HIMEM error in Win 98

[TNorth]

Hello,

I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on my Mom's
computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2 MB HHD. She
is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be incomplete - but I
am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so I'd
appreciate any help or advice.

Here is the sequence:

The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music. Then a
message comes up that says:

Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the computer and
gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.

When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and again says:

Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version 3.95. Then this
error:

Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address 016C604CXMS.
Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.

Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't load
Windows, but says:

USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.

Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to shut off the
computer and that is it.

So, a few questions.

1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the HHD and
starting clean?
3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product key, Compaq
restore disk?
4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be helpful?
5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this something I
might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I think.

I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very often and am
not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help over the phone.
That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a solution.

Thanks so much!

TN

[Richard G. Harper]

The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely that your
memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at a shop with
a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good memory
modules.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"TNorth" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on my Mom's
> computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2 MB HHD.
She
> is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be incomplete - but
I
> am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so I'd
> appreciate any help or advice.
>
> Here is the sequence:
>
> The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music. Then a
> message comes up that says:
>
> Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the computer and
> gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
>
> When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and again
says:
>
> Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version 3.95. Then
this
> error:
>
> Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
016C604CXMS.
> Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
>
> Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't load
> Windows, but says:
>
> USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
>
> Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to shut off
the
> computer and that is it.
>
> So, a few questions.
>
> 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the HHD and
> starting clean?
> 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product key,
Compaq
> restore disk?
> 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be helpful?
> 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this something I
> might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I think.
>
> I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very often and am
> not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help over the
phone.
> That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a solution.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> TN
>
>

[TNorth]

Thanks Richard,

Should I go ahead and try to reinstall Windows first before getting the
memory checked, do you think?

Thanks!
TN

"Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
...
> The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely that your
> memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at a shop
with
> a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good memory
> modules.
>
> --
> Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "TNorth" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hello,
> >
> > I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on my Mom's
> > computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2 MB HHD.
> She
> > is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be incomplete -
but
> I
> > am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so I'd
> > appreciate any help or advice.
> >
> > Here is the sequence:
> >
> > The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music. Then a
> > message comes up that says:
> >
> > Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the computer
and
> > gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
> >
> > When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and again
> says:
> >
> > Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version 3.95. Then
> this
> > error:
> >
> > Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
> 016C604CXMS.
> > Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> >
> > Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't load
> > Windows, but says:
> >
> > USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> >
> > Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to shut off
> the
> > computer and that is it.
> >
> > So, a few questions.
> >
> > 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> > 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the HHD and
> > starting clean?
> > 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product key,
> Compaq
> > restore disk?
> > 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be helpful?
> > 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this something I
> > might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I think.
> >
> > I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very often and
am
> > not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help over the
> phone.
> > That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a solution.
> >
> > Thanks so much!
> >
> > TN
> >
> >
>
>

[Richard G. Harper]

No. If the memory truly is faulty or failing you will probably not be able
to successfully install Windows, and even if you could it might be corrupt
or damaged in subtle ways. Remember that as Windows is installed the
operating system files are extracted from the setup (CAB) files using ...
yep, you guessed it ... your system memory.

And it's possible that Windows itself is fine on your hard drive, just while
it's loading the memory problem is causing corruption of the files during
loading.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"TNorth" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks Richard,
>
> Should I go ahead and try to reinstall Windows first before getting the
> memory checked, do you think?
>
> Thanks!
> TN
>
> "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely that your
> > memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at a shop
> with
> > a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good memory
> > modules.
> >
> > --
> > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> >
> >
> > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on my
Mom's
> > > computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2 MB
HHD.
> > She
> > > is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be incomplete -
> but
> > I
> > > am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so I'd
> > > appreciate any help or advice.
> > >
> > > Here is the sequence:
> > >
> > > The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music. Then a
> > > message comes up that says:
> > >
> > > Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the computer
> and
> > > gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
> > >
> > > When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and again
> > says:
> > >
> > > Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version 3.95.
Then
> > this
> > > error:
> > >
> > > Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
> > 016C604CXMS.
> > > Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > >
> > > Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't load
> > > Windows, but says:
> > >
> > > USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > >
> > > Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to shut
off
> > the
> > > computer and that is it.
> > >
> > > So, a few questions.
> > >
> > > 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> > > 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the HHD and
> > > starting clean?
> > > 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product key,
> > Compaq
> > > restore disk?
> > > 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be helpful?
> > > 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this something
I
> > > might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I
think.
> > >
> > > I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very often and
> am
> > > not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help over the
> > phone.
> > > That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a solution.
> > >
> > > Thanks so much!
> > >
> > > TN
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[TNorth]

Thanks so much Richard!

