Error writing to drive C: when starting Windows 98.

When you start Windows 98, you may receive the following error message on a blue screen:
"Error writing to drive C:"

This problem may occur after upgrading to Windows 98 from previous versions of Windows. This behavior can occur if your computer's BIOS reports the interrupt request (IRQ) routing information incorrectly.

This problem may be due to the way the BIOS is using the IRQ steering feature when communicating to the PCI bus. The best solution is to contact the PC system manufacturer to inquire about a BIOS update to address this specific issue.
Notes:
This information comes from MS knowledge base Article Q189000:
To work around this issue the customer can disable IRQ steering. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Restart the computer.
  • Press and hold down the CTRL key until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu.
  • Choose Safe Mode.
  • Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  • Double-click System, click the Device Manager tab, and then double-click the System Devices branch to expand it.
  • Click PCI Bus, and then click Properties.
  • Click the IRQ Steering tab.
  • Click the Use IRQ Steering check box to clear it.
  • Click OK, and then click Yes to restart the computer when you are prompted.
For information about using the Startup Menu or PCI bus IRQ steering, please see the following articles in the Microsoft knowledge base:
  • ARTICLE-ID: Q178548
    TITLE : No "Starting Windows 98" Message at Startup.
  • ARTICLE-ID: Q182604
    TITLE: Description of PCI Bus IRQ Steering

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