Boot Sector Virus or........

[sea69]

Hi all

My friend has a $2,000.00 paper wieght (Compaq) and wants me to fix it.

Symptoms: Boot process , while booting 'normal' from hard drive, Compaq logo comes up, it finds audio DOS driver, then atapi ide cd-rom device driver (version V 1.23B),

2 drives detected
unit 1, Master, IRQ 15 I/O address 0x0170
unti 2, SLAVE , IRQ 15 I/O ADDRESS 0x0170

then- the macafee viurs scan

**Then a note: "This program is more than 17 months old, New viruses come out all the time- we would suggest that you upgrade your copy" **hint-hint**

then it proceeds to scan... "possibly Infected.... 0"

then this:

ESS PCI Audio DOS Device Setup Utility, Version 2.31G
9c0 ESS Technology,inc
Allegro-1
Current PCI IRQ:5 PCI 10 Base 1000
DMA Mode is VIA DDMA

SBPro Game Settings:
SB 10=220h IRQ=5 DMA=1
MPU401 I0=200h
C:\WINDOWS\WININIT.EXE

D:\

ehiklmnopqrstuvwxyz {|}~and then some characters (from character map) not included

at this point: it then says "Press any key to continue..."

this is the 'loop', it does this continually, over and over(**note: all of the above happens without any user input)

if you press a key, it shows the "Its now safe to turn off your computer"
(which I havent seen in win98se.. not usually anyways)

so Im thinking a MBR virus .... so keeping in mind that this is a compaq, would you guys suggest formatc: and then clean install winblows98 again ?

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[mjc]

Sea,

Since it has McAfee have you tried the Emergency Repair Disk? or didn't he make one?

Try booting from a boot disk and then fdisk /mbr, then scan with an updated scanner.

------------------
mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[sea69]

ok booting to boot disk, I get 3 choices

1) Star Win98 Setup from CR-ROM
2) "" with CD-ROM support
3)"" start computer without CD-ROM support

if I choose 3 cursor blinks afew times, I can see and hear a drive being read, and then nothing.. blank screen

if I choose option (1) it goes on to say drives and drivers then does a pci bus scan.. completes thet.. then says :
Copyright Micro...lalala

drive E: = Driver OEMCD001 unit 0
Drive F: = Driver OEMCD001 unit 1

The Windows 98 Setup files were not found.

A:\>



------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Randy_tx]

Try removing ALL Autoexec.bat and Config.sys lines out of each and reboot

------------------
"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[sea69]

hehe.. can you elaborate?

** by the way, thank you both for your replies

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Hey Sea,

I just had to jump in here and say, DON'T delete all lines in the startup files (autoexec.bat and config.sys). You will need at least the command lines that enable the CD-ROM drivers to load.

BTW, after choosing no. 1, and then winding up back at the A:\ prompt, can you then change to the E: or the F: drive, which I assume is the CD-ROM?? Not quite sure why it's loading the CD-ROM drivers twice. Check the autoexec.bat and config.sys files for redundancy relating to the CD-ROM drivers.

I thought Compaqs had restore disks? Are you saying you don't have one? Or is that the boot disk you are using? Try manually changing to the CD-ROM drive letter as noted above. If that works and you can DIR the CD-ROM, then simply type Setup and you should be good to go.

But wait a minute. I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish here. You probably don't want to re-install Windows at this point, but rather, you should run a virus checker as someone else pointed out. Need more information. What exactly do you have with this computer as far as software?

Good luck,

Big Blue 66

[sea69]

hey there BB_66 http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

yes, I can change to (E http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

then what ? I typed (@ E:\>setup
and got Syntax error

and yes compaq does have "Quick Restore"

I did that and it still winds up at the end of it saying: "Press any key to continue..."
and then re-booting.

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[BigBlue66]

Couple more ideas. Why are the master and slave controllers using the same IRQ? Not sure if that is right.

Additionally, I assume that the McAfee virus scanner loading command is in either the win.ini or system.ini file. If you can get to the C: prompt after booting with the startup disk, change to the Windows/System directory and edit both files to see which one has the command line for the McAfee. REM the line out. That should stop it from running at startup. Or, if it's in either the autoexec.bat or config.sys files, REM it out to disable it from loading. If you get a Bad Command or Filename when you try to EDIT a file, then you will need to find the file on a DOS disk and copy it to the harddrive.

Post back with your progress. I don't have a lot of time today, but maybe we can get you booted at least.

Cheers,

BB 66

[sea69]

does BB_66 have icq or aim ?

60285043- icq# (me)

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Ok Sea, I see your last post. Formatting the drive on a Compaq is a bad idea, since part of the bios is stored there. You haven't done that yet, right? What exactly are you trying to do?

When you type Setup at the E: prompt, do you have the WIN98 CD-ROM in the drive? If you are trying to install over the existing Windows OS on the harddrive, that would be a bad idea.

Have you tried the FDISK /MBR command? That should fix the master boot record, if in fact it's screwed up.

Have you tried to fix the registry? At the C: prompt, type:

Scanreg /fix

Or maybe you can load a backup of the registry, if the fix command does nothing. In that case, you would type:

Scanreg /restore

It should present you with a list of registry backups. Pick one and see what happens.

Good luck. If all else fails, me have big ass Cadillac to run over Compaq with. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

BB 66

[sea69]

BB>>>>>>

No, I have not formatted (yet)

What Im exactly trying to do is to get this machine either 1) to come out of this cycle and boot completely, or-failing that- 2) re-install(clean) win98.

yes, the win98 cd is in the correct drive

no I have not done fdisk/mbr

I did boot to command and went back to furthest dated registry

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[sea69]

note: for background, his two sons got on it, and this is the end result


could they have compressed the drive ( not knowing what they were doing) ??

just love these compaq's....



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[mjc]

Drivespace shouldn't have let a compression happen if it was FAT32, but with kids??????

Can you actually access C:\ from DOS or does it just show up?

------------------
mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[sea69]

yes!!, I can access (C).. and get dir on it

17 files
and 36 directories



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

And another thing, Sea, if you can get into the BIOS. Try loading defaults for CMOS, Power Up, etc.. Maybe your friend messed with the bios. Maybe not. But if he did, loading the defaults may get you somewhere.

I have to admit, I think I am going in circles with this one. For some reason, logic escapes me today. Hopefully someone else can step in with a few ideas.

Good luck, Sea.

BB 66

[sea69]

thanks BB..

I'm still @ the

C:\>

prompt awaiting instructions from anyone who knows..lol

>>>>>>>> http://www.zing.com/picture/pcf038e7118035516ad1215ab0a66f845/fee6d43d.gif.orig.gif

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[Randy_tx]

The solution is probably in autoexec.bat or config.sys......AND YOU DONT NEED EITHER ONE TO BOOT WIN 98 BBLUE http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif.......even with a Compaq !....However, if there are lines in either that cause Win to have a problem...usually an Anti-Virus line......then you have boot problems galore....Good luck...sounds like you have a tiger by the tail.

------------------
"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[sea69]

well Randy.. thats about like telling me the solution is (probably)in Austrailia.. and not giving me a map..lol

"yep, that there needle is right there in that haystack...."

.. seriously, my question is what would you do in my situation ??

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[Randy_tx]

I thought you knew how to edit Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files...Here's how: At initial startup push F8 to get the screen which enables you to choose Safe mode....but dont choose it.....choose Command Prompt only..........then at the C: prompt type edit (space) autoexec.bat ...a screen will come up.....place a REM and a space before all lines in there except the cd rom line..........do the same with config.sys.........then with autoexec.dos and config.dos ( if they exist) then try to reboot to windows.

------------------
"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[sea69]

cool, thanks!

I will try and advise.

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[BigBlue66]

Randy_tx: Yeah, I knew that. I just didn't want him to lose his CD-ROM functionality to LOAD Windas, dontcha see? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif I believe I also mentioned, as you did, to REM out anything that had to do with virus scanning, protection, etc..

I am off to class. I can tell everybody from past experience with Sea, that he will need a little extra help with DOS related procedures. He's more of a Windows dude. No offense, Sea! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers, and the Best of Luck to Ya'll

BB 66

[sea69]

no worries BB, 'tis true, should invest in 'DOS fo Dummies'...


update: can get into bios- post> post mode > quick boot

edited as suggested, no change-

it wont do fdisk/mbr

or

scanreg/fix

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-12-2001).]

