MDGx

Another cause for this might be that the HD boot sector has been erased/damaged/replaced with an invalid one, or at least if your HD still has a boot sector [MBR (Master Boot Record)], it might not be recognized by the OS that is installed on your HD. This sometimes happens in dual(multi)-boot environments using for example a 9x OS and an NTx OS, and if u try to reinstall/upgrade 1 OS or the other, and if there are any defective clusters on disk, and if u have not scandisk-ed your entire HD prior to (re)installing any OS. What u can do: - get a DOS mode boot floppy, like the ones made by MS Windows 95/98/ME. - boot from the floppy, and then switch to the C:\ root prompt, to see if your HD drive letter is valid. - if it is, run from the boot floppy: FDISK /MBR to try to fix the MBR. Reboot. Or if using same OS build on your HD as the 1 on the boot floppy, run: SYS A: C: to copy system files [iO.SYS, COMMAND.COM, MSDOS.SYS] back to C:\ root if they were deleted/damaged + refresh the MBR. Reboot. - if your HD letter is not available: a. HD contains too many defective clusters and/or hardware defects beyond scandisk capacity of repair = may need HD replacement b. hardware error. Hardware errors can be related to [examples]: - BIOS being wiped out by a power surge or by extreme overclocking = in this case open computer case, reset default BIOS/CMOS settings jumper = look it up in your mobo manufacturer documents or online - HD Master/Slave pins = see posts above - HD power cable = make sure it's properly plugged in or replace if possible - HD data cable = make sure it's properly plugged in or replace if possible - worst case scenario: HD went "kaput" = need replacement. More info + links: http://www.mdgx.com/secrets.htm#FDPT http://www.mdgx.com/drv.htm#CDR http://www.mdgx.com/drv.htm#DRV You can also ask or PM Petr, who is active in this Forum, and seems to know a lot about HDs: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showuser=52191 Hope this helps.

No. This is actually a good thing, cuz the SWP file may contain private data that can be harvested by viruses/trojans/worms.And this file is recreated every time your OS boots up anyway.

No need to apologize. Not everybody knows about UPX false virus warnings. I'm glad u brought this up, as of the 98SE2ME 6-14-2005 edition I have removed nircmd.exe, so from now on there will be no more virus warnings. Thanks again for your feedback.

It seems to be hard to guess what is the right version. There are too many different versions and big differences in file sizes. For example, for hhctrl.ocx, there are the following versions:Windows 98/SE: 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.309 (srv03_gdr.050413-1540) Windows ME: 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.309 (srv03_gdr.050413-1540) Windows 2000 SP3 & SP4: 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.309 (srv03_gdr.050413-1540) Windows XP SP1: 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.315 (srv03_gdr.050421-1728) Windows XP SP2: 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2453 (srv03_sp1_gdr.050525-1542) Windows XP SP2: 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2453 (srv03_sp1_qfe.050525-1536) Windows Server 2003: 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.315 (srv03_gdr.050421-1728) Windows Server 2003: 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.315 (srv03_qfe.050421-1726) Windows Server 2003 SP1: 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2427 (srv03_sp1_gdr.050421-1629) Windows Server 2003 SP1: 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2427 (srv03_sp1_qfe.050421-1625) In summary, there seems to be the following versions: 1. 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.309 (srv03_gdr.050413-1540) - for Windows 98, SE, ME, 2000 SP3 & SP4 2. 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.315 (srv03_qfe.050421-1726) - for Windows Server 2003 3. 519168 bytes, 5.2.3790.315 (srv03_gdr.050421-1728) - for Windows XP SP1 and Windows Server 2003 4. 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2427 (srv03_sp1_qfe.050421-1625) - for Windows Server 2003 5. 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2427 (srv03_sp1_gdr.050421-1629) - for Windows Server 2003 6. 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2453 (srv03_sp1_qfe.050525-1536) - for Windows XP SP2 7. 546304 bytes, 5.2.3790.2453 (srv03_sp1_gdr.050525-1542) - for Windows XP SP2 But, even the same vesrsion 5.2.3790.315 (srv03_gdr.050421-1728) and size does not mean that are the files identical. They differ. And even when hhctrl.ocx is the same, itircl.dl differ (Windows 98/SE/ME vs. Windows 2000 version). So finally, there are really 9 different versions! All of them were released by Microsoft at the same time. Threre must be some reason why not just only one file was released. Is it good idea to suppose that any of these files can be used with Windows 98 SE? Does anybody know what is the real difference? Petr As far as I can tell, the 98/ME/2000 files contain code for older HTML Help APIs which were installed by those OSes, and the XP/2003 files contain code for the newer HTML Help APIs which were introduced starting with XP Gold/RTM (retail) back in September 2001.That's why I have removed 98/98SE/ME HHUPD.EXE from my site, which was from Win2003 SP1 build 5.2.3790.1830 (srv03_sp1_rtm.050324-1447). [oh no, not another build! ] Also, for NT4, since MS didn't post any updates, I've updated HHUPDNT.EXE , which now contains HTML Help build 5.2.3790.309 (srv03_gdr.050413-1540) from 98SE/ME. All these downloads are posted here: http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#HHU

