Computer Crash!

[docmary]

Before going out of town this weekend I went to my Norton Anti Virus program Update - well I had not run this program since adding Windows ME - UNFORTUNANELY I HAVE NOT BACKED UP IN 3 MONTHS EITHER. I hope someone can help me.
Here is what happened:
I went to Update a box popped up asking if I updated my OS and I clicked yes - I walked away while the computer updated at the Norton site - came back an hour later and was prompted to restart the computer - so I did.
When it restarted the following was on my screen:
C:\>SET windir=C:\WINDOWS
C:\>SET WINDBOOTDIR=C:\WINDOWS
C:\>SET COMSPEC=C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM
C:\>SET PROMPT=$p$G
C:\>SET TEMP=C:windows\TEMP
C:\>SET TMP=c:\windows\TEMP
C:\>SET PATH=c:\windows;c:\windows\COMMAND;c:\ibmtools;c:\
c:\SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T4
c:\> tHIS VERSION OF wINDOWS RUNS ONLY ON ms-dos 8.00
C:\>I turned the computer off and left out of town. Upon returning I turned the computer on
- the Aptiva IBM window cames up, then the MS Windows - then the screen above.
Any suggestions? Thanks!!
-Mary

[BigStu]

What version of Norton Anti Virus are you using? Norton 2001 is the only one that supports Windows ME.

BigStu

[docmary]

Big Stu,
Thanks for responding!
I know it was not Norton 2001 - I did go to the Norton Site to update but after that not sure if the download included components from Norton 2001.
At the c:\ prompt I did type in dir and here is what I got:
I typed in dir at the c prompt and here is what I got:
REIGEL~1 HTM
REIGEL~1 <DIR>
WS_FTP <DIR>
MYMUSI <DIR>
HTML <DIR>
DESKTOP <DIR>
FASTUNT FFL
MYDOWN~1 <DIR>
INDIAN~1
NEWBRI~1 <DIR>
ADOBE <DIR>
FRONTPG LOG
NETSIG TXT
IMBCDROM INI
DRIVEZ LOG
FOUND LOG
DRIVERS <DIR>
HMTEST <DIR>
CONFIG BAK
PAUL_S~1 <DIR>
WINDOW~1 BMK
34 file(s) 11,404,079 bytes
40 dir(s) 2,081.05 MB free
Do you have any suggestions where I go from here? I have tried forcing my machine into Safe Mode - it goes to the window but Safe Mode will not open. I called two supports and they both said it is best I just wipe my computer clean and start over - I hope that is not the case. I work out of my home and embarrassed to confess that I have not backed up for a while.
I will wait in hopes someone will have a suggestion.
Thanks again.
-DocMary

[kaz101]

Hi Mary http://www.cybertechhelp.com/ubb/smile.gif

what you've done isn't all that uncommon as Norton products catch an awful lot of people unawares.

I'm not sure what you've already tried with the tech support ppl you phoned but you didn't mention using your boot/startup disk (the floppy made at setup)so you might want to have a read of THIS (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q274/2/97.asp) microsoft kb article "This Version of Windows Runs Only on MS-DOS 8.00... During First Restart"

I've heard, and had, good results using it

best of luck http://www.cybertechhelp.com/ubb/smile.gif

[docmary]

Thanks Kax101
I read the article. Someone else installed my ME (I have the CD disk) but he did not give me a start up boot. I did try reading the ME cd - but the computer would not read it. So, do you know if I can download a ME boot up disk from somewhere?
Thanks for the article. I will follow it as soon as I get a ME boot up disk.
-DocMary

[ironside]

docmary
you can go into BIOs and set your computer to boot from the cdrom.
that might just work,once you get there you can use recovery to get you back up,or reinstall windows over the existing one.

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[docmary]

kaz101 and Ironside,
Thanks to both of you - my computer is up and running and did not lose a thing. I followed both of your suggestions. The guy who installed my ME did not make me a boot disk, so I installed my ME on my son's computer to create a boot disk - the put the boot disk in my computer and followed the instructions on the following article (suggested by kaz101) http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q274/2/97.asp
Thanks again! I am back in business!

[kaz101]

Congratulations on a job well done!!

Now you're up and running again don't forget to backup your 3 months of work http://www.cybertechhelp.com/ubb/wink.gif

[docmary]

Thanks again Kaz101! I already started backing up.

[ironside]

also make a second copy of your boot disk so you have it laying around.
I really glad your up and running again
please stick around if you have the time we are a bunch of good people here,and would love to hear from you.
irons

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Moderator on the CTH Med&Dev General Discussion Board (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/cgi-bin/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Mediate+|AMP|+Deviate&number=1)
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the cookie ladys (http://pub40.ezboard.com/bharriesplace)

[docmary]

You've got it! Thanks again. If it weren't for Cyber Tech Help - my system would have been wiped out. Thanks again and I will check in periodically!
-DocMary