Jimboo
asked on
System not responding
Problem: when a game CD is run it starts and runs for a very short time, the video or load window stops, often back to the windows desktop screen, the CD cannot be ejected even after a control-alt-delete action which usually indicates a "Msgsrv32(not responding)" message. Further work with the system usually makes the problem worse and a control-alt-delete shut down is the common end with a startup releasing the CD and the system works some what normally. The system is beginning to start with a system check (red and blue file, disk checking dialog boxes) . There seems to be some progressiveness to the worsening of the situation. The CD drive seems to work with software installations or file reading.
System: Quantex 450 PII, 128, 13.6gig hd, Voodoo2, Windows 98/ IE 5
History: The system worked good until Windows SE upgrade was installed - a 3Com networking card was added, and microsoft homeconnect software installed
Question: If a solution to this problem might be reinstalling Windows? Where can good easy to understand directions be found (I an a computer rookie)
jandk@harborside.com
System: Quantex 450 PII, 128, 13.6gig hd, Voodoo2, Windows 98/ IE 5
History: The system worked good until Windows SE upgrade was installed - a 3Com networking card was added, and microsoft homeconnect software installed
Question: If a solution to this problem might be reinstalling Windows? Where can good easy to understand directions be found (I an a computer rookie)
jandk@harborside.com
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ASKER
To answer to Dew associates is that the second edition upgrade was furnished with the Microsoft Homeconnect networking software, quoted on disk " This program will search your system to confirm your eligibility for this special update edition" Part no. X05-04929. Is this upgrade needed if I am not using the computer for internet access only as second unit on network?
Thanks
Thanks
No it is not Jimboo, although you could use it to upgrade a fresh Windows 98 install to take advantage of all of the fixes that it incorporates. You don't have to install internet connection sharing. You do have your original Windows 98 disk, correct? Do you want to do a fresh install?
ASKER
Reply Dew Associates , Yes I do believe I do want to do a fresh install,especially if that would be the best solution to my problem. I have never done one with windows. I have Windows 98 disk that was provided with the machine "For distribution with new PC only" Part No. X03-36182 and I have also a Windows Update Internet Pack (internet explorer 5 and internet tools MS part no. X04-63187(which I installed earlier with no problems). and the SE disk that came with the networking cards. I also have A Windows 98 SE disk that came with my new computer. Part no. XO3-77962. Thanks
Jimboo, use part # XO3-77962 for the install. What follows is an entire procedure for doing this, starting with check the bios on the motherboard, through sorting out any problems that could come up. Keep one thing in focus, this is not as difficult as it may seem. It is a very straight forward process, you only need to handle one step at a time.
I think your motherboards bios should be fine, so start with the partitions on the hard drive and go from there.
The first step in rebuilding the system is making sure that the motherboard's Bios is current, and if not, then flash the Bios chip to the most current. This procedure will differ depending on the writer of the Bios, therefore it is best to follow the specific procedure for your motherboard and Bios. Therefore,
A. Download the most current Bios file for your motherboard as well as the recommended Bios flash utility.
B. Some motherboards employ a bios block provision. In other words, a set of jumper pins on the motherboard are used to prevent the Bios from being flashed as well as preventing it from being contaminated via a virus. Check the motherboard instructions to determine the exact procedure for your motherboard.
C. Flash the Bios as per the instructions and then reboot. You may get an error during the reboot, but that is normal on some motherboards, but the next two steps should clear any errors.
D. Next step after flashing the bios is to clear the CMOS. This, in non-technical terms, means that you are clearing the dynamic portion of the Bios. You do this by shutting the machine down and unplugging it. Next, you look on the motherboard for a set of jumper pins that need to be changed (or shorted) to clear the CMOS. After shunting these jumper pins, return the jumper to it's former position, reconnect the power cord and then reboot the system back to the bios setup screen.
E. Next, look for a setup choice to reset the Bios to either it's Default settings or Optimal settings. If Optimal is available, choose it. If not, then choose the Default.
IMPORTANT!
F. Once you've set the default, then you must do the following:
1. Set the correct date and time settings.
2. Check to insure that the correct hard drive is recognized. This you can normally set to auto.
3. You will also find a setting for Plug and Play or Non-Plug and Play. Enable Plug and play support.
G. Once you have completed all of the settings in the Bios, save the settings and exit the Bios setup.
Now you're ready to prepare the hard drive.
1. Using a new floppy, create a Win98 Startup Boot Disk via add/remove programs. All of the files you need will be on this disk except two, Edit.com and EMM386.exe. You may need these in the event that you need to edit a file during the process or enable upper memory. Use Find, Files and Folders and them to your startup floppy.
