Windows 98 Frustration

[keithmacsd]

My older Gateway 2000 runs on Windows 98 and it has a new problem that frustrates the h... out of me.  When I turn the computer on, it goes through the initial boot phase then flashes a DOS message "Windows protection error.  Your need to restart your computer."  When I restart, it wants me to start in safe mode, which I do.  It boots up okay, so I do a shut down - restart, which then opens Windows 98 in its regular mode and works fine thereafter.

However, whenever I shut down that computer -- even in standby -- it flashes the protection error message, and I have to go through the whole procedure again.  I wouldn't worry about it, except that my elderly HP ScanJet 5100C is hooked up to that computer, and that item isn't supported for Windows XP, which is what I have on my laptop.  I know I should be updating some of this old equipment, but it still works fine (except the Gateway, which operates okay once Windows settles in).

I went to Microsoft Support and read a couple of articles about protection errors, but they didn't cover my specific problem.  Can somebody out there help me figure out what to do?

[Computer Hope Admin]

Are you just getting "Windows protection error" or is it stating any other additional information such as issues initializing vkd.

Have you also tried using a different mouse and keyboard on the computer? Often this issue is caused by a faulty keyboard.

[honvetops]

Are you just getting "Windows protection error"   < Nathan's  first response*    this gave me an idea_

With all that older hardware ( mobo )  I am gonna guess you are having this ..............

 Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is an anti-piracy system enacted by Microsoft that enforces Microsoft Windows online validation of the authenticity of several recent Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services, such as Windows Update, and downloading from the Microsoft Download Center.

It also advertises Service Pack 2 of Windows XP, which requires manual intervention to disable. Previously voluntary, it became mandatory for use of these services in July 2005..

These automatic Updates / security features  can sometimes wreak havoc on certain   ahhh  illegal  Windows Products]    just guessing...............

[Computer Hope Admin]

I don't believe WGA applies to Windows 98 machines. Microsoft does not release any updates for this operating system any more unless it's an absolute security to all versions of Windows.

[honvetops]

for Windows XP, which is what I have on my laptop    just guessing here 

[Dusty]

I went to Microsoft Support and read a couple of articles about protection errors, but they didn't cover my specific problem.  Can somebody out there help me figure out what to do?

Did you read this one?

[keithmacsd]

To Dusty:  I did see that article, but I felt that I was reading Greek.  Now that I've reread it, I see I should try a couple of things, so I will.  Thanks.