Need help with my computer!!!!!

[AlFrankenFan]

I'm writing this from my step-dad's computer. But anyways, I installed Norton Antivirus 2005 in my computer (a seven year old Windows 98 Gateway PC) and had it restart in accordance to its request.

Well, instead of re-starting it it went to a blue screen that says, "VFAT Device Initialization Failed. A device or resource required for VFAT isn't present or is unavailable. VFAT cannot continue loading. System halted.

I can only go into "Safe Mode", and can't go into "Normal" without it going to that screen. Help? Thank you!

[Jim__]

1. I tried GOOGLE

Found this page: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=139063 - don't kno if it will resolve your problem; but at least it has some suggestions.

[AlFrankenFan]

3. Didn't work

But thank you anyways.

[Az]

2. Info needed

Need to know what OS you are using and which version.

[AlFrankenFan]

4. I don't know what it is

And I can't access anything about it cause I can't get to it.

[Guy Fawkes]

5. restart in safe mode...

and uninstall norton.

[AlFrankenFan]

7. I tried

it won't let me delete it.

[Guy Fawkes]

9. you mean you tried to delete the folder...

or did you go into control panel/remove programs and uninstall it?

[AlFrankenFan]

10. I tried to uninstall it

but it said I had to go to normal mode, which I can't access, to do it. :eyes:

also then tried to delete the files, but it again wouldn't let me.

[Cuban_Liberal]

6. You might also try the Computer and Technology group.

There are some very sharp people who post in there. Good luck!

[AlFrankenFan]

8. edit: didn't send out donation yet

so I can't post.

[AlFrankenFan]

11. Question: what happens if I can't fix it:?

Cause I can almost guaruntee...the next computer I'll be able get will be when I'm in college!

[fit4life]

12. Question...

Did you leave the Norton disk in the drive when you restarted?

[leftyandproud]

13. looks like

It's time to restore your computer. Hopefully your dad saved the system restore or Windows operating system disks that came with the computer.

If not, you need to find an old copy of 98 or WindowsME and do a fresh reinstall.

Before taking this step however I recommend a few basic things. First, in safe mode, defragment the hard drive.

Go to start, programs, accessories, system tools, defragment.
Then do a THOROUGH scandisk (can take many hours if your drive is damaged). Go to Start, programs, accessories, system tools, scandisk.

Check both boxes and hit ok. It will scan your hard drive for physical errors and repair them iff possible.

Make sure to turn off your screen saver before doing this. Set it to tun on the most thorough setting, then let it work overnight. Afterwards, reboot and defrag again.

If this doesn't work, your only option is to reinstall windows which will cause you to lose all existing data on the drive. Good luck.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

14. Go into safe mode, then

go to the START menu, then to RUN, then type in MSCONFIG

When it comes up, go to the STARTUP tab, and then uncheck everything that has to do with Norton Antivirus. It won't be completely straightforward, but the names should give you a clue. You can uncheck anything you're not sure of-- once restarted in normal mode you can uninstall Norton then recheck any other programs.

Then throw Norton away, and switch to something that actually works-- my recommendation is McAfee Internet Security Suite v7.0. I've completely abandoned Norton and now install McAfee on all my client's machines.



(This is the XP version of MSCONFIG, but it's similar enough to give you an idea of what it's like.)