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Why does my computer stop at the Windows 98 screen and shut off?

Posted By : Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 30, 2004

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When I turn on my computer, it starts to boot up, but only gets to the Windows 98 screen, and then shuts off. It doesn't completely load Windows. Why is it doing that? How can I fix it? Thanks

This question was answered on March 30, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.


Reboot your computer, and while it is rebooting press F5 to enter into Safe Mode.

(Before you reboot, make sure all cables are connected properly, both inside the computer and outside)

Hopefully your computer will boot correctly in Safe mode If it does, then run an antivirus software to scan for a virus If there is a virus, hopefully the antivirus program will isolate and delete it If the antivirus software does not remove the virus you will need to replace the hard drive.

If there is no virus, run ScanDisk in an attempt to repair any possible errors on the hard drive.

While in safe mode, select Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, ScanDisk Under Type of Test, select Through.

You might also want to run the Defragmenter utility.

If having done all of this in safe mode, and there are no errors, a virus, etc, reboot your computer in normal mode.

If the problem still exist, you will either need to clean off the drive all together and reinstall Windows 98 or replace the hard drive.

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Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 30, 2004

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