Compaq Presario 5242 System Restore Question

[Termn8tr2002]

I have a Compaq Presario 5242 that uses Win98-SE. Originally, when the user was booting up the machine and when Windows was done loading, he would rcve numerous Illegal Operation error messages. I've reformatted the HDD twice, and yet these messages still appear (Some new, some old). These messages consist of: monitor.exe, remind32.exe, backweb.exe, waol.exe, and msgsrv32 just to name a few. Out of curiosity, does it sound like a HDD issue or the Compaq Restore CD software? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[Seegee]

try running scandisk from a bootable floppy disk in DOS Mode. to check for any bad sectors This could take a while to do so be prepared. if it finds any bad sectors it will tell you If bad sectors are present. This could be the problem.

If the Restore CD is scratched or has any bad spots this could also be teh cause.

furthermore this link may be of help

http://support.tandy.com/support_computer/doc52/52791.htm

 

[CSCWheels]

Fdisk the drive and nuke the partitions, then run the Quick restore CD again, be sure to follow the instructions given with the disk.
Basically remember to use the Numlock key at the Compaq Logo and the numlock when the menu flashes.



CSC Wheels

[lighsaber]

 

[mattjurado]

I've also found that varying illegal operations on a clean install can be simply bad ram. If you have a stick laying around, swap it before you get to devoted to scanning that hard disk.

Matt J.

 

[ImpetusEra]

As suggested try another stick of memory if one is available, also scan the hard drive. Scratched cd can cause errors also as the read errors will be copied. Keep in mind if you use fdisk don't take out the system save partition or that restore cd becomes a coaster, not that it wasn't one to begin with. In my opinion though I'd nuke it out and use an OEM 98SE cd and get the drivers off the Compaq site. My personal experience with that model dependability wise is the equivalent of a rubber band in place of a muffler hanger.

 

[mainegeek]

Check your internet connection as these files all require logging. And/or run MSCONFIG and un-check these from the startup.