Worst problem I have ever faced.....

[Dandy 0]

Okay, so I was freeing space on my computer by cleaning up the C Drive ("Disk Cleanup" under properties on C Drive in Windows 98). I was set to defragment my computer and run some spyware detectors as a tune-up that I regularly give my computer. However, after cleaning up the C drive (which consisted of the temporary internet files and the recycle bin) I got back to the desktop, it flashed or blinked, then three of my desktop icons were missing, and most of the others had their icons changed to that "white sheet of paper with the microsoft logo on it" icon (hope you know which one I am trying to describe!!!). I immediately shut down the computer and restarted it, but it was like I was trying to set my computer up for the first time. It asked my name or company name, then the certificate of authenticity numbers for my computer. If I didn't enter them (I do not know them and cannot locate my disk at the moment), it says Windows cannot be loaded, and it shuts down.

 

 

Sweet sassy mo-lassey, I need someone's help!

[Guest Leelee]

You're likely fucked.

 

I'd go searching for some Windows 98 Product Keys online now.

[Dimensions 0]

If you got the version of windows with your PC look for the product key on the PC case.

[Guest Vitamin X]

If that's the worst problem you have EVER faced, I envy your life, kid.

[Red Baron 0]

At least you didn't delete system32 file like I did a few years back.

[Dandy 0]

If that's the worst problem you have EVER faced, I envy your life, kid.

 

 

Well, I meant it was the worst computer related problem I have had happen to me. When you have no apparent way to even access your computer, it seems like all you have saved (1300 songs, pics, word docs, etc) on there is gone forever. Buying a new computer will solve the problem of not being able to use my current one, but I was of the belief that there was no possible way to get back in and recover my files.

 

I will look on the case when I get back home. Thanks for the suggestions from everyone.

[Guest Vitamin X]

The only problem you seem to be having is OS-related. That's kid stuff, relatively speaking. It could've been much worse, like your motherboard or power supply getting fucked, or having to reformat your hard drive...

 

Either way, good luck I hope it all works out for you.

Edited December 9, 2005 by Vitamin X

[Guest Leelee]

He may have to reformat, anyway. I helped someone with sort of the same problem (firewall kept forcing him to reinstall Windows), and it was so unstable that when we did reinstall, it was better to just start clean. Which isn't the worst thing to do.

 

Original poster, make sure to backup your files next time.

[tominator89 0]

You need a nice Windows keygen program.

[Carnival 0]

I had a similar problem due to a virus. It changed all my icons to that logo and none of the shortcuts worked anymore. I had to find a way to recover them via Registry edit. Luckily i didn't try to restart after it happened, it may have done the same thing.

 

I'd suggest finding a product key, i assume it won't let you into safe mode either. Sounds like a reformat may need to happen, you can install windows without reformatting though, maybe upgrade to 98 SE or Me and give that an install, you may not lose your files.

[tominator89 0]

98SE is the better option. ME is terrible.

[Guest Leelee]

Or, find XP to download from one of the usual places.

 

I had to find a keygen for XP, and it was easy to find. I don't know if 98 will be as easy.