Windows 98 Crash

[PEACHTREE]

Hello:

I have a Toshiba Satellite Pro 4300 with Windows 98. On trying to connect an Ethernet adaptor and log on to the Internet from a Starbucks location, the system crashed on me and on rebooting it gives me error message

MSCVRT.Dll File is linked to NTDLL.hcl
RtngetNTversionnumbers

Error loading Explorer.exe
Must Reinstall Windows 98.

I have a backup of the most important files but not everything.

Can anybody help.

[rjfvillarosa]

This is a quote:

To repair a Windows 98 operating system, you must boot the computer to a command prompt by using a startup disk. Next, manually replace MSVCRT.dll in the C:\Windows\System folder with a copy of the file from the Windows 98 CD or with a copy of the file from a computer that is successfully running Windows 98.

From this page:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330314

[TeenPcknowit]

Originally Posted by rjfvillarosa This is a quote: From this page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330314

HAHA! I love your signature man.

[PEACHTREE]

Will all my data in the C: be gone ?

[rjfvillarosa]

No, if you follow the procedure you will simply replace a defective windows system file, nothing else, this will hopefully allow you to restart windows.

[PEACHTREE]

Sorry, I am a bit of a newbie in this.

I tried loading the Configuration CD which came along with the Toshiba Satellite Pro and which is supposed to contain the Windows 98 Operating System.

All I got was the prompt for the A:

Can somebody advise how to get the file mentioned above to the required location.


Thanks

[glc]

The Configuration CD is a restore disk, not a conventional operating system CD. Its use will wipe the hard drive.

[GaryRouth]

Can you boot into Safe Mode? (start pressing F8 while the laptop is starting up). If so, you might be able to use System File Checker to replace the file. You can start it be typing "sfc" without the quotes in the Start/Run box. [Or, from Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information...and from the "Tools" menu, choose "System File Checker"]. You'll notice a box on the program's screen that says "extract one file from disk". Place a checkmark in that box, and type in the name of the file you wish to extract/replace. You'll need to have the file available on a floppy, hard drive, or CD = you use the "Browse" button to search for it. Many OEMs put the .cab files in a folder in C:\Windows\Options\Cabs. If you have a non-Recovery-Disk Windows 98 CD available, you could point to that.

If you can't boot to Safe Mode, and you can locate a source for that missing file, you can follow the procedure in rjfvillarosa's link.
. . . Gary

[PEACHTREE]

Originally Posted by GaryRouth Can you boot into Safe Mode? (start pressing F8 while the laptop is starting up). If so, you might be able to use System File Checker to replace the file. You can start it be typing "sfc" without the quotes in the Start/Run box. [Or, from Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information...and from the "Tools" menu, choose "System File Checker"]. You'll notice a box on the program's screen that says "extract one file from disk". Place a checkmark in that box, and type in the name of the file you wish to extract/replace. You'll need to have the file available on a floppy, hard drive, or CD = you use the "Browse" button to search for it. Many OEMs put the .cab files in a folder in C:\Windows\Options\Cabs. If you have a non-Recovery-Disk Windows 98 CD available, you could point to that. If you can't boot to Safe Mode, and you can locate a source for that missing file, you can follow the procedure in rjfvillarosa's link. . . . Gary

I am sorry , I can't get into SAFE mode. I have been able to get hold of a Windows 98 SE CD. But I have Windows 98 on my laptop. Will the MSVCRT.dll files be the same? If not, do I have to reinstall Windows 98 SE ? I can get into the command prompt but I can't execute anything from either SAFE mode or Normal mode. If I want to backup my files on a Jump Drive before reinstalling Windows 98 SE, which drive (letter of the alphabet) will the Jump Drive occupy ? Please help, I am a non-techie.

[glc]

The jump drive is not going to work in the DOS (command prompt) environment. It only will work within Windows.

You can install Windows 98 SE "over the top" of your Windows 98. I'll let Gary tell you how, he has a real good procedure. You will not lose your data files.