Gape: I noticed that this WinNT4 security fix: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...72-2BE4064466CD more info here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/...n/ms04-041.mspx respectively the MSWD6_32.WPC file from [English patch]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/c...836-x86-ENU.exe can be used with 98, 98SE + ME only if renamed to MSWRD632.WPC [goes in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Textconv]. This MSKB article is relevant for this fix: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=870883 To my knowledge MS never created a fix for 98 or ME, because their "normal" support life expired. IMO this file would be a good addition to your next SP 2.xx release.

ME/2000/XP/2003 System Restore, Windows File Protection, System File Protection or PCHealth/PCHelp cannot be installed on 9x OSes, unless u "hex" a bunch of 9x system files + add a few system files from ME. Installing any of these components from 2k/xp/2k3 is out of the question because of major NTx OS core differences. These issues have been discussed here before, please Google MSFN forums to find respective posts. Hope this helps.

? -option 3 slows down performance? Then it's only there for increased stability? I thought it was there for both... ?Option 3 only adds "annoying" WinME UI interface to 98SE, which in most cases is slower than "normal" 98SE UI interface.Does nothing to increase performance, that's why I keep it separate from all other options.

U can install 98SE2ME no matter which version of WinME CD u have: Full, Upgrade, Update, OEM, MSDN etc.Please see READ1ST.TXT, the "EXTREMELY IMPORTANT" chapter for more details: READ1ST.TXT Hope this helps.

Is is there probably because u installed a 98SE2ME edition older than 6-14-2005, which installed Tihiy's msconfig.exe in %windir%\system BEFORE making the c:\w98seold backup.This is because modded msconfig.exe + regenv32.exe are installed as part of mandatory components, BEFORE the backup is created. But starting with the 6-14-2005 edition, msconfig.exe is renamed to meconfig.exe and then installed in %windir%\system , so it does not replace the 1 u already have anymore, whichever version that is. So if u used 98SE2ME from before 6-14-2005 u have Tihiy's msconfig.exe [4.90.3000 = please note that build number is identical with original file from WinME CD] in c:\w98seold . Please see READ1ST.TXT for details: READ1ST.TXT Thanks a lot for noticing.I'll update 98SE2ME to remove WinME setup CD themes.exe + themes.cpl files, because the ones from Plus! 98 are newer. I won't include the files from Plus! 98 because u need to have the Plus! 98 CD to install them [legal license issues]. This is probably a video hardware problem, not related to 98SE2ME.Hope this helps.

Thanks for your feedback.I've never heard of such problem before. To my knowledge the differences [added WinME files] between early + current 98SE2ME editions should not slow down UI loading. This is true only if 98SE2ME option 3 is not installed, in which case you would have the slower ME explorer + shell. I'm testing + using all files from 98SE2ME on my PC, and also personally installed 98SE2ME [various editions] on 10+ other computers, and never noticed slower performance, unless option 3 is installed. What slows down UI loading [only few examples]: - added hardware + drivers that need time to load - added programs/processes/TSRs/DLLs/etc that load as memory residents at every startup - less free HD space from installing/downloading new stuff, which slows down overall performance in the long run - various tweaks that make changes to the registry/system files, and which do not necessarily speed up performance - invalid clusters scattered throughout the HD if not scanning the HD on a regular basis to repair all errors, especially before installing new software. Of course none of this applies if installed 98SE2ME on top of a "from scratch" 98SE install, on an empty HD. But if anybody else can confirm similar experience, I'll look into it. Hope this helps.

