Windows 98 keeps re-starting

Hi, I have windows 98 second edition, a month ago my computer started shutting itself down every once in a while, then it would do it a few minutes after booting up, eventually it would re-start itself up right after it completed the booting up cycle. If I start the computer on safe mode, no abnormalities are detected. I've tried Mcafee, Ad-aware, and everything else but the problem is still there, I've even re-installed Windows 98 and the problem still persists. My computer messes up only when Windows is fully loaded, but it works fine on "Safe" or any other mode. Can anybody tell me what the problem might be?

 

If problem is not happening in safemode then it is happening in one of the areas that is not used or hardware drivers that are not loaded or running background startup programs that are loaded, during safemode. You need to use the troubleshooting techniques found in the below links to narrow or pin down the problem. Learn how to use msconfig to pin this down.

http://aumha.org/win4/a/shutdown.htm

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308029

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&q=site:www.windowsbbs.com+safemode+win98

Plenty more in the help.net archives of past posts. You may wish to use the search feature of this board and check them out.

 

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showpost.php?p=47395&postcount=3

Helloooooo!!

karls0913???????????

Are you there? Did any of the above help? Did you use the/any method to help pin this down?

Just checking up on ya' to see if you've made any progress, be it "good or bad ". Update "pretty...please ".

 

Windows 98 Second Edition keeps re-starting

Hi Goddez1, I really appreciate your help. I've tried most of the suggestions you gave me and that I thought applied to my situation, they didn't work, but the problem is that in order to fix a problem, one must know what exactly the problem is.

My promblem with Windows 98 is that just before windows loads up, I mean, as soon as windows completes its regular start up cycle, it re-starts again, going through the process of "SCANDISK" because of a bad shut down, before it begins the process of loading up. This happens over and over as long as the computer is turned on. But if I start the computer in question in "SAFE" mode, I have no problems whatsoever, but there's nothing useful to me with windows on safe mode. I tried reformating the hard drive on my computer, then re-installing windows, the problem still persits. Can't go online because I'm not able to install any programs since my computer won't quit re-starting over and over. Please, I hope my problem has been clearly presented. I'm sure that you will provide me now with the right answer. I admire your vast Windows troubleshooting knowledge. If you think that I could call you on the phone and discuss this problem, my phone number is (XXX) XXX-XXXX, I will call you right back if you call me and give me your number. I'm Mike Lopez.

Respectfully,



karls0913

I removed the phone number. - markp62

 

karls0913, my guess would be a driver/hardware problem. When in Safe Mode, go to Device Manager (Control Panel > System) see if there are any yellow !'s or red X's. You can highlight and remove them, but you must have the correct drivers available for Windows when you restart.

If this has started since you added a new piece of hardware, you can remove it (and the drivers in Device Manager) and Windows should start normally. You could then find the correct drivers.

Restarting of Windows 98 may mean the cause is a major piece of hardware (like running the wrong drivers for the Video/Graphics card or accessing faulty memory). Try removing any added cards, unplugging USB devices, etc. If the problem persists then look at those major pieces of hardware to be the cause. Edit: run the memory diagnostics in my signature.

It sounds like it cannot run the drivers for a major piece of hardware. The drivers may be wrong or the hardware is faulty.

Edit2: major pieces of hardware also include the keyboard and mouse. Do not discount that these may be the problem (borrow others to try).

Matt

 

RAM needs changing - try a shop that will replace it and reboot ..
regards