Windows 98 / msdos freezes.

[rtype17]

I have a 100 mhz compaq with 132MB RAM. Plenty of hard drive space.

Problem is when i open a command prompt the computer completely freezes and i have to reboot. The msdos screen does not appear. it freezes immediately after we type COMMAND in the run box or immediately after we click on ms-dos command on start -> programs -> etc.

We need this computer fix and not replaced. Can someone please tell me how i can reinstall msdos or any other solution to fix this problem. i find very little when i search for this problem on the web.

I would very much appreciate it.

Things i have tried to do:

1) create a batch program in notepad to execute the msdos exe but the computer still freezes when i try to execute the batch file.

2) restarted the computer in safemode and go to a command prompt... computer still freezes.

3) restart the computer in command prompt only, but when i try and execute the exe it says i need to run it in msdos. (does not freeze the computer)

4) tried to reinstall win98 upgrade hoping to fix the msdos freezing prob but the computer still freezes rigth after install begins to run.

I don't mean to right a novel here but i have tried many different things already.

 

[mattjurado]

Even if he would let you, the time spent formatting that piece of crap would cost more than just buying a new low end workstation...

Having said that, can you just backup the data, format and reload? You could have problems with that old system, if you format and still have the problem, then you might have some bad hardware.

Since it occurs in safe mode, not likely to be anything other than hardware, or a damaged file/registry.

Did this just start happening?

Matt J.

 

[TekTippy4U]

As always, back up any important data first, whenever troubleshooting, you never know what'll happen!!
I'm assuming you're on 95(a,b,c??)
Read this first

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;120822&Product=w95

as it'll replace the Sys files and yet let you retain Msdos.sys which is configured for your setup.
(this would be the closest that i know of to replacing MS-DOS as possible without running setup)(make sure that the Startup floppy is "CLEAN&quot

note: The above procedure already does what's below,Except the Win.com file(i had already written it...so)
Try replacing the Command.com file as it is likely corrupted, from
.cab files on 95 CD or
.cab files on HDD
example;
(from a Boot to a DOS command prompt with CD in E: drive....substitute "your" CD drive letter)
extract /y /a E:\Win98\Base4.Cab Command.com /L C:\Windows
also
extract /y /a E:\Win98\Base4.Cab Command.com /L C:
or
Boot from a "clean" floppy Startup disc using the Extract utility, and rename Command.com to Command.old in both C: and C:\Windows
example; from A:\ type below commands and hit Enter after each line
C:ren Command.com Command.old
Cd Windows
ren command.com command.old
CdA:copy Command.com C:copy Command.com C:\Windows

If you use a startup disc , remember your CD ROMdrive letter gets pushed back one letter.

Also the Win.com file may be corrupted(It's called Win.cnf in the cab files).....so an extract of Win.cnf and a Rename is appropriate...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;136630&Product=w95

one other small consideration;
That sounds like an unusually large amount of mem capabilities for a little ole 100mHz mobo....R u sure the mobo accepts that much? maybe the issues may be mem related?

If none of the above works, a visit to Dr Hammerdrill's office may be in order

TT4U

Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.