[sea69]

well, only thing I can do is hope Pete or GH come and can help, they always seem to pull a rabbit out of a hat.. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

I will wait 'till morning, and then just try format C:/s

want to thank all that were kind enough to answer.

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[sea69]

Tues morning update:

I know you are all on the edge of your seats here, the ongoing saga of sea and his friends Compaq (pos).. hehe
If you notice in my initial post, one of the last things you see is a reference to "WININIT.EXE"

I even copied that from my working compaq pc, to the non-working one that I'm trying to boot.

**This has always been the place to get an answer for anything.... but when it comes to compaq's.. who knows??

have looked @ compaq forums.. and all I see there are allot of unhappy people.. hehe.. no help though http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

** would really like to hear from Reid, Ghost Hacker{GH}, and Pete on this before I do something 'irrepairable'..lol






[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-13-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Hi Sea,

I was under the impression that Compaq stored at least part of their BIOS on the harddrive. Now, if you format the HD, won't you wipe out the BIOS? I can't quite figure out why the restore disk won't work. 'Course, formatting may be the only way to go, but before I did that, I would try to find out if you can copy the bios to a floppy before formatting the HD. If you can, be sure to make about three floppies of the BIOS, just in case.

I'm out of my league here, Sea. Hope somebody can help out.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[mjc]

Sea, what series/model?

Check thus out: How to install DOS on a New Drive (http://web14.compaq.com/falco/detail.asp?FAQnum=FAQ2096)
------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 03-13-2001).]

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 03-13-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Hey Sea,

Ok, since you put me on the spot http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif What model of Compaq does you friend have? I'll do a little digging and see what I can come up with. Have you tried booting to "DOS" with the windwos 98 boot disk. Then switching to the C drive and typing "scanreg /restore"? This should give you a list of 5 backups of the register that you can restore.(as long as scanreg wasn't disabled by your friend.)


If scanreg won't run go here: "c:\windows\system" and then type the command again. Don't boot into safemode because scanreg doesn't run all it's options unless you boot into "DOS".

Another option is too hold down the F8 key when the system boots. That should get you the startup menu, choose "step by step confirmation" and bypass all the starup files/programs. (maynot work on a compaq thier computers don't boot like everyones elses.)


If you don't have that restore disk I would not try to reformat the drive. So hold off on that for awhile http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


I looked over your post again and saw that you've already tried Scanreg /restore and it did not work. Bummer!!

Let me think about this one. I just need to find out what that "wininit" program does and if we can restore it or change some INI file somewhere.


OK it's a trojan program give me a sec and I'll see if we can remove it.

Go here:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.hllw.bymer.html

and see if the information there can help you.

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost" http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[mjc]

This what you looking for GHwininit.exe info and removal (http://www.pchell.com/virus/wininit.shtml)

------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[Ghost_Hacker]

Thanks mjc!! That link provides a remover from TREND.

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[mjc]

Your welcome, I sure like Google! I've been using it alot and this makes about 50 out of 50 for great stuff on the first shot.


Now to throw a little more confusion into the mix there is this MS KB article: Q141898 (http://2fix.bvu.edu/help/apps/win95/faq/98.asp)
------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:[URL=http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm]Computer Links

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

ahhhhhhhh now everyone's come out to play.. hehehe http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

BB_66> yes, compaq does save part of bios on the HD (in (D) drive system save)

mjc/GH> compaq presario model 7478- K6-2 533Mhz- 64 sdram- wim98se

GH> went back from command to last avail (furthest bac) reistry

I do have the compaq "Quick Restore" CD

wininit:.. remove it ??..LOL, I just put it back in from my machine into his!!.. trojan huh??.. will need to look into that as well.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

OK After mjc found that link I wonder why it didn't come up in my searches.
Seems I was doing searches on the title not the contents of the KB articles http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif


Here's what is happening. The Wininit.exe file reads the wininit.ini file for any listing that will tell it what to add to the register before Windows boots. If it does it's job without errors then the Wininit.ini file is cleared and the system boots. When ever you install a program it will create this file if it doesn't exist or update it if it does. That's why you always have to reboot a system after you install a program. ( I always wondered about that.)


