I'm trying to help a friend of mine who may have trashed his computer. I don't have much information but I'm going to give it a shot. It's a Compaq Presario 7000 with Win98. He recently updated the virus definitions for McAfee and then tried to do a virus scan. Each time he tried to scan for viruses he got a message about an illegal operation (sorry, he can't be more specific than that). Rather than leave well enough alone and stop there he then decided to update his Windows files - Start | Windows Update - thinking that would fix the problem. He just accepted the default updates from Microsoft. Now, 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. No problem starting there. I know this is not much information but is there anything he can try before ordering a Quick Restore CD from Compaq? Ropin PCSOFT maintains many useful files for download visit our download web page at: http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml