Configuration Error and Syntax Error Message in Netscape 7.1

Hello all,

This is my first post to this forum.

I just attempted to log onto the Internet using Netscape 7.1 which I have had on my machine for almost six months. I received a Configuration Error message which reads:

"An error occurred reading startup configuration file. Please contact your administrator. prefs.js, line 183: syntax error: illegal character. "

If I continue, I get the Netscape Registration box, then Netscape home page, and no mail or newsgroups. I do get my bookmarks however.

I searched the forum and noticed a similar earlier post, but there did not seem to be a resolution of the problem.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Welcome to the Forum, mm0047!

Hi mm0047,

See this detailed guideline for Syntax errors:
Startup Configuration Warning - Syntax Error

Try to find the mentioned line (183) and check to see if there is an extra quote sign ( " ) or one that is missing.

Once you have fixed the problem, back up your prefs.js file, actually you should back up you entire Profiles folder. In the event this error should recur, all that would be necessary is to replace the corrupt prefs.js file.

Ramona

 

Ramona,

Thanks a lot for your help. I tried finding the error as you indicated by finding the affected line, but the file seemed to be only 170 lines long. I had a backup of my system, so I was able to copy an older prefs.js file into my Profiles folder. Things seem to be working OK.

How often do you recommend backing up the Profiles folder?

V/R,

Mike
Also Midwest

 

Hi Mike,

Glad you had a "good" backup of your prefs.js file, and could replace the corrupt file.

Any time you make a change, either by adding Bookmarks, Addresses, and receive/delete Mail, or change a preference, then back up the Profiles folder. I am online every day and for a lengthy period of time, so I back up every day.

See the Preventive Maintenance Sticky at the top of the list of threads.

Ramona