can someone please help me with windows 98 recovery?

[crazee4celtic]

Hi-
I'm hoping someone can help me.  One of the computers at my house is an older Dell XPS 550 computer that I use and which is still running windows 98se.  Last week, I bought an external hard drive to back up my computer and to be able to move information to a new computer when I get one and of course while I was gone over the Thanksgiving holiday, my computer crashed.  The error message says "windows file missing... you must reinstall Windows".  I can't even get it to work in safe mode.  I have some important legal information in there that I need to get out.  Can anyone tell me if I can recover my needed information?  Is there some way I can reload Windows 98 that won't wipe everything out?   Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[alyoob]

Visit this website http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and download the windows 98se bootdisk file and save it on a cd then when windows starts up use the disk to bootup the system. The disk contain information that might fix the problem you are encounting while booting the computer. When you are done please post back the results.

[Broni]

Welcome aboard

Try this tutorial:
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/How-to-reinstall-Windows-98-95-t479.html

[crazee4celtic]

Is there any way to save "My documents" folder as well desktop items?  How about Favorites?  The re-install tutorial will delete all of those.

[Broni]

Do you actually have Windows 98 CD?

[crazee4celtic]

Yes, I have the Windows 98 CD that came with the computer. 

[Broni]

Start your computer, while holding CTRL key. Boot menu will appear. Pick DOS mode.
At DOS prompt, type in:
chkdsk /f (<----watch for "space")
Hit Enter.
Have your CD ready.

[crazee4celtic]

ok... thank you.  what exactly will this do?
Is it some type of overwriting?  or ??

[Broni]

No. If it'll find corrupted Windows files, it'll ask you for Windows CD to replace bad file with good file.
Be patient. It may take a while.

[dahlarbear]

Broni, can you confirm that?  I thought you were to only use "scandisk" on a Win9x system.  I thought in the Win9x world "chkdsk" was only for DOS Fat16 or something (and perhaps won't handle FAT32 or "long file names"). 

At any rate, aren't you thinking of the "sfc" (system file check) program as the one to use to check for missing/corrupt files?

[patio]

I don't believe there is sfc in Win98.

You're safest bet to grab that data right now would be to remove the Win98 HDD and hook it up in a working machine as a slave drive then copy/burn the data you need.
After that is done if you still want to attempt to repair the Win98 install let us know. You need a basic understanding of DOS commands and it doesn't always retain all your data which is why i suggest doing the above first...
Let us know.

[dahlarbear]

I don't believe there is sfc in Win98.

Yes, there is.  "sfc.exe" lives in the "C:\Windows\System" directory, but I just realized it is a 32-bit program, not a 16-bit program; so I guess it can't be run under control of a Windows 98SE boot disk.

[patio]

I just fired up my Win98 all in one to see and i don't show sfc.exe...
Win98SE on a Gateway Profile unit.

[soybean]

Yes, there is.  "sfc.exe" lives in the "C:\Windows\System" directory,

I agree; I've confirmed that on an eMachines 466id running Win 98SE.  Can run it via Start, Run, ....

[patio]

Where's mine doggonit ? ?
 

[quaxo]

It's a normal tool for Windows 98. Microsoft refers to its use in Windows 98 here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/188867

[patio]

I'm aware of what it is and what it does...i was stating it is not on this install of Win98SE.

[quaxo]

I know you know what it is and does 

It's on my old Win98SE computer too, no idea why you don't have it though 

[WillyW]

...  Can run it via Start, Run, ....

Same.   And also as in attached screen cap.
Win98SE here.



[saving disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]

[Broni]

It looks like I got mixed up, myself.
I was thinking about "sfc", which as you say, exist in Win 98, but i said 'chkdsk". No harm done with chkdsk, but I was really thinking about "sfc".
In that case, running BOTH commands wouldn't hurt...hehehe (am I like Solomon, or what?...LOL)

[WillyW]

It looks like I got mixed up, myself.
I was thinking about "sfc", which as you say, exist in Win 98, but i said 'chkdsk". No harm done with chkdsk, but I was really thinking about "sfc".
In that case, running BOTH commands wouldn't hurt...hehehe (am I like Solomon, or what?...LOL)

But wouldn't it be wise to do what patio said -  slave the drive, copy/save, etc. -   first  ?

