Home > Articles

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Windows Me and 98 Troubleshooting Modes

When troubleshooting a system that is having problems, the Startup menu can be very helpful. This menu can open a DOS prompt, enabling you to edit, move, delete, or rename files. The Startup menu also enables you to reboot your system in several different modes. These involve such procedures as bootup display and recording, and limiting bootup programs to eliminate system, application, and driver conflicts.

You can access the Windows Me Startup menu, depicted in Figure 3.25, by using the Windows Me Startup Disk, or by holding down the F8 key (or Ctrl key) after the RAM memory test is complete. This menu offers Normal mode, Logged mode, Safe mode and Step-by-Step confirmation options. Using the Startup disk, you have these options and the option to boot to a command prompt. In Normal mode, the system simply tries to restart as it normally would, loading all its normal Startup and Registry files. The Logged mode option also attempts to start the system in Normal mode, but keeps an error log file that contains the steps performed and the outcome. The text file C:\BOOTLOG.TXT can be read with any text editor such as Notepad, or can be printed out on a working system.

Figure 3.25Figure 3.25 Windows Me Startup menu troubleshooting.

If Windows Millennium or 98 determines that a problem has occurred that prevents the system from starting, it will attempt to enter Safe mode at the next startup. Safe mode bypasses several startup files including CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and the Registry, as well as the [Boot] and [386eb\nh] sections of the SYSTEM.INI file. In this mode, the keyboard, mouse, and standard VGA drivers are active. Safe mode can also be accessed by pressing the Shift+F8 key during startup.

The Step-by-Step Confirmation mode displays each startup command, line by line, and waits for a confirmation or skip order from the keyboard before moving ahead. This can help you to isolate and avoid an offending startup command so that it can be replaced or removed.

The Command Prompt mode opens a DOS command-line prompt. This mode enables you to use DOS commands in order to make, delete, move, copy, rename, and edit files.

Resources

  • PC-compatible desktop/tower computer system with CD-ROM drive and printer installed

  • Windows Millennium installed

Procedure

In this lab, you will examine the boot log and various boot options when starting the computer. These tools can aid in troubleshooting, and are a key part of the process. They enable you to gather information and rule out possible causes of problems.

NOTE

This lab requires the Windows Millennium Edition operating system. For dual boot systems select Windows Millennium when prompted in each of the following procedures.

  1. Boot to the Startup menu.

    1. Turn on the power to the system.

    2. After the RAM memory test finishes counting up, press and hold the Ctrl key until the Startup Menu appears.

  2. Boot the system to Logged mode.

    1. Type 2 to choose the second option, and then press the Enter key.

  3. Read the boot log.

    1. Choose Start, Programs, Accessories, and then click the Windows Explorer icon from the Accessories menu.

    2. In the Folders pane on the left, click the icon for C:.

    3. In the menu bar, click the Tools menu, the Folder Options menu, and then select the View tab.

    4. Select Show Hidden Files and Folders, and click the OK button.

    5. Back in Explorer, under the Contents pane on the right, locate and double-click the Bootlog.txt file.

    6. Examine the contents of this file.

    7. Close all open windows.

  4. Boot the system to Step-by-Step mode.

    1. Click the Start button and then click Shut Down.

    2. Select Restart, and then click the OK button.

    3. After selecting the Windows Me operating system Bootup, press and hold the Ctrl key.

    4. Select the Step-by-Step mode from the screen by pressing the down arrow key until the Step-by-Step Confirmation is highlighted.

    5. Press the Enter key.

    6. Press the Enter key or the Y key to confirm the use of the startup steps and say Yes to all the steps.

    NOTE

    To skip a command line, press the ESC key or the N key.

  5. Boot the system to Safe mode.

    1. Click the Start button and then click Shut Down.

    2. Select Restart, and then click the OK button.

    3. Select the Windows Millennium operating system, and then press the Enter key.

    4. Immediately press the F5 key.

    5. Close the Help and Support window once Windows finishes rebooting.

  6. Attempt to access the CD-ROM drive and the printer.

    1. Double-click the My Computer icon.

    2. Attempt to locate the CD-ROM drive. Your window will look similar to Figure 3.26.

    3. Figure 3.26Figure 3.26 My Computer window.

    4. Double-click the C: hard drive icon.

    5. Locate and double-click the BOOTLOG.TXT file.

    6. In the menu bar, click the File menu and then select Print, as shown in Figure 3.27.

    7. Figure 3.27Figure 3.27 BOOTLOG.TXT Notepad window.

    8. In Table 3.36, list what happens when you click on Print.

    9. table 3.36Table 3.36

    10. In the menu bar click the File menu and then Exit to close the BOOTLOG.TXT window.

    11. Close all windows.

    12. Double-click the My Computer icon.

    13. Double-click the Control Panel folder icon.

    14. Double-click the System icon.

    15. Click the Device Manager tab.

    16. Click the plus (+) sign to the left of the CD-ROM icon, and then select the CD-ROM driver to highlight it.

    17. Click the Properties button.

    18. Record the device status, as shown in Figure 3.38, in Table 3.37, and then click the Cancel button.

    19. Figure 3.28Figure 3.28 CD-ROM Properties page feedback.

      table 3.37Table 3.37

    20. Click the plus (+) sign to the left of the Ports icon, and then select the Printer Port (LPT1) to highlight it.

    21. Click the Properties button.

    22. Record the device status of the Printer Port (LPT1) in Table 3.38, and then click the Cancel button.

    23. table 3.38Table 3.38

    24. Close all open windows and shut down Windows and the computer.

What Did I Just Learn?

When troubleshooting, there are several options available to investigate problems. Some issues may be associated with drivers or other items starting up when the operating system loads. In this section, you examined some of the ways that things start up and additionally looked at ways to resolve issues associated with them, such as:

  • Examine the features of the Startup menu

  • Boot to Windows Millennium with troubleshooting

  • Boot to Safe mode in Windows Me

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Pearson IT Certification products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.pearsonitcertification.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020