Multi-boot system; Win98SE won't boot

Multi-boot system: WinXP, WinNT, Win98SE using Boot Magic.

I just tried installing Logitech cam software on my 98SE OS, and about 90%
of the way through installation, the system locked up. I rebooted, and
selected 98SE again, but it locked up before completing it's bootup (I was
able to login, but it stopped right after).

Can't boot into Safe Mode; same thing happens - it locks up.

Any ideas? At least XP is working, so I can write/send this.

Thanks!

Frank

 

Since you are at least starting the boot phase od 98SE, the multi-boot
part is irrelevant. Beyond that, sound like the cam software hosed
98SE.
Unless you really need 98SE, and NT too for that matter, I recommend
going to XP exclusively.

 

How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=192926

 

Doesn't this presuppose my ability to get into Win98SE? I can't get it to
load, so how do I start my troubleshooting? #1 says, "On the General
tab..." but I can't get my Win98SE to boot... Can I do it another way?

 

I might just do that down the road, but how do I save all of the information
on my desktop, etc.? I'd like to at least have access to the files I've
saved there (as well as programs on the C: drive).

- Frank (again)

 

PreviousPoster said:

No wonder you have system problems, don't save files to your desktop, save them
to a folder somewhere else.
If you are able to boot with a different OS, navigate to the folders and
save/move the content.

 

The Windows 98 and NT partitions should be visible from XP.
Copy the files you want to save over to the XP partition, or simply
leave them there and delete Windows systems files and program files
that are no longer needed. Then use your XP CD to reset the boot
record for XP only.

 

Boot into DOS and type:

scanreg /restore

Choose a date prior to the problem.

 

Thanks for the suggestion; I wish it was that simple. Unfortunately, after
I did the scanreg, my system did the same thing. I am not thrilled with
Logitech's software right now...

- Frank

 

I occasionally save files TEMPORARILY to the desktop for later printing (I
find that it's easy to remember I have to do something with them when
they're staring me in the face).

Thanks for the suggestion of booting with anothe OS & saving files; I'll
probably do that as a safety measure. One other question: since I have a
lot of programs installed using Win98, I'd really like to keep it for now,
until I install all of them on XP. Any suggestions?

- Frank

 

The 98 and NT partitions are visible, and I will copy files I want to save
to a temp folder; burn them to CD; and move forward, even if only as a
precautionary measure. My biggest concern with jumping to XP right now is
the number of programs I have installed with 98. It will take days to
install them all on XP if I need to reinstall them. Any ideas? Can XP
access them?

- Frank

 

A very small number of programs will run simply by firing up the exe
file from XP, but this is by far the exception and not the rule.
(WinAmp 2.8 and earlier, Forte Agent, IrfanView)
Many 98 programs will run fine on XP after being installed under XP.
There may be a few that will not.

If you need to reclaim your 98 partition and perhaps add it back to
the XP partition, you'll need something like Partition Magic.

 

If the software has been uninstalled, and the registry
restored to a date prior to the problem, it sounds like
it could be a hardware problem. Have you tried a
scandisk (with full surface scan) on the 98 partition?
Bad clusters could cause lock ups.

 

Taking a moment's reflection, PreviousPoster mused:
|
| Thanks for the suggestion; I wish it was that simple. Unfortunately,
| after I did the scanreg, my system did the same thing. I am not thrilled
| with Logitech's software right now...

From left field ... have you tried booting without the Logitech camera
plugged in?

 

Unfortunately, yes; but good thought. I'm still looking at reinstalling
Win98SE for a while, since I have so many programs that didn't work with XP.

In case you know, if I reinstall Win98SE, do all of my previously installed
programs need to be reinstalled as well. If so (bummer), how do I get rid
of the program files before reinstalling them? All of my programs are
stored on a separate partition.