windows problem on startup

[september]

every time I start my computer, it is asking me to register my cd-key for windows 98.. i've had windows 98 on this computer for years, why is it asking me to register again??

I tried rebooting.When asked again to put in my cd key I typed it in, and proceeded but then an ''explorer error'' has occurred this device will be terminated.... and then nothing happens *this also happens if I try and load using 'safe mode'

so windows wont load up at all.

cant find reboot disc. have zone alarm, anti virus. prior to this hadnt made any changes, deleted, uploaded anything on to computer.

how do i bye pass this registeration prompt???

any help be very grateful.

thx.

[GX1_Man]

If you are being asked for the actual key you are infected with some sort of malware. What protection are you using?

Have a read here:

http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1149948530

[september]

thanks for the link.

not encouraged by 'erasing my hard drive'.

my protection is zonealarm with the firewall & anti virus.

I've been told restoring my windows 98 registry may fix the problem  :-?

[GX1_Man]

I would be interested in what turns up with some real malware scans.

Do you have a Win98 boot disk?

Have a read here:

http://www.rickrogers.org/sfc.htm

[patio]

http://pcsupport.about.com/cs/pctutorials/a/lostkey.htm

patio.   8-)

[GX1_Man]

Patio, I don't think he lost his product key. He evens tates he typed it in at one point. My position is that a normal Windows installation free of malware NEVER asks for the product key once it has been installed.