Cannot access "Help" from Start menu

98SE, Norton, Adaware, Sptbot.

I can't activate the Windows "Help" file from the Start menu, nor "Help" from IE. Any suggestions what might be wrong?

 

Welcome to the bbs!

Sounds like your computer's been around for a while. The contents of hard disks, which are magnetic, gradually deteriorates over the months and years, and parts of programs like windows quit working. This is corrected by periodiclally reinstalling windows and the other programs. Hope you've retained the CDs that came with the new computer so you'll be able to do the reinstall.

 

This used to be an office computer - I do have a 98SE CD that came with another computer I have - could I use it to download the Help program?

 

You can certainly use it to reinstall windows (my best suggestion) or you can run system file checker (start, run, type sfc, enter) and point it to the win98 folder when it asks for source of files.

 

Does this computer by any chance have an earlier version (pre 2.0) of Easy Cleaner installed on it? If so, it would break the help function. I checked at their web site and a fix is still available but to get to the download center you have to sign up now. It would appear it costs 19.95 US dollars per year to access it. If you do have the program installed I think I'd send an email to them regarding this. The program was free at the time it had this bug and it seems to me that you shouldn't have to pay for the fix if the program was freeware at the time it had this bug. The fix was always free before.

http://www.toniarts.com/faq.htm

Question number one in the FAQ's.

 

Thanks to all for the prompt relies -

Zander, I don't see Easy Cleaner in the programs, neither did I find it as a file.

Sparrow, I'll try the sfc.exe route and let you know what happens.

 

johna--Do you go to Windows Update to get updates for your Win98 and IE/OE. You should. (Yes, MS still offers some updates for Win98!)
I seem to remember there was a patch from MS some years ago that corrupted Help, but this was followed by another patch that fixed the situation.

 

Jim, the updates are all current.

Sparrow, with regards to reinstalling 98SE, is it a relatively simple procedure, or at least one that offers prompts? Can I reinstall it over the existing installation? Last but not least, how would I go about doing this?

Sorry for asking so many questions, but this is my first attempt at anything like this.

 

I fdisk from a windows startup floppy , delete and remake partitions and then reboot and format to do a 'clean' install. Depending on disk size, I make one 8-9GB system partition (don't forget to make it active) and the rest in one or more partitions for data and 3rd party software. Then boot from the CD and switch to the win98 folder: type e:\>cd win98 and setup. Follow the prompts.

 

johna

If you have a 98 Startup disk ( floppy ) and I see that you do have the 98SE CD

Boot the machine from a power off state to the floppy.

Insert the 98SE CD

Then use the command type e:\>cd win98 and setup. ( posted by sparrow ) WITHOUT FORMATING first.

This will over write what is there but at the same time retain most ( if not all ) setting and installed programs.

You have nothing to loose and a lot to gain. And can save you A LOT of work.

Just shut down any Anti-Virsu and Firewall. I have read that it is better to UNISTALL the Firewall.

BillyBob

 

I just looked back and saw this. 98SE, Norton, Adaware, Sptbot.

Make sure that NONE OF NORTON is loading a startup.

Norton could be part of your problem too. It did it to me.

BillyBob

 

Johna,
All useful ideas so far, but was wondering if you have the proper registration number for the WIN98 CD you have? Also, do you have the original Compaq Recovery Disks?

About a year ago I was trying to set up an old office Compaq Deskpro 350 for a friend, and had a lot of trouble with Compaq's proprietary BIOS and disk formatting, and I believe a mysterious special Compaq partition on the hard drive I eventually was able to find the correct tools on the Compaq website (now run by HP). It might be worthwhile searching out the various tools, downloads and patches for the partiucular computer you have, if you can figure out what it is and which Compaq tool and patches apply. Frankly, their website is a nightmare for older models which seem to come in many different variations of the same model

You can try the standard Windows tools for Formatting and FDisking on the WIN98 CD or Boot Disk, but from my experience, they may not work.

Good luck! Just thought I'd warn you about some potential problems. Has anyone else experienced the "nightmare" of older Compaqs?

hjpete

 

Thanks to everyone! You've been most helpful. I'll post back on how it all turned out.

john