On bootup my win 98 says two files are missing and it won't get past dos, all I need to do is replace these files but the EXT. on boot floppy won't work. I have the 98 disk and I downloaded and made the UBCD and it works but I have no idea how I can recover or replace the files I need. I am not real good on computers and I need some detailed PLEASE..

in windows 98 the files are contained in .cab files. What files do you need?

Wait, did you say you made the UBCD4Win with your Win 98 disk? That's impossible. Are you really talking about the UBCD (DOS) utility? Please clarify a bit. Thanks.

No, he said his w98 system won't boot & he has the original cd.

He also said that he created the ubcd(4win ?) not sure there.



Either of the two projects can be used to correct his problem, he just needs the filenames & has to search inside the .cab files to figure out where they are located.

Yes, I created the boot cd and my machine boots up from the cd. I know exactly where the files are located on the win 98se disk, I guess they would be the same on the hard drive. I just don't know how to go about getting the files transfered back to the machine. The files are isfmgr.vxd and another vxd file, I have them written down here somewhere. When windows tries to load it stops and says these files are missing and will not load up. Can you guys help? I'm just a newbie at this.. I did go in with the UBCD and run a virus check, checked the memory and a couple of other things but nothing that would help me out.. What I really can't figure out is, I can boot off a win 98 boot floppy but when I give the extract command, its like it cannot communicate with the cd rom and I am booting with cd support, any suggestions?
Donnie

FIRST: What project are you using? UBCD(DOS) or UBCD4WIN?

If you can boot to a w98 floppy & have access to the hard disk, then extract the files you need to another floppy & swap them out after booting so you can copy the files. W98 floppy loads most of the cmd tools into a ramdrive, but you might need to use a bootable floppy containing command.com so the command enterpreter is not lost when using a box box to copy the files.

They probobly go into windows\system32.

from the command prompt, type....

copy a:\myfile.txt c:\windows\system32
where myfile.txt is the file you need to replace.

Look at the error & find "The exact location" of the file, so you put it in the right place.

The file isfmgr.vxd goes into C:\Windows\System\VMM

Can't say about the other file... but the most common directory is C:\Windows\System for VXD's and DLL's... Win9x hardly ever uses C:\Windows\System32 for anything much.

If UBCD4Win is being used. I have been thinking that it should be easy to extract the files on another computer, include them in another build of UBCD4Win, then boot the bad system with UBCD4Win. Once booted, you should be able to copy the files over to the bad systems harddrive.

Thanks for helping fellas but, here is where I stand. I did as hilander999 said and copied the two files over to the 98 computer. It said files successfully copied, I thought it worked great but when I restarted the machine, it came back up with the same error, missing the same files. Any suggestions? This is driving me nuts, its my Brothers computer and I was cleaning it up when this happened, if I loose all his info, he gonna kill me..

You need to answer the questions that the others have asked... they are not asking for the fun of it... Also... Please provide ALL of the exact error messages you are getting.

Also look in C:\Windows\System see if there is a VMM32.VXD or not... if not things are much worse than you think... this file can not be simply replaced but must be custom made with other VXD files just for the computer you are on ( in otherwords, you can't copy it from some other computer unless it is identical in every way ) and isn't something for a novice to attempt.

rdsok
These two files are on the win 98 disk that I have, I found both in the 54_cabs on the disk. Should these not be the same as in use on the machine? BTW, I made the UBCD dos version

Is VMM32.VXD in your C:\Windows\System directory or not?

What are your exact error messages?

I won't answer anything until I know those answers because they are very important.

I do not know everything about the DOS UBCD so I really can't help anymore. For something like this, I would use our project (UBCD4Win).

Have you tried posting in their forum?? I know there is less activity there, but you may get a response eventually.

So they're vmm vxd files? I remember having a similar error recently when I was working on a really old computer. Though the error said the files were missing, it had nothing to do with missing files at all. It was something I did earlier when I updated some drivers and other things. Caused the system to give that message. After I booted into Safe Mode many times and finally uninstalled all hardware devices and started from scratch (with the finding of the devices) again, it all went fine. Just make sure you reboot after each device is found or if it asks you to (Win 98 is horrible like that).

LittlBUGer
It won't let me in safe mode, I try to boot into safe mode and get the exact same error. Here is the error message, then when I hit enter, it gives the same message for the ios.vxd file.

Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run windows or a windows application.

The windows registry or system ini file refers to this device file but the device file no longer exists.

If you deleted this file on purpose,try uninstalling the associated application using its uninstall or setup program.

If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling the application to replace the missing file.

C:\windows\system\vmm32\isfmgr.vxd

Extract both files ifsmgr.vxd and ios.vxd from the CD cab file for the version of 98 that you have... I believe they are in the base4.cab file but it may be different if you didn't provide the full info. The following will extract the files if it is that cab file...

