startup freeze on Windows 98 logo page

When starting, I now get a freeze up at the point where the Windows 98 logo shows up.

I can still f8 my way into the startup menu.

Upon going thru the step by step confirmation in the startup menu, when I get to the "Device=C\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS" and press yes, I get a little down arrow, and am then unable to give any more commands.

I have tried restarting numerous times, but always get the same results. Am I doomed???

 

i had that problem with XP and i guess it was my PSU (way underpowered). Unplugging my USB devices before boot and re-plugging them in after boot seemed to help. Never figured out a long term solution but a reformat fixed it. Id wait until you get more help before you do that thought, unless you want to do it now....

 

I will try unplugging USB devices and see what happens.

 

Maybe try running SFC /scannow from Start-->Run. This will check for missing important files. You will need an original W98SE CD loaded, though, to actually alter anything. Beware, in the menu of choices, always select IGNORE if you are not sure of what choice to make. Run it a few times until you feel confident of making the right choice. Hope this helps. Bazza

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