I have installed WMP10 bonus on my 98SE PC twice using the same batch file, in 2 different configurations, and worked both times. I have no idea why the installation aborts on your computer. MECONFIG.EXE build 4.90.3000 installed by 98SE2ME is modded by Tihiy to eliminate the nagging prompts, it is not the original files from WinME CD CABs. Tihiy's file is posted here: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=38021...st&p=263314 Plase see READ1ST.TXT, the "98SE2ME.PIF COMPLETE GUIDE" chapter, the "* ALL MANDATORY Components listed below" paragraph for more info: READ1ST.TXT If memory serves, Gape's SP 2.0.1 installs MSCONFIG.EXE build 4.10.2223 from official MS patch for 98SE: Microsoft Windows 98 SE Shutdown Supplement TSHOOT98.CHM, MSCONFIG.EXE build 4.10.2223, APMBATT.SYS build 4.10.2223, CONFIGMG.VXD build 4.10.2222, PCI.VXD build 4.10.2223 + VPOWERD.VXD build 4.10.2223 Fixes: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=239887 Direct download [504 KB, English]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/d...b2c/4756US8.EXE The only actual change to 98SE2ME 6-14-2005 edition is the MSCONFIG.EXE [the 1 modded by Tihiy] file name which is now renamed to MECONFIG.EXE when it is installed into %windir%\system , so u can have both: (1) the 1 from MS 98SE patch or if u haven't installed the MS patch or Gape's SP, the 1 from Win98 SE CD CABs and (2) the 1 from WinME CD CABs, again, modded by Tihiy. If u open MECONFIG.EXE [from 98SE2ME] and WinME MSCONFIG.EXE [from CD] in a hex editor/viewer/compare tool, you'll notice differences. The only other change is purely "cosmetic", and transparent to the user [u won't notice any difference], the computer has to reboot one way or another, in order to install system files which cannot be replaced while in use, and the reboot sequence is now the one built into the OS, no more NirCmd or fake virus reports. And as added bonus for dial-up/56k/analog modem users, after removing nircmd.exe 98SE2ME.EXE file size decreased by ~ 250 KB, because if u use dial-up every byte counts. Hope this helps.

This is my post: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=45373...ndpost&p=328623 The file I was refering to is BROWSELC.DLL from XP SP2. I use BROWSEUI.DLL from newest MS security patch for 98SE, which I just posted here: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=46581 BROWSEUI.DLL from XP/2003 does not work properly with 9x OSes. Hope this helps.

Thanks, it is a nice little tool.

These are the new URLs for UPDATE.SYS for both 98SE + ME, this time with installers, no need to copy them manually to %windir%\system32\drivers anymore, also posted here: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=46581 and here: http://www.mdgx.com/web.htm * Unofficial Windows ME Updated CPU Microcode UPDATE.SYS build 4.90.3001 Fix includes most current Intel CPUs: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=44388 Direct download [166 KB, English]: http://www.mdgx.com/files/MEUPDSYS.EXE How to install UPDATE.SYS Fix on Windows ME: 1. You MUST disable System Restore: open Control Panel -> System -> Performance tab -> File System -> Troubleshooting area -> check the "Disable System Restore" box -> click OK -> reboot. 2. Download + install CoolKill [797 KB, freeware]: http://www.prowebsitemanagement.com/downloads/coolkill.zip 3. Run COOLKILL.EXE -> right-click on the CoolKill icon in Taskbar Tray -> highlight STMGR.EXE -> left-click on it to terminate this process. 4. Download + install UPDATE.SYS Fix (see above). 5. You may want to reenable System Restore: open Control Panel -> System -> Performance tab -> File System -> Troubleshooting area -> uncheck the "Disable System Restore" box -> click OK -> reboot. * Unofficial Windows 98 SE Updated CPU Microcode UPDATE.SYS build 4.10.2223 Fix includes most current Intel CPUs: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=44388 Direct download [139 KB, English]: http://www.mdgx.com/files/98UPDSYS.EXE

Gape's SP 2.0.1 installs newer VMM.VXD build 4.10.2226 which is designed for 98SE = if u have 98SE that's the only 1 u should install. Patch above should be installed only on 98 FE, and contains also an older VMM.VXD for 98SE.

Exactly my opinion.Thanks a lot for helping out, ckit + eidenk. BTW: I opened nircmd.exe in a hex editor and found "UPX" + "UPX 1.24" strings. So nircmd.exe *is* packed with UPX. If you think the copy of nircmd.exe included with 98SE2ME is "infected", please d/l the original file from the author's web site:http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html and check it again with your antivirus tool. You'll get the same *false* virus report. Also, there are many web sites that detail the problems anti-virus developers encounter when trying to scan UPX packed executables. More info can be found on NirCmd's author site [1st Q + A]: http://www.nirsoft.net/faq.html and here [false positives]: http://www.nirsoft.net/false_positive_report.html Hope this helps.

You got me, never heard of this error.I've also installed 98SE2ME personally on more than 10 PCs, and never seen this. IMO it must be related to some other software you've been using prior to installing 98SE2ME.

I have no idea why u get that WMP10 Bonus install error.Did u first install WMP9 and then WMP10 in this order? They are both required by the Bonus. Also make sure both DirectX 9.0c: http://www.mdgx.com/dx.htm#MDX + MS IE 6.0 SP1: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#IEX are already installed. As far as I'm aware WMP7 + WMP10 codecs should not interfere with Bonus. Codecs upgrades do not modify WMP detection strings in the registry. I did not try this with WMP7 Bonus pack, but it should not interfere. Stack overflow related issues and how to solve them: 1. MinSPs=x http://www.mdgx.com/lastweek.htm#MINSPS 2. Config.sys "STACKS=m,n" http://www.mdgx.com/last2.htm#OVER or see MEMORY.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE [1.15 MB]: http://www.mdgx.com/95.htm About PM: Do u use an older version of Partition Magic? I use 8.0 Pro and did not encounter that issue. I used it so far on five 120 GB disks [i don't have HDs larger than that]. PM8 is way more compatible/reliable with all MS/Linux/IBM OSes/drives out there than any DOS based fdisk [or similar] tool. The only disadvantage is u have to pay for it. Hope this helps.

I've also added this guide to READ1ST.TXT, under the "FAQ" chapter: READ1ST.TXT How to restore original Windows 98 SE system files manually: 1. If you have made a backup of your original OS into C:\W98SEOLD when you ran 98SE2ME.PIF for the 1st time, search for the file(s) you want to restore by running a File Search with the C:\W98SEOLD folder highlighted from within File Manager [FM = %windir%\WINFILE.EXE]. 2. If you have not made the C:\W98SEOLD backup and if replaced system files you wish to restore are of SAME version/build as the ones from Windows 98 SE setup CD CABs, create a DOS mode BATch file using Notepad or better plain text editor/viewer and name it EXTR98.BAT [example]: -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF C: IF NOT EXIST C:\TEMP\NUL MD C:\TEMP>NUL CD\TEMP EXTRACT/Y /A D:\WIN98\BASE4.CAB %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 EXTRACT/Y D:\WIN98\PRECOPY1.CAB %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 EXTRACT/Y D:\WIN98\PRECOPY2.CAB %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 EXIT CLS ------End cut & paste here------ and then run EXTR98.BAT followed by exact file name or use DOS wildcards [*.*] to extract multiple files at once. All files will be extracted into C:\TEMP in this example. More info here: http://www.mdgx.com/last4.htm#EXTRACT and here: http://www.mdgx.com/newtip15.htm#CABEX Make sure you replace D drive letter and/or WIN98 folder name above if your CAB files are located somewhere else. You can also modify all C:\TEMP instances to point to any other valid location. 3. If you have not made the C:\W98SEOLD backup and if replaced system files you wish to restore are NEWER than the ones from Windows 98 SE setup CD CABs: A. (re)install Gape's Windows 98 SE Service Pack (SP): http://exuberant.ms11.net/98sesp.html B. OR install desired files separately from appropriate Windows 98 SE patches: http://www.mdgx.com/web.htm#98SE Most system files into %windir% [usually C:\WINDOWS] or %windir%\SYSTEM MUST be replaced ONLY from native MS-DOS mode. How to exit/reboot into native/true/real/pure MS-DOS mode: A. by holding down Shift + F5 at the same time during BIOS boot POST (Power On Self Test) sequence. B. OR by scrolling down using the down arrow to the "Command prompt only" option and then pressing Enter from the Windows 98 Startup Menu: http://www.mdgx.com/msdos.htm#MEN C. OR from a Windows 98 SE Emergency/Bootup/Startup floppy/CD/DVD/USB/external disc/stick. Last step: Copy back the files to their appropriate locations: %windir% [usually C:\WINDOWS], %windir%\SYSTEM, %windir%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS etc. Run WIN or reboot one last time. To learn which system files must be registered using the REGSVR32 command, open C:\9!M\2G.INF into Notepad or better plain text editor/viewer and look at the REGSVR32.EXE lines. Then run this command from within Windows to register a system DLL or OCX [example]: %windir%\SYSTEM\REGSVR32 /S %windir%\SYSTEM\WHATEVER.DLL If the respective REGSVR32 line you found inside 2G.INF contains the /I switch, then run [example]: %windir%\SYSTEM\REGSVR32 /I /S %windir%\SYSTEM\WHATEVER.DLL Make sure you replace WHATEVER.DLL with appropriate file name AND extension. Hope this helps.

I've posted the links to DX9c June 2005 + DX.CPL extracted from SDK June 2005 here: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=46581 Enjoy.

ODC: Did u get the files I sent u? Do they work?

9x OSes do not support these features. You must use XP, 2003 or Longhorn to get them. This has been discussed here before. Please use the Google search box to find older MSFN posts. Hope this helps.

Here it is:Microsoft Windows 98 Memory Leaks VMM.VXD build 4.10.1999 Fix: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=242161 Direct download [359 KB, English]: http://www.mdgx.com/files/Q242161.EXE

Could you elaborate what exactly you read at my site, eventually with a small quote and/or URL, please?Thanks.

1. I'm afraid I can't do that. The esdi_506.pdr patch is official from MS, the voltrack.vxd patch is unofficial [patched file was sent to me by a concerned user]. 2. About merging FE + SE patches I made using Iexpress: Please check your email: I've sent the explanation why this doesn't work.