Can't startup

[jla5610]

I mistakenly removed two copies of msdos listed under the C drive, since it exists under the windows folder, and now my Compaq 1600 series laptop won't startup. I was advised to "Use a boot disk to boot to DOS, then copy the ms-dos.sys file to the
root."

I made a boot diskette, but have no idea how to accomplish this task. I executed a SYS C command and the "system was transferred", but I'm not sure what I accomplished, and it didn't solve the problem.

All this started when I my laptop kept starting up only in safe mode, regardless of my attempts to select a normal startup.

Job 1: Be able to startup
Job 2: Be able to startup normally

[HKEd]

Hi jla5610...welcome to CTH.

The msdos.sys file is not specific to the system as it contains no hardware information. You could try copying the file from another Win98 system to the bootdisk, then use the copy command once you get to the A:\> prompt to move it to C:

A:\>copy msdos.sys c: <--- Press Enter

Remove the bootdisk and restart.

I once had a similar situation where a friend deleted the file. Over the phone, I read the contents of my Win95 msdos.sys file (he was using Win98) - including all those darn xxxxxx's - which he typed into the DOS editor to create a new file. It booted up just fine next time. :rolleyes:

[HKEd]

Just re-read your post. If there's a copy of msdos.sys in the Windows directory, use the bootdisk and copy it to C:.

At the A:\> prompt, type c: and press Enter. If you can get to the C:\> prompt, type dir and Enter. Questions being - can you get to C:, and can you see files on the drive?