Gee this is hard one.

You don't say if the OS is 98 or 98SE(Second Edition) 98 was very
flakey hense microsft released SE

If she is on the Internet without a virus scanner it could be a virus.
Mcafee is a good one (www.mcafee.com) try also Adaware
(www.lavasoft.de) it removes spyware and other things that are not
viruses but annoying

If she's had it since 97 make sure that all fans are turning and that
they are free from dust. I have a small compressor that I use for this
purpose. Your local auto workshop might be able to help you, don't
forget the power supply.

If you are getting as far as the desktop you have a fair chance that
it is not hardware, but not to be ruled out.

Has she tried to load any new software recently.

Take off all extra hardware except RAM, video,floppy, CDROM, and
harddisk and see if it boots OK.


If all else fails a format and re-install might be the only option. If
you can get into DOS you might be able to save her data.


If you are going to play around with the hardware make sure you have
yourself and the computer protected against static


On 8 Sep 2003 09:02:48 -0700, (Sidney) wrote:

I don't repair computers nor do I know anything about them but the
lady living above me has a PI MMX 200Mhz com computer with 82 MB RAM
(2 pairs of 72 pin SIMM modules) with a A07 Open motherboard made in
Dec 18,1997.
When ever she turns on her computer equipped with Windows 98 OS it
does it's routine start up screens there after the display reads
something like "Windows protection error must restart your computer"
well I physically disconnected one part at a time like one pair of
RAM,then the 44X CD ROM then the modem and the problem still persists.
Note:during save mode operation the computer goes all the way to
desktop but does not have a D drive icon (CD ROM) therefore she cannot
use the CD ROM and in order for me to enable the "add/remove hardware"
icon I cannot be in save mode.What's the problem with this computer.
Thanks.