If your CD drive is D:... ( if not substitute the letter you have for it )

EXTRACT /a /L C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\VMM32 D:\WIN98\Base4.cab ios.vxd

Then do the same with the other missing file

Now... if the other file that I mentioned VMM32.VXD is missing from the C:\Windows\System folder... what I just mentioned will do you absolutely no good. You also can not extract the one in the CAB file and replace it nor can you copy it from another computer... that simply will not work. This file is a compiled file that contains several files actually and it is made when Windows is installed specifically for the computer it is being installed onto.

There is one other thing you can try, if that file I mentioned is not missing, and you are still getting errors.

Go into the C:\Windows\System directory... run SFC /SCANNOW with the CD in the drive... note that you must be able to see the CD when in DOS mode... if not this also will not help since it is going to check the files on the system against what is on the Windows CD itself.

If none of the above works... I would recommend taking the computer to an expert so you do not loose any files from the computer. They should have the required hardware and experience to save the files before they reinstall Windows.

Ahh, the infamous "missing" ifsmgr.vxd...

First and foremost, if you're not 100% sure about how to fix this pc and it has any kind of valueable data on it (ie, any pc that's not yours) then make an image of the drive before you start experimenting with possible fixes so you can always get back to the state that you're at right now.

First of all, try the fixes suggested in this thread and if they don't work then try the fix here http://www.castanet.ca/tech_details.php?a_id=2

If the information and batch file on that page doesn't work then reinstalling win98 should be your next step.

Good luck,

Tom

rdsok
I did as you said but got another error that the location was missing. The files I need to transfer are on the win98se disk in WIN98_54.cab...I tried the location you suggested and also the WIN_54.cab but still get the same error. I guess as you stated that the VMM32 must be missing. I guess I'm screwed as I don't know which way to turn now. Is there any way to reinstall win98se over the existing and replace the VMM32?
Donnie

Had you looked in the C:\Windows\System folder you would have been able to see if the file was there or not.

If you have not backed up the files on the drive... I would STRONGLY recommend that you take the computer to an expert or else you will have a good chance of loosing them.

First, if you don't heed my warning and take my advice to take the system to someone that does know what they are doing....

First backup the drive
Second get copies of all the drivers to be able to reinstall them once Windows is reinstalled.

After that... you just run the setup from the CD and install back into the same folder that Windows is in currently. When done, you will likely need to reinstall the drivers and you will need to reinstall all Windows updates.

I'm not going to help any further on this subject, not to be mean, but because this is really something that needs done by someone that already knows what they are doing and if you don't you may make the situation even worse than it is now.

@ Donnie
Well, I'm convinced that your Win98 machine is pretty much toast. It's probably been real busy sending infected spam while online. Take it offline unless you want to volunteer this machine to whatever botnet has it under it's control. It was hosed before you got to it. Seems like you were trying to help out your bro by cleaning up the nasties, but most of the time, if you don't know what you are doing, any attempt to clean can make the problem worse. As Leo would say, "It's not your fault." Win98 should reinstall in place without hosing your data on a clean system. An infected PC is another story. Hit or miss---mostly miss!

A hardware firewall/router(broadband) + a software firewall might have helped prevent your current predicament. All installed security software (antivirus and antispyware / defs and engine) should be kept up to date. All Windows updates should be kept current. Support for 98 is pretty much over, it's time to upgrade the old box and get XP.

If you can remove the 98 HDD and install it as a slave in a working PC with an up to date A/V and an updated/active firewall, you should be able to recover your data. Scan all files recovered from the 98 HDD. DO not open any files until they are scanned and cleaned.

This system is apparently infected beyond repair by you at this time. It seems like you are at least curious to learn, so have fun becoming a security expert. Listen to those who have offered their help and suggestions. They have fixed many systems with similar symptoms. Heed their advice. The hard drive needs to be formatted/zeroed before reinstalling Windows.

note: if you can't afford to purchase and install XP on this box, you might consider an easy linux distro http://www.ubuntu.com/
You can get the live CD and the install CD shipped to you for free at the "Shipit - Free CDs" link.
Free of charge and free of malware! Slight learning curve required, but please do check out the bootable live CD.

Hindsight is 20/20.
#1 dont' get infected in the first place.... it's less of a chore to keep a system clean and up to date than it is to try to clean up after the fact
(e.g. don't cruise pr0n sites, don't open email attachments)
http://www.bitdefender.com/site/Virus-Tips.html

#2 make a frequent habit of backing up critical/personal data

#3 before attempting to repair an infected PC:
-clone or backup the drive so you have a fallback point
-make sure you backup all drivers (98 is very fussy about drivers) and have all the drivers discs handy as well

