Win98SE stops loading at wallpaper after explorer error msg.

[Kipper717]

I'm not sure what I did but when windows loads it gets as far as the wallpaper and start-up sound and then I get an error message stating that Explorer has caused a page fault in explorer.exe. When I close the dialog box nothing else happens, the system just sits there frozen with the wallpaper. I get the same message when I start in the safe mode. I tried reloading windows and it worked for a short while but as soon as I rebooted, the same thing started. Now, after reloding Win98 again it still gives me the error message. The only things I can think of is a. I tried to uninstall Norton Internet Security and now during boot I get an error message about nisdrv.vxd missing, (I have instructions on how to remove using regedit but haven't had time yet.) b. Someone said that Comcast support causes a problem. I recently got cable connection through Comcast and several times I couldn't get to the internet till I ran the support program and rolled back setting for IE. Last possibility I can think of is I recently downloaded Real Player gold. I know real Player can hijack the PC.

Any ideas? I asked any number of "experts" and no one seems to have any clues.

 

[JeffPGMT]

Did you say "...roll back setting for IE..." if you did that alone could be your problem starter.

I'd start by calling Comcast support and telling them what happened. They should send an on-site tech out to solve the original issue that caused your system to need a roll back.

If all else fails:

The solution is not so clear after so many changes and having so many suspects as to the cause. I have found that unless you can surgically fix the damaged item, then reloading your system may be the best option. The system may not boot, but could be a viable slave HDD to hold all your data.

I usually buy a new larger HDD (hard disk drive) and load my system on the new drive and use my old HDD as a slave.

I eventually remove all OS and application.exe files from the slave and keep only my data, documents, pictures and the like, AFTER I've got the new HDD up and runing.

It usually takes a weekend to get the OS and my basic programs installed. I usually also keep my video driver for my OS on a disk (CD or floppy) This is the most important element that the stock Windows driver may be up to par for.