A friend runs Windows 98 and got prompt "CoCreate Instance Failed 
Status is OX80040154" then screen went blank and weird squeal sounds.
He was runnng AOL at the time. I updated AOL for him to Version 9 and
that helps but I think that he needs to have his Windows 98 operating
system reinstalled. 1. Will this correct the problem? 2. If not what
should be done? 3. If I simply take his original CD with Windows 98 on
it and reinstall will it overwrite the old system and correct the prob
or must the old operating system be replaced by reformatting the hard
drive? Thanks for the help.
John
PS The computer is used only for accessing the web and word processing.

probably re intalling windows 98 SE could resolve your problem, but i
think you also have a hardware problem.  Posibly your memory modules,
HD device or processor could be check.

I hope it helps.
Phossil.

This should answer your question. I am a freshman computer science
major and fix computers regularly.

Reinstalling Windows 98 should work, this sounds like a registry
problem. Here is a link of someone having the same problem. A low
level formatting should work. I think you should go with option 3 in
your question first, it should overwrite all previous files and set
his computer back to how the facotory sent it. If that doesn't work,
then I would use another Windows 98 CD.

Here is the link describing an identical problem.
http://www.winehq.org/hypermail/wine-users/2004/10/0372.html

As this may have the possiblity to be more than one problem. 
(although it does slightly sound like a hardware problem)

I believe a good approach would be to reboot the 
win98se computer in MSDOS mode by pressing F8
right before / during the "starting windows 98" message
on startup.

-or- 

If listed in the shutdown menu  (start --> shutdown)  
"reboot in ms-dos mode"

Whichever method works best for you. I would try running the following
command at the C:\> prompt 

scanreg /FIX 

(this will attempt to repair any detectable registry errors)


if this does not fix the problem, I would recommed repeating this similar
procedure,   

scanreg /restore

(this will attempt to restore an earlier registry profile,
 perhaps prior to the error)


If this does not fix the problem (assuming it might be hardware based)

1. Unplug the computer & remove battery
2. check the bottom of the laptop to see if their is any place
   where a small compartment could be opened (normally 1 or 2 screws)

In one of these compartments you may find memory module(s), they
will be roughly 1.5 inches across. They can be removed by 
spreading the two tabs on each side of them, then re-inserted
on a 45 degree angle and pressed flat. (take care when handling these,
they are static sensitive devices).

Its not uncommon for laptops to require the memory to be reseated.

(we all remember the era of nintendo cartriges right?)


good luck &
hope this helps.

sif