windows 98 startup error need help soon

I really need help, i start the computer and after it says Windows 98 with the cloud screen the screen goes black and says somthing like "Drive A: Boost error" . If i use the boot disk (floppy) it says A: and you put a file name in, i think its to start the pc off the file name. ( "....." is you put the file name : A: "..... ")

NEED HELP SOON

email me at mstr3ttcmp@yahoo.com or at least post a reply

 

The boot floppy is not meant to start Windows for you. It is for installing or repairing the current installation of windows by using the utilities on the floppy, one you are about to use. Boot with the floppy and type these commands at the A:> ;
fdisk /mbr press enter
sys a: c: press enter
The Fdisk command will appear to do nothing, this is normal. It just repaired the Master Boot Record of the hard drive. Take out floppy and try to boot normally. Post back results.

 

unsuccesful attempt

i would type fdisk /mbr and it would give an error message aggain -something like "can not find -something- on fdisk

what else can i try PLEASE HELP

 

Are you sure it wasn't "bad command or filename ", or "can not find partition "? The complete error message will be a big help.
Go to Bootdisk's and download the file for 98SE OEM. Double click the downloaded file with a floppy in the drive and a new bootdisk will be made for you.
Then try those commands again, plus this additional one;
dir c:
Post back if anything shows up.
Do you happen to know who made this hard drive? The make and model of the computer?

 

i got both at different times , i got "bad command or file name" when i typed something at the A: screen and i THINK i got "can not find partition" when i typed in fdisk /mbr at the A: screen

 

I would try the new bootdisk first. A "bad command or file name" can be caused by a typo or a file that is not there. A "can not find partition" is serious, can be caused by the BIOS not seeing the hard drive, or a failed hard drive, but you are not sure of this message. The manufacturer of the hard drive has utilities to test the hard drive, but these are hard drive specific, must know who made it.
The BIOS not seeing the drive can be caused by something as simple as the motherboard battery being dead, it looks like a watch battery. When booting, pressing DEL with most motherboards when booting will get you into the BIOS, and have it Auto detect the drive. While there, note the date and time. The proper key to enter the BIOS will usually flash on the screen when the computer is turned on, something like "Press DEL to enter Setup ".

 

when i think about it it started up once - it didnt work for more than 1 minute but i was able to get to the desktop

why would it do that?

 

Unknown. You have only given enough information to make a couple of guesses, nor have you indicated if you created a new bootdisk [yours may be bad] from the link I provided and tried my commands [all 3] again. Or any indication if you actually went into BIOS, nor have you even responded on the make and model of the computer, this can be important to know if you want help. You are the one sitting at the keyboard and seeing what is on the screen, and my head feels pain when it hits a brickwall after a couple of times.
You could have been hit with a virus payload.
Hard drive died.
Motherboard died.
Motherboard battery died.
Voltage spike killed it.
Power supply died.
You accidently did something and not saying anything about it.

 

ok , its actually a freinds comp (i have xp) i am limited as to how much info i can get. i can only talk on the phone to her i am real motovated to help fix it

but, i think its hopeless so they might get a new comp

If you dont mind you could make a form for me to try and fill in as much as i could.

is there anything that matches what i have already told you?

 

will anyone please help - any advise - suggestions?

 

all of a sudden this is a dead post - I REALLY NEED SOME HELP

 

The only thing I can suggest is to try treating the PC as though is brand new, with nothing installed. Boot from the W98 CD, and then start PC with CD-Rom support. Type "fdisk ", delete any and all existing partitions, then recreate one large partition. Restart the PC, and format the partition. Copy the win98 folder to the HDD, and run setup from that folder on the hard drive.
NOTE: THIS WILL ERASE ALL DATA ON THE HARD DRIVE, INCLUDING DRIVERS!!
If you get error messages during fdisk/format, then the HDD is f***ed. If you get error messages during the installation process, then the M/board and/or processor is f***ed, and your friend will need a new one. Installation of a new motherboard is relatively straightforward, but time-consuming. I charge at least 2 hours labour for replacing a motherbaord, depending on how accessible it is.

This will probably be the last post in this thread, as there is simply nothing more to say

 

ok thanks