2. Next, at the MSDos prompt A:\> type Fdisk<enter>.
The first question asked will be:
"Do you wish to enable large disk support?
Answer YES if you want Fat 32, and NO if you want Fat16. Fat 32 is more efficient and supports drive sizes up to two terrabytes, which Fat 16 has a 2G drive size limitation.
DESCRIPTIONS OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE:
==========================
Answering either "Y" or "N" will bring you to the dos fdisk menu. As you can see, you have several choices, you can:
.. Create a partition or logical drive.
.. Set the active partition.
.. Delete a partition of logical drive.
.. Display partition information.
On systems with multiple hard drives, there will be another choice added to the list:
.. Change current fixed disk drive.
.. Create a partition or logical drive.
This option enables you to set a new partition (including size) on a hard drive that either is new and has never been partitioned or one that has had it's partition removed with the third option noted above.
.. Set the active partition.
Once a drive has been partitioned, this option will enable you to make it active and therefore bootable. As an example, you could partition one hard drive into several partitions, let's say as Drive "C", "D" and "E", after which you would set "C" as the active bootable partition.
.. Delete a partition of logical drive.
This option allows you to remove partition(s) as well as logical drives. In the example above, "C" would be the primary partition and drives "D" and "E" would be logical drives.
.. Display partition information.
This option allows you to see what existing partitions are on a hard drive.
.. Change current fixed disk drive.
In systems with multiple hard drives, this option allows you to choose which hard drive you want to work with.
As noted above, when you first start Fdisk, you will be given a choice whether or not you want enable large hard disk support. If you choose NO or (N), the system will default to Fat 16. If you choose YES (Y), the system will default to Fat 32.
Start Fdisk as noted above, and choose (Y) for LBA and review the partition information.
3. Now choose ". Delete a partition of logical drive" and follow the prompts to delete the partitions that exist.
4. Now go back to the original menu by touching the ESC key and then choose ". Create a partition or logical drive"
At this point, depending on your hard drive size, (since you want 3 partitions) choose an approximate third of the drive (or any size you wish) and then follow the procedures. This will default to drive "C" and make sure that you make this partition ACTIVE.
As an example, let's say I had an 8G hard drive and wanted 3 partitions, the small window or choice area will default to the entire drive size of 8G, just change the numbers to what you need. In this sample, I could make that partition 4G by typing 4000 and it will default to 4001.
Once this is made active, use the ESC key and create the next partition (logical drive) and make it the size you want, which will be a logical drive (drive "D"). Repeat the procedure for the final partition.
When you are done with the partitioning, reboot the system to the floppy.
5. Now you're ready to format the drive and transfer the basic system files.
At the MSDos prompt A:> type "FORMAT C:/S" without quotes and touch the enter key. It will look like this:
A:\>FORMAT C:/S
A message will come up alerting you to the fact that if you proceed, all existing data on the hard drive will be erased. Acknowledge the message and proceed with the format.
Once the format has completed, you can either format the other partitions or leave them as is.
Now reboot to the Win98 Startup disk again and choose "With CD Rom support" and your ready to install Win98.
SUWIN errors are generally the result of these reasons:
1. A memory module is having a problem or is going bad.
2. Your motherboards Bios is not handling memory correctly.
3. Bad up your systems resources, including the motherboard, you need to enable upper memory. This is handled by making sure these two lines are in the config.sys and are the first two lines.
DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS
DEVICE=EMM386.EXE
Note: I posted this info on the question on the site, and it is below as well:
Shut the machine off, unplug it from the power and then find the jumper on the motherboard to clear the CMOS. Clear it and then put the jumper back where it was. Now plug the machine in and start it and boot into the Bios setup screen. In the Bios you will find an option to set the bios defaults. Depending on the bios version you may have a option for optimal settings or default. If optimal is available, use that, if not use default settings, save them and then reboot. Go back into Bios setup and check the settings. You may have to change one or two, such as Plug and Play and enabling USB of the board supports it. Make sure that you enable plug and play though. Now save these settings.
Now to fix part two of the Suwin error, you will need to copy over two files onto the Win98 startup disk, Edit.com and EMM386.exe.
Boot to the floppy and then type EDIT a:\config.sys
This is what you will see: (Make the change noted in the common section!)