So I guess I'm off in search of the correct memory for this computer to give
that a try first!

Thanks again!

TN

"Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
...
> No. If the memory truly is faulty or failing you will probably not be
able
> to successfully install Windows, and even if you could it might be corrupt
> or damaged in subtle ways. Remember that as Windows is installed the
> operating system files are extracted from the setup (CAB) files using ...
> yep, you guessed it ... your system memory.
>
> And it's possible that Windows itself is fine on your hard drive, just
while
> it's loading the memory problem is causing corruption of the files during
> loading.
>
> --
> Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "TNorth" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Thanks Richard,
> >
> > Should I go ahead and try to reinstall Windows first before getting the
> > memory checked, do you think?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > TN
> >
> > "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely that
your
> > > memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at a
shop
> > with
> > > a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good
memory
> > > modules.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > >
> > >
> > > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Hello,
> > > >
> > > > I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on my
> Mom's
> > > > computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2 MB
> HHD.
> > > She
> > > > is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be
incomplete -
> > but
> > > I
> > > > am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so I'd
> > > > appreciate any help or advice.
> > > >
> > > > Here is the sequence:
> > > >
> > > > The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music. Then
a
> > > > message comes up that says:
> > > >
> > > > Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the
computer
> > and
> > > > gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
> > > >
> > > > When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and
again
> > > says:
> > > >
> > > > Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version 3.95.
> Then
> > > this
> > > > error:
> > > >
> > > > Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
> > > 016C604CXMS.
> > > > Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > >
> > > > Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't load
> > > > Windows, but says:
> > > >
> > > > USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > >
> > > > Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to shut
> off
> > > the
> > > > computer and that is it.
> > > >
> > > > So, a few questions.
> > > >
> > > > 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> > > > 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the HHD
and
> > > > starting clean?
> > > > 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product key,
> > > Compaq
> > > > restore disk?
> > > > 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be
helpful?
> > > > 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this
something
> I
> > > > might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I
> think.
> > > >
> > > > I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very often
and
> > am
> > > > not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help over
the
> > > phone.
> > > > That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a solution.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks so much!
> > > >
> > > > TN
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Richard G. Harper]

You're welcome, and good luck.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"TNorth" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks so much Richard!
>
> So I guess I'm off in search of the correct memory for this computer to
give
> that a try first!
>
> Thanks again!
>
> TN
>
> "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> ...
> > No. If the memory truly is faulty or failing you will probably not be
> able
> > to successfully install Windows, and even if you could it might be
corrupt
> > or damaged in subtle ways. Remember that as Windows is installed the
> > operating system files are extracted from the setup (CAB) files using
....
> > yep, you guessed it ... your system memory.
> >
> > And it's possible that Windows itself is fine on your hard drive, just
> while
> > it's loading the memory problem is causing corruption of the files
during
> > loading.
> >
> > --
> > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> >
> >
> > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Thanks Richard,
> > >
> > > Should I go ahead and try to reinstall Windows first before getting
the
> > > memory checked, do you think?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > TN
> > >
> > > "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely that
> your
> > > > memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at a
> shop
> > > with
> > > > a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good
> memory
> > > > modules.
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > > > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > > > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > > > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > Hello,
> > > > >
> > > > > I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on my
> > Mom's
> > > > > computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2
MB
> > HHD.
> > > > She
> > > > > is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be
> incomplete -
> > > but
> > > > I
> > > > > am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so
I'd
> > > > > appreciate any help or advice.
> > > > >
> > > > > Here is the sequence:
> > > > >
> > > > > The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music.
Then
> a
> > > > > message comes up that says:
> > > > >
> > > > > Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the
> computer
> > > and
> > > > > gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
> > > > >
> > > > > When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and
> again
> > > > says:
> > > > >
> > > > > Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version 3.95.
> > Then
> > > > this
> > > > > error:
> > > > >
> > > > > Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
> > > > 016C604CXMS.
> > > > > Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > > >
> > > > > Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't
load
> > > > > Windows, but says:
> > > > >
> > > > > USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > > >
> > > > > Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to
shut
> > off
> > > > the
> > > > > computer and that is it.
> > > > >
> > > > > So, a few questions.
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> > > > > 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the HHD
> and
> > > > > starting clean?
> > > > > 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product
key,
> > > > Compaq
> > > > > restore disk?
> > > > > 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be
> helpful?
> > > > > 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this
> something
> > I
> > > > > might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I
> > think.
> > > > >
> > > > > I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very often
> and
> > > am
> > > > > not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help over
> the
> > > > phone.
> > > > > That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a
solution.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks so much!
> > > > >
> > > > > TN
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[TNorth]