[soybean]

I'm aware of what it is and what it does...i was stating it is not on this install of Win98SE.

I found this comment in a forum thread via a Google find: "For Win 98SE: SFC.EXE is in Win98_46,CAB, SFCDLL,DLL in WIN_40.CAB and SFC.HLP in Win98_49.CAB.?"

If you can get into those CAB files, apparently you could add it to your Win 98SE system.

[Broni]

But wouldn't it be wise to do what patio said -  slave the drive, copy/save, etc. -   first  ?

Yes, sir.
I was just explaining my mix up.

[patio]

Found it in the appropiate .cab file and added it...ran it to test and got a blue screen   

After re-booting and adding it again and shutting down after a restart all runs fine.
I forgot how sensitive 98 is to adding components.I have no idea why it wasn't there in the full install. I just re-did that install back in June sometime as i had a 5 machine project for a small Law firm so i needed to refresh my lost brain cells for it.

Windows.

[WillyW]

...so i needed to refresh my lost brain cells for it.

They're in CAB 99.
Beware of rebooting brain after install though.


 

[crazee4celtic]

I appreciate everyone's input on this.  I learn more as each of you posts.  I understand what the slave stuff means and it sounds like everyone agreed that should be step one.  I have that same set up on this computer right now. I have a 40 gig as my master and another 40 gig set up as a slave.  Originally, it was a 13 gig with a 40 gig slave.  It was set up that way in 1999 right after purchasing the Dell.  In the past, I had copied the entire C: drive onto the D: drive when it was starting to act weird and didn't lose anything. This time, the crash came first.  Can someone please refresh my memory on how I'm supposed to do the slave process?  I think I remember needing a wide flat "cord" and also having to do some programming or run software or something.  That was a long time ago so things are a bit fuzzy.  Thank you everyone!
Nancy

[2k_dummy]

I'd start by running scanreg/restore from the DOS command prompt. Choose a date prior to the beginning of the problem. Reboot. If this doesn't work, you can do a "dirty" or "over the top" reinstall. You will need your original CD and and product key. This will reinstall windows without loosing all your data, although some changes/updates may revert to their original files, as this is what windows attempts to do (can you say, IE4? ) You may wish to retrieve your product key first, for safeties sake.

From the start menu, select "Command prompt only". Type this from a DOS prompt only (NOT start/run).

Find.exe/I "ProductKey" %winbootdir%\SYSTEM.DAT

 Carefully note and write down the product key. Restart and allow windows to proceed with the installation-----with one notable exception------. Windows will try to install to a secondary directory with a name similar c:\windowsII or other off the wall name. Choose the original windows directory. Provided there are no other major malfunctions, You should should wind up with an original windows installation, data intact.

[patio]

crazee,
You don't want to do this on your machine as your master is the one you need data backed up from.
You want to pull out your master and hook it up as a slave in another working machine ( preferably with a burner ) so you can grab the data from it.
There is no "program" to run at all. Power cable; data cable; and set the jumper on your drive to slave.
It should be connected to the middle connector on the IDE cable of the other machine either on their HDD cable or the CDRom cable...both will work.Then when you boot up the other machine and open Windows Explorer your drive will be there probably listed as D: with all your data and programs.
Simply copy and burn your info to a CD/DVD and you should be good to go.

At that point you can replace the drive in your machine and with a little editing we can attempt a repair install of Win98 to fix your issues...

Let us know if you have any further questions.

[Dusty]

Win.98 Repair Install.

1.  Boot from a bootdisk with cd support.

2.  Enter C:
             CD Windows
             REN WIN.COM WIN.OLD
             
3.  Insert the Win.98 OS cd into the drive then enter
               R:             (where R: is the drive letter for the cdrom.)
               CD WIN98   
               SETUP       (it is important to run Setup from within the Win98                                        directory.)

