I have accidentally deleted a file from windows 98.When I switch the pC on it says something like mising INI file then switches itself off - what can I do

Repair install Windows ??

there is usually a message stating xxxxx.ini not just INI, would it be feasible to furnish us with the correct error meassage ??

I have rechecked sorry for the lack of info

It goes past the Windows 98 screen.The shows that the system.ini file cannot be found - says press any key to continue.When a key is pressed the pc swicthes off

Thanks

start the computer in command prompt only.
type "scanreg /restore" at the prompt.
you will be presented with the available backups of your system files. they will be numbered rb000.cab, rb001.cab etc.
these files contain backups of the registry as well as the system.ini and win.ini files.
select the file with the most recent date stamp and press enter. press enter again, when the message appears to reboot. the machine should start normally now.

Re #1. There is no repair install on W98.

Scanreg /restore (as given) should fix it unless you accidentally deleted any other files. Is your bin set to clear immediately? If so it is best not to have it that way.

DerekW

If you install W98 into the same directory you will not loose currently installed software, but will need to re-apply M$ updates.

As always there are many ways to tackle these problems but as the poster reported system.ini being missing and as scanreg /restore will put it back I think this should be the first thing to try.

Any programs installed after the chosen date will need to be re-installed so it is best to choose a date immediately before the deletion took place.

DerekW

Thanks for the suggestion re scanreg/restore.I am not sure how I can start the computer in command prompt only.
When the missing file msg comes up if I press any key at all the computer switches off

How can I start it in command prompt only please?

Please ignore previous post.I found access via F8 applied the solution and all now works.Life is obviously simple when you understand these things

Mmany thanks for all your help

That's good. Thx for popping back to let us know.

DerekW

anyone know how to get wordpad.exe
back after accidental delete?

I lost my win 98 cd rom in an apartment fire at my brother's old apt.

joeblough68

First step, make sure some kind soul hasn't copied the W98 CD onto your hard disk. Common places to find it are c:\win98 or c:\windows\options\cabs. If they are present you can use the facilities in Control Panel/Add-Remove and point it to the HD path when it asks for the CD.

You need to find at least 100 files together in one place, most of which are .cab files.

Failing that, sure, I can send you all the W98 wordpad files (with locations) but without the associated registry entries there is no certainty that they will work.

If you do want to go that way send me a Private Message with your email address. Don't be tempted to post it in open text on here (or any other place on the web) or the spammers will get hold of it and you'll get junk email forever.

DerekW