Start up nightmare

[Anonymous]

When I start up my computer, everything appears to go well until I get to where my windows icons should appear. Nothing is there...no icons, no taskbar, nada...just my background. I try to start-up using step-by-step with the same outcome. If I try to get in in safe mode or by command prompt, I can't even get that far. Any suggestions?

[Dave@Bytes]

Can you move your mouse or does it seem to be frozen?

Have you changed anything recently?

In Step by Step Confirm, what is the last thing that loads before Windows?

[Anonymous]

Yes, my mouse is moving. The command that I need to respond "no" to is as follows:

c:\>c:\PROGRA~1\COMMOM~\NETWOR~1\VIRUSS~1\40~1.XX\ scan.exe


If I bypass that command by saying no, I can get to my empty screen. What can I try? Should I consider reinstalling Windows 98? If so, any advice on the process?

[Dave@Bytes]

Sorry...I think you might have to.

If you were able to get into Safe Mode, we'd have more options.

What kind of PC do you have? A major brand or a custom job?

Major brand pcs ship with restore CDs. Reinstalling is just a matter of putting the first disk in the cd drive and rebooting.

It's slightly more complicated with a custom computer.

Let me know what you have and we'll get started.

[Anonymous]

I wish I could tell you I have the cd in my hand, but I don't. I've asked a few people but have had no luck tracking one down yet. But just in case...if I reboot 98, will it mess up my drivers?

I'm beginning to think it'd be easier to fix it with a hammer!!

[Dave@Bytes]

No, if you reinstall the same version of Windows 98 over itself, you will not delete any files or drivers.

[Anonymous]

Still trying to track down the cd. I think they've sent them all up to Mars. LOL Thanks for your help!

[Dave@Bytes]

I think you're right, Sarah.

[Anonymous]

I have finally managed to get my hands on a Windows 98 cd...second edition. Now all I need to know is what to do with it!! LOL Can you give me a rundown on reinstallation for dummies?

[Dave@Bytes]

If you don't already have a floppy boot disk, you an make one from here

http://www.bootdisk.com

Put the startup disk in the floppy.

It'll ask you if you want to enable CD support....select yes.

Once you get to the A: prompt, start looking for the CD drive. It'll probably be E so type E: and hit ENTER. Once at the E:\ prompt type dir. You should see the setup.exe file here. If not, we're under the wrong drive letter.

If it's there, simply type setup.exe then hit ENTER.

The setup program on the cd should run.