So before we try the "trojan removal" process I would open the wininit.ini file and see what's in there.( The file is located in the windows directory.) We could then make a copy of the file and delete the orginal.
------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"




[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

starting again from a new start up disk (fresh)..

machine says: 3 choices , I choose - start win98 with cd rom support..

it then says:
MSCDEX Version 2.25
micro$haft..etc..
Drive E:= Driver OEMCD001 unit 0
Drive F:= Driver OEMCD001 unit 1

A:\>

thats where I'm @

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[sea69]

HEY!!!.. where'd everyone go ??

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

OK... now type "copy c:\windows\wininit.ini c:\wininit.bak"
Then type "c:" and once at the C prompt type "dir wininit.bak"
You should see the wininit.bak file.

Then type "del c:\windows\wininit.ini" and reboot.


Still here ...just have to do some work you know to the boss happy http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

hehe must keep the boss thinking you are busy.. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

did as you said:

"A:\>copy c:\windows\wininit.ini c:\wininit.bak
File not found-c:\windows\wininit.ini
0 files copied

A:\>dir wininit.bak

"Volume in drive C has no label
Volume is serial number xxxxx
Directory of C:\

File not found
24,123,48 MB free

C:\> "end.

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

Good that means that there are no outstanding installations. The Wininit.ini file is only in the windows directory if you have installed a program that has created it.

To be on the safe side type "C:" then "dir /w/p" you should get a listing of all the files at the root of the C drive make sure the Windows directory is listed.(hit the enter key to scroll down further in the list.)

If everything is there then I would move on to using the "trojan removal" program that mjc's link points to.

If that doesn't work then the only option left is a bad Vmm32.vxd file. (since you have already replaced the wininit.exe file with one from your computer. You might still want to extract the original one from the setup disk to be safe.)

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[mjc]

The MSKB article states that the "safe to shut down..." is a sign of a corrupt VMM32.vxd and I found a link on how to rebuild it but it assumes you're rebuilding it for update purposes. Otherwise MS says reinstall. One of my previous posts had a link for how to preserve the Compaq system partition when reinstalling on a new drive.

Rebuild Vmm32.vxd (http://www.infinisource.com/techfiles/vmm32.html)

You may want to see if Vmm32.vxd is even on the machine!

At c:>cd\windows\system
c:>dir /w/p

and look for Vmm32.vxd

It can't be copied from one machine to another (unless they are the same exactsetup -- i.e. factory fresh same everything) because it is custom made during Win9x installation.


------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[bassvax]

Hey You Cats oughtta head over to the new live chat channel Charles set up seeing as how closely (timewise) you are communicating. I was just there...it is empty 'ceptin' for Charles It was nice to chat with him even if for only a couple of minutes. Sorry I can't offer Sea any help with prob, but thought you guys might want to put that IRC to work. Later http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
ps-MJC Did you get the Google toolbar? I think it is a great compliment to their search engine.

------------------
Jerry

[Ghost_Hacker]

The IRC is a great option . But at work I would have to download and install MIRC, then proably have to reconfigure the firewall, yada, yada ,blahblah, http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif That's a project that will have to wait for another day. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[mjc]

Bass,

No, I've got a Logitech scroll mouse with webwheel and have it configured there, I've got a small monitor and I keep the IE toolbars on autohide (Option whe in FS mode or theater or whatever they call it these days)



------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[sea69]

I haven't 'perfected' mirc as yet http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

in c:\windows dir, I have 310 files,- 32 directories
"c:\windows>cd dir vmm32.vxd
Too many parameters- vmm32.vxd


**BTW- Thanks to all on this.. hehe mjc, so now what??
re-install??

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-13-2001).]

[mjc]

The line should be c:>cd\windows\system

That will get you to the Windows system directory then do: dir /w/p

Don't you just hate DOS?


------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[sea69]

thanks, yes I have located it and am looking at how to rebuild it.. how can this file have gotten corrupted ??

** and no, don't hate it.. just dont speak it.. hehe
(like dutch) I know very little



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-13-2001).]

[mjc]

To Re-Create the Vmm32.vxd File
Restart your computer. For Windows 95, when you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, press the F8 key, and then choose Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu. For Windows 98, press and hold down the CTRL key after your computer completes the Power On Self Test (POST), and then choose Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu.


Type the following line to change to the Windows\System folder:

cd \windows\system


Type the following line:

ren vmm32.vxd vmm32.old


Reinstall Windows 95/98.


