Boot to safe mode then illegal operation error

[Max]

Can anyone please help, after installing some software I can't get back into windows. Originally I got a cmos error which I have corrected by simply running setup and saving and exiting. I can boot the pc but when I go into windows either in safe mode or normal mode an illegal operation error is displayed and I can't get any further. I close the box and just get the blue windows background with Safe mode in the corners. The message looks like an error on explorer.exe.

I have tried using my recovery disk etc but it doesn't seem to do much. I've also tried sys c: to no avail, although I'm not sure what that does. I've had some errors like Himem.sys is missing, vid-cde? is missing and lines incorrect on config.sys. I'm not very tecchie, so any help would be appreciated. My next step is to try to run windows setup again from cd if I can find my cd drive and then run fdisk to partition. Is this the best way to go?

Many thanks.

[diurnal]

Yes reformatting is probably your next option, but its a extreme option, it will get you back running. The files you specified are boot files , they are either corrupted or a virus got you. My opinion is that its a virus, because sys c: usually does the trick.
First run scandisk, if you cant get to windows type in scandisk at the c:/
, I think thats the right command , then run a thorough scan, and try to reboot then.

If scandisk command doesnt work type in chkdisk, and see if that will do.
If it still doesnt boot , reformat.

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Sledgehammer will save the day!

[bassman]

So Max,
When you get to the "Blue Windows Background with Safe mode in the corners", have you tried to do anything?
If you go into Device manager, are there any conflicts?
What OS? Are you familiare with working in DOS?
Before you wipe out your HDD totaly(Fdisk), lets see if we can get rid of whatever you put in first http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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Please let us know if what we suggest helps. This helps us help you better.

[Max]

Thanks for your responses, however, i've got a little further (pure accident I think) I have managed to boot my pc from the boot disk with cd support after typing the command EBT? I think it was. From there I managed to re-install Windows 98 and can now get icons etc on my desktop. My printer and scanner seem to be working ok, but my modem is not being detected although I have reinstalled, loaded a new set of drivers downloaded from the Time site where I bought my pc and still no action. Messages says modem is busy / in use / not installed properly and I want to reset my internet connection. I am also getting an error Vide-cdd missing and when I try and close down my pc correctly it says lconn missing and Runtime.dll missing. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Rick]

Max.

You may want to uninstall the software that was installed Before you started having problems.
Also check the startup folder for programs that may use the modem.
In addition look for one of the many dialer programs that are being distributed across the net.
They are a pain .. They try to Phone home, or dial an Expensive service .

Also If you are unable to find what is using the modem try using Ctrl,Alt.Del to see what is running in the back ground.

If you can access Windows in safe Mode .
Use the device manager to remove all old copies of the modem drives and the modem itself.
Then reboot the system.
If the modem is not found on the reboot and asks for new device drivers.
You need to reinstall the original drivers from the manufacturer .

It should then find and update the modem

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To ERR is HUMAN
To REALLY screw things UP, YOU NEED a COMPUTER !