==========================
[menu]
menuitem=CD, Start computer with CD-ROM support.
menuitem=NOCD, Start computer without CD-ROM support.
menuitem=HELP, View the Help file.
menudefault=CD,30
menucolor=7,0
[CD]
device=himem.sys /testmem:off
device=oakcdrom.sys /D:mscd001
device=btdosm.sys
device=flashpt.sys
device=btcdrom.sys /D:mscd001
device=aspi2dos.sys
device=aspi8dos.sys
device=aspi4dos.sys
device=aspi8u2.sys
device=aspicd.sys /D:mscd001
[NOCD]
device=himem.sys /testmem:off
[HELP]
device=himem.sys /testmem:off
[COMMON]
device=emm386.exe <-------add this line
files=10
buffers=10
dos=high,umb
stacks=9,256
devicehigh=ramdrive.sys /E 2048
lastdrive=z
Now save the config.sys and boot to the floppy. Now format the "C" drive with the Format c:/s option. When done, boot to the **floppy** again with CD ROM support and try the install again.
I think your motherboards bios should be fine, so start with the partitions on the hard drive and go from there.
The first step in rebuilding the system is making sure that the motherboard's Bios is current, and if not, then flash the Bios chip to the most current. This procedure will differ depending on the writer of the Bios, therefore it is best to follow the specific procedure for your motherboard and Bios. Therefore,
A. Download the most current Bios file for your motherboard as well as the recommended Bios flash utility.
B. Some motherboards employ a bios block provision. In other words, a set of jumper pins on the motherboard are used to prevent the Bios from being flashed as well as preventing it from being contaminated via a virus. Check the motherboard instructions to determine the exact procedure for your motherboard.
C. Flash the Bios as per the instructions and then reboot. You may get an error during the reboot, but that is normal on some motherboards, but the next two steps should clear any errors.
D. Next step after flashing the bios is to clear the CMOS. This, in non-technical terms, means that you are clearing the dynamic portion of the Bios. You do this by shutting the machine down and unplugging it. Next, you look on the motherboard for a set of jumper pins that need to be changed (or shorted) to clear the CMOS. After shunting these jumper pins, return the jumper to it's former position, reconnect the power cord and then reboot the system back to the bios setup screen.
E. Next, look for a setup choice to reset the Bios to either it's Default settings or Optimal settings. If Optimal is available, choose it. If not, then choose the Default.
IMPORTANT!
F. Once you've set the default, then you must do the following:
1. Set the correct date and time settings.
2. Check to insure that the correct hard drive is recognized. This you can normally set to auto.
3. You will also find a setting for Plug and Play or Non-Plug and Play. Enable Plug and play support.
G. Once you have completed all of the settings in the Bios, save the settings and exit the Bios setup.
Now you're ready to prepare the hard drive.
1. Using a new floppy, create a Win98 Startup Boot Disk via add/remove programs. All of the files you need will be on this disk except two, Edit.com and EMM386.exe. You may need these in the event that you need to edit a file during the process or enable upper memory. Use Find, Files and Folders and them to your startup floppy.
2. Next, at the MSDos prompt A:\> type Fdisk<enter>.
The first question asked will be:
"Do you wish to enable large disk support?
Answer YES if you want Fat 32, and NO if you want Fat16. Fat 32 is more efficient and supports drive sizes up to two terrabytes, which Fat 16 has a 2G drive size limitation.
DESCRIPTIONS OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE:
==========================
Answering either "Y" or "N" will bring you to the dos fdisk menu. As you can see, you have several choices, you can:
.. Create a partition or logical drive.
.. Set the active partition.
.. Delete a partition of logical drive.
.. Display partition information.
On systems with multiple hard drives, there will be another choice added to the list:
.. Change current fixed disk drive.
.. Create a partition or logical drive.
This option enables you to set a new partition (including size) on a hard drive that either is new and has never been partitioned or one that has had it's partition removed with the third option noted above.
.. Set the active partition.
Once a drive has been partitioned, this option will enable you to make it active and therefore bootable. As an example, you could partition one hard drive into several partitions, let's say as Drive "C", "D" and "E", after which you would set "C" as the active bootable partition.
.. Delete a partition of logical drive.
This option allows you to remove partition(s) as well as logical drives. In the example above, "C" would be the primary partition and drives "D" and "E" would be logical drives.
.. Display partition information.
This option allows you to see what existing partitions are on a hard drive.
.. Change current fixed disk drive.
In systems with multiple hard drives, this option allows you to choose which hard drive you want to work with.
As noted above, when you first start Fdisk, you will be given a choice whether or not you want enable large hard disk support. If you choose NO or (N), the system will default to Fat 16. If you choose YES (Y), the system will default to Fat 32.
Start Fdisk as noted above, and choose (Y) for LBA and review the partition information.
