Howdi folks,

If anybody here has any clues as to how to resolve this problem I would be gratefull.  I dowwnloaded a ZIP file which wouldn't open - one option was to open it apparently in DOS mode by agreeing to shut down all  programs currently running (note: I has allowed for this by changing the default settings). Anyway the computer went to this mode and I assume the unzip program went to work but again failed to open the zip file and left a rather detailed account of why it couldn't - concluding with an emphatic, 'so there!'  The problem is this paragraph has somehow ended up in the opening program i.e. the numbers/specifications you see flash by when you turn the  computer on and when the program hits this it stops and requests the user to hit any key to continue - which starts the entire process again ad nauseum.  I can hit delete to access set - up but the different configurations I have tried to resolve the problem have no effect.  Is there a way to access the desktop \windows again without rebooting the whole SYSTEM and losing all my files?From now on use WINZIP to open .zip files.It's a free download. But, put in your 98boot disk or start-up disk in your floppy drive,boot computer. You should have four options. Pick SafeMode,let computerload minimum drivers,find your SystemRestore or GoBack program to set the system "back" or before you load the zip file. If you don,t have or can't any luck, your only option is a clean uninstall of your 98 and reinstall. Sometimes best to start from scratch.  Thanks for your reply- i only had a 95 driver  so as i live in Thailand for baht 100 i got the 98 windows on 'special' - not that it did much good as the failed zip file of 'Rikki don't lose that number' (of all things) had apprently mutated into a virus according to the boot disc- anyway i found some invaluable info from some previous threads here  about msdos and plugged away for a night and a day to make head or tail of it - its pretty weird down in dos land! Well  the faq sheet and my situation finally meshed and i'm back in the saddle with the old PHILLIPS Leo hardly not knowing what hit it.

Cheers