By the way, I'm guessing the reason for the crash was you attempted to install a wireless network adapter that was not compatible with Win98 original - most require 98SE.

[GaryRouth]

Hi again


Yours is an interesting case. Most of the 4300s shipped with either Win98se or Win2000 - I wonder if you've had 2nd Edition all along & just not noticed? Or, for whatever reason, a previous owner, or business, decided on the first edition instead. Either way, the error you received usually only occurs after a program or device has run a setup program of some sort - if your adaptor was *already* installed, and hadn't previously caused trouble on reboot, it's also possible that a virus or trojan might be present. If this is the case, you might want to try using a standalone removal tool like Stinger, before you try an over-the-top [I believe to try Stinger, you'd boot with your Win98se CD to the command prompt, then insert a floppy or CD with the stinger.exe program on it & run the program from the command prompt]. Here's the link to a webpage at download.com with info & a download link http://www.download.com/Stinger/3000...2.html?tag=dir

To resolve your mscvrt file-version issue, you'll still need to get a good version into your system. You have basically two choices: you can try the instructions for replacing just that file (from the link rjfvillarosa provided from Microsoft), or you can try an over-the-top, like glc mentioned. If you really do have Win98 original on the laptop, an over-the-top with your Win98se will update things nicely & should improve things all around. You shouldn't have to reinstall your programs or personal data either way. The details for the over-the-top are in the Tips & Tricks thread from here at PC Mechanic http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=70846 Pay close attention to the details: especially for Bios Antivirus settings. And remember to disconnect from any networks during the reinstall. Disconnect any printers, cameras, memory card readers, scanners, etc, also.

Either way, once the repair is complete - and especially if you've chosen to try the over-the-top, have your locally installed Antivirus program active and a firewall running before reconnecting to the Internet. Then go straight to Windows Update & grab any Security Updates that it identifies your system as needing. One of the easiest ways to do this safely is from behind a hardware firewall built into a router on your home network.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[I'm still a little surprised you couldn't boot to Safe Mode. You could try it again a few times, just to be sure]

[PEACHTREE]

I'm still a little surprised you couldn't boot to Safe Mode. You could try it again a few times, just to be sure

I can get into SAFE mode but I can't execute anything or run anything from Safe mode. It gives me the same error message as the normal mode.

You could be right. I may have 2nd edition on my laptop. Though when the Windows screen comes up , it doesn't mention 2nd edition. It just says Windows98.

Either way, the error you received usually only occurs after a program or device has run a setup program of some sort

You are right. I did run the Setup program for the Wireless Card Adaptor.

[GaryRouth]

I'd say you're probably OK to go on to the next steps of the repair. Best of luck!

[glc]

I may have 2nd edition on my laptop. Though when the Windows screen comes up , it doesn't mention 2nd edition. It just says Windows98.

In normal or safe mode. hit the Windows key along with Pause/Break - if it's 4.10.1998 its 98 original, if it's 4.10.2222A it's 98SE.

[PEACHTREE]

Some points:

* In my bios setup, there is no provision of turning off anti virus.

* One of the instructions was to rename win.com to win.bak. But in my laptop win.bak already exists.

* While I was looking at the setup disc of Windows98, it has msvcrt.dll on a number of folders

E:\add-ons\pws
E:\drivers\audio\aureal
E:\drivers\display\cirrus\5465agp
E:\drivers\display\intel\i810
E:\tools\reskit\setup

[glc]

Then rename it win.old.

Be careful, those drivers folders do not exist on a generic Win98 CD, you may have a recovery CD there, and I don't know if you can do an "over the top" with it.

You will just have to try the different msvcrt.dll files till one works - I'm betting there's more than one version and this is probably your issue right now - incompatible version. This is a common problem.

[PEACHTREE]

I replaced the msvcrt.dll file from the CD disc onto my hard drive and everything is OK.

I didn't have to do an over the top reinstall.

I have Windows 98 SE on my laptop.

Thank you for all your help , folks.