Follow the on-screen prompts until you get the option to install to the "Windows.000" or "Another Directory".  Choose to install in Another Directory and when prompted for the directory name enter C:\Windows then click Next.

Follow the on-screen prompts to do a 'repair' or 'over the top' install.  No data will be lost.

Is there any way to save "My documents" folder as well desktop items?  How about Favorites?  The re-install tutorial will delete all of those.

Folders and files which are outside the Windows folder are not affected by the Win98 Repair install above but I recommend that you backup anyway..

Good luck.

[2k_dummy]

One more for fun.
You will need a win98 boot floppy with CDrom support and your win CD. In addition, you will need to know the name of the missing or corrupted file and its proper location on the HD. Boot with the floppy and then insert the cd. You can use a utility called ext.exe. You want find this file searching the HD because it is compressed inside EBD.cab and is expanded to the ram drive on start up. Run EXT.exe from the DOS command prompt. Answer the questions (file name and where you want the file placed). EXT will search all the .cab files, find it if exists, and place it where you told it to. Very handy and fast when dealing with only a few files, and no scrambling through .cab files to locate it.

You can put away the hot iron now, You just flattened my last brain wrinkle.

[crazee4celtic]

I'm sorry I didn't reply back sooner, year end is approaching and I've been working overtime.  I tried running the scanreg/restore from DOS but that didn't work. It brought me right back to the error message I got when I first crashed.  When I tried the chkdks /f and the sfc  at the DOS prompt, it said bad command.  I am also getting these error messages.  Missing files  vgartd.vxd and  hpsjvxd.vxd as well as  error loading Explorer.exe.  Two other error messages I get are  required file not found msvcp71.dll  and C:\windows\system\shlwapi.dll.  Can any of you help please?

[Broni]

scanreg/restore

There is a space there:
scanreg /restore

chkdks /f

I can see space here, but make sure there is one, when you type in your command.

sfc

Try:
sfc /scannow
rather.

[crazee4celtic]

I'm still getting error message for all three of those saying bad command or file name.  After Thanksgiving, the other thing that was odd was my LG monitor, which is only about a year old, won't work on my old Dell or my newer HP.  It won't power up at all.  Might that have something to do with it?  I'm at a loss...

[dahlarbear]

1.  Check Disk.  Typographic error - It's not "chkdks", it's "chkdsk".

2.  Scan Disk.  The best utility to verify the integrity of a FAT32 file system (supporting long file names, not just "8.3" name format) as well as the disk surface it occupies under MS-DOS or a Win9x/ME operating system is "scandisk" not "chkdsk".  You might have to check its command options to determine how you want to run it.  Access "help" via "scandisk /?".

3.  From the following unauthoritative link:

    http://www.jpsdomain.org/windows/winvoodoo.html

Run ScanDisk and/or Chkdsk

Do this after using the boot disk.

ScanDisk and Chkdsk (Check Disk) perform more or less the same function. The difference is that Chkdsk is the old, DOS, command line tool, which does not really know about long file names. ScanDisk is the more modern graphical tool that can deal with a few more problems than Chkdsk. There is also command line (non GUI) version of ScanDisk.
Non-GUI

   1. Boot to "DOS".
   2. Type "scandisk" and let it run.
   3. Reboot when finished.

GUI

   1. Double-Click on "My Computer".
   2. Right-Click on the C: drive.
   3. Choose "Properties".
   4. Find the "Tools" tab and choose it.
   5. Click on the "Check Now" button.

[crazee4celtic]

When I type in scandisk I get a new window saying "Scandisk is unable to check drive because there is no extended memory driver loaded on your computer"  Plus a whole bunch of other error message.  Is this what you meant by saying I may have to check its command options?  Do you need the rest of the error message?

[dahlarbear]

1.  Error Message.  No, I don't need the rest of the error messages at this time.  That error message has nothing to do with the scandisk command options.  At any rate it's not normal.  This error message as well as your previous references to "bad command" or "bad filename" indicate missing system files or a "bad" environment after boot.  If you're starting from a "working" Windows 98SE boot disk (floppy or CD), you shouldn't have any of these problems.  They setup a "working" environment and you should be able to execute the basic programs from the boot floppy or CD.

