Computer Won't Boot up with Error Code 98

arthurbach4 on 22/11/2022 - 07:26
Last edited 22/11/2022 - 09:40 by 1 other user

So I have an error on boot up on my gaming desktop setup.

Here are the specs:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3500X
Graphics Card: MSI Ventus RTX 2080 Super
Processor Case: Thermaltake Versa H18
Motherboard: AMD B350M
Memory: 16GB DDR4 [3200MHz] (2 x 8GB)
Solid State Drive: 480GB 2.5" SSD
Power Supply: 750W 80+ Gold Power Supply
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition

I am now getting an error on boot up with a black screen, a cursor in the top left corner and the number 98 in the bottom right corner.

Do we think this is a case of needing to replace the motherboard?

This would suck as I can't find the Windows 10 disk that came with the system.

Also, when I google 'AMD B350M' a few brands, options, and varying prices appear, and I am quite unsure which one will play nicely my system.

Perhaps there are some other tips I could try first to see if I can get it to boot up?

Thanks.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • PhatJz on 22/11/2022 - 07:28

    Do you have a pic of the issue?

    You can easily make a windows 10 Boot USB from another computer.

    • arthurbach4 on 22/11/2022 - 11:34

      Yeah, I'll upload a picture asap.

      Currently I am unable to boot into the BIOS.

      My tech-head nephew reckons that the number 98 code could have to do with issues pertaining to 'inputs' and that because I have a wireless keyboard it won't pick up that I am trying to get into the BIOS upon startup.

      He did get in there once by removing the CMOS battery and spamming the delete key so we might try that again and change the boot method to use a Windows 10 Boot USB.

  • PhatJz on 22/11/2022 - 07:31
    +1

    Are you referring to this by any chance?

    Windows Boot Manager Title

    Black Screen with

    Error Status Code: 0xc0000098

    if in fact, this is the error code, your motherboard won't be the issue it's boot Files / Hdd being the issue.

    • arthurbach4 on 22/11/2022 - 11:30

      No, I have seen that longer error code (after Googling) but mine is a simple two-digit affair.

  • Muzeeb on 22/11/2022 - 07:32
    +1

    Download windows 10 installer onto a USB drive and boot from that.

    Perform a fresh install.

    Recover your files from your backup and install them.

    Keep on gaming.

  • PhatJz on 22/11/2022 - 07:41
    +2

    What Muzeeb said pretty much - https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows10 go here follow the steps good to go in 30-40 min max.

  • Quantumcat on 22/11/2022 - 08:10

    If it doesn't boot up with an error that has to be a good thing right? 😅

  • bugsucher on 22/11/2022 - 08:28
    +1

    You may be able to repair your Windows.
    Failing that, you can also try to boot from a SystemRescue or Linux (e.g. Ubuntu) LiveCD and check if you can access your Windows partitions from there and recover your data before a reinstall.

  • Sinnerator on 22/11/2022 - 09:31

    This is for laptops but will also apply for your specific situation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPsi6DGkrIA

    • arthurbach4 on 22/11/2022 - 11:25

      I had to use cashews as I was out of dried trail mix but let's see how it goes!

  • bdl on 22/11/2022 - 10:38

    Windows 98 :(

  • jv on 22/11/2022 - 11:27

    Computer Won't Boot up with Error Code 98

    Try booting up with a different Error Code then…

    • arthurbach4 on 22/11/2022 - 11:29
      +1

      I don't think I've had a 'helpful' response from you before JV.

      It feels good.

  • Roman Sandstorm on 22/11/2022 - 11:38

    At exactly what point of the boot process is this occurring? Before or after the BIOS POST? Before or after Windows starts?

    I have a little experience in these matters, and I have never heard of, or seen, a black screen, cursor in top left, and '98' at bottom right.

    Another poster asked for a screen shot. I concur.

  • arthurbach4 on 22/11/2022 - 11:42

    I have provided some more information above and will upload a picture tonight.

    Thanks.

  • Roman Sandstorm on 22/11/2022 - 16:42

    Start resolution process logically.

    Remove video card.

    Remove one of your memory DIMMs. Re-seat RAM.

    Remove wireless dongle.

    Connect monitor with MB VGA/HDMI.

    Plug in a USB keyboard & mouse.

    See if you can get into BIOS… If not… move RAM to other slot. If not, do same with other RAM stick. (This will isolate if it is one of the RAM modules, or one of the RAM slots. Or neither.)

    If works… add other RAM module.

    If works… add wireless dongle for kb/mouse.

    If works… looking ugly for your 2080. Put it in. If works… yay. Was probably seating, dirt, something…

    The fact that you have had similar before, and by removing CMOS battery and you can then get into BIOS indicates it is likely something that you subsequently either: a) do in BIOS with some settings, or b) it is a device attached.

    Be methodical. bit-by-bit.

    • arthurbach4 on 23/11/2022 - 17:58

      Awesome post. I'll take it methodically and see how we go.

  • arthurbach4 on 24/11/2022 - 11:22

    Will do. My nephew is coming over tonight to begin the bug hunt ..

  • arthurbach4 on 24/11/2022 - 21:22

    OK, so after much seating and re-seating of various components over about an hour my nephew was able to fix the issue!

    We are not entirely sure what went wrong but his best guess is that the CPU errantly felt that something was plugged into one of the two USB ports on the front of the case which halted the boot up sequence.

    His fix was to unplug the front USBs from the motherboard and voila!

    Thanks again for everyone’s help.

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