Win 98 "Unexpected Error"

This only happens on a few executables, but when I try to start a program, I get "Unexpected Error" with no other information or options. As an example, I can no longer run my Hijack This program and there are about 3 others that give the same error. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would be happy to post any other information about my system if necessary. They all are single file programs. Maybe some missing system files or a dll it's trying to use? The weird thing is that that is all it says. no code, no details, just an OK button with a little red graphic that is a circle with a white X sign in the middle. On the title bar, it displays the name of the program that I am trying to use. Any direction or ideas would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

Chris

 

Those applications could be corrupted, any way for you to test this by downloading HijackThis from the download section of this site to check this?

If it doesn't help, then provide more info on your system and what other applications you might have running in the background. You could also try booting in Safe Mode and try to run these apps to see what happens.

 

I think its actually windows 98 that is the problem. if it isnt second edition, then it is very unstable, no matter how good the computer. second edition only fixes a few of these problems, and is still a fairly unstable version of windows operating system. i would reccomend windows xp, either version, or even windows nt. but not millenium, that thing sucks.

 

WindowsME was so bad, I don't even understand why people still use it but regardless I tend to disagree about the opinions on Windows98se. It was stable enough for me to use it for gaming, install bunch of other programs and abuse the crap out of it for months before it would actually come to the point of needing a fresh install. Again if you don't mess around with registry and system files, do the required maintenance periodically, do not install too many programs, protect it against malware, it should run without problems for a long time.
Also you can't blame Windows for the issues caused due to using faulty or low quality components.
WindowsXP is definitely a better OS all around but would the system in question handle its higher HW requirements?

chctwo, for your problem, at least for now, try running System File Checking utility to see if it helps:
START > PRograms > Accessories > System Tools > System File Checker (Windows CD will be needed).

 

I think in 98 it's located in System Information (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information) under the tools menu.

Or you can go to Start, Run and type in sfc or sfc.exe

The only thing with System File Checker in Windows 98 is that it's not very intuitive and you will have to tell it where to place each file that it finds.

Still worth a shot though.

Also, in Start, Run, type in msconfig and see what is loading at startup in the startup tab.

Try running the programs in Safe Mode and see if they work or not.

 

Thanks for all the quick responses. I have almost everything unchecked under startup in msconfig. Below you will find a list of running processes. I tried running the programs in safe mode and it still gave me the same error. I have redownloaded 2 of the programs and reinstalled and I still get the same error. I ran the system file checker and it came up with 2 missing dll's, dskapi16.dll and dskapi32.dll and as best I can tell, these have to do with Plus, so I don't think that's causing it. Oh well, it's just weird that it's such a cryptic message with very little explanation. As an aside, I run Ad-Aware Personal SE, Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, Symantec A/V, and run frequent online A/V scans also, so my system is pretty clean. Maybe someone can pick up on something in the processes. Anyway, thanks again for the responses.

Chris

Spybot - Search && Destroy process list report, 3/24/2005 2:18:21 PM

PID: 4246950017 (4294877969) C:\PROGRAM FILES\PANICWARE\POP-UP STOPPER FREE EDITION\PSFREE.EXE
PID: 4279182445 (2123335181) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
PID: 4294429877 (4294528737) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
PID: 4294542781 (4294877969) C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\SPYBOTSD.EXE
PID: 4294575741 (4294611129) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
PID: 4294608049 (4294877969) C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
PID: 4294779805 (4294877969) C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
PID: 4294812297 (4294877969) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
PID: 4294874177 (4294927497) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
PID: 4294877969 (4294927497) C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
PID: 4294927497 (4279182445) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
PID: 4294931721 (4294927497) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE

 

Try DR WATSON for some more information on the error.

 

Dr. Watson doesn't pick up the error. It doesn't seem like a regular win error. There is no err no/id or details button, etc.

Chris

 

chctwo, since Windows98 doesn't have a complex and/or user based file and system structure, why don't you re-install Windows98 over the existing one?
IYes, simply boot to a startup disk, then point the command prompt to the CD drive where the Windows CD is, then type setup and install it again WITHOUT deleting, formating or fdisk'ing the existing installation.

Then you will know the problem is caused by corrupt/invalid registry or an installed program (which again would effect the registry) since re-installing Windows98 that way would not remove and programs, files and registry keys created after the original installation.

 

That's a good idea. I'll try it tonight.

Thanks,

Chris