Fuck Microsoft - a new thread

[Leshrak]

Dude, why would you buy win98?

It's 10 years old and garbage.

Anthson: Yes, you can have it fixed pretty easily. If you don't, they won't let you download any new security updates/patches, so not really too big of a deal.

[Leshrak]

Windows XP Pro Media Center OEM - $123.87

Much better than Win98. If you really want to troubleshoot it instead of going back to wherever you bought Windows 98 and punching them in the face for selling you outdated software, follow Rosuav's advice.

Most places won't even help you troubleshoot it anymore (including Microsoft, even if you pay them).

[Darion]

Somewhat off topic - why is the title of the thread "Fuck Microsoft" when the main problem seems to be the end user having a pirated version of Windows?

[Leshrak]

Originally posted by Gromgor
Due to me not having the registration code for the copy I was told that it's illegal ($10,000 fine) for any computer repair places to even check it out.

I'm guessing this is why? Dunno.

[Gromgor]

Originally posted by Rosuav
Boot the computer, and just before the graphical Windows logo comes up, hit F8 a whole lot of times. You should get a menu that lets you choose Safe mode, and a few others including Command Line Only. But if you want to format the hard disk, your best bet is to boot a floppy/CD and do it from there - your Windows install disc should let you format before installing.

This doesn't work. I can reboot with F8 and it brings up the options to reboot in safe mode. The problem is that it never boots to safe mode. It goes to a notice saying something (I'm not at my comp right now, obviously, so I can't quote it) along the lines of:

"DLL User Interface is fubar. Contact your system administrator or reset user interface"

I haven't been home for a couple of days. When I go there I will try to write down exactly what it says. The point though is that I can't do ANYTHING at all. I can't boot to safe mode. I can't boot into anything whatsoever.

As for why I went for WIN98: WIN98 = $40 Anything else was $100+. I don't really need anything better than that right at this time. I've been told however that I could use WIN98 and when I could afford it I could use the WIN XP Home "upgrade" and it would update 98 as well. If so then I still come out cheaper than if I bought a standard WIN XP Home edition from anywhere even having to purchase the two.

But I can't get into anything that lets me format my HD. I can't get to anything other than that stupid ass DLL error message.

As for the $10,000 fine...I have no idea if it's true or not. It's what I was told by the guy at the comp repair place when I was inquiring as to how much it would cost to get this problem fixed.

I'm hoping you guys can help me out. If not I guess I just cough up some money and feel sad on the inside.

[anthson]

Originally posted by Leshrak
Dude, why would you buy win98? It's 10 years old and garbage.

If memory serves me right, Windows 98 was released in ... 1998? I can't remember for certain, but I doubt it was released in 1996 or early 1997.

[Gromgor]

Originally posted by anthson
If memory serves me right, Windows 98 was released in ... 1998? I can't remember for certain, but I doubt it was released in 1996 or early 1997.

Who really cares? It's old......but it works and my piece of shit doesn't!

[Darion]

I'm guessing this is why? Dunno.

Somehow I doubt that Microsoft installed a pirated version of Windows on Gromgor's computer.

[Rosuav]

Originally posted by Gromgor
This doesn't work. I can reboot with F8 and it brings up the options to reboot in safe mode. The problem is that it never boots to safe mode. ........ The point though is that I can't do ANYTHING at all. I can't boot to safe mode. I can't boot into anything whatsoever.

Try turning on Step-By-Step Confirmation. Answer 'No' to a whole lot of things, especially to "win" (which, same as it did in old 16-bit Windows, starts the graphical interface), and it should get you to a command line. (Reboot to get back to Windows.)

But I can't get into anything that lets me format my HD. I can't get to anything other than that stupid ass DLL error message.

Do you have a Windows install disc? That should work completely independantly of your current messed-up system. It'd let you format, install, and completely start fresh.

As for the $10,000 fine...I have no idea if it's true or not. It's what I was told by the guy at the comp repair place when I was inquiring as to how much it would cost to get this problem fixed.

Yeah, I reckon it's bogus. That's not to say that the repair guy was lying to you though - it's entirely possible he got laid into for aiding and abetting piracy, and got told a big fabrication about fines. It's also possible that the person who told HIM was himself merely passing on a rumour. Microsoft would be unlikely to sue successfully for this.

[Carrah]

Originally posted by Darion
Somehow I doubt that Microsoft installed a pirated version of Windows on Gromgor's computer.

Darion is so awesome.