How can I call up the Run prompt in Windows 98 from the keyboard?

[vetteguy]

I'm trying to fix a friend's computer that has Windows 98 on it. Somehow, she managed to get it so that Windows will start but all you get is a desktop and cursor-no shell. You can't right-click or do anything. You can do CTRL-ALT-DEL but that just brings up the end program box, unlike XP's task manager. Someone told me they thought there was a way to call up the "run" box (like from the start menu) from a keystroke combination, but they couldn't remember it. Basically, all I want to do is be able to run Explorer so I can hook up a USB drive to save off some data and then reinstall the OS. Any thoughts?

 

[lowtech1]

Try ctrl+esc then up & down key to scroll, and enter key to select.

Or try F8 key during boot & select safemode.

 

[vetteguy]

Thanks...I guess the whole thing is screwed because CTRL-ESC won't even bring up the start menu. Basically the only thing it will respond to is CTRL-ALT-DEL. And what's weird is it does the same thing even in safe mode-just a blank desktop.

 

[MrChad]

Link

 

[santonak]

I am not sure if this is the same problem but when i boot up my pc it (running win 98) it goes thru the whole process but never gets to the desktop~just a blank screen. Tried in safe mode also~same thing.
I know i was having problems w/ operating system. Is there a way to reinstall it if i cant get to desktop? I can get to setup screen.

Thanks for helping a newbie

 

[Slikkster]

You'll have to boot to a command prompt to do this fix listed below. The command prompt option is in the Safe Mode menu, or just boot with a Windows 98 bootdisk (easily found online at www.bootdisk.com, for example).

Do a complete virus scan first with a write-protected floppy to make sure none of your work is in vain. Then, follow the instructions in the link below.


Blank Desktop problem in Win98 fix from MS

 

[vetteguy]

Cool...looks like I now have some information to start from...thanks all!

 

[santonak]

 

[santonak]

Slikkster: Is this info in answer to my question or vetteguy? Or does it apply to both. please excuse me if this sounds like a ridiculous question, but how do i delete a blank post?
My only excuse is i have been on vacation for 2 weeks and i came back with 1/2 a brain. 🙁

 

[THUGSROOK]

sounds like the "startup" programs got erased in the reg. (msconfig)
youll need to run SysTray.exe (from run) to get your desktop back, then fix it.

HTH 🙂

 

[THUGSROOK]

if that is the problem you can use ScanReg.exe, boot from a DOS boot disk to replace the registry with earlier saved versions that are already on the HD.

again, HTH 🙂

 

[vetteguy]

Originally posted by: THUGSROOK
if that is the problem you can use ScanReg.exe, boot from a DOS boot disk to replace the registry with earlier saved versions that are already on the HD.

again, HTH 🙂

Thanks Thugs! 🙂