Computer stuffed itself...

[SandStorm]

My computer decided to up and crap itself a couple of days ago while running Photoshop, and now it won't go past the loading screen - that screen with the Windows logo. Every time I try to boot Windows it goes to the Normal/Safe Mode etc screen, then when I choose an option, it comes up with this message:

"While initializing device "SHELL"
Could not find or load required file KRNL386.EXE

Hit any key to continue"

So I press a key, then it plays with itself for a few seconds, then comes up with the "It is now safe to turn off your computer" screen. Here are my stats:

I'm running a Win 98 OS,
Running a 266 MHz Processor,
64 - 128 MB of RAM (not sure),
Not sure System Bus speed.

I got the computer in '99, and the olds are STILL paying it off ( ) so that could have something to do with it.

If anyone out there has had a similar experience and can help, I'd be extremely grateful, because I don't want to have to re-install Windows. Should I upgrade my system?

 

[Cobraboy]

1. Get a new ****ing computer.


A 266? Jeez.

 

[SandStorm]

Yeah I know.

The olds could have got a WAY better computer for 500 bucks or more less if they'd shopped around.

 

[TurboSmoke]

Hi SandStorm...

you'll need to run windows setup again...

insert your boot disk and turn on your pc then insert the win98 cd and then choose 'start computer with cd-rom support' when prompted...

run setup from your cd rom drive....you will probaly be able to repair the installation...

but yes, you should update, i use photoshop and other similar products every day in my job and i cant believe you dont get frustrated with a computer with such low resources....

cheers buddy..

 

[SandStorm]

Okay, first off: It's fixed - slipped in the recovery disc.

Second, I DO get heaps frustrated. It's annoying how slow the thing goes when you've had PS running for an hour.

Can I come work with you? I'd get to use PS.

 

[rjensen11]

Dude, obviously since your computer is barely better than mine, there aren't any games that are that great for it other than the classic DOS games like Wolfenstein 3d. So do yourself a favor, install some Linux distro like Slackware, and start to love it, it works beautifully! And the Gimp is just as good, if not better, than any Photoshop you can get on your 266!(Is it a P1 or a P2?)

 

[Shannon]

Originally posted by rjensen11
Dude, obviously since your computer is barely better than mine, there aren't any games that are that great for it other than the classic DOS games like Wolfenstein 3d. So do yourself a favor, install some Linux distro like Slackware, and start to love it, it works beautifully! And the Gimp is just as good, if not better, than any Photoshop you can get on your 266!(Is it a P1 or a P2?)

You seriously love Linux don't you...

 

[rjensen11]

Originally posted by Shannon
You seriously love Linux don't you...

Yeah, I do. All I wish I could get my computer to do more now is to get my USB key and my TI calculator cable to work with it... I've gotten the sound worked out, network running, and it hasn't crashed on me yet!

 

[SandStorm]

It's not even a Pentium. Some other manufacturer like AMD or something. And we're talking about an IBM, the folk with the world's fastest computer...

 

[rjensen11]

AMD is not a bad brand!