Re: win98 se startup issues
setuplog.txt can perform two functions to diagnose - the *date* would
indicate whether it is recent or from some old installation and when - the
failed issues contained within would be the devices which setup had issues
with and tried to *avoid*... taken in conjunction with the other files there
MAY be other indications of why it is stuck..
The other files mentioned could also be useful, for the reason for their
creation.
*detlog.txt is created when new hardware is detected, OR present
configuration is changed.
*detcrashlog.txt MIGHT contain the failed hardware issue.
*bootlog.txt would show problem devices or other
Safe Mode, if accessible, could provide useful information, AND provide a
method to remove any problem issues.
What makes Gary think this is a laptop, "then gave me the box."
IF you have no disks for "the box" we would need to know the make and model
[proprietary or not], attached hardware, and any adapter cards. Also, what
is the system trying to constantly install?.
--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
--
_________
"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message
news:%23MK1xyWtIHA.4952@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
| AFAIK, that message only appears during installation of Windows 98. Since
| you don't say you're stuck trying to reinstall Windows, I can only assume
| the previous owner ran Setup. Perhaps even reformatted, first. So, we're
| back to, "Do you have the installation CD?" And, yes, Don's advice is not
| bad, but if you're dealing with someone else's abortion, I'd start
| completely over, and if I'm going to do that, a security wipe makes sense
to
| do first, then reformat (or vice-versa.)
|
| And the problem, IIRC, is usually a royally failed hardware install,
| suggesting wrong drivers, improper preparation for installation, and who
| knows what other issues, depending on make and model of the system. Like
it
| might be that it can only be reinstalled using the proprietary Restore CD
| but your boss didn't have the right one and tried a different one...
|
| What's the make/model of your laptop?
|
| --
| Gary S. Terhune
| MS-MVP Shell/User
|
www.grystmill.com
|
| "schmenge" <schmenge@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
| news:F7320C1C-4336-4948-998C-E4CD37CD5377@microsoft.com...
| > Thank you, kind folks. The last 2 replies are more promising; I hate to
| > re-install unless there are no options.
| >
| > "MEB" wrote:
| >
| >> Check autoexec.bat, config.sys, msdos.sys, and check for setuplog.txt.
| >>
| >> Files which might be indicative:
| >> Bootlog.txt - create one by selecting it from the Menu [press F8
| >> repeatedly
| >> during boot]
| >> Detlog.txt - detection log
| >> Netlog.txt - network detection
| >> Setuplog.txt - setup information created during installation
| >> Detcrash.log - detection crash log - obvious
| >>
| >> Trying to start in SAFE Mode might let you diagnose issues which may
be
| >> affecting the normal startup. Rapidly tap F8 during bootup, choose it
| >> from
| >> the Menu.
| >> MSInfo might provide you with the machine history that might provide
| >> additional clues. Checking Device Manager while in Safe Mode, delete
any
| >> devices that are not still included in the system.
| >> ASD [automatic skip driver agent] also might be of interest or use.
| >>
| >> You also might want to check for corruption of the registry by running
| >> scanreg /fix at the DOS prompt..
| >>
| >> --
| >> MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
| >> --
| >> _________
| >>
| >> "schmenge" <schmenge@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
| >> news:88945D34-0E13-4603-88B6-08A30194B0E3@microsoft.com...
| >> | Every time I try to boot my computer, I get the message that it's
| >> "preparing
| >> | to run windows for the first time". I go through that process and
let
| >> it
| >> | detect devices and install drivers, but when I restart I get the same
| >> message
| >> | again and must repeat the detection process. I remember from a while
| >> back
| >> | that setup makes some changes to some boot files to reflect that it
is
| >> first
| >> | boot, but I can't recall which files. Can anyone help with this
issue?
| >> It's
| >> | Windows 98 SE, and the computer was given to me by a previous owner;
he
| >> used
| >> | it for business and removed all his files then gave me the box.
| >> |
| >> | Thanks in advance.
| >>
| >>
| >>
|