it's ugly head eventually. Hope you've enjoyed playing around in DOS because I'm afraid you are now a bit stuck. The file vmm32.vxd is constructed when Windows is installed. If it doesn't vanish then fine, otherwise you do have to re-install Windows, just like MS say. Just for info there is a copy of this file in your cabs but it musn't be used because it is just a shell (it eventually contains a number of .vxd's which are compressed into vmm32.vxd). For the future, when you get up and running, save the copy Windows makes of vmm32.vxd and put it on a floppy. It can get you out of a lot of trouble. For now I'm afraid you will have to wait until DAVE's W98SE CD arrives. Here in the UK we have computer fairs and you can pick up Windows CD's very cheaply. They "look" authentic (nicely sealed, with numbers and so on). I'll await your response then think about hitting the sack (1.20 am here, that'll be an early night for this ole night owl). Sorry I can't magic up some clever way forward but unless you have setup.exe in c:\win98 (you should have 101 files so it sounds hopeless) then there is nothing more we can do. Again, for the future, copy all the files (forget the folders) from your CD into c:\win98 - once you get going again. Derek.W

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Thankyou very much for your help Derek, you've done alot in a short time :) I'm going to wait for Daveincaps to post before I do anything else. I'm suppose to go to a cousins place this evening to check email from Daveincaps -whitewolf

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Our post might cross, but before we give up let's check one last time to make sure you are short of W98 files. Do this: Type C: (this puts you onto the C drive (HD). Type cd win98 (this moves you to where your cab files live). Type dir A whole stack of files should fly past. Eventually it will say how many there are. It should be 101 as I said. Derek.W

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It says that I only have 79 file(s) 125,649,403 bytes and 2 dir(s) 9,369.02 MB free so far that does sound bad to me :(

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I think Daveincaps may have a plan, thats why I have to check my email later this evening. I should wait for him tp post before I head out. Have a very good night Derek, it's been a very educational experience :)

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Yep, that's bad. Even if setup.exe is one of them (I get the impression that one is missing) then it would not be too clever to try loading Windows, only to find it gets part way through then runs out of luck. I suppose it's "just" possible that the missing ones are not too important but it would be unwise to risk an even bigger mess up. That's about it then, signing off now from the UK. Let me know where you come from as a parting shot. Will look back "much" later. Nite Derek.W

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I live in Ontario,Canada Derek. about 5 miles from the nearest little community/out in the wilderness. Alot of wildlife out here. The closest town is at least 1 1/2 hour away. Campers Paradise :) This is why I chose the name whitewolf -whitewolf

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Derek, thanks for jumping in. At least now we know it's not repairable. The error about being unable to open win98_02.cab was my fault. Win98 doesn't have that file. I had modifed that command from a win95 search which does have a win95_02.cab file. The win98_xx.cab files start at xx=21. But I guess you wouldn't have found it anyway since as Derek pointed out, it's in base5.cab. There's 77 cab files in the win98 folder on the cd. The total of those files is 125,522,970 bytes. I know you've added extract.exe and maybe one more. So I'm thinking you have all the cab files there and only need the non-cab files that I can email. Then we can attempt an installation from that folder on the HD and you won't have to wait for the cds. Do you want me to email them to the address you've been using?

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DaveinCaps, I'm going to give to you the private email to this computer. It's not my addy but it's the outlook of this computer. Then you can send it all in one shot. I will have to break it all down somehow to transfere to floppydisk though, so I'll wait for it with the instructions. I replaced my hotmail addy with it. in this Response#136 :)

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I have just taken a screen capture, list, of all the W98SE cab (etc) files you need. Do you want me to email it to you? It will help to know which ones are missing. If so, is it OK on the address used by clicking your name? Derek.W

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Derek, thanks for your assistance. Go ahead and email him the screen capture image of the files. I've just sent all the non-cab files with instructions on copying them and then doing the reinstallation from the hard drive. So I guess we'll wait and see how it goes.

