My AVG Free anti-virus was not updating for months, so I decided to start over by getting rid of the first AVG. Instead of uninstalling it, I went into Program Files and deleted a number of items that said AVG(I know, where was my brain?). So now, when I turn the computer on, I get "cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application. The Windows registry or SYSTEM.INI file refers to this device file but the device file no longer exists". Then "c:\Progra~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\AVG7CORE.vxd". I then used a System Restoration cd, followed by an Operating System Backup CD. When it rebooted, I got "the following file is missing or corrupted:
C:\Windows\DBLBUFF.SYS
C:\Windows\HINEM.SYS
C:\Windows\IFSHLP.SYS and

cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows."

Can I be helped or do I need a professional?

Rob

So you do have a 98 cd?

I just found a Microsoft Book disk, Windows 98 series, 1.44 mb, this is on a floppy.

I also just found a cd, Microsoft Windows 98, for PCs without Windows.

Perfect!

Before we begin , I want to try something to see if this will help.

Reboot the PC or turn on. Keep tapping F8 when it starts booting up. When you get a message full of options, I want you to choose Command Prompt.

When you are there, type this

scanreg /restore

Pick a date to before the problem started.

If that does not help, reboot and do the following message to get back to the Command Prompt, type this instead:

scanreg /fix

This will rebuild the registry and hopefully it will help.

Post back!

This post has been edited by ultimateslacker2: Mar 14 2007, 04:20 PM

I turned on the computer, tapped F8, and got a choice of 6. I chose choice 5, Command Prompt Only(choice 6 was Command Prompt in Safe Mode). I hit Enter, then got the message "the following file is missing or corrupted:
C:\Windows\DBLBUFF.SYS
C:\Windows\HINEM.SYS
C:\Windows\IFSHLP.SYS and

cannot find WIN.COM, unable to continue loading Windows."

I just did choice 6(see above post) and the following came up.

"Windows is bypassing your startup files."

I just hit Ctrl/Alt/Dlt, and got a choice of Commands(1-6), they wanted me to hit Command Prompt Only and do SCANREG, as you suggested. Command Prompt was highlited, and there was nowhere to type SCANREG, I hit enter, the following did come up, there was a 'registry/configuration error."

Before we continue, did you back up all your data first?

If I lost data, it would not be the end of the world. A few weeks ago I did put a number of important things on floppys. The only information I would really not like to lose is my current Outlook Express. I have way too many emails and addresses I probably should have saved somewhere. Or are they saved somewhere? Inotherwords, if I used another computer can I access my current OE?

R

Hi:

Post deleted as response was to another post. Zigged when I should have zagged.

Ron

This post has been edited by Major Payne: Mar 21 2007, 03:43 PM

No problem Payne

Here robertk, gimme a little while to come up for a fix for you.

Here robertk, lets start first by fixing the WIN.COM file.

Click here to follow the guide on how to make a new one.

Tell me how it goes and tell me what files are not missing or corrupt.

I followed the guide but could not get the computer to do what I wanted. So, I took it to town and had a man look at it. He re-nstalled Windows 98, along with the latest AVG. I lost everything, including Outlook Express. I still need to add CleanUp but so far am doing ok. I want to thank you very much for trying to help me with this. It can be frustrating giving instructions sight unseen, but you gave it a go.
Thanks again.

Rob

Glad you got it fixed..