Windows 98 won't start up

Hi

Can you boot into Safe Mode? Press F8 when the computer starts up and select Safe Mode from the Boot Menu. If Windows starts in Safe Mode run System File Checker by clicking Start>Run and then typing

SFC

in the Run dialog box, then press Enter. This program will check your core system files and offer to replace any that are corrupt. It will also notify you if there are any later versions of a system file available. You will need your Win98 CD or have access to the CAB files from the installation CD's Win98 directory (these are sometimes copied to a hard drive).

Also, if this does not work, you can run a repair of the OS without losing your settings and data. Again, you will need either the original CD or acess to the CAB files to do this.

Good luck

mal-ware, betcha
if you can boot into Safe mode (reboot computer, immediately start tapping f8 key on top row until you get Start Menu, pick Safe Mode.
disconnect from internet. Run Ad-aware from www.lavasoftusa.com
you are gonna have to download it from another computer maybe.

In addition to Adaware, also try Spybot Search & Destroy, another excellent freeware program on www.spybot.info. I usually have both programs installed. Also check for viruses.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ is a free site that does an online virus check.
My favorite Anti-Virus software is also free:
www.grisoft.com - AVG Antivirus FREE EDITION.
If all of that does not work, also try HijackThis, a free program that lists everything your PC starts automatically without you knowing. You can create a lot of problems with it, but it is bound to find everything, and if there is still something bad running it will find it.
Good luck!

Unfortunately, I can't start it in safe mode. I tried a step by step boot as well. It's funny you mention the adware stuff b.c. this happened after I had run spybot on my machine. Spybot said a few problems couldn't be fixed unless I rebooted, which I did, and now get the explorer error mentioned earlier

Spybot noted a file that may have noted an registry file that should not have been removed,try the Windows 98
1. In Windows 98, boot the computer to the Startup menu and then click Command Prompt Only.

For more information about how to boot your computer to safe mode, please see the following article.180902
How to start a Windows 98-based computer in Safe mode
2. Type the following at the prompt: ren c:\explorer.exe explorer.old, and then press ENTER.
3. Restart the computer.
following

Again, I can't boot in safe mode so explorer.exe explorer.old won't work. the machine boots all the way to the windows screen, then I hear the music, then I get the error and the screen goes black

this error has a direct link to Trojan.JS.Offensive..... sorry but if you cant even start in safe mode, you can 1. try downloading the removal tool on another comp and running it off a floppy in your comp; or 2. take it to a shop and pay to have it fixed; or 3. get a 2nd hand hdd and copy your data to it and then reinstal windows and copy your data back. NOTE: reintalling win 98 will mean having to search the internet for all/most of your drivers....

Your RAM module may be curpted. Try to replace it with other working module and check that....

Check your motherboad. are there all the Sylinders on Boards OK or not.

Other thing may be your IE files or OS files have been curpted. try to replace them by going safe mode by pressing F8 while starting 98 using SFC.

If this dosen't work RErun 98 on current one.

To try and rename explorer. exe, you should be able to start from a floppy. Then use the following commands:

c:
cd \windows
ren explorer.exe explorer.old

When starting from a floppy, you start on drive a: (floppy), and c: changes you to the hard drive.
cd \windows makes certain you are in the windows directory - watch for the \, make sure you use the right one!
ren renames the file (duh).
Good luck!

Friend, if this issue is still open, just boot to a DOS prompt using a boot disk, and if you got space on your drive, type:
ren windows winbak [ENTER]
ren progra~1 probak [ENTER]
And reinstall Windows. If you got no space, just try reinstalling it.
Yes, you will have to reinstall your programs for the register will be new, but as long as you do not format, your personal data will be safe (depending on where you save it).
Your best bet, go Windows XP.