NOTE: If you installed Windows 95 from a CD-ROM, you may need to enable the Mscdex.exe line in the Autoexec.bat file or reinstall the real-mode CD-ROM drivers included with the CD-ROM drive before you can reinstall Windows 95. After you enable the real-mode CD-ROM drivers, repeat step 1 to restart the computer

------------------
mjc
I'm making my own links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

[sea69]

ok, let me make sure I have this correct:

I understand the 1st part.. that is clear, I do not get the second part.. yes it was I assume originally installed from a cd.. I dont understand this remark..lol

I have the win98se cd, and the compaq "Quick Restore" cd with (hopefully all the drivers )

do I go ahead with your instructions or what ??

confused.. 2 brian cells here..ones lost the others looking for him

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

The second part only matters if you boot the computer without a bootdisk. You would then have to edit the startup files to load the CD-ROM's drivers.


------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

you guys have gone past me again.. I'm wondering if I should from where I am: C:\windows\system

do I do the above instructions and re-install (I dont have the cd in)will it ask me for it??

I have not formated c:/s yet either , are you saying to reinstall without formating first ??

**please, I'm dying here.............where's my diazepam???

hehe Pete's gonna fall out his chair when he see's this thread...



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-13-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

I would not format the hard drive just reinstall the operating system on top of itself. (we just want to rebuild one file) As long as you have the restore disk you can restore the installed apps the computer came with. Any other programs may need to be reinstalled later ( or you could do a backup of the User.dat and system.dat files. then when the reinstall is done just copy them back. again this is optionalTo do this boot the computer then type
"attrib -r -h c:\windows\*.dat". Then type "copy c:\windows\system.dat c:\system.dat" and "copy c:\windows\user.dat c:\user.dat")

Use your Windows 98 boot disk to start the computer and then run setup from your CD-rom's prompt. If you have the CD in when you boot the computer I belive it will start the process for you. Don't forget to have the license information nearby.

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

cool thanks for the fast reply GH.. and to all who have helped.. gonna do it.. will advise http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[sea69]

update:

booted with floppy and win98cd in machine.. got to Windows set up, it reccomends I exit because OS is already there.. F1 for help says " Your computer may have a disk compression program indtalled on it. Because this sysytem may contain an existing operating system or dtat setup cannot continue."

ok went into set up... it ran scandisk....scan disk..Problem found (many found but this ones not going away) :
The D:\DIR00003\..(never mind that one)

,,>>> I can deffinetly tell you that the problem is in D drive.. ( where compaq keeps it's system save and part of the bios).....

100 "fix it's" later.. all in D:\DIRR0000....with funny charaters on the end...

this has to be a virus, I'm looking at characters that are not on my charater map

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

scan disk says: The root directory of drive D contains too many files.

The root directory for D drive can contain no more than 512 files. Scan disk can not save any more lost clusters as files because the root firectory of D drive has reached it's limit.

To finish repairing drive D, move or delete some files from its root directory."

can not view log.. "Out of memory"..

finally:

"Setup found errors on your hard disk.
You must repair these errors before continuing with Setup.
For more information, see SETUP.TXT on Setup disk1 or the Windows CD-ROM.
Press any key to quit setup."

now what ??????

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

Run setup with the IS option this skips the scandisk process.

Setup /is


Don't forget to rename the Vmm32 file before running the install.


ren vmm32.vxd vmm32.old


------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

ok GH.. thanks bud!!

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

If you get that "out of memory" error again. Run setup with the IQ option.

setup /is /iq

This skips both scandisk and crosslink file checking.


I think that's about the only other problem that can come up. (knock on wood)

Let this be a lesson to the kiddies. Everything is so much harder on a Compaq
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[sea69]

no, it still scans d. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

and if I enter dont fix and exit it says the drives damaged again

same thing all over again, unbelievable

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

OK boot to dos then type "attrib -r-h c:\msdos.sys".
now type "edit c:\msdos.sys"

look for a line that says: AutoScan=1

change that to: AutoScan=0


save and reboot.

Start setup with these options

setup /is/iq

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-13-2001).]

[sea69]

did what you said changed to=0,

entered "setup /is/iq"

@ "C:\WINDOWS" prompt, machine says: Bad command or file name."

