Strange problem when trying to install Windows98

[rpc64]

Specs:
AMD K6-2 500Mhz
cheap Freetech mobo
192mb SDRAM
VooDoo3 3000
10GB hard drive

I am trying to install Win98 on a fresh new hdd. I fdisk and format. I start up with the boot disk and then run the setup.exe on the cd. It runs the scan disk and says no errors. Then it goes to where it says "transferring files" or whatever. As soon as it displays the transferring files message, it quits and gives me this error:

"Standard Mode: Fault outside of MS-DOS Extender.
EC=0000 CS=0397 IP=74D0 AX=0000 BX=0397 CX=FFE4 DX=0397
SI=0C54 DI=76FF BP=0FB0 DS=03A7 ES=038F SS=027F SP=0F94"

What the heck does this mean? I've fdisk'ed and formatted 3 times now and I've tried 3 different Windows disks. I am totally at a loss as to what to do next. Thanks for your help.

 

[Iron Woode]

It means you should:

a: check the integrity of your ram module(s)

b: make sure you don't have a corrupted BIOS

c: are you running a third party disk software package like EZ BIOS.

 

[rpc64]

<< a: check the integrity of your ram module(s) >>



The computer boots up ok and it sees all the ram during POST. How else can I check it?



<< b: make sure you don't have a corrupted BIOS >>



I've messed with the BIOS a lot and it seems to be working ok(it is also the latest version). What would tell me if it is corrupted?



<< c: are you running a third party disk software package like EZ BIOS. >>



No.

 

[Iron Woode]

A search of your error indicates that your ram could be at fault. Test it in another system if possible.

Your BIOS or CMOS may be a problem.

Try clearing your cmos. Or you could try loading default settings. Wouldn't hurt to try it.


linky

 

[rpc64]

Ok thanks I'll try that.

 

[rpc64]

I reseated my ram and restored default BIOS settings with no luck. I then cleared the CMOS. The first time I booted up after clearing the CMOS, during post it said something like "CMOS checksum error" or "BIOS checksum error", but it no longer gives me the error. It only did it that one time.

 

[rpc64]

BumP!

 

[capybara]

1. is the full hard drive size being recognized?
2. could be a heat realated problem? do you have a good hsf on the cpu? touch the main chip on the video card
is it almost too hot to touch?
3. shi77y motherboard maybe not supported in windoze. try a different mobo.
4. take the hard drive, load windows onto it using a different system. then move the hard drive back
to this system. what happens then?

 

[matheusber]

i had such a pro once ... and was that great Ram of mine ...

what about the source CD ... and CD-Reader ...

i have no ideia why .. but my cpu doesnt like RH 6.2 and they dont go together ...
i have errors like these ... and all my pc is fine ...

matheus

 

[rpc64]

Yes it recognizes the full hard drive size. I don't *think* it's heat problem. I hope it's not the motherboard cause I just got it and don't wanna buy another one. matheusber: the cd-rom is brand new and I've tried different disks.



<< take the hard drive, load windows onto it using a different system. then move the hard drive back >>



That's a great idea! I can't believe I didn't think of it. I'll try it as soon as I get a chance.
Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

 

[Waveslidin]

Found this article on Technet. Not exactly your problem, but sounds related and gives you some areas to look at.
Technet article

 

[matheusber]

well ... you've tried differente RAM sticks didnt you ? ( just for sure ... )

matheus

 

[NoLegs]

What are your boot settings in bios (floppy / cd-rom / c check that?

Are you using a boot floppy or are you booting from the CD?


Here is what Microsoft says:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q87239


This happened to me once. I set cmos to default (remove the battery for a minute or so) Set the boot sequence to (floppy / cd-rom / c drive), then I used a Windows 95B boot floppy. I think some systems will not boot from the CD Rom.

If you need a boot disk check here: http://www.bootdisk.com/

I hope this helps!

Regards,
NoLegs

 

[todpod]

I used to get weird error with win98, i didn't have a FD installed and had it turned off in the bios, once i told windows that it was there even though it wasn't it worked fine

 

[rpc64]

I don't have different ram sticks to try. And I've tried booting from both the cd and the floppy.

 

[Dreadogg]

<< take the hard drive, load windows onto it using a different system. then move the hard drive back >>

I dont think this is a good idea! I beleave your problem is the ram!

Specs:

192mb SDRAM

try one of those sticks of ram I would try the 128 first!

 

[flyerI]

The installation of Windows 98 is one of the best memory testers available. If you have bad memory it most likely will not install. I have run into this problem quite a few times doing upgrades and trying to use coustomers old memory. It looks like you have a 128mb and a 64mb stick. Try only one stick and see what happens. If it does the same thing swap out and try with the other stick. Also make a folder on you hard drive and copy the win98 folder from the installation disk into this new folder. Go the C:\(new folder) and run setup form there.

 

[Dreadogg]

lol we posted at nearly the same time! LOL

 

[rpc64]

ok I'll try the ram thing.

 

[pm6163]

rpc64,

Did you find out the problems?

I am having the similar problem, the error message looks like the one you had. I also tried to install W2K, got message like "file is missing or corrupted" some like that, could not finish setup. I formatted the HD using DOS and Western Digital tool, ran "fdisk /mbr" to clear MBR section on HD, still no go. From MS knowledge database, I though this is virus related issue. But I don't know how to scan virus from DOS? I have VirusScan 6.0 from McAfee, but it run only from Windows. Any help?

Thanks.

 

[rpc64]

Thanks for all your help guys. I found out that my 128 stick was bad. Ordered a new one and now the computer works just fine.

 

[pm6163]

Thanks, I will check my ram then.

Just curious, when you boot up machine, does the memory check still show the correct size of RAM installed? I have 192MB, I see this number everytime I boot up, so I never suspect the RAM causing problem.

 

[rpc64]

Yes it still saw all the ram during POST. Windows just didn't like it

 

[matheusber]

Originally posted by: rpc64
Thanks for all your help guys. I found out that my 128 stick was bad. Ordered a new one and now the computer works just fine.

i once had to install a friend pc ... and it was a brand new one ... just bought it ... and guess what ? yeah, the ram stick was bad... unfortunately i just found out when late and lost many many time in this ...

see ya!

matheus

 

[pm6163]

Then, how do we test if the RAM is good when POST showed the correct size? in my case, I have 2 sticks , pulled one out, tried Setup, still not working. Will try the other stick. But what is the proper way of testing RAM? Thanks.