Updating IE 4.0 to 6.x error - Windows 98

[RobioAXP]

Hello,

I could really use some help. I have in effect hosed up my father-in-law's computer and would love to get it back in working order.

I was messing around online and noticed that his IE version was 4.0. I thought...why not go to the Microsoft website and update it to a newer version.

So, I clicked "open" on the 6.x file download and waited for it to open and install. Once downloaded, it tried to open it and immediately told me that the file could not be installed at the current time, but to shut down and restart the computer and the installation process would begin.

I did that, but during the reboot process, I got an error:

IE cannot open site file C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop.htt.

The IE install aborts. The problem I'm facing is that this process error seems to be locking up the file system to some extent. Every time I try to open Windows Explorer or the Control Panel, I get an error that it will be shut down.

I can access/browse to files using the Run command (Start > Run). So I know I haven't lost any data. I can also open up MS Office documents, etc. But I just can't access Windows Explorer or the Control Panel. It's like they are "locked" by this IE install process that didn't complete.

I thought about trying to install IE 6.x again, but I can't afford to hose up the computer any more. Any ideas on how to get my PC to stop trying to open the file mentioned above at startup? Anyone had this problem? What can I do to correct this without totally messing up the Laptop?

 

[MiklK]

i didn't know we still need ie4 either.
we, umm, do.
i used my IBM recovery disk to reinstall ie4.

if you've got oem recovery stuff u should be fine. f disk etc should't be nec'y. even if not, OS disk should be ok.

DK if sys file checker (sfc) might be another way, or help,to restoring your missing files. go slow setting up sfc so your parameters are right.

lux
mikl


(A bird in the hand greatly interferes with typing.)
Mikl

 

[TekTippy4U]

i'm really angry at you for even *thinkin about updating to that spyware (use Firefox)....but here goes help;

----------------
First try a Scanreg /Restore from a Command Prompt Only (though it prolly won't work)
Boot up and press and hold the CTRL key (or tap F8) just before the Win98 logo would appear....the Win98 Startup menu will appear...use the up/down arrows to choose "Command Prompt Only" press Enter
Type;
Scanreg /restore
choose a known good "Started" copy that Predates the Bungle you made!
----------------

If still NO GOOD afterwards

Boot to a Command Prompt Only
type these commands *exactly*(blank spaces and all) and press ENTER after each line

(if you get an error after any one of these like "file not found" - ignore it and continue - press Y, then Enter for Yes when prompted)
(Look for my Special Notes)

C:\
CD %WINDIR%

*****1st Special note*******
as long as you're in the Default WINDOWS Directory now, continue on (some people's default WIN directory has a diff name than WINDOWS)
-----------end of special note------------

DEL WININIT.INI
DEL WININIT.SAV
DEL WININIT.BAK
CD TEMP
DEL *.*
CD..
CD RECENT
DEL *.*
CD..

*****2nd Special note*******
as long as you're BACK in the default WINDOWS Directory continue on
-----------end of special note------------

ECHO /y | DELTREE %WINDIR%\HISTORY\*.*
ECHO /y | DELTREE %WINDIR%\TEMPOR~1\*.*

CD APPLIC~1\MICROS~1\INTERN~1\
ATTRIB -r -s -h -a DESKTOP.HTT
REN DESKTOP.HTT DESKTOP.OLD

Ctrl+alt+del to restart


TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs

 

[RobioAXP]

Thanks for the tips. I really appreciate the help.

I tried to restore an earlier registry (one that was dated weeks before my debacle), and it didn't seem to help.

I haven't had a chance to try your second suggestion yet. That one makes me a little more nervous, so I'm going to back up the data/docs first. Still, I really appreciate your advice. I hope this works... (fingers crossed, eyes closed)

 

[TekTippy4U]

so I'm going to back up the data/docs first."

Good job!
you are acting smartly now....

if you want to go halfway, that's good too
(just perform up until my "special 2nd note")
CTRL +ALT+DEL to reboot
and Boot into the Win98 Start Menu as before, but then choose Safe Mode and go into IE and delete the History and Temporary Internet Files.

Control Panel > IE Options >> (or Right click Desktop Icon) >> choose Properties
General Tab
"Delete files" button (for Temporary Internet Files)
"Clear History" button (you know)
OK your way out

then, Start > Run SCANDSKW (Scandisk)

Restart normally



TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs

 

[TekTippy4U]

I don't know how the heck you got a REG backup from "weeks" ago...I mean, it can be done, but usually means something is wrong as the normal amount is 5 days

Start > Run MSinfo32
left pane --> Software Environment -->Startup Programs
do you see
ScanRegistry C:\WINDOWS\Scanregw.exe /autorun
in the Right Pane?

could also Start > Run MSCONFIG --> Startup Tab

TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs