Wininit.exe - I cant boot my PC!

[subishi]

I have not used a forum like this before and I am no computer expert so please help me!

I have been having lots of problems with Spyware recently. Coolsearch was my main issue and I think I managed to erradicate this before my current problem occured.

My computer simply shut itself down. On restart after the Win 98 screen the screen looks like it is looking for C:windows/wininit.exe, then there is some randow text and it says press any key to continue. On pressing a key the computer shuts down.

Can anyone give me some steps as to how to boot my PC and sort this out???

Thanks for any help!

Jasper

[TopFarmer]

Lets see if the file in there, use a boot floppy and at the A prompt type in C:\windows\wininit.exe.
Do you have a MS Win98 cd or a recovery cd ?

[subishi]

Originally Posted by TopFarmer

Lets see if the file in there, use a boot floppy and at the A prompt type in C:\windows\wininit.exe.
Do you have a MS Win98 cd or a recovery cd ?

I now have a boot floppy made from an identical laptop using the same OS. I dont think I have a Win 98 CD. When I place the boot disc in the machine and switch on what do I have to do to get to a prompt screen?

Thanks for any help!

Jasper

[TopFarmer]

If the comp does not boot to the floppy you will have to enter bios setup and change the boot order and place the floppy drive befor the hdd.

When it boots the the floppy you will be at the dos A: prompt.
You could boot the the hdd and press the key to get to the boot menu and choose boot to dos and you would be at the C: prompt.

IF you do not have the 98 cd it will make this much harder. On you other laptop use FIND for *.cab , does it list WIN98_??.cab (??=21 thro 74) ?
If yes via DOS see if they are also on the problem hdd at same location.

Can you connect both hdd's to the working comp ? (I've never used a laptop so dont know if you can)

[subishi]

Hi there,

I have been home for the weekend. I am going to try and action the boot disc route tonight and see what happens. If no joy I am going to try and get a hold of a Win 98 CD.

Thanks for your continued help

Jasper

[subishi]

I have managed to get to the A: Prompt in DOS. I am at a loss at what to do next! Please can anyone help?

[TopFarmer]

Did make a mistake in prior post , to see if file in there need to type at the A: prompt dir C:\windows\wininit.exe . If its not there can try to copy it to a floppy from your good comp.

[subishi]

Thanks for that I will try when I get home. If it is missing and I get the file on a floppy how do I place the file on my PC so it recognises it and boots?

[TopFarmer]

At A: prompt type in Copy A:wininit.exe C:\windows . If that does not fix problem the best would be to do a over the top reinstall of 98.

[subishi]

Hi there mate! It worked! I have managed to get into windows now no bother.

I cant thank you enough for your help - have a great weekend

Jasper

[TopFarmer]

I am supprised that was your only problem. Thanks for letting me know it is fixed.