I recently tried to use an old router to get a high-speed Internet connection on a Windows 98 computer, but could not successfully get the connection set up. Last night, I unplugged the router from the Windows 98 (I had not started up the computer all day) because I could not get it to work and was done dealing with it.

Now, I'm planning to install Windows XP on this Windows 98, so I tried starting it up this morning to see if it met the minimum system requirements.

First, I think the computer started up correctly, but I could not tell because the monitor was not responding to being connected to the computer. So, I moved the computer and monitor to a different power outlet. (The computer and monitor have to be plugged in via a power strip-type box now, because only one of the outlets works. The box is plugged in to this working outlet.) The monitor works now, but now the computer will not start up in Normal mode.

When I turn the computer on, it now gives me the startup menu, with several methods(?) to choose from (Normal, Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT), Safe mode, Safe mode with network support, Step-by-step confirmation, Command prompt only, and Safe mode command prompt only). When I try Normal, I get the "Microsoft Windows98" screen, but nothing happens until I press the Esc key on my keyboard. The computer then gets stuck at some DOS (I think, it's a black screen with basic gray letters, similar to the startup menu) program that is "scanning for viruses, trojans, and variants". I then have to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart the computer, or hold down my computer's power button, as I cannot do anything else.

If I restart the computer then, I am again at the startup menu. If I choose Safe mode, I again have to press Esc before anything happens. The computer starts up in Safe mode (after displaying the startup menu again for some reason; I do not have to press anything when this happens). I can then use my Windows 98 at a low screen resolution (and can check its RAM, etc., which is what I wanted to initially do).

Still, I will need to have my computer start up in Normal mode. What should I do to fix this problem? I know that was a lot of information; I hope I didn't leave out any details.

Thanks.
stickynote427

This computer is different from your posted computer spec's correct? If so please send the Spec's for the win.98 computer... When you tried to use this router did it it have a install software,you might need a driver and if you try to upgrade to XP with the win98 computer you probally will need drivers for the hardware. Did you get any error codes?

The 98's specs are not the spec in my profile, no.

When I tried to set up the router, I think it had to install a/some driver/s, but I don't remember. I never receive any error codes when trying to start up my computer.

I tried the Windows startup troubleshooter in safe mode today, and it did not help me.

At this point, I don't mind if I ever get Windows XP installed on this computer or get Internet access on it. I just want to use it like I normally would.

Does anyone have any more suggestions?

Thank you.
stickynote427

Never mind, someone from 5 Star Support helped me out.

All I needed to do was start my computer and choose Command prompt only from the menu, enter scanreg /restore and choose an option from March ("3/xx/2009 Started"). I then restarted my computer and chose Normal from the startup menu.

Thanks for the help!

stickynote427

I worked on 5 star mbefore it turned in to that. They Emailed you the problems daily,it's changed a lot. Marked as fixed.