Operating System Not Found

[ShelleyMPD911]

My mom just called, said her computer was fine today, however, she just now turned it on and is getting "Operating System Not Found".....that sounds bad, how can I fix it?

[i an not a nerd]

Well, we need to know things such as what Operating system the computer is running, and system specs would be nice.

[ShelleyMPD911]

Windows 98 is about all i know, i'll have to get back to ya on that.

[i an not a nerd]

Ok, it's possible that something got messed in the BIOS, so first suggestion would be unplugging the computer, taking out the CMOS battery on the motherboard, waiting around 5 mins or so and then putting it back in, set it up again, and fire it up. If this doesn't work, then win98 might need to be reinstalled. If this is an OEM computer aka not a home brewed computer, then that involves reformating the HD. THis will erase all data on the HD, so I would recommend sticking the HD into another computer (make sure that the jumpers on the HD are set as slave) and copy any important files. Then, use the other computer to format the HD as a FAT32 drive. Then plug back into the original computer, put in the install disc for win98, and run though the setup.

[Quantax]

Since this is 98, you should insert a 98 Startup disk, pick the option where you don't need CD Rom support, then at the A:> prompt, type in sys C: then hit ENTER. This will then transfer critical bootup files. Then hit alt-control-delete once or twice in order to reboot.

If this doesn't work then at the next A:> prompt, type in Fdisk /mbr and hit ENTER. This rewrites the master boot record which might be the source of the problem.

[Sylvander]

She could use the startup floppy and DOS commands to read the HDD to check if the files & folders are all there.

You could make her bootable CD's that [among other things] can read her HDD as follows:

1. Knoppix = www.knoppix.org/ [free].
This is an operating system [alternative to Windows] that loads from a bootable CD.
Has lots of programs [web browser, HDD browser etc].
They load somewhat slower than those from the HDD, but are just as effective, and sometimes more so. I found the music player gave louder volume than the Windows version.


2. EBCD = http://ebcd.pcministry.com/ [free]
Has lots of useful utilities. Can read the HDD, make Image file backups and restore them, and many more. The helpful information included explains the cause and solution to your mom's PC problem [as explained by Quantax (but not MBR)].

[Paul Komski]

A sudden "Operating System Not Found" is likely to be a bad drive or cable or a loose ribbon cable connecting the mobo to the HDD. Check the BIOS setup first to see if the drive is being recognised there.

[jlreich]

A sudden "Operating System Not Found" is likely to be a bad drive or cable or a loose ribbon cable connecting the mobo to the HDD. Check the BIOS setup first to see if the drive is being recognised there.
Yes I agree most likely a bad disk or bad connection. If it's not recognized in the BIOS check /reseat cables. Try other known good cables. If the BIOS can see it then download the diagnostic utilities from the manufacturer and run a full test. If it passes then move on to the software side of things.