Problems with an 98 install

One other thing you can not reboot at this point. ctrl alt del wont work. have to power off

I've had this problem several times. I used to just keep running setup until it finally finished (sometimes 10+ times). Microsoft suggests, shutting the computer down by the power button (not CRTL+ALT+DEL) and waiting for the processor to cool. I ususally leave them overnight when this happens and it works well.

Secondly, when you choose the install option for Custom, Minimal, Portable etc. Choose custom and uncheck EVERYTHING!! You can always add programs via ADD/REMOVE programs in the control panel later. The main thing is to uncheck ALL media, Modem, networking softwae etc. to get the system files installed, then install needed files as above.

Good luck.
OM

I have seen similar problems with both RAM modules and CPU clock speed problems.

Start by trying different RAM modules. I have seen a number of motherboards that are VERY finicky as to what RAM will work on them.

Also, on the subject of RAM, for W98 you do not want to have more than 511MB of RAM. There is a bug in the core code that can be triggered with 512MB or more RAM and cause all manner of problems.

Verify that the front side buss and clock multiplier settings are correct for both your RAM and CPU.
I have seen a number of motherboards that under-clock the CPU. This can also cause some strange problems.

1 final thought, is there any hardware that you salvaged from the old system?
Modems
NIC
Power supplies
Even drives can be damaged when a power surge takes out the motherboard.
Remove as much old hardware as you can, and try again.

For that matter, I have found that it works best for W98 to install the OS with minimum hardware.
Then, shut down and plug-in your additional devices 1 at a time.

Chas

yes, TheChas answer is great imho. and remember to turn off BIOS level anti virus.

I agree with chas, but you did indicate in you r problem the main problem. TOOK A POWER HIT, RUINED THE MOTHER BOARD. Seems something else went out to lunch with the mother board, PCI bus probably included the modem, video, Ram, HD interface ? Any of which would mess with a "clean" install of an operating system.

Hi

first assign ram to the wideo card to lower from 512ram. just 32mg to the card will do. Done in bios.

Did you fdisk MBR as I have seen this with the old MBR still in place.

Also I have had to do a norton "wipe once 0's"
while slaved to another pc.

I also use the Western Digital "Lifeguard" boot disk to fdisk, or "Maxblaster's"

I've tried them all and now run only 98se with 512mg ram

fred

Addtional items tried.
Changed ram.
changed hard drive.
checked clocking on the mother board to be sure it was correct.
Let set overnight.
Did each item seperately and then tried to resetup. It still writes to the hard drive and then stalls.

I do not have a spare processor that I can use.
Is there a program that comes on a floppy that could check the hardware?

Point value changed by question poster.

If the system suffered a surge. How bad was the surge? Could the power supply have been damaged? You may have a noisy power supply! I'ts rare, but you are having problems. Don't rule it out!

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