Win 98 boot problems

Hello,
Firstly thankyou to anyone and everyone who can help, and my apologies for being an unexpert in computers. i have best described my problem
My laptop has some issues, Windows only loads to the splash screen then jams.
I have tried to run scan disk, but there are so many problems, and one is too large to fix, it does not complete.
I can get to dos mode, but cannot load in safe or any other mode, as the computer jams.
I have tried to reinstall windows, but this will not work as the message i get is something like older version of windows, (maybe I have 98se, and am trying to install 98, anyway its all got).
What should be my next course of action?

Should I copy files from c to d drive, then wipe c drive and reinstall?
what about drivers? i know they are specific for this laptop and not on the windows disk.
any help muchly appreciated.
thanks
chris

 

I think the first step might be to choose the 'step-by-step confirmation' option for loading Windows (same menu you find the safe mode & DOS choices). This will bypass the splash screen & show each file as it loads. Answer 'yes' whenever it gives you a choice before loading, as that's what it would normally load by default. When it sticks, you'll be able to see which file is causing it. Let us know what file it is & perhaps someone here can give some further advice.

 

hello wavetar
ok, here is where i get to and the problems
when i choose
step by step config it loads
boottlog.xt
process startup device drivers (config.sys)
device c:winhimen.sys then no more response, the computer locks up.
OR
with a windows disk in drive
running win set up from e:
replace curent op system
scan disk - directory structure - invalid long filename entry and unable to fix
then jams when
searching c: for crosslinked files.
OR
choosing safe mode command prompt only - gets me to dos prompt with the mesage
divide overflow error.
then to the dos prompt.


Do i need a startup disk?
how do i start windows?
any help thanks!!!
Chris