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UPDATE: Minerva computer problem still continues

Despite of the Yshania's luck, my computer is still refusing to work properly.

Minerva's comment: "I want to cry... "

Okay, I went through Troubleshooting process via Safe Mode, and started with config.sys, autoexec.bat etc to identify if there's any particular line causing my computer problem.

I found "Image" programme was the cause to start Windows, so I removed it. (I knew that programme is up to no good. I should have removed it long time ago. )

Now, I can start Windows, though I bypassed all start up programmes by using Msconfig, just in case.

However, when I tried to do something, ie. save a document onto a floopy, it goes to the blue screen with "fatal error" message, then the screen froze (I could still use mouse, though). I used Alt+Ctlr+Del to check which programme was causing the problem, and found it's "Explorer". Of course, if I "end the task", whole screen went blank.

Also, sometimes it didn't freeze the screen and went back to the main windows screen. But I got "active desktop error", even after I turned off the background. The background had gone white with the message and icons. Very bizzare...

I suspect the original problem was caused by Image, trying to create image while Windows was doing something else, then broke both.

The Win98 Troubleshooting suggested to "reinstall Windows", but without any mention of "back up" or "reformat". Is it possible to reinstall it over the current system? As I mentioned above, I cannot send any files to anywhere, thus I cannot save anything onto my CD-RW. If I can reinstall windows, then save files I want to keep, I will reformat the whole hard drive, and reinstall windows (again) etc.

Sorry, I know it's confusing, because I'm confused...

Active desktop might still be on even if you haven't got a background, right click on desktop --> Properties --> got to the web tab and then click the "view my active desktop as a web pages" so the box is blank That should stop that problem

Well explorer is necessary to run the computer, Explorer and Systray are the only programs one needs to keep a machine running

Have you got any peripherals like Printers and Scanners attached to your machine?

Originally posted by Mr Sleep:
<STRONG>Active desktop might still be on even if you haven't got a background, right click on desktop --> Properties --> got to the web tab and then click the "view my active desktop as a web pages" so the box is blank That should stop that problem </STRONG>

Okay.

Well explorer is necessary to run the computer, Explorer and Systray are the only programs one needs to keep a machine running

Yes, and I think that is either damaged or gone mad.

Have you got any peripherals like Printers and Scanners attached to your machine

I have printer attached, but cannot use. Each time I tried (ie. to print the Troubleshooting pages), the "fatal error" message appeared.

You should be able to re-install windows over the top of the current one, do you have DOS support for your CD -Rom drive? Also you can go to Windows Explorer, go to D and double click setup

Originally posted by Minerva:
<STRONG>I have printer attached, but cannot use. Each time I tried (ie. to print the Troubleshooting pages), the "fatal error" message appeared.</STRONG>

What printer is it? Is it a HP?

Minerva, I had problems with the Nortons system works, with windows 98. You might need to get more RAM, the System Works uses alot of it. The other problem might be Windows 98 itself, it would depend on the version of it.

The other problem could be the Celeron Processor. Find out what you motherboard is and goto it's website. Check to see if you can upgrade your processor. If you need help please email me, I might have some Ideas that could help you.

Originally posted by Darkpoet:
<STRONG>Check to see if you can upgrade your processor. </STRONG>

Are you working for Intel

I have a celeron, never had any problems like this relating to a celeron.

[ 11-21-2001: Message edited by: Mr Sleep ]

Originally posted by Mr Sleep:
<STRONG>You should be able to re-install windows over the top of the current one, do you have DOS support for your CD -Rom drive? </STRONG>

I'm not sure if my CD-RW has a dos support, but I might be able to use my old CD-ROM, which originally came with the computer.

Also you can go to Windows Explorer, go to D and double click setup

I don't think I can go to Windows Explorer to do something. I'll try.

And, yes, it's HP printer.

Originally posted by Darkpoet:
<STRONG>Minerva, I had problems with the Nortons system works, with windows 98. You might need to get more RAM, the System Works uses alot of it. The other problem might be Windows 98 itself, it would depend on the version of it.

The other problem could be the Celeron Processor. Find out what you motherboard is and goto it's website. Check to see if you can upgrade your processor. If you need help please email me, I might have some Ideas that could help you.</STRONG>

I've never had problem with the Celeron (shake hands with Mr Sleep ), or anything else on my computer. I don't think it's hardware problem.

I'm quite sure it's something to do with Norton's programmes AND Windows. Having said that, more RAM makes sense, as I did get a few messages "the resources are dangerously low", even before this crash happned.