Hi again Richard,

I just wanted to let you know that I replaced the memory in this computer
and it is working just great! Thanks so much for your advice and
information! Windows wasn't the least bit damaged and I didn't need to
reboot with a floppy or anything - just turned on like always and worked
away - very happy with its new 128MB RAM! It was struggling on 32MB before.

Thanks!

TN

"Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
...
> You're welcome, and good luck.
>
> --
> Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "TNorth" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Thanks so much Richard!
> >
> > So I guess I'm off in search of the correct memory for this computer to
> give
> > that a try first!
> >
> > Thanks again!
> >
> > TN
> >
> > "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > No. If the memory truly is faulty or failing you will probably not be
> > able
> > > to successfully install Windows, and even if you could it might be
> corrupt
> > > or damaged in subtle ways. Remember that as Windows is installed the
> > > operating system files are extracted from the setup (CAB) files using
> ...
> > > yep, you guessed it ... your system memory.
> > >
> > > And it's possible that Windows itself is fine on your hard drive, just
> > while
> > > it's loading the memory problem is causing corruption of the files
> during
> > > loading.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > >
> > >
> > > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Thanks Richard,
> > > >
> > > > Should I go ahead and try to reinstall Windows first before getting
> the
> > > > memory checked, do you think?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > > TN
> > > >
> > > > "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely that
> > your
> > > > > memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at a
> > shop
> > > > with
> > > > > a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good
> > memory
> > > > > modules.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > > > > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > > > > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > > > > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > > > > ...
> > > > > > Hello,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on
my
> > > Mom's
> > > > > > computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a 2
> MB
> > > HHD.
> > > > > She
> > > > > > is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be
> > incomplete -
> > > > but
> > > > > I
> > > > > > am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old, so
> I'd
> > > > > > appreciate any help or advice.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Here is the sequence:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with music.
> Then
> > a
> > > > > > message comes up that says:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the
> > computer
> > > > and
> > > > > > gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process and
> > again
> > > > > says:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version
3.95.
> > > Then
> > > > > this
> > > > > > error:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
> > > > > 016C604CXMS.
> > > > > > Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it won't
> load
> > > > > > Windows, but says:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to
> shut
> > > off
> > > > > the
> > > > > > computer and that is it.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So, a few questions.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> > > > > > 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the
HHD
> > and
> > > > > > starting clean?
> > > > > > 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk, product
> key,
> > > > > Compaq
> > > > > > restore disk?
> > > > > > 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be
> > helpful?
> > > > > > 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this
> > something
> > > I
> > > > > > might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge, I
> > > think.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very
often
> > and
> > > > am
> > > > > > not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help
over
> > the
> > > > > phone.
> > > > > > That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a
> solution.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks so much!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > TN
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Richard G. Harper]

