Robin writes:

<<when he tries to boot, the PC cycles between the Compaq logo
screen and "Starting Windows 98". It never gets to the desktop. He can get
to the desktop via Safe Mode.>>

Compaqs often seem to come with built-in crash-proof software that ends up
causing more problems than it solves (as well as reducing performance
somewhat).  This may have been the cause of the original conflict with
McAfee. When each one tries to stop the other from performing its allotted
tasks, you end up with an illegal notice.  If this results in a crash, you
then have a big tangle which, unless you reopen immediately in Safe Mode,
is likely to get worse.

It's a long shot, but in Safe Mode he could run msconfig and disable
everything in the Startup tab.

Particularly disable any crash-prevention programs from trying to run at
startup.

The fact that he can open in Safe Mode indicates that the problem may not
be not too severe.

Or he could try a registry restoration.

He might also try running step-by-step bootup, which might indicate where
the problem lies.

Don Penlington
Free computer tutorials at: http://www.geocities.com/donaldpen/
Also Fractal Galleries,  free icons,  poetry,  and beautiful Queensland beaches.

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