My Granddad's computer has got one or two problems with it and I would be glad if you would be able to help!?

The first issue is on startup, once it has done the memory check and the cloud screen appears, it hangs about 2 minutes before continuing to load the desktop..

The second is when it is turned on, it seems to take us to the safe mode options, where you can choose a startup proedure. Why?

This seems to have occured since it was neccerssary to use the Safe Mode feature to solve a problem.

Another issue we have searched for on Google, and have been half successful, is the MSA64CHK.DLL virus. We discovered that it was a dialer, originating from Spain, and it seems to be connected to pornography, but after following recommended uninstall instuctions, on completing the installation we get a Windows message saying "Error loading C:\ windows\system\msa64chk.dll" which we don't want anyway!

Thanks in advance.

Dan

Standby for the real experts, here, TP, but in the meantime..............

1) The delay on bootup could be many things. It could be loading all sorts of nasty (or good) programmes, or may have LOADS of fonts to load.

You/he are running antivirus, yes?

2) There is a file on your C drive called 'msdos.sys'. Read below first. It may be 'hidden' on your machine, but if you can, open it in notepad and look for this:

"Change the attributes for MSDOS.SYS so it is not 'Read Only', MSDOS.SYS is found in the root directory of your C drive. Open the file using Notepad or another text editor (not Microsoft Word or any word processor).
Change the value of 'BootMenu=' to 'BootMenu=1' for enabled or 'BootMenu=0' for disabled.

If the boot menu is enabled you can control how long it waits before continuing to boot with the 'BootMenuDelay=' option. Set 'BootMenuDelay=' to the amount of time to wait in seconds. i.e. 'BootMenuDelay=5' would wait 5 seconds before continuing to load Windows.

BootKeys must also be enabled for this option to function i.e. 'BootKeys=1'

Changes will take place on the next reboot. "

I suspect your machine will show "Bootmenu=1". If you do not want the menu you describe (it is useful!) set this to "0".

3) A bit deeper now. When the virus loaded it will have altered his machine's boot-up programmes. Best read
this (http://www.2-spyware.com/file-msa64chk-dll.html) and come back with an update for us.

One of our experts will be with you shortly. In the meantime here is some music.............................:D

Dan,

Until the experts get here, I would suggest thinking about backing up all the data on the computer and doing a fresh install of Win98SE. (If the computer is powerful enough, this might be a good time to upgrade to WinXP.)

Since the computer has been hit by viruses and it looks like the system is damaged, you would be better off with a fresh install from the CABs.

Before you start this, you should get all the Drivers for the comp's hardware. That will save you loads of time during an install.

In the end a fresh install of Win98SE will make the computer run a lot faster too, if it is an old install. (6 months or older.)

Take Care,

Richard

Ok great. Thanks guys. Regarding the re-install of Win98SE. He has reinstalled windows within a week. Strange eh :confused:

Regarding the bootlog business. I shall go round there before I go on for band rehersal and show him that. We did not try it and it sounds like you may have got it.

We have run adaware as has been suggested to me and many others before, and that got rid of a lot of stuff. We also uninstalled about 10 programs, correctly, that he does not use. He has lots of space left, so not many programs are starting. I am aware of the procedure of going to Start, Run, typing MSCONFIG, pressing Startup, and unticking items you do not want to have loaded up.

Actually, on that note, why does it not save those settings? I assume it should. It does on mine and didn't on his. (I have XP PRo however) Infact, we came back on and every single one was selected!! Which wasnt the case even in the first place!

I will update this afternoon if I get a chance. I have suggested XP to him. I'll keep working on that :}

Dan

If you DO reinstall 98SE consider using the (Freeware) UNOFFICIAL Windows98 Second Edition Service Pack 1.6 available from http://exuberant.ms11.net/98sesp.html

This'll save you a lot of trouble trying to find and install the increasingly poorly supported updates for this OS.

Don't install XP unless the PC will handle it in terms of speed and memory.

Dan,

If he installed Win98SE within the last week, how did he have 10 programs on there that he does not use and tons of spyware?

Are you sure this was a fresh install? (It does not sound like it.)

Take Care,

Richard

TP - I had trouble with 98 [well, It is MS:( ] and found SOMETIMES that unticking progs as you have, also did not stop them starting up. I had to go into both 'Start Menu/Programs/Startup' and delete offendings and even venture BRAVELY into the registry (Software/Microsoft/Windows/ something/ spomething/ 'run' or 'run once' I seem to recall to kill the swine.

Now running W2000PRO and it is much better.

You may find some help on Google with W98 startup etc or similar?

PS - just thought - in 'config', make sure you have ticked 'selective startup' and not 'normal'?