Windows does not start due to corrupt operating system files.
Cause:
The original operating system files (Io.sys, Msdos.sys and Command.com) are corrupt. These files originally have a .SYS extension but are renamed with a .DOS filename extension when the computer boots to Windows 95.
Solution:
Replace the Windows 95 operating system files. Make a backup of Msdos.sys and copy the Msdos.sys files from the Startup diskette.
NOTE: The following procedure requires you to have the Windows 95 startup diskette that you created when you first installed Windows 95.
1) To make a backup of Msdos.sys, type the following lines at the MS-DOS command prompt, and press ENTER after each:
C:
(where 'C' is the letter designation of the root drive).
CD\WINDOWS\COMMAND
ATTRIB C:\MSDOS.SYS -H -S -R
REN C:\MSDOS.SYS C:\MSDOS.XXX
2) Transfer the Windows 95 system files using the Startup diskette:
a) Insert the Windows 95 Startup diskette into the startup drive.
b) Reboot the computer.
c) To change to the boot drive, type <drive>: where <drive> is the letter designation of the drive containing the CD-ROM or Startup diskette.
d) Type SYS <c>: at the prompt, where <c> is the letter designation of the root drive.
e) After the message 'System transferred' appears, remove the Startup diskette from the drive.
f) Reboot the computer.
3) To restore the backup Msdos.sys, type the following lines at the MS-DOS command prompt, and press ENTER after each:
C:
(where 'C' is the letter designation of the root drive)
CD\WINDOWS\COMMAND
DEL C:\MSDOS.SYS
REN C:\MSDOS.XXX C:\MSDOS.SYS
ATTRIB C:\MSDOS.SYS +R +S +H
4) Reboot the computer.
