Why can't my computer see win.com?

Question

after installing sql server on a windows 98 pc (which required a reboot), it now fails to load windows. it starts with the familiar windows logo but stops suddenly with "cannot find win.com, unable to continue loading windows." below that is a C prompt. however, i can type "cd windows" and "win" at the c prompt. after that windows boots like normal. obviously something got corrupted but what? reinstalling sql server and the program that required it didn't help.

Answer 1

Wait a minute and I come back here to answer you.