Windows 98 Registry Problem!

[CCiCA]

After 10 months of use, I started getting a registry error on nearly every first boot each day. I have also gotten a registry error following a clean boot, then downloading system updates from MS which require a re-boot to take effect. Occasionally the first boot appears clean if the speakers (and possibly the printer) are turned off at the control panel during boot-up; however, this was not the case with the original Volcano speakers turned on during boot-up (this always caused a registry error after 10 months of clean boots). Turning the main power off at the control panel or leaving it on all night does not seem to matter regarding the registry error at the first boot. Also, several months ago, I downloaded a screensaver that caused registry errors. After manually removing the screensaver according to the instruction supplied with the screensaver, boot-up were normal for about two months before this latest round of registry errors started.

The computer has the following features:

WIN 98 SE
1.2 GHz AMD T'bird CPU
256 MEG SD RAM, PC133
20 GIG 7200 WD HD
Slave HD 4.3 Gig. for storage of some historical data (but not operable as a primary HD)
First AZ11 MB
20X10X40 CDRW
40 CDRW
Dell VS 14/15 monitor
Diamond Fire GL 1000 Pro video card
Built-in audio -- True Audio Expression 580WP.M.P.O Powered Subwoofer System -- changed out original Volcano speakers
Isobar TouchMaster Plus surge arrester and control panel
Earthlink ISP
MIE 5.5
HP Deskjet 520 printer -- speaker is powered from control panel, but cable is switched between this and another computer (power off during switch)

Any idea how to solve this registry error problem?

Thanks for the Help.

the speakers shouldn't affect the registry at all since there is no software to install for them

there are many types of registry errors can you give us the exact wording of the error? or a brief idea of what it says?

Regcleaner cleans out your registry of un-needed entries. might want to check it out

Jason

[Bovon]

I don't have an answer, but I am now having the same thing...and this machine with Win98 has been very stable for a long time. I recently downloaded and installed some Microsoft security updates, and installed a Nvidia based video card, reinstalled NAV ect. Whether or not any of this has anything to do with the cold boot windows registory error, requiring a reboot or not, I can't say...but, I just ran SFC (System File Checker) 3 times in succession, and it found corrupt files each time...(or so it said) I replaced the files. Not too sure SFC is always correct because on the first run, it found 2 files I don't know what or where they came from, so I couldn't replace them...just ignore it for now...the 2nd or 3rd run of SFC did not find these 2 files again...but should have, if they are truly defective.

I'll keep an interested eye on this thread..perhaps someone will have an answer.

[John Prophet]

SCF is good program to run..also run "drwatson"..sometimes it helps you find out some problems.

search for the exact fault in Msofts knowledge base also.

And of course...search for the exact fault on google.

JP

[Bovon]

Well John, I am not positive exactly what wording CCiCA gets when he boots into Windows, but mine says:

Windows Registry Checker. (on the active bar)
Windows encountered an error accessing the system registry.
Windows will restart and repair the system registry for you.

Click ok, and the machine reboots.

Arriving back to desktop without any further errors. This is happening here on each cold boot from an overnight shutdown. I have not tried a shut down for a few minutes to an hour to see if the same error comes back, but a warm boot does not find any errors.

Sometimes, I feel like taking the check out of the box in msconfig where it tells the machine to check the registry on every boot.

[Heavy_Equipment]

Sometimes, I feel like taking the check out of the box in msconfig where it tells the machine to check the registry on every boot

This is exactly what I do.
I have far less trouble without the reg. being looked at...although, I also do a complete format/reinstall every 4 months, just to keep the system fresh. It makes a huge difference for me.

[CCiCA]

HE,
Are you suggesting NEVER to check the registry for errors?
Please clarify.

Charlie

[Heavy_Equipment]

Yes, that is what I'm saying.
At the same time, I recommend a clean install at least three times a year.

I haven't had a registry related error in 3 years.

[paramufay]

I am now having the same thing...and this machine with Win98 has been very stable for a long time. I recently downloaded and installed some Microsoft security updates.


. I have also gotten a registry error following a clean boot, then downloading system updates from MS which require a re-boot to take effect.
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I learned a long time ago, Just because scumsoft says you need an update doesnt mean you need to update.

I use a cleaner program (system mechanic) everyday,when I get ready to shut down I clean the registry,delete junk files and folders, delete duplicate files,delete cookies,delete history, I clean everything. Then next time I boot up its a clean boot.

BTW I did upgrade once (forgive me) from DX5 to DX6

[MaxVal]

When Win98 starts, it runs a registry check on the registry data that has been loaded from disk to memory. This reg data is loaded in high memory.
When Windows finds an error, it could be a real problem, or it could be bad memory in the region that the registry data loaded into.
Windows, discovering the "bad" registry data offers to fix the problem by replacing the "corrupted" registry with a recent backup copy when you restart.
This repair operation occurs in DOS mode though, loading the registry in <640k region for recheck. This region of memory may well be error free, so the registry checker is happy and now prompts for a restart of windows.
In the classic bad high memory case windows will report an error again, and the whole process repeats.
Your troubles may be unrelated to the above, but substitution of your system memory with known good memory should be tried.
MAX