2.  Boot Device and Media.  What I need to know is, what operating system and media are you booting from?

     a.  Are you starting from a Windows 98SE boot disk (floppy)?

     b.  Are you starting from a Windows 98SE boot disk (CD)?

     c.  Are you starting from the Windows 98SE setup CD? Not really the same thing as the "boot CD".  I know, it's confusing.

     d.  Are you starting from suspect hard drive containing your Windows 98SE operating system (with missing files)?

3.  Goal.  What is your immediate goal?  If saving your data files is the most important thing, you shouldn't be using the hard drive in the current environment.  If your startup problems have been caused by a hardware problem, you could damage the file system and/or data files within it.  As "patio" and "WillyW" have asserted, it would be best to recover the hard drive's data from a "working" computer system first, then fix the problem child.

If on the other hand, you're trying to recover the data in-place, you should be starting from a "working" boot disk.  It doesn't sound like you are.

[ianbell]

Be very careful running scanreg/restore - in my probably screwed up system it doesn't matter what date you pick it restores to the original w98se install - in other words all settings, all drivers and most of the installed programs are lost.
Why not download Seagate's hd test program for DOS and find out what,  if anything, is wrong with the hd - just be careful not to run the portion that wipes out info - it won't let you unless you type in a definite request.
If the system will not read the downloaded zip floppy this can be done on another computer with the hd attached as a slave - with the hd slaved should it not be possible to access the files on the drive by-passing windows?

[ianbell]

Oh yeah, forgot - you have to find the zip file on the downloaded Seagate floppy and unzip it and then go into the BIOS and change the boot sequence to 'floppy' from ID before it will run!

[GX1_Man]

You are all going down the wrong road, except Patio. Fixing Windows is not the most important thing at this point. Backing up the important data is. Slaving that hard drive to a functional one is the FIRST step, not the second or third. 

[crazee4celtic]

Thank you GX1_Man.  So if I slave my C: drive into my newer HP and the HP doesn't have Microsoft Word, but some other "pseudo" Word type program, can I still drag all of my legal documents over to the HP?  Or will it make a difference if I just drag all of it over to my external drive?  That's where I would like to store them.  My parents had a situation similar to this where they couldn't open Word docs because they had Microsoft Works or something like that.  Input please ?

[GX1_Man]

I would definitely just copy the files over to the external then for now. If that machine has a CD or DVD burner I would also put the entire collection on an optical disk as well. It does not matter what version of word is on a machine.  A file is a file.

Be sure and use the Copy command and NOT the Move command. If something bad happens in the transfer you will not have deleted the originals in the process. 

Make sure your hard drive jumper settings are correct and that the drive is seen correctly in the BIOS screen before you start trying this. If this is not the case, let us know. 

[crazee4celtic]

Make sure your hard drive jumper settings are correct and that the drive is seen correctly in the BIOS screen before you start trying this. If this is not the case, let us know.

I don't know what it means when you said, "...make sure that the drive is seen correctly in the BIOS screen before you start trying this."  My HP is less than a year old, I'd prefer to have at least one computer running, so I'm sorry if this is a dumb question.  Also, in looking at some other forums about slaving a drive, some comments said to have to power off and some said you can leave it connected. Why would you want the power connected? 

[GX1_Man]

Always unplug the computer from the wall BEFORE doing any work inside.

After you set the jumpers to slave on the old drive and connect it (You do not have to mount it in the chassis. Just connect the power and data cable.)

Plug in the computer and restart the machine, but press the key to enter the BIOS. I think HP uses F2. You will see a screen you have never seen before which will show you how much memory is installed, what hard drives, etc. Do not change anything but see if 2 hard drives are listed. If so, press escape and exit out and loet your machine restart normally.

If any problems, post back. As a matter of fact, post back in any case. We like success stories.