Boot.ini

[ODD]

First off, I deleted my boot.ini on acident and I've tried getting it back but have failed. I've searched the net but can't find step-by-step instructions. All I need is step by step instructions on how to get a boot.ini back into Windows 98. Any help would be appreciated. Im pretty much a newbie when it comes to this kind of stuff '-_- so when i mean step by step, i mean where to go and what to click...and anything that i might need. Thanks.

[Murf]

Are you dual booting? Windows 98 doesn't really use the boot.ini file unless there is another operating system on the computer. If dual booting which other operating system?

Are you experiencing booting problems?

How did you delete it as it is a hidden file?

[ODD]

No there is only one OS, I tried using a boot disk and then copying the boot.ini from the comand prompt but that didnt work so now whenever i turn on my comp it says to put the boot disk back in.

[Murf]

You need to get into SETUP, usually Del key at the first boot screen (The screen tells you which key to use). Once in SETUP find where you change the boot order, and make the HARD DRIVE as the first boot device (could say IDE0 or IDE1). SAVE & EXIT.

Are you getting an error about boot.ini?

[ODD]

This is what I did:
Setup-->Boot-->First Boot Device [1st IDE-HDD] *second-fourth are disabled*
I save and exit.

Then I reboot. I get to the screen to choose an OS, the options are:

Micro soft windows1
Windows (default)

When I pick either one, I get this message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

<Windows root> \system 32\hal.dll.

[ODD]

Using a bootdisk for 98 i get to this screen:

Preparing to start your computer.
This may take a few minutes. Please wait...

The Diagnostic tools were successfully loaded to drive d.

To get help, type HELP and press ENTER.

A:\>

What should I do? If anything.

[Murf]

If you only have Windows 98 on the puter at the A: prompt with the 98 boot disk do this:

Type sys C: (hit <enter>)

Now type C: (hit <enter>)

Now type cd windows (hit <enter>)

Now type win (hit <enter>)

Does it boot up?

[ODD]

It goes to this screen:

VFAT Device Initialization Failed

A device or resource required by VFAT is not present or is unavailable. VFAT cannot continue loading.

System halted.

[Murf]

Before going any further:

You said the only operating system is Windows 98 right?

The error you got is only related to Windows XP:

<Windows root> \system 32\hal.dll

HAL is Microsoft's abbreviation for the Hardware Abstraction Layer, the technology and drivers that let the Windows NT, 2000, and XP operating systems communicate with your PC's hardware.

Was Windoes XP every loaded on this puter? Do you know if it is on there now??

This makes a world of difference in trying to get it to work.

[ODD]

Windows XP was never completetly installed on it.

[Nick Grana]

Windows XP was never completetly installed on it.

Finally pried it out, Murf.

[Murf]

Nick, right......OK busted XP install now we are getting somewhere. WHEW...........You need to get the XP files off of there. As I said Windows 98 does not need a boot.ini file. So what we need to do is get that thing booted so you can remove whatever XP files are on there.

Try getting in by SAFE MODE, reboot start tapping the F8 key, if the menu comes up select Safe Mode. If it boots up let us know.

The busted XP install is probably located in Micro soft windows1, you can delete that folder in DOS, however, may not solve depending on how far the XP install got. If you cannot get into safe mode, let us know a generic boot.ini may work. Otherewise, a manually uninstall of XP may have to be done.

[ODD]

Ok I get to Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu, Safe Mode is the 3rd option and when i choose it, it says:

Windows is bypassing your startup files.

Microsoft(R) Windows 98
(C)Copyright Microsoft Corp 1981-1998.

A:\>

[ODD]

This is what I did:

A:\> c:

C:\>cd windows

C:\WINDOWS>win
HIMEM.SYS is missing.
Make sure that the file is in your Windows directory.

I did that just to see what would happen. Just curious. Don't know if that helps in anyway or not.