I'm glad I was able to help you figure it out - and even gladder that
everything was still intact.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"TNorth" > wrote in message
...
> Hi again Richard,
>
> I just wanted to let you know that I replaced the memory in this computer
> and it is working just great! Thanks so much for your advice and
> information! Windows wasn't the least bit damaged and I didn't need to
> reboot with a floppy or anything - just turned on like always and worked
> away - very happy with its new 128MB RAM! It was struggling on 32MB
before.
>
> Thanks!
>
> TN
>
> "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> ...
> > You're welcome, and good luck.
> >
> > --
> > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> >
> >
> > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Thanks so much Richard!
> > >
> > > So I guess I'm off in search of the correct memory for this computer
to
> > give
> > > that a try first!
> > >
> > > Thanks again!
> > >
> > > TN
> > >
> > > "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > No. If the memory truly is faulty or failing you will probably not
be
> > > able
> > > > to successfully install Windows, and even if you could it might be
> > corrupt
> > > > or damaged in subtle ways. Remember that as Windows is installed
the
> > > > operating system files are extracted from the setup (CAB) files
using
> > ...
> > > > yep, you guessed it ... your system memory.
> > > >
> > > > And it's possible that Windows itself is fine on your hard drive,
just
> > > while
> > > > it's loading the memory problem is causing corruption of the files
> > during
> > > > loading.
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > > > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > > > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > > > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > Thanks Richard,
> > > > >
> > > > > Should I go ahead and try to reinstall Windows first before
getting
> > the
> > > > > memory checked, do you think?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks!
> > > > > TN
> > > > >
> > > > > "Richard G. Harper" > wrote in message
> > > > > ...
> > > > > > The unreliable memory error message is the clue - it's likely
that
> > > your
> > > > > > memory modules (RAM) are faulty or failing. Have them tested at
a
> > > shop
> > > > > with
> > > > > > a hardware module tester or test by substituting with known-good
> > > memory
> > > > > > modules.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --
> > > > > > Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
> > > > > > * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> > > > > > * for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied
to.
> > > > > > * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "TNorth" > wrote in message
> > > > > > ...
> > > > > > > Hello,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I am looking for some help for a problem that has developed on
> my
> > > > Mom's
> > > > > > > computer. It is a Compaq Presario 5300 with 32 mb of RAM and a
2
> > MB
> > > > HHD.
> > > > > > She
> > > > > > > is running Win98SE. I know some of my information may be
> > > incomplete -
> > > > > but
> > > > > > I
> > > > > > > am dealing with this over the phone and with an 80 year old,
so
> > I'd
> > > > > > > appreciate any help or advice.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Here is the sequence:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The computer will boot to the Win 98 startup screen with
music.
> > Then
> > > a
> > > > > > > message comes up that says:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Windows did not finish loading. Choose Safe Mode to start the
> > > computer
> > > > > and
> > > > > > > gives the choice to enter Safe Mode.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > When she does choose it, the computer goes through a process
and
> > > again
> > > > > > says:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Windows did not finish loading. HIMEM is testing XMS version
> 3.95.
> > > > Then
> > > > > > this
> > > > > > > error:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Error: HIMEM.SYS has detected unreliable XMS memory at address
> > > > > > 016C604CXMS.
> > > > > > > Driver not installed. HIMEM.SYS is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Then to continue press enter, which she does and again it
won't
> > load
> > > > > > > Windows, but says:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > USER.EXE is missing. Reinstall Windows.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Windows never starts and eventually it just says it is safe to
> > shut
> > > > off
> > > > > > the
> > > > > > > computer and that is it.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > So, a few questions.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > 1. Any light that could be shed on this would be great.
> > > > > > > 2. Can I reinstall Win 98SE over itself rather that wiping the
> HHD
> > > and
> > > > > > > starting clean?
> > > > > > > 3. What resources do I need - boot disk, Win 98SE disk,
product
> > key,
> > > > > > Compaq
> > > > > > > restore disk?
> > > > > > > 4. Can anyone point me to any Microsoft KB info that would be
> > > helpful?
> > > > > > > 5. Should this computer just go to a repair shop or is this
> > > something
> > > > I
> > > > > > > might be able to deal with? I have average computer knowledge,
I
> > > > think.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I really appreciate the help. I don't use that computer very
> often
> > > and
> > > > > am
> > > > > > > not too familiar with it - and have been trying to give help
> over
> > > the
> > > > > > phone.
> > > > > > > That seems to have been unsuccessful, so I'm looking for a
> > solution.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks so much!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > TN
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>