Computer will not start

It would help to know a bit more about the system (specific model/type), as well as something about any changes - deletions - software installations that might have taken place just prior to the problem appearing, but the quick answer is that this sort of thing is frequently caused by a device driver not loading properly.  Have you tried booting to Safe Mode?

I have a Dimension L550r.  I have been having a problem with AOL.  My AOL adapter was uninstalled and it will not reinstall.  I have tried everything and it just won't work.  It may just be something with the driver.

How do I boot in Safe Mode?  I cannot get past the Starting Windows 98 screen.

 

deeinva,

To boot to Safe Mode put a non-bootable floppy disk in the floppy drive. Restart the computer and at the "Non-system disk" error remove the floppy and press F8 twice. Select Safe Mode from the menu that appears.

Thank you.  I was able to start Windows 98 in Safe Mode, but it would never start in Normal Mode.  I created a startup disk and tried to reinstall Windows using the CD-Rom that came with my computed.  In the middle of this, I get a message that I need to insert another disk that was provided with my computer.  The message says something about MS-Dos.  I did not receive another disk related to Windows 98 when I bought the computer.  When the reinstall completes I get error messages - something about drivers not installing properly.  When I try to start Windows, I get a bunch of error messages and it will only start in Safe Mode.  I cannot start it in Normal Mode.

If I need another disk to properly reinstall Windows 98, where can I get it now?  Dell did not provide the disk when my computer was bought.

I'm sorry to be such a bother, but as you can probably tell, I am no computer expert.  Thank you for your help and patience.

deeinva,

The instructions for using the Windows 98 Recovery CD are here. The installation should not require an additional CD. Once the operating system is installed you must install your system drivers. Instructions for that process can be found through the Reinstall Guide at the top of the page that opens when you click the Solutions tab above this forum. (Make sure your computer is accurately identified in the left pane of the page that opens in order to get the correct information.)

deeinva,

The Resource CD will not work. If you don't have one of the CDs pictured here you will need to purchase a copy of Windows 98SE from a retail source. The operating system cannot be downloaded.

When you start your computer and the windows98 screens comes up hit the Esc key, this will make the startup screen disappear and then look to see where your computer stops in the boot up process. Post the last thing your screen says when it stops loading. It will be easier to help you if we know where the lockup occurs. Keep us informed.

Hope this helps

Dimension XPS Gen2
Win XP Home SP1
Intel P4 3.2Ghz HT 800mhz FSB
2Gb DDR3200 (400mhz) RAM
2 - 120Gb S-ATA HD 7200RPM 8Mb (non RAID currently) Intel ICH5R on-board RAID
2 - 60Gb ATA133 HD 7200RPM 2Mb (RAID 1) on a
Promise FastTrak TX2000 PCI UltraATA/133 RAID Card
128Mb Radeon 9800 Pro Video
SB Audigy2 Sound
CD-RW: 48X/48X/24X; DVD-ROM: 16X
DVD-RW DVD-4X/2.4X/2X CD-40X/24X/10X
Ext USB 100Mb ZipDrive
17" 1703FP LCD Monitor
Intel Pro 1000 Ethernet
56K PCI Data Fax Modem