I have an IBM Aptiva and have not been able to start it since my teenage son opened a file on msn which seems to have caused a problem...
When I turn it on it goes through the motions of starting Windows 98 and the titles begin but then the following message appears:

Not enough memory to run Norton Antivirus command line
Error (35): General protection fault in c:\progra~1\Norton~1\Navdx.ovl at 0088:272F
code 0000 SS=14AO DS=14AO ES=0000 Load Base=AB40 AX=0000 BX=BD1E CX=0002 DX=0000 SP=BB2E BP=BB36 SI=0000 DI=0000
Memory allocation error
Cannot load COMMAND, system halted

I have a start up disc but have no idea how to use it
PLEASE HELP!

Sounds like a virus :eek:
I'm surprised you have Norton running with such an old Operating System but it's probably doing it's job.

I have no idea how to fix it without formatting the drive, but I'm sure someone will come along in a minute and give you some useful advice.

By the way, if you get it up and running again, download "unofficial servive pack for Windows 98" - Windows 98 is now obsolete but there is still free software available to keep it running.

I have the suspicion that your Norton is not up to date. Have you tried booting to Safe mode?

Yes, safe mode is a good idea. I think you can start in Safe Mode by tapping CTRL or F8.. just a sec...

How to Start a Windows 98-Based Computer in Safe Mode (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/180902)

Do you have the following installed on your PC?

FIREWALL
ANTIVIRUS
ANTI-SPYWARE

The firewall is the most important -I think Jetico still provide a free firewall program for Windows 98.

If you are using the internet a lot I would seriously consider upgrading to a newer computer running Windows XP - I don't know if you're in the UK but if you pick up a copy of MicroMart you can get a good idea of what to pay for a nice basic new PC (£300 is plenty - that includes Windows Vista, which I don't really trust but it's the replacement for Windows XP)

I did try to start in safe mode by pressing F8 but though I got onto my desktop screen (although slightly strange looking) with safe mode in all four corners there were no icons on it and nothing to press at all. Then an Explorer message box came up with "this program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down". The only thing I could do was to press ctrl-alt-delete to restart the system. I am able to start in ms dos but don't know the commands very well and when I am on the c:\ prompt and type WIN it comes up with a red box saying NAV AUTO PROTECT saying "unable to determine the location of the configuration files". If I OK this I get onto windows desktop but again nothing to press except Explorer message error box as above.

You may need to reinstall Windows. Do you have the CD or disks?

Scott -- I recall reading about a virus ware that you could burn to a cd and boot from same -- would that work? -- Savage

You'll find a complete online manual for the Windows 98 Startup Disk on the Microsoft website- I think if you just put the disk in it will do most of the work automatically anyway.
You might have to set the Boot Order to "CD first" but I should think the installation disk has a simple Recovery option much the same as XP.

98, you need a new PC anyway.

Hi again
Thanks for all the advice but late last night I stumbled on something that seemed to work on a website called computing.net, I typed the error message (35) into Google and found someone who had experienced similar problems. The answer suggested typing
c:\windows\command\scanreg.exe /restore
At the dos prompt, getting into registry files and choosing a date to before my son had opened the original file. I rebooted and sure enough my original desktop appeared. I am sure that I haven't completely solved the problem but at least I have something to work on...
I now need to download some up to date free antivirus software, any suggestions/

AVG is very good -- also try curlyben`s sugestion on the second post at this link -- savage
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/internet-web/browser-being-hijacked-78823.html?highlight=spyware+removal

Using scanreg was good advice.

Good work Becky! :cool:

I agree that AVG is pretty good, I've been using it for ages.

Try this site for good free stuff:
100-downloads.com | Top-100 downloads of free software & freeware for Windows XP & Vista (http://100-downloads.com/)

I use AVG antivirus, Spybot Search&Destroy and Zone Alarm. I also use CCleaner to keep my PC happy. :p

Oh bugger! WINDOWS 98! Sorry I forgot :D