Trouble installing Win98 FE

[FireStick]

I am trying to install Win98FE on a P166 with a FAT16 2GB HD. I get through entering the CD key and everyting and when it restarts and starts to update system settings, I get the following message:

Windows Protection Error. You must restart your computer.

C:\WINDOWS\ system\vmm32.vxd is missing/unable to load.



Is this something to do with it not being a FAT 32 HD? Can't I install it on FAT 16? Thanks for the help.

[TwoRails]

Hi FireStick,

Try going into BIOS and turn off the Virus protection. Win98 won't install on older mobos with this feature turned on.

HTH

TwoRails

[FireStick]

OK, I'll try that and see what happens. Thanks.

[FireStick]

No dice, tworails. I went into the bios and everything looked like the virus checker was already disabled. Just to be sure, I enabled it and tried to boot, and then disabled again and tried to boot. I get the same error.

If this is any help, it is a NEC Ready 9701SE. As far as I know, everything is still factory except a RAM upgrade. I have no idea what kind of mobo. Another funny thing, it says in the bios that it has 47MB of RAM.

[TwoRails]

Hi FireStick,

Sorry, I'm not that familiar with NECs. Some "store bought" systems use a proprietary format and Require that a fresh install be done only with the manufacturer's Resuce disk / CD. Not sure 'bout NECs.

Also, memory problems can give that error message. How much memory are you supposed to have? You can download a very good, and free, memory tester, DocMem, from www.simmtester.com. You make a boot floppy and run the tests.

Finally, no, the FAT should have nothing to do with installation.

HTH

TwoRails

[TwoRails]

PS: did you search Microsoft's Support site for the error message?? there is a lot of good info there...

[grasshopperbe]

im using win98se, i thought when you install win98 it repartitions the drive to fat32 before install, otherwise, you can always do this with fdisk.
I can't tell you if this is the cause of your problem though.
have you checked if the file vmm32.vxd
is present on your drive?
Maybe its a long shot, but when you click start-->run and type sfc (system file checker) you get a program that can restore all system files. maybe this might do any good.

about the ram, my guess is that it is failing, or maybe it has a very strange combination of memory sticks instarted.

[TwoRails]

Win 98 default is to FAT 16, but there is a utility that comes with it to convert to FAT 32. Can't remember offhand if there is a command line switch to FAT 32 during install, but don't think so.

I don't think, grasshopperbe, that FireStick can even get that far to check files installed??? FireStick??

TwoRails

[mike breck]

FireStick,

If you want to use FAT32 on the HD, all you have to do is say "Yes" to "Do you wish to enable large disk support" when asked by FDISK.

Yes gives you FAT32 and No gives you FAT16. You are not restricted by your HD in any way; so I would choose FAT32.

FDISK and Format the HD again.

Try removing the WindowsCD before the computer restarts itself for the second time and is about to install the hardware. Pop the CD back in when prompted on during Hardware setup.

If that fails, try installing Win98 from the HD:

Partition and Format the HD
Boot up with a Win98 bootdisk and choose CD-Rom support
Keep an eye on what drive letter is assigned to your CD-Rom drive - it will usually be one letter up from what it usually is
Put the Windows CD in the CD-Rom drive
(Ignore the quotation marks when typing these commands)
Change to your C: drive by typing C: at the A:\> prompt
Create a new directory on C: called Win98
Do this by typing "MD Win98" at the C:\> prompt
Copy the contents of the Win98 folder from the CD to the HD by typing "copy X:\Win98*.* C:\Win98"
Where "X" is the letter of your CD-Rom drive
When the files are copied, you can remove the CD and start setup by typing "C:\Win98\setup.exe" and press "Enter"
It will then run the installation from the HD

HTH

[FireStick]

Originally posted by mike breck try installing Win98 from the HD: HTH

That did it, thanks.