Microsoft Personal WEb Server Setup

[mike12]

When my friend starts up his computer that is running Windows 98, he always get a message that comes up that says:
"Microsoft Personal Web Server Setup" he usually just clicks on CANCEL, but how can he stop this message from coming up in the first place ?

[BearEater]

Because he has this Personal Web Server installed. I doubt he didnt intentionally install it. and its a big security risk to use a web server,especially pws, on a security-holed windows 98. so uninstall the web server

control panel->add/remove. select microsoft pws. :)

[mike12]

I do not believe it is setup yet, because the message states "SETUP" I went into controlpanel/ add remove etc, and I do not see the Microsoft PWS listed there. I do see Windows Messaging, is that it ?

[glc]

No, what you need to do is go into add/remove programs, Windows Setup tab - and look in Internet. if Personal Web Server is checked, uncheck it and reboot.

[mike12]

BearEater and glc------I checked in Settings / Control Panel/ Add Remove Programs / Windows Setup/ Internet. That Microsoft Personal Web Server is not checked. It is there, but it is NOT checked. Again, at bootup, the screen comes up to "SETUP" the PWS. it was NEVER setup to my knowledge. Maybe I need to follow the directions to set it up, and then I could "REMOVE" it. Should I try that , or do you have any other suggestions ? Many thanks !!

[BearEater]

so its not checked? then check it.pop in your win98 cd,if needed,and install it.THEN remove it.

it seems like corrupted installion..

before doing above^,go to start->run->msconfig->startup and see if there is any suspicious checked shortcuts.

[mike12]

Tried that, checked the box, loaded the Win 98 Cd followed the install instructions. Rebooted, got the same Microsoft Personal Web Server Setup screen. Went back and unchecked it in Windows setup etc, even looked for it in Add / Remove programs but it was not listed. Rebooted, same message. Guess he will just have to click on CANCEL when he gets this message at startup. This computer did have a virus that I removed for him about two years ago. Not sure how long this message has been appearing, since he gave me this computer to fix another problem. Any other suggestions ? Thanks !!

[glc]

Look on the startup tab in msconfig, what's checked in there? Look in the start menu - programs - startup also.

A virus, trojan, and spyware scan wouldn't hurt.

[mike12]

I had originally checked the startup items in msconfig with the list at pacs-portal to see what items could be eliminated. There was nothing in there that had any mention of PWS. Will double check the program items and startup also after I get another power supply for the computer. It finally died. That is why I have the computer in the first place. It will probably be a few days until I get the PS from newegg. I also plan on doing a few virus scans when the computer is up and running again. In the meantime, kindly post any other items you think I could try. Many thanks to all who offered suggestions !!

[mike12]

Found the problem !!!! Went back into the startup items in MSCONFIG. There was an entry in there called PRELOAC, since this entry did not show up in Pacs-Portal I did not know what it was for, so I left it checked. I then expanded the columns to the right, and saw "pws". Unchecked the PRELOAC, and now the problem is solved. Just an update for anyone interested.