rec.autos.simulators

by **LTZ** » Wed, 05 Jul 2000 04:00:00

Guy, I apologize for the off topic post, but I have a friend who know even
less about computers than I do, and that's sad <g>, and he ask it I would
see if any one might know what is causing the problem he is having with his
computer. Here it is..when ever he tries to boot the computer he gets the
black screen and the message "C> type the name of the command interpreter
(eg, C:\windows\command.com)." The computer was working find the when it
was last turned off, but now its no go. If anyone knows what would cause
this message and what the solution might be, it would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks

Larry...LTZ

by **Whodagu** » Thu, 06 Jul 2000 04:00:00

Sounds like you are in DOS, and the computer has lost the startup files. Try
typing DIR<enter>, if you get a directory listing that show C:\Windows, type
in "C:\Winodws\Win" and press <enter>.

by **Sideshow Bo** » Thu, 06 Jul 2000 04:00:00

Generally, on a previously functioning system this is a *very* bad thing.
Command.com is basically the first thing that loads. What's happening is
the BIOS can't find your operating system.

Boot with the Windows Emergency disk (but I'll bet he didn't make one). Or
try any DOS-type boot disk you may have. If the drive is formatted FAT32
you're SOL with a DOS disk though. In this case borrow or make a Windows
Emergency disk on any Win9x PC. Try to verify if c:\windows exists.

If c:\windows is there you may need to reinstall Windows to get it going.

You could also have a failing hard disk or a virus that has wiped out the
windows folder. Which, by the way, was the effect of one of the most recent
e-mail worms.

If the data on the PC is important and you're not sure what you're doing you
should take it to a competent repair shop.

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by **Keith Daniel** » Thu, 06 Jul 2000 04:00:00

Check that the contents of your msdos.sys file are OK. Here's a link that
describes the details. -Keith

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q118/5/79.asp

> Guy, I apologize for the off topic post, but I have a friend who know even
> less about computers than I do, and that's sad <g>, and he ask it I would
> see if any one might know what is causing the problem he is having with his
> computer. Here it is..when ever he tries to boot the computer he gets the
> black screen and the message "C> type the name of the command interpreter
> (eg, C:\windows\command.com)." The computer was working find the when it
> was last turned off, but now its no go. If anyone knows what would cause
> this message and what the solution might be, it would be greatly
> appreciated.

> Thanks

> Larry...LTZ

by **Keith Arche** » Thu, 06 Jul 2000 04:00:00

In addition to the other advice about making a Windows boot disk - copy onto
that disk from the Windows/command folder, the file sys.com.

Boot to the A:> prompt, and type SYS C: <enter>

This writes the system files back to the hard disk, making it bootable
again.

That said - I do agree with previous poster that this problem may be the
result of two major things - either you've got a dying hard disk on your
hands, then your're SOL (I assume this means 'shit out of luck'?) - or you
have a virus which has removed the command.com and possibly other system
files.

You'll need a decent AV program - the latest Dr Solomons AVTK includes a
'Magic Bullet' boot disk which can identify and put right a lot of problems,
but may not be any use if the damage is destructive, rather than
'mischevious'

Sorry to hear about your friend's problem, but good luck with it.

Keith

rec.autos.simulators

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