Blank screen on 98 explorer error messag

Nathan,

Before you attempt to repair Windows, let's try and find the root cause of your problem.

How much system RAM do you have?

How old is this installation of W98?

How much free hard drive space do you have?

How large are the registry files, user.dat, system.dat, ?

What if any system utilities do you run?

What video card do you have?

Which version of Internet Explorer and DirectX are installed?

Please reject my answer, and add a comment with the answers to the questions.

Realistically, with the problems you have, a fresh clean installation of W98 is the "BEST" way to fix your problems.

You can do this WITHOUT formatting your hard drive.
You will however need to reinstall your application software.

Start by downloading and saving the latest drivers for ALL hardware.

Next, boot from a W98 startup disk.
Browse to C:\Windows
Then, start deleting files.
Use the DOS delete *.* command.
(Note: you will loose any 3rd party screen savers that are installed.)

Enter the sub-folders \Temp and \System
Delete all files and files in sub-folders here also.

Switch to the "root" folder C:\
Check the folder for any personal files using the dir command.
Delete all files except your personal files.

Insert your Windows CD.
From the A: prompt, run setup.

Chas

I understand Nathan.

Since you cannot boot into Windows at all, I have a suggestion for a way to backup your files.

Remove the hard drive from the computer, and install it as a slave drive on another PC.

I would install it on the secondary IDE controller. That way, you won't need to change any jumpers on the hard drive of the system used for the backup.
(You may need to change the jumpers on your hard drive though.)

Then, copy your data files either onto the hard drive, or burn them onto CDs.

With the hard drive on another system, you can also clean out the Windows folders I recommended in my first answer.
(Keep in mind, that your drive will be at least the D: drive on the other desktop system.)
D:\Windows
D:\Windows\System (and sub folders)
D:

After removing the files, empty the recycle bin.

Then, move your drive back to your computer.
Boot from a Windows 98 startup floppy, or your W98 CD.

Then, run setup, and install Windows.

Your files and programs will still be on the drive.
You will need to re-install your applications in order for many of them to operate properly.

The Windows installer will NOT find your Outlook Express mail or Address Book.
You will need to update IE/OE to at least version 5.5 to import your mail if you were running IE 5 or 6.

Chas

It seems you have access to the net without the broken computer. So, if you also have a cd burner here's what you can do. Download a liveCD from some where. The majority are Linux. But it doesn't matter because linux flavors can see Window files. Besides you're not going to open them you're just going to back them up to a cd. If you don't know what a LiveCD is let me explain: A liveCD is an operating system that can run from a CD while booted by a computer. No worries it doesn't install or wipeout any information on your computer. It simply runs from the CD. Most Linux versions come with CD burning software and it's all free. So, boot your computer with this liveCD and burn your important files to CD. Then you can start fresh with a new install of your Win98.
And don't worry about having to learn how to use linux. Linux nowadays looks just like a windows environment with graphical icons and all. I certainlly don't know how to use Linux but this worked for me.
And don't worry about having to learn how to use linux. Linux nowadays looks just like a windows environment with graphical icons and all. I certainlly don't know how to use Linux but this worked for me. The only thing is I didn't have to download the livecd, I bought a linux magazine because I saw this solution on the cover and the disc came with it.
I hope this helps

This question was closed by the author