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Sorry for not responding earlier, It tool me several hours to download all the updates for norton, mcafee, spybot and to run everything. mcaffee is still running. I also reinstalled netscape on this computer as well. I'm going to check the email which is now listed with my name in this response. please go ahead with the catapult :D you can send it to the thunder address -whitewolf

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I always use a catipult myself, works well

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Just sent you the pic. Sorry about delay had to go AWOL. Back later. Derek.W

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Hey GUYS! Windows is actually setting up WOOHOO!!!! I just don't know if it will ask for or inform me that it cannot continue, wish me luck! Never in my life did I think I would ever have to do this :)

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To continue setup, the wizard is asking me if I am using a PC card(network,CD-ROM connected to a SCSI card, etc.) to install windows. I'm not certain at this point if I should click yes or no. I do know that I have a cd drive, recall using yamaha drives for sound, and recall something about SCSI in Properties . I have a feeling it may be asking if I used a cd to install windows, is that correct?

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I'm still in the middle of setup, I forgot to mention that my floppydrive is portable and cd-rom is removable and I do have an ethernet card attached yet.

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I've not run into that one. From the way it reads my feeling is you say no (because you are installing from the HD). But I think we'd be better to wait a while to see if DAVE comes back and get his opinion. I'd hate to get it wrong at this stage. Sorry to be worse than useless but I've never believed I knew everything LOL.... At least there is some sign of progress at last. I'll keep watching. Derek.W

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More and more I think the answer is no but lets give DAVE half an hour (I don't like taking risks on other folks machines). Did you get my email with the c:\win98 pic? Derek.W

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Sorry, had to reboot this computer. I clicked yes to see what happens and it tells me that it didn't detect any PC card, assuming it got errased so now it's asking if I want to review my system files and select real-mode PC card drivers just so windows can disable them, heh! I'll check for it in a minute Derek, Dave's zip files came through ok, so I think your email should be waiting for me. brb

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I recieved your jpg of the files. It came through great. I'll wait for Daveincaps as well :^D

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It's to bad my laptop doesn't have a screensaver :^)

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Schucks. I wish I'd been more definite with that NO. Windows might moan at you for disbanding the install next time you try to install it. Derek.W

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Derek, Once the computer is up and running could it be possible for the virus to be active? I can only assume at this point because I do know that something wiped out almost everything. Not sure if I have to go out and buy another sound card.

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with a laptop, I'm not sure if sound cards are generally built in already and require files from a disk

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It's possible but I think we'd best not think that way right now. As that install is now goofed up I see no reason why you shouldn't go through the setup routine once more. If you get the same question as before say NO this time. If you get some rude message because of the aborted install we'll try and work out how to shut it up and move forward. I'll leave it up to you. Derek.W

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I'm going to wait for Daveincaps before I decide to cancel setup, one never knows sometimes :^)

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Ref your worry about virus removing files. One thing is practically certain is that it wouldn't have removed the files from c:\win98 (my guess is that they were never all there in the first place). As for the rest, well it's not the first machine to lose files without any obvious reason (often that vmm32.vxd). That's why I think we should put the virus idea on the back burner. It could just be the result of some nasty hiccup. If we can get the system up you can whack all the virus/software at it and make sure it's clean. Derek.W

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Derek, What is that 'AlertMe" button for? the one at the top right side of the responses?

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Sorry, I had to go out for awhile. I've never seen that message come up either. I too think 'no' would be the correct answer. Perhaps it's seeing the non-standard cdrom configuration and asking that question. If there's a problem with the cdrom after installation it may be best to address that then. Try restarting the installation process via the bootdisk again. Depending on where you shut if off, it may see that the process had been interrupted and continue on. The possible virus or whatever it was that initially caused the problem may still be there but the only way to know is to complete the installation and see what happens.

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Hello Daveincaps, rebooting again then brb

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Sorry, I'd misunderstood you and thought you'd already cancelled. It's possible DAVE is having a well earned night off.... The Alert button is a facility that people use so that you can to call them to a particular post. I don't know much more about it because it's not a feature I happen to have bothered with - seems DAVE doesn't use it either. I just keep an eye on my list in "My Computing Net". Derek.W

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Welcome back DAVE, as is obvious our posts crossed. Derek.W

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Yeah, this thread's moving fast again. Hopefully the installation will continue normally.

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The reboot and setup seems to be going ok so far :) Something different is happening. Setup Wizard is asking me if I want to save my existing system files incase I decide to uninstall Windows98

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Either yes or no is OK on that one.