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

Run setup with those options from your CD drive's prompt.

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[sea69]

this keeps getting worse... the compaq nightmare..

now when @ the "C:\>" prompt if I type "e:" it says "Invalid drive specification"

if I type win @ c prompt, it says:
"VMM32.VXD is required to run Windows.
If this file is not in your PATH, you may need to reinstall Windows."

lol.. you think?

**sorry for taking so long to reply, my email notification isnt working as good as usual

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-13-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

The VMM error is to expected because we renamed the file.
Reboot the computer and watch to see what drive letter is assigned to the CDROM or if it loads the drivers. It should... I think it just reassigned the letter on you http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gifThen type setup /is/iq at that prompt.


I hope we can avoid having to format anything. If this was any other computer I would just format and install. But Compaqs are tricky about leaving thier BIOS info on their hard drives.

Why a company would make it so hard to reconfigure their systems and people still buy their stuff is beyond me.

Aggghhhh http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[sea69]

when booting to command prompt:

"ESS PCI Audio DOS Device Driver.. "bla bla Allegro-1

"Windows XMS Driver Version 3.95
Extended Memory Specification (XMS) Version 3.0

Warning: Invalid parameter ignored:
Installed A20 handler number1.
64K High Memory Area (HMA) is available.

Windows Extended Memory Driver Version 4.95

Invalid parameter specified.
Press any key when ready...
EMM386 successfully installed.

Expanded memory services unavailable.

Total upper memory avail... 66KB
Largest Upper Memory Block avail... 58KB
Upper memory starting address... D000 H

EMM 386 Active.

ATAPI IDE CD-ROM device driver version V 1.23B
2 drives detected
unit 1, MASTER, IRQ 15 1/0 address 0x0170
unit2, SLAVE, IRQ 15, I/O address 0x0170"

then the macafee bs...
then
"ESS PCI Audio DOS Device Setup Utility, Version 2.31G

Allegro-1
Current PCI IRQ: 5 PCI IO Base: 1000
DMA Mode is Via DDMA

SBPro Game Settings:
SB I0=220h IRQ=5 DMA=1
MPU401 I0=330H
Game Port I0=200h"

then it repeats the ESS PCI Audio DOS Setup bla bla again, and then the :
"SBPro Game Settings" again, and then:
C:\>"

end >>>>>>?????????????

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[Ghost_Hacker]

Ok first when ever I boot to DOS I use a plain jane boot disk, either a DOS disk or a Windows 98 disk. A 'plain jane" disk loads only the cd rom drivers,dos memory management TSR, and nothing else. If you get a chance download one of these disk from here : bootdisks (http://www.bootdisk.com/)


I'm betting that you are booting from your hard drive that's why it loads Sound blaster and other drivers which we don't need and ends up at the "C" prompt. But it should still work ( notice that it does find the "Atapi IDE CD-ROM device" you have 2 of them.) When the computer is finished booting and just before you get the C: prompt it will tell you which letters were assighed to those drives.

IF for some odd ball reason it does not. Then just start at d and go up from there. (IE: try "D:" then "E:" then "F:" and so on till you find the drive letter that works. make sure to place your Windows disk in the drive, so you can do a "DIR" when you find a drive letter that works.)


I would recommend that you get a "plain jane" Windows 98 boot disk and a DOS boot disk from the link above and use them for any "troubleshooting" session with a computer that uses Windows.


If we can not get past "scandisk" then we'll have no choice, but to format and reinstall. Make sure you have all Compaq documentation before begining and that Compaq recover disk. It should be an easy process to do, heck even my mom can rebuild a Compaq, but then again this process we're doing now should be easy too http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-14-2001).]

[sea69]

and good morning to you !! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

I could download another boot disk, but the one I have is a MicroShaft premade one.. Win98se.. I dont think its the boot disk as it goes into setup.. (from cd)

its after that what concerns me..........

uh oh.. this time it went to "scan registry.. and I now have the Windows 98 Setup page.. whoooooo hooooo!!..
(never got this far b 4)

**update: finally got the Windows Setup Wizard.. I'm in setup process.. will advise in 24 minutes...

**btw- GH, you da man!!




[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[sea69]

sad again here........

got all the way to Product Key.. and it says its invalid??
it is the product key (for the cd I'm trying to install from)...however, it is not the original cd that this system was installed with...

what now ??..

