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General discussion

Suddenly system is requiring Win98SE re-install.

by Bro'Man Feb 18, 2006 1:03AM PST

I have a clone with Win98-SE - for years. After my desktop froze, I did a CNTR-ALT-DELETE to restart; I've done this a million times. In the middle of the reboot (after the Windows 98 light blue cloud screen) I got an "i" message box that said my Soundblaster MIDI driver would not load, and behind that box was the first dialog box for the Windows 98 installation wizard. I clicked off the Soundblaster error box, and the Windows 98 installation wizard will not allow me to proceed without entering the product key. I have the disc but the product key is not listed on the outer plastic case. Do I have to entirely reinstall windows 98? Is there a work-around? HELP!!!

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2 Posts

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A common failure really.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 18, 2006 3:17AM PST

Most hard disks and PCs have finite lifespans so it's not uncommon to see a machine suddenly forget something on the hard disk. It's all part of why you see many write and talk about BACKUPs and keeping all they need ready to reload a machine.

In your case you have your car but no keys.

Too bad you didn't run BELARC ADVISOR (noted in these forums) and keep that print out.

Bob

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Thanks, Bob

by Bro'Man Feb 19, 2006 4:54AM PST

Hey,Bob - fortunately I had backed up just about everything on an external drive in preparation for a Win XP upgrade. I'm new to the forum so I have a lot to learn. I've turned it in to a tech so that he can help me.

Have a good weekend!

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