3. Now choose ". Delete a partition of logical drive" and follow the prompts to delete the partitions that exist.
4. Now go back to the original menu by touching the ESC key and then choose ". Create a partition or logical drive"
At this point, depending on your hard drive size, (since you want 3 partitions) choose an approximate third of the drive (or any size you wish) and then follow the procedures. This will default to drive "C" and make sure that you make this partition ACTIVE.
As an example, let's say I had an 8G hard drive and wanted 3 partitions, the small window or choice area will default to the entire drive size of 8G, just change the numbers to what you need. In this sample, I could make that partition 4G by typing 4000 and it will default to 4001.
Once this is made active, use the ESC key and create the next partition (logical drive) and make it the size you want, which will be a logical drive (drive "D"). Repeat the procedure for the final partition.
When you are done with the partitioning, reboot the system to the floppy.
5. Now you're ready to format the drive and transfer the basic system files.
At the MSDos prompt A:> type "FORMAT C:/S" without quotes and touch the enter key. It will look like this:
A:\>FORMAT C:/S
A message will come up alerting you to the fact that if you proceed, all existing data on the hard drive will be erased. Acknowledge the message and proceed with the format.
Once the format has completed, you can either format the other partitions or leave them as is.
Now reboot to the Win98 Startup disk again and choose "With CD Rom support" and your ready to install Win98.
SUWIN errors are generally the result of these reasons:
1. A memory module is having a problem or is going bad.
2. Your motherboards Bios is not handling memory correctly.
3. Bad up your systems resources, including the motherboard, you need to enable upper memory. This is handled by making sure these two lines are in the config.sys and are the first two lines.
DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS
DEVICE=EMM386.EXE
Note: I posted this info on the question on the site, and it is below as well:
Shut the machine off, unplug it from the power and then find the jumper on the motherboard to clear the CMOS. Clear it and then put the jumper back where it was. Now plug the machine in and start it and boot into the Bios setup screen. In the Bios you will find an option to set the bios defaults. Depending on the bios version you may have a option for optimal settings or default. If optimal is available, use that, if not use default settings, save them and then reboot. Go back into Bios setup and check the settings. You may have to change one or two, such as Plug and Play and enabling USB of the board supports it. Make sure that you enable plug and play though. Now save these settings.
Now to fix part two of the Suwin error, you will need to copy over two files onto the Win98 startup disk, Edit.com and EMM386.exe.
Boot to the floppy and then type EDIT a:\config.sys
This is what you will see: (Make the change noted in the common section!)
==========================
[menu]
menuitem=CD, Start computer with CD-ROM support.
menuitem=NOCD, Start computer without CD-ROM support.
menuitem=HELP, View the Help file.
menudefault=CD,30
menucolor=7,0
[CD]
device=himem.sys /testmem:off
device=oakcdrom.sys /D:mscd001
device=btdosm.sys
device=flashpt.sys
device=btcdrom.sys /D:mscd001
device=aspi2dos.sys
device=aspi8dos.sys
device=aspi4dos.sys
device=aspi8u2.sys
device=aspicd.sys /D:mscd001
[NOCD]
device=himem.sys /testmem:off
[HELP]
device=himem.sys /testmem:off
[COMMON]
device=emm386.exe <-------add this line
files=10
buffers=10
dos=high,umb
stacks=9,256
devicehigh=ramdrive.sys /E 2048
lastdrive=z
Now save the config.sys and boot to the floppy. Now format the "C" drive with the Format c:/s option. When done, boot to the **floppy** again with CD ROM support and try the install again.
Can you explain to me why you asked me to provide the information and then you accepted anwarali's answer and awarded him the points?
ASKER
I am sorry I did not want to award the points to anwarali's answer,(wrong click at wrong place wrong time?) it seemed that somehow I was unable to move the points to you(I may not understand how the site works) You were more helpfull and patient than I had hoped for, I have not had the time to follow the instructions you have generously provided me but You have given me(through your great instructions) the confidence to proceed. Again I am sorry, if I can somehow amend the mistake ,I will watch the site for instructions. My Thanks to You Very Much, Again Very Sorry
You can send an email to Linda@experts-exchange.com
Dennis,
Look for the question I have posted in this topic area to award you points for your answer.
Thanks for your patience. I have been out of town due to a death in my family. Even though I took a laptop with me I was only able to get online once.
Linda Gardner
Community Support @ Experts Exchange
Look for the question I have posted in this topic area to award you points for your answer.
Thanks for your patience. I have been out of town due to a death in my family. Even though I took a laptop with me I was only able to get online once.
Linda Gardner
Community Support @ Experts Exchange
Dennis