Originally posted by Minerva:
<STRONG>I'm not sure if my CD-RW has a dos support, but I might be able to use my old CD-ROM, which originally came with the computer.</STRONG>

Well it doesn't necessarily need Writing support, just support for it to function in dos as a drive letter. You probably had a disk with your CD-RW with DOS drivers on it.

<STRONG>I don't think I can go to Windows Explorer to do something. I'll try.

And, yes, it's HP printer.
</STRONG>

Well uninstall your HP printer, quite often they have active Printer checkers, that might be causing a problem.

Originally posted by Minerva:
<STRONG>I've never had problem with the Celeron (shake hands with Mr Sleep ), or anything else on my computer. I don't think it's hardware problem.</STRONG>

<STRONG>I'm quite sure it's something to do with Norton's programmes AND Windows. Having said that, more RAM makes sense, as I did get a few messages "the resources are dangerously low", even before this crash happned.</STRONG>

I agree with DP, needs more RAM, shame you don't live closer i have 64MB PC100 completely superfulous (since i am going to be using DDR ram with new system )

ok - then I would suggest you renstall windows - explorer seems the key problem...

Just put your windows disk in your drive - you should get the option to install, then be prompted with a message saying windows already installed do you wish to proceed.

Throughout the installation, you will be prompted that a file you are installing is older than the file already installed, do you wish to overwrite.

Without knowing which ones these files would be it is hard to advise whether to keep them or not - when I have had this problem in the past I have been angry enough to throw caution to the wind and overwrite all

More good luck!

btw - did you ever reinstall that new HD?
Secondly - can you load up your pc in normal mode - or does it always have to bein safe mode?

I am not sure you can reinstall windows from safe mode, if this is the case you should reinstall your old CDRom and use a start up disk to install windows...

Originally posted by Yshania:
<STRONG>I am not sure you can reinstall windows from safe mode, if this is the case you should reinstall your old CDRom and use a start up disk to install windows...</STRONG>

You can't because it doesn't load a CD -ROm device in safe mode.

Actually i thought of something, if you right click on My cumputer --> Properties --> Performance --> File System --> Troubleshooting you can turn off 32 bit device drivers, try that, then when you load you should have CD Rom support, just remember to turn that back on when you have re installed

Originally posted by Minerva:
<STRONG>I've never had problem with the Celeron (shake hands with Mr Sleep ), or anything else on my computer. I don't think it's hardware problem.

I'm quite sure it's something to do with Norton's programmes AND Windows. Having said that, more RAM makes sense, as I did get a few messages "the resources are dangerously low", even before this crash happned.</STRONG>

I have windows ME and I have not had any problems since, I installed it. It has a built in crashguard, you might want to look into the Windows ME addition. If you do, just get the upgrade. You do not need to buy the full version, the upgrade has the full version on it and it is cheaper.

But, you might want to uninstall the system works and then reinstall just the anti-virus. Then see how that works. But make sure you back up what ever you are working on.

And if you are still having the problem, you might want to upgrade to Win ME.
Just a friendly suggestion.

Originally posted by Darkpoet:
<STRONG>And if you are still having the problem, you might want to upgrade to Win ME.
Just a friendly suggestion. </STRONG>

One would probably have to have their CD ROM dos drivers working to do this.

Originally posted by Mr Sleep:
<STRONG>Are you working for Intel

I have a celeron, never had any problems like this relating to a celeron.

[ 11-21-2001: Message edited by: Mr Sleep ]</STRONG>

No, but I'm stuck with one now. I'm building one with an AMD chip set. I found out, That AMD is giving Intel a run for it's money.

Originally posted by Mr Sleep:
<STRONG>Well uninstall your HP printer, quite often they have active Printer checkers, that might be causing a problem.
</STRONG>

Oh, I see... <take note>

I agree with DP, needs more RAM, shame you don't live closer i have 64MB PC100 completely superfulous (since i am going to be using DDR ram with new system )

You can always send me one.

I'm going to check Dabs site...

Originally posted by Darkpoet:
<STRONG>No, but I'm stuck with one now. I'm building one with an AMD chip set. I found out, That AMD is giving Intel a run for it's money.</STRONG>

Same here Although that has been the case for over a year now

Originally posted by Yshania:
<STRONG>btw - did you ever reinstall that new HD?
Secondly - can you load up your pc in normal mode - or does it always have to bein safe mode?
</STRONG>

For the new HD I installed a few weeks ago, I ran FDISK, format and gave the partition. So, I didn't reinstall it.

I can now load in a sort of normal mode. In Msconfig, I omitted the option to install start up programmes (I can't remember what exactly the option was). So, I start the computer without Firewalls, Disk Doctor, Printer etc (those in the task bar).

Thank you for the more good luck. I need it!