Big trouble... Can't figure out the fix...

DRTDEVL · 01-12-2005, 08:24 PM

Been working on a friend's computer, and I can't get it to boot up outside of safe mode...

The problem seems to be a lack of a driver for the cdrom, and the cdrom also does not read cds.

I have had to reload the OS due to other attempted fixes (by others), but the problem I am running into is this: The OS (WIN98SE) requires a setup cd to load properly... The cdrom will not work. I have tried to load it with a 3.5" diskette, but the setup file is just slightly too large to fit on the disk (by about 0.03MB).

How can I get this thing to boot?

AMD chip (500MhZ), about 5 years old. Everything checks out in safe mode, other that the lack of a driver for the cdrom. I can't load the driver, as it seems to be missing the OEM driver as well. I tried some fix within the autoexec and system files to associate the two, but it didn't work (looked that one up on the net). What will fix it?

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CynicX · 01-13-2005, 07:03 AM

Does the Cd-rom work at all? I cant get any thing cd/dvd related to last more then 2 years....doesnt a cd rom use a generic driver, something that is built in...I never loaded a driver for a cd-rom....the computer has read the drive just like any other drive, 3.5", hard drive....both I've never installed drivers for an initial start up....did you try formating the entire system and starting from scratch? sorry i couldnt have been of more help....

Churnd · 01-13-2005, 09:38 AM

You should be able to find a setup file from the Microsoft website that will let you split up the files onto seperate floppies. I've done this for WinXP, and it took 7 disks.

Check this out... http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5751

Joe · 01-13-2005, 11:29 AM

All I've ever needed is a DOS start-up disk/boot disk - that has all the generic drivers that you need. They are getting hard to come by, but if you can find the MS DOS 8.0 w/scsi, that should get the 98, ME and 2000 up and running with no problems whether you're running a "normal" or scsi setup.

DRTDEVL · 01-15-2005, 09:57 PM

Well... I found the fix...

I had to replace the CDROM, make a setup disk (1.44MB 3.5" floppy), burn the WIN98 directory off of my computer, insert setup disk, load with CDROM support. It created a virtual drive. I then had to go to A:\FDISK and repartition the HD, format the HD (using the command FORMAT C: /S, to save the DOS as the OS for later), and reload WIN98SE using the WIN98 directory off of my box. I also had to use MY product key, since the other box has ZERO stickers on it (not even the brand).

For future (unlucky) repairmen, I put a copy of the setup disk, the WIN98 directory (basically an OEM OS disk), and the NERO software from the CDRW drive I installed inside a Ziploc bag, and left them in the bottom of the case. I also wrote the product key on the inside wall of the case, on the CD case, and on the CD with a Sharpie.

Now, on to the next issue... It seems that the VGA adapter in this computer only goes up to 16 color capability... Do I need to change the graphics card in it, or is there a way to get a better driver for it? My box has the NVIDIA RIVA adapter, but this one does not. Can I use that, or do I need a new card installed?

TIA for all the help...

Yota4runner · 01-15-2005, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Now, on to the next issue... It seems that the VGA adapter in this computer only goes up to 16 color capability... Do I need to change the graphics card in it, or is there a way to get a better driver for it? My box has the NVIDIA RIVA adapter, but this one does not. Can I use that, or do I need a new card installed?

I'm afraid I don't eactly understand what you are asking with this question. Generally speaking you should be able to determine what sort of Graphics card it does indeed have in it and download the updated drivers for it. Thus making it possible for the monitor to run through it properly and give you more options for colours.

It should work that way, Unless I read your question wrong. :bounce2:

CynicX · 01-16-2005, 06:10 AM

download the proper driver for the graphic card in the case?...is there a card or is it built into the mobo?....

01-13-2005, 07:03 AM	#2 (permalink)
CynicX Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,371	Does the Cd-rom work at all? I cant get any thing cd/dvd related to last more then 2 years....doesnt a cd rom use a generic driver, something that is built in...I never loaded a driver for a cd-rom....the computer has read the drive just like any other drive, 3.5", hard drive....both I've never installed drivers for an initial start up....did you try formating the entire system and starting from scratch? sorry i couldnt have been of more help.... __________________ 06 Subaru WRX

01-13-2005, 09:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Churnd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 4,093	You should be able to find a setup file from the Microsoft website that will let you split up the files onto seperate floppies. I've done this for WinXP, and it took 7 disks. Check this out... http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5751 __________________ -Chris If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. Click here to search! My Website

01-15-2005, 09:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
DRTDEVL Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Baumholder, Deutschland Posts: 246	Well... I found the fix... I had to replace the CDROM, make a setup disk (1.44MB 3.5" floppy), burn the WIN98 directory off of my computer, insert setup disk, load with CDROM support. It created a virtual drive. I then had to go to A:\FDISK and repartition the HD, format the HD (using the command FORMAT C: /S, to save the DOS as the OS for later), and reload WIN98SE using the WIN98 directory off of my box. I also had to use MY product key, since the other box has ZERO stickers on it (not even the brand). For future (unlucky) repairmen, I put a copy of the setup disk, the WIN98 directory (basically an OEM OS disk), and the NERO software from the CDRW drive I installed inside a Ziploc bag, and left them in the bottom of the case. I also wrote the product key on the inside wall of the case, on the CD case, and on the CD with a Sharpie. Now, on to the next issue... It seems that the VGA adapter in this computer only goes up to 16 color capability... Do I need to change the graphics card in it, or is there a way to get a better driver for it? My box has the NVIDIA RIVA adapter, but this one does not. Can I use that, or do I need a new card installed? TIA for all the help... __________________ *WHEELIN' ON THE CHEEEEP* '87 4-Runner SR5, 3" lift, 33's, nerfs, engnbldr inside. RUST FREE!!! Engine complete... Ready to wheel! Hmmm... Sneaking back in here after a 2 year absence...

01-16-2005, 06:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
CynicX Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,371	download the proper driver for the graphic card in the case?...is there a card or is it built into the mobo?.... __________________ 06 Subaru WRX

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01-13-2005, 11:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
Joe Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 264	All I've ever needed is a DOS start-up disk/boot disk - that has all the generic drivers that you need. They are getting hard to come by, but if you can find the MS DOS 8.0 w/scsi, that should get the 98, ME and 2000 up and running with no problems whether you're running a "normal" or scsi setup.

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