**note: on my pc, the product key is copied on the back of my case..it isn't on his..lord..

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Is this an OEM disk (IE: did it come with a computer or did you buy it retail?)


After it says the key is wrong, type it in again and hit enter.
If that does not work. Cancel the install and look for a "Msbatch.inf" file on his hard drive. Type "dir *inf /w/p" at the C prompt.

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-14-2001).]

[sea69]

it is " For distribution with a new PC only. For product support contact the manufacturer" ..lala

OEM's by Micrsoft Licensing Inc.,

0499 Part No. x03-77962

for PCs without Windows

------------------
"Remember your 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

OK if the "hit the enter key again" bit didn't work.


Look for an "Msbatch.inf" file on your windows disk.
Type "dir *inf /w/p" at the cd rom's prompt.

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[BigBlue66]

Good Morning Sea,

Other than the POS giving you headaches, how ya doin?

Sounds like there will be no further option than formatting the HD. You are trying to install over the existing OS, that's why it's asking for the Product Key that is equal to the one on the machine. A clean format should do away with that problem.

HOWEVER, as already pointed out several times, make sure you know what you are doing with the Compaq. Formatting the HD will most likely wipe out the BIOS, or at least part of it. Do as I suggested before, and find out if you can copy that BIOS information to a floppy, or three of them, making double damn sure the floppies are good. Seems to me that I have seen both Randy_tx and Pete mention something about putting the BIOS on floppies, but you had best find out for sure how to do that!

You might want to hang tight for awhile though, maybe somebody knows how to get past the Product Key problem. Be patient, and if a few others echo what I think, then find out how to copy that BIOS and then format. After that, it's routine.

Good luck Sea.

WHOOPS, just noticed GH's post. Sounds like damn good advice to me. Follow it to the letter and maybe you can get past the Key problem.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

P.S. Don't mean to beat a dead horse here, Sea, but you REALLY should get a DOS book. That way, you will know how to change to a different drive letter, change to a different directory and do some of the DOS commands without getting syntax errors. DOS is real picky about syntax. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[sea69]

to GH> ok, and then what ??


to BB 66> goodmorning to you as well, still trying here http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

OK Sea,

Here's where it get's tricky http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

If he has the MSbatch file on his hard drive then make a note of where it is. (it should be at the root of the C drive.) So type "Attrib -r-h msbatch .inf at the "C" prompt. Then type "edit msbatch.inf", look for a "ProductID" line. Some OEMs use the msbatch file to input the productid. If it's not encrypted we can copy it down and use his key to finish the install. (In theory anyway)

------------------
"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"

[sea69]

hehe cool, I will try that... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

**edit: BB, I do remember these commands after doing them a few times.. lol

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[sea69]

gonna change this thread to Part2 (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum15/HTML/000260.html)

meet me there everyone.. hehe http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

this is gottten too long.. where's Pete ..?? ehe

Pete, if you lock this, can you make it be still available please?

click HERE (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum15/HTML/000260.html) for continuation...



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]

[jdesan]

Originally posted by BigBlue66:
Hi Sea,

"I was under the impression that Compaq stored at least part of their BIOS on the harddrive. Now, if you format the HD, won't you wipe out the BIOS? I can't quite figure out why the restore disk won't work. 'Course, formatting may be the only way to go, but before I did that, I would try to find out if you can copy the bios to a floppy before formatting the HD. If you can, be sure to make about three floppies of the BIOS, just in case."

Didn't do this right, my response is below regarding the statement aboove. Sorry.

Part of the BIOS is on the Hard drive? How can that be? I admit I know little but how would it even boot if you had to change the hard drive? Please explain. Is Compaq only doing this? Why? What's the point?

Also, did he try to boot using safe mode? I skiped through alot of the posts but didn't recall seeing that advice.



I'm out of my league here, Sea. Hope somebody can help out.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66



[This message has been edited by jdesan (edited 03-14-2001).]

[sea69]

I do not understand your point (above post) if indeed you were trying to make one... hehe

I welcome all comments on this thread.. Please put them HERE (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum15/HTML/000260.html).. ...Part 2 (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum15/HTML/000260.html)



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 03-14-2001).]