Problem with Windows 98 SE

[Artisan]

Hello:

I have the following on my computer:

Windows 98 SE
Pentium II 266Mhz, 64MB RAM

The problem with Windows 98 SE on my computer is that it will occassionally freeze for a short period of time and then goes back to being normal. This "freezing" does not have to occur when I'm trying to open up a program, file, or email. It will freeze occasionally when Windows is just left alone undisturbed. Initially, I thought I had some sort of virus on my computer so I did a complete harddrive scan using AVG 6.0. AVG found nothing. This problem started yesterday.

What seems to be the problem with my computer? All help are welcomed. Thank you so much.

[Pieter_Arntz]

Hi Artisan,

Could you post your HijackThis log (http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/)
Download, Unzip and run HijackThis, Then click Scan > Save log, save the log as a .txt file and copy & paste its content into your next post.
Don´t fix anything yet. Most of what it finds is harmless.

Regards,

Pieter

[Artisan]

Hi Pieter,

This is what I got after running HiJackThis:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.95.0
Scan saved at 2:29:26 PM, on 7/11/03
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.00 (5.00.2614.3500)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\TOTEM SHARED\UNINSTALL0001\UPD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\TOTEM SHARED\UNINSTALL0001\UPD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\COMSMD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\TOTEM SHARED\UNINSTALL0001\UPD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WORDWEB\WWEB32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\JIBREEL INC\ANTICRASH\ANTICRASH.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\PROFILES\DAVID CHAN\DESKTOP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL=http://sharempeg.com/find/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page=http://sharempeg.com/find/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant=http://sharempeg.com/find/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch=javascript:window.close()
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL=http://www.the-huns-yellow-pages.com/sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar=http://www.the-huns-yellow-pages.com/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default)=http://www.searchgateway.net/search/%s
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page=
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page=c:\windows\SYSTEM\blank.htm
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {2E12B523-3D4C-4FAC-9B04-0376A8F5E879} - C:\WINDOWS\WINDOWSIE.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OEMCleanup] C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\OEMRESET.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMSMDEXE] comsmd.exe -on
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Uninstall0001] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Totem Shared\Uninstall0001\upd.exe" LASTCALL!adverts.stripsaver.com!StatsStripSaver
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CMESys] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\CMEII\CMESYS.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: WordWeb.lnk = C:\Program Files\WordWeb\wweb32.exe
O4 - Startup: AntiCrash 5.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\Jibreel Inc\AntiCrash\AntiCrash.exe
O4 - User Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - User Startup: WordWeb.lnk = C:\Program Files\WordWeb\wweb32.exe
O4 - User Startup: AntiCrash 5.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\Jibreel Inc\AntiCrash\AntiCrash.exe
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .edu/ovftpdfs/IDNJHKEKLBLDAK00D/fs010/ovft/live/gv016/00003615/00003615-200305000-00010: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://free.aol.com
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash2/cabs/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {CD17FAAA-17B4-4736-AAEF-436EDC304C8C} (ContentAuditX Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/5805/v1503/www.