Won't boot up

First, boot from a boot floppy for your OS, and see if you can access the drive from dos.

If so, from the A: promt, type sys c:
You should now be able to boot to the C drive.
You may need to re-install windows to have full access to the drive.
Back up your critical files immeadiately.
Also, update the files for your virus scanner, and scan for viruses.

If you cannot access the drive from dos, download the Tech Republic article 200 ways to revive a dead hard drive.

There are also several utilities that you can download or purchase to attempt to recover the data.

One of 2 things cause this behavior on a drive.
1. A virus
2. The drive is starting to fail.

If the drive is virus free, I would consider purchasing a new drive for the system.

Hi,

TheChas' answer is a good one. There's one thing to note before you run out and buy a new harddrive thinking that your current one is failing.

Did you switch off the machine without shutting it down properly?

If you did, then its likely that Win98 has become corrupted and (hopefully) wont mean problems with the drive itself.

Do as TheChas suggests and boot from a floppy. Get your important files off there pronto!

Cheers,
Tim.

Also make sure that the cables did not come unplugged first before you go buy a new H/D.

There is a way to keep the data on your harddrive if you have to format...but beware we are talking way expensive here. You can have the plates read but when I say expensive..I mean expensive! There is a company in Minnesota that does it I think.You could do a web search under harddrive repair or something like that. Hope that helps and I bet you will backup from now on!

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