Windows 98SE only boots to Safe Mode

My computer, running Windows 98SE, will only boot to safe mode. Using msconfig and unchecking all except ScanRegistry, TaskMonitor, SystemTray, LoadPowerProfile and AVAST the computer still boots to Safe mode. Booting with Step-by-Step Confirmation and pressing “Y” at each prompt up to and including the “Load all Windows drivers?” prompt and then “N” to everything else trying to load after this point, results in the following list: override standard vmouse vnetsup.vxd mdis.vxd ndis2sup.vxd JAVASUP.VXD C:\windows\SYSTEM\vrtwd.386 C:\windows\SYSTEM\vfixd.vxd vnetbios.vxd turbovf.vxd vredir.vxd dfs.vxd wdiswan.vxd msmouse.vxd After the last “N” was checked, the computer booted in normal mode ( not safe mode), but with several functions (printer, internet connection, etc.) not available. Do I assume these functions (printer, etc.) were among the “no load items” and that main problem is associated with one or more of the listed items? Since the boot is now in normal mode does selectively adding back the “N” items identify the problem item? Help in identifying the association of the items in the above list and any suggestions for returning the computer to normal operation, would be most appreciated.

TBH it's so long since I worked with that OS I'm not sure I can do much for you, but you seem well intune with it so I can throw a couple of thoughts in the pot, and see if they help you. But the simple answer to enabling stuff again is Yes, this should be done slowly (as a rule), running it a day or so to check stability before adding the next bit, and repeat until the problem item stands out, and double check that item by disabling that one again, then continuing to enable the rest of the items, there may be a possibility of it being a combination of more than 1 item, maybe a conflict between a few items (not that likely, but you never know), but once a possible cause is isolated run it that way for several days and see if everything else behaves, if it does you have your problem item, then it's trying to figure what is wrong with it. Another thing to check is if there is an Event Viewer, it's in the Control panel - Admin Tools on newer systems, I can't recall if that OS has this feature, if it does you should find clues (hopefully) as to what the problem was\is, it may also benefit ensuring you have the latest drivers, but not yet, lets see whats going on first, once you've done this and reported back with the findings we can look at things to try, also out of interest, check the Device Manager for any signs of conflict, just wondering if something stands out in there for further clues, hope this helps a bit anyway.

Thank you for your fast reply. My primary computer runs Windows 7 and I use the Windows 98SE unit to run vintage programs that will not run properly on newer operating systems. I will utilize your suggestions and advise you of my results.