#4 install hijackthis (this is what you should have done before attempting anything)
HijackThis gives you a snapshot of the current state of the PC. I usually install hijackthis on any fresh install of Windows, so I get a good idea of what should be the default setup. This logfile is saved to hijackthis.log, then I rename it to hijackthis.log.bak.
The hijackthis logfile is a great way to gauge your progress while cleaning and is a very good tool for proving to your "customer" that something was actually wrong with the computer and needed fixing.
-the log file generated by HijackThis may be submitted to any number of forums that offer excellent support for cleaning an infected computer; submit the logfile and follow the instructions of whomever graciously replies to your request for help

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/htlogtutorial.html
http://spywarewarrior.com/sww-help.htm
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial41.html


Reference link 1
http://support.microsoft.com/search/defaul...ode=r&cat=False
Reference link 2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/258471/en-us
Reference link 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/311188/en-us
Reference link 4 (no safe mode?)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/188867/en-us
Reference link 5
http://www.bootdisk.com/
Reference link 6
Copy Windows CD to a seperate partition on the HDD, then install
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/install/win9....htm#first_time
Change the "copyto" destination to a prepared (fdisk), seperate partition, or another prepared HDD.
Installing Win98 from a seperate partition (will eliminate Windows 98 from asking for the install CD!!! ( and may cure missing .vxd's? problem???...maybe.. just guessing there... but it's really decent method for installing 98 anyways)
[example: after setting up the drive with partitions... copy the install cd to D partition..... navigate to D partition (from win98 boot disk ...DOS)... run setup.exe, install windows 98 to C partition]
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/install/win9....htm#first_time

Reference link 7
http://www.easydesksoftware.com/recovery.htm

Reference link 8
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/install/win9x_install.htm

Reference link 9
http://www.leoville.tv/radio/Main/MustHaveSecuritySoftware

------------------------------------
bottom line: your 98 PC is infected. the best initial cleanup procedure is to start with a hijackthis log (remember this for next time) ...for now, take this box to a pro and recover what you need

I hope you enjoy learning about and using UBCD4Win.

One more question fellas! All efforts to replace the files have failed. Tell me if I can do this? I have another win xp computer, can I physically remove the win 98 harddrive and add it to the XP computer on the slave as a second HD and start the XP computer and say explore the 98 HD and save all the files and such to the XP computer and then put the HD back into the 98 computer and format then replace the files, would this be possible?
Donnie

@Donnie...

Read the third paragraph in the post just above yours... what does it say? I'm out of here.. it seems you don't actually read or pay attention to what has been told to you.

rdsok
Do me a favor and do not respond to any more of my posts as you are very rude to a newbie, as the old atige goes, "IF you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" FYI I read all posts and understood, I was hoping for a little more info on how to do this rather than a yes you probably can..It seems to me that you like bashing people that need help, I'm glad everyone on this forum does not share your view. BTW, thanks for your last posts, it really helped ALOT!!!!!
Donnie

Yes, you can put the Win 98 HD into your computer that has XP on the primary HD. Just make the 98 HD the secondary one and XP shouldn't have a problem seeing it, well, unless something is really corrupt or something.

LittlBUGer
Thanks for te reply, now, here is where I stand. I put the HD in the XP machine and it recognises it and I can see all files on the 98 drive. My problem now is, where do I go from here, I know I can create a folder on XP and save all contents to it for later transfer but is there a way I can fix this 98 HD from here before replacing it to the 98 computer or do I need to put it back in the 98 machine and format? What about replacing files from the 98 disk from here ? Any ideas?
Donnie

Well, you can do several things. You can either copy all of your important files over and then format the 98 HD (I would suggest low-level format), or you can try to fix it by copying some files over or something, though that probably wont work, or you try other things. I would suggest just copying over your important files and whatnot else, then formatting it, then putting it back into its original computer, and then re-installing 98, if you must have Win 98 (otherwise, XP of course, is best).

LittlBUGer
Well, I saved all files returned HD to 98 computer, formatted with the formatC:\s command. All went well but now I can't get the setup to run from cd! I am booting off of a win 98 se floppy with cd rom support but can't remember just how the setup command goes, can you help on the reinstall?
Donnie

Try just booting directly from the CD. And as a side-note, you could have formatted the drive through Windows, not using the primitive command-line stuff.

I can't get the cd to go to setup, when I check the dir on the cd, it shows one file, I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I formatted this computer a couple of years ago and used this same cd.

The only way to completely rule out a cd-rom failure, is to copy the W9x setup directory to the destination hard drive first. This also removes the issue of needing the cd latter for certain files to be copied when using new programs or changing system settings.



It's been a long time since I looked at 98. Have you verified the files on the CD?



Have you created a ubcd4win build yet?

You can add the 9x files to your ubcd build by pointing the "custom" directory dialog box at a folder containing the setup directory. This way you can boot to the ubcd4win & copy the 9x setup files to the destination system & then just reboot & run the setup file from there.

Thank you all for your help, I now have everything back up and running with no lose of any files, you have been a great help, all except for one anyway. thanks again
Donnie