How To Fix Windows 98?

Question

I'm fixing a computer for a friend who doesn't have enough money to buy a new computer well he gave me his computer becasue everytime he stars it it says this

The Windows registry or system.ini file refers to this device file, but the device
file no longer exists.
If you deleted this on purpose, try uninstalling the associated application using
its unistall or setup program.
If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling
that application to replace the missing file.
c:windows\system\vmm32\ifsmgr.vxd
c:windows\system\vmm32\ios.vxd
Insufficient memory to inistialize windows.
Quit one or more memory resident programs or remove unnecessary utilities from your
config.sys and autoexec.bat files and restart your computer"

At the command prompt I typed in Scanreg /restore and chose a date and then it tells me that I chose a date without errors and to complete it I need to restart.

Well I restart and it still goes back to the same error message. can somebody help. I already know to go to regedit when it starts and edit, but it doesn't go there I've the Scanreg/restore 3 times now and it still won't start the computer. I was going to try to reinstall windows but I don't have a CD how can I fix it?

Answer 1

In safe mode, check your devices to see if there are any conflicts. The I/O drivers can be replaced using the System File Checker (SFC.EXE)

Use SYSEDIT.EXE to modify the autoexec.bat, config.sys, and system.ini files.

Make sure you have allocated enough VCACHE in the system.ini file.

Answer 2

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.healthboostpc.com

It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

Answer 3

I used to know the answer to that, as I've had many W98 errors, but I can hardly remember anything like that anymore. Damn I wish I wish I still had a 98 system...the only thing I can think of is try to restart the computer and do F8 to start in DOS, then go to the folder where the files are and try deleting the files. That's the only thing I can think of.

Answer 4

Windows 98 used a set of floppy disks to recover from boot problems.

Try this site

http://www.bootdisk.com/

I think it takes 6 formatted empty diskettes. After you make them on one PC you can load into the problem system.

Also, you can find some instructions -- some from Microsoft.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=windows+98+start+disks

Can you Safe Boot or Safe Boot to Command Prompt? During the boot phase poke the F8 key.

You can restore System.ini from a DOS prompt but it's tricky.
As I remember, the .ini files have backup images. You change the attributes from H (hidden) and S (system), then rename it.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=windows+98+system.ini+repair

Good luck,
- CarlD

Answer 5

vmm32 is really a group of drivers. You'll need the original installation disk. If you don't want to reformat and yet save the files you can choose a "different" directory for windows, like C:\windows2, and then delete the C:\windows directory when you're through.

Answer 6

sounds like a bad file in the registry. go to download.com and download extreme cleaner. its free and it works. also try system restore to a previous date maybe 3 to 6 months ago. it could take you back to b-4 the file was deleted.

Answer 7

You need to reinstall those system files, using the CD or copying the files to a floppy, and copying them into the proper place.
If they are Windows system files, then you need the installation CD for Windows.

Answer 8

If the missing files are dll files, try here ---> http://www.dll-files.com/

Apart from that, not much you can do if you don't have the Win98 CD