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It hasn't picked up where it left off earlier but its doing good so far. I feel like I just delivered a baby, heh

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Is there a way to modify this thread to something shorter, assuming people don't want to go through a ball of yarn? lol

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It should take about 14 minutes before getting to where I left off now

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I think only offensive posts are removed. Hopefull,though, we're almost done with this one.

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You guys are great teachers, I only hope I get a passing grade for this one :^)

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... I'm still watching. You've definitely passed grade 1 already. Grade 2 if the baby actually arrives. Derek.W

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LOL! Entering "Setting up hardware and finalizing settings...this is where the fun continues :^O lol

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It seems to have bypassed the part about PC card and is moving along with 7 minutes of setup left

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does that mean the computer assumes 'NO' to the PC card? Entring Restart Computer mode now

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Hmmm. I wonder what it assumed, your YES maybe. Derek.W

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It's asking me now to type in an ID and password, should I click cancel? Things are happening fast

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IT has now detected an unknown device and is asking for a specific location to search for it, assuming C:\ ?

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Just hit enter. If it insists on a name, put one in. Don't use a password as that usually confuses things and doesn't really do anything anyway.

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... just to add that if a device turns out to not be working that can be best sorted later when Windows is up. Derek.W

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Try c:\win98. But it's probably already looked there. That may be something you need to clear up after the installation is complete.

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the only thing I recall is my ether modem card

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I had to walk into a wall before it told me it was looking for plug n play monitor :) It's there! Sound is fully restored, not to sure about the resolution settings but it's there! with a BIG welcome sign :^D Resolution is way off, almost as though it were in safe mode. Guys you did it!

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How do we celebrate? I'n extremely greatful. Thanks beyond! Waiting for a reply Oh by the way, I think we just delivered a truck, lol

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Grade 2 Congrats. Try Control Panel/Display/Properties and see if it will take 800x600. If not it might be a driver issue. Derek.W

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Great! You'll probably need to install some of the drivers. Go to CONTROL PANEL--SYSTEM--DEVICE MANAGER and look for yellow ! or ? These are devices not set up properly. Check there under 'display adapter' and see how it's identified. Under 'sound, video and game controllers' is the sound card setup OK? In 'my computer' on the desktop, is the cdrom shown?

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Sorry, I meant Display/Settings (it was the excitement that got to me). Where's DAVE, he deserves the credit. Derek.W

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I assume your old product key worked OK, or did it not ask for the number?

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My maximum resolution setting are 16 coulrs only. Perhaps I could start a new thread to see if I can restore them?

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Yes Daveincaps, It accepted the product key with flying colours :^D

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That's good. Yeah, you may want to start a new thread. It's going to mostly be a hunt for the drivers you need now. I'm curious if the cdrom is being seen in 'my computer'. I wasn't sure since it was removeable.

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I just noticed something very interesting in Windows Explorer, Not only do I have a windows folder but I also have a Windows.000 folder??? heh

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If you mean my (D:) drive which I use for cd's, yes :^) I may know of a shortcut if I have to hunt for files. I'm assuming that some of the files I need now are compatible with most computers, perhaps I could pull alot off of this desktop computer which uses Windows98? Is that a possiblity???

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SHORT CHECK LIST (A few thoughts for later). You might find a few programs that don't work. Usually if you uninstall/re-install them it will do the trick. Uninstall from Control Panel or a provided Uninstall. Avoid deleting files (but at grade 2 you will already know this). Once you are back on-line, get your AV, Firewall (if any), Spyware progs, etc running to make sure there is nothing wicked kicking around. After this get hold of SpywareBlaster. It doesn't fix things but it keeps them out. Get Aida32 and this will tell you stacks about your system. It should help on drivers and often gives links to websites. Copy vmm32.vxd and hidden file msdos.sys onto a floppy, they might save your bacon sometime. On the lable indicate the location (vmm32.vxd is in c:\windows\system and msdos.sys is on the C root). Opinion only, but I reckon check that you are set to show all files and extensions. I'm sure there's stacks more but that'll do for now. Derek.W

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As part of the setup process it will ask what directory to install windows in. Since you already had a 'windows' directory, it defaulted to 'windows.000'. You could have changed that back to 'windows' so that everything installed in your old directory. Check the date the windows.000 folder was created but I'm pretty sure that's the one you just installed windows in. But that's OK as long as everything works OK. If it takes up too much space try renaming the 'windows' directory to something else. If everything still works OK after that, you can probably remove the entire 'windows' directory.

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The good thing is that I have all the protection sitting in fromt of me, firewall/antiviruse programs as well as netscape6 and internet Explorer on CD :^) as well as other programs on cd

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... just in case you don't already realise it the renaming trick (#192 last para) effectively disables it. Methinks you might have to re-install a fair amount of stuff that is now only on the old Windows folder (going with DAVE's assumption). It maybe why you are short of Display driver. Derek.W

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I was thinking, you may need to leave the old 'windows' directory intact. It may contain files that other software installed and still uses.

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OK, Is there anything else I should know before I copy the this whole thread for the repairwork? perhaps I should reinstall the antivirus programs first and download the updates? I noticed that I still have some of my previous program file in thr Programs folder yet.

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Put your security at the top of the list. You did well with the backups! Hope you are not in information overload LOL. Derek.W

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NO, I'm just relieved that the heap of the battle is over. I may like to start a new thread either tommorrow or the day after, probably dealing with finding drivers, etc, (not refering to taxi/cab drivers either) lol

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Daveincaps, I was thinking, perhaps when I get those cd's I could replace the Win98 folder in C: , and reinstalling into the original windows folder perhaps? That way I can remove folder Windows.000?

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wondering if I can do that or drop files into windows folder, replacing only those that are missing? Or could that cause a severe impact?

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.... sticking my nose in again (I just wanna be the 200th response to this record post). Well you certainly should ensure that you have the 101 files in c:\win98 but you can probably do that by simply adding any that are still missing. As for the two Windows folders, yes it's just a pity you ended up that way and it could take a bit of sorting out. I think I'll leave your idea up to DAVE and yourself. I'm a bit hesitant to suggest rocking the boat now Windows is working. You did well. Off to bed shortly, Nite Derek.W

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Aha, missed 200. I definitely wouldn't recommend shifting files around. Remember that the registry entries are now associated with whichever folder is active (.000 I assume). Yes, disaster could be the word. Derek.W

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Yeah, moving the files could confuse the registry and any setup configurations the software may have created. The only way to get everything back to a 'windows' directory would, I think, be to do another 'over-the-top' installation and this time make sure to specify the folder as 'windows'. But for now, you may want to leave that alone. The 'win98' folder on c: should contain the same files as the 'win98' folder on the 98 cd. It's probably OK as it is since you've done a successful installation from there. But it wouldn't hurt to replace it's contents with what's in the win98 folder on the cd.

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OK Guys, I guess this will be the final thread from my corner of the world. I'm sure I will be posting again tommorrow or the day after again "with a new thread even"! So, when you see the name whitewolf, you'll know it just me :^D I'm going to try figuring out the mess now, and see you all shortly in the future. Cheers Derek, for your input. Daveincaps, thankyou for being here with every step too. Including jboy etc, thankyou too for all the help! goodnight Gents, may the PCForce be with you! -Whitewolf

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If, at some time, you want to persue that Aida32 I mentioned, see this: SEE jBoy#6 Derek.W

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I've been following & receiving updates from Derek ; ) (this page takes about 45 seconds to load on dialup - heh - ) Good effort all 'round We're gun-hating, Celsius-loving, maple leaf-on-our-backpacks, standing on guard Canadians. We know we're a lot better off than you-know-who but we're just too darned polite to crow about it.

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I've been pleased to have been able to hold the fort on this one (here and there) for DAVEINCAPS, who has my utmost admiration. Definitely bedtime now. Over & Out. Derek.W

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Thanks Derek. I'm just glad he finally got it installed. I've never seen a thread this long.

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If it's not a record, then it's definitely a runner-up. We're gun-hating, Celsius-loving, maple leaf-on-our-backpacks, standing on guard Canadians. We know we're a lot better off than you-know-who but we're just too darned polite to crow about it.

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I left the party and everyone is having fun! Just finished copying the note, Seeya soon Stay tuned for Episode2 ;)

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