Windows 98SE Freezes when initializing kernel

[tcobb64]

I recently put a new hard drive in my computer. I copied everything from the old hard drive (which was working fine) to the new one. I used it for two days with no problems. I started it up one day and it froze just before loading the desktop. I tried rebooting several times and it hung up in the same spot. I did several bootlog's and the last entry was "initializing kernel". I tried restoring the last good boot registry. That didn't work. So I restored the one before that. Everything booted up fine. When I shut it down and restarted it the next day, the same problem returned.

Now I put the old hard drive back in and everything worked fine - until last night. Now it's doing the same thing.

I went into msconfig via safe mode and unchecked everything except systray. No luck. At one point, when I went into Safe Mode the mouse wouldn't work. But that seems to be okay now.

The only new hardware that has been added was a new video card and linksys wireless router. But those were installed a week ago and the computer ran several days with no problems.

The computer is MSI K7T Turbo2 mb, AMD 1200, 256 Ram, old hard drive was a Quantum 17 gb, the new one is Samsung 40 gb.

[tcobb64]

If it means anything, the hard drives are partitioned into four drives. It's just a carry over from something I did way back (but shouldn't have).

[DanU]

Go into your BIOS and check your voltages and temperatures and post back what they are.

[Foggy]

Have you tried reinstalling win98 on top of it's self?

[tcobb64]

I have not tried reinstalling. Trying to avoid that only because of time. I'll have to reinstall windows 98 and then upgrade to win 98se. Or will I? I don't have full 98se. Only 98 and 98SE updates.

As far as temps go, I'll check when I get home. Do I need to leave it on awhile to let them warm up? When I checked yesterday, I believe the CPU temp was 149 degrees.

[usslindstrom]

Have the same "kind" of problem with my 98SE machine. It's a completely BAD hard drive though, and it needs a replacement (hardware failure). Might not want to rule out that option, as a last resort.

[tcobb64]

CPU temp/voltage info
CPU Temp 152 degrees F
System Temp 84 degrees F
Vcore 1.73
3.3V = 3.36
5V = 5.22
12V = 12.12

I tried reinstalling windows but got a message that a file couldn't be fixed and that I might have to install in a new directory.

[DanU]

Your CPU is running HOT! That's 67C. Since this is an older computer I would first check if the HSF is clogged with dust and also blow out any dust that is blocking your ventilation holes. Also check if all your fans are spinning freely. After a few years sleeve bearings tend to dry out and the fan slows down or stops completely.

[tcobb64]

I think it's ran that hot every since I've had it. Or close to it. I have a temperature gage that I connected to the cpu and it's always shown a temp of 65-70 degrees C.

Would heat cause this? It's not that hot when I first start it up. Why would one hard drive not work and the other one would (although it's now experiencing the same problem).

If I install windows into a new folder, do I have to reinstall all my programs and drivers?

[tcobb64]

Also the "health status" says the CPU fan is running at about 5100 rpm. Does that matter?