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On the odd occason when I switch on my PC for the first time I get a black screen with the message 'Windows Protection Error - you need to restart your computer. When I reboot it offers me Safe Mode but if I click on the 'Normal Start' choice it sometimes loads okay, but sometimes I have to boot into safe mode then re-boot into normal mode. I haven't loaded or changed anything recently except for AVG updates.

Anyone got any idea what causes this?

W98 266MHz Pentium2
IE6 SP1
ZoneAlarm
AVG
256MB RAM

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Dani AI

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A short, practical checklist to try next (builds on ’s MS guidance and on what reported about recent AVG updates). The intermittent nature — sometimes boots normally, sometimes only after Safe Mode — usually points at a device driver (VxD/NDIS), a resident security driver, or flaky memory/hardware rather than a Windows 98 core bug. Work top-to-bottom and make a backup of important files before changing system files or drivers.

  1. Reproduce and note the exact text. If the message names a device (for example NDIS, MSMOUSE, CONFIGMG) that narrows the target VxD/driver to replace or remove. Try replacing a named .VXD from original media or uninstalling the related device in Safe Mode.
  2. Treat software drivers first. Boot Safe Mode, temporarily disable/uninstall the most recent security additions (AVG/ZoneAlarm) and any other recently added TSRs/startup items, then reboot normally. Use msconfig or Safe Mode’s Add/Remove Programs to test one change at a time.
  3. Check memory and basic hardware. Reseat or swap RAM modules and run a standalone memory tester (Memtest86 or similar) from bootable media. Inspect IDE/ATA cables, and try a different hard-drive cable or port.
  4. Repair Windows’ own files and registry. Run ScanDisk, use the Registry checker/restore facility that comes with Win98, and scan for viruses from a trusted boot disk if you suspect infection.
  5. BIOS/CMOS and power: reset BIOS to defaults, try disabling cache as a diagnostic, and consider CMOS battery or PSU issues if the fault appears only on cold starts.

If problems persist after those steps, back up and consider a repair install or clean install, or test with a minimal hardware/software configuration to isolate the fault.

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Member Avatar for bigjack

Thanks Rueful Rogue.

Now why didn't I think of checking a Microsoft web site for a Microsoft problem! I actually looked at that item two or three years ago for someone else! Must be senile dementia setting in.

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