Solutions for PC problems

Fixing corrupt himem.sys problem

This problem occurred with one of my client using Windows 98 after Installing a game. He tried all his efforts and techniques but could not Boot the PC. Hence he called me for help.

Typically the problem will be a message at the PC startup saying
"The following file is missing or corrupted: c:windowshimem.sys
HIMEM.SYS is missing. Make sure that the file is in your Windows Directory. Windows has stopped. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart your computer".

The message itself indicated that, he is having a corrupted himem.sys file. And here is the solution, which I used to correct the problem..

First, boot into MS-DOS mode by pressing F5 or F8 key during the startup. You will not get a fancy screen with graphical windows but you will have A typical DOS screen with usually C:Windows> dos prompt.

Insert your Windows 98 installation CD and Type "I:" (without quotes) to Go to the CD (assuming I is the drive name of your CD Drive).

Type the command "extract /a /y /e /l c:windows base4.cab himem.sys" Without double quotes. This command extracts a new copy of himem.sys file And replaces the old corrupted one on your hard drive.

After successful extraction, remove the inserted CD and restart your computer.

If you have successfully replaced the corrupted himem.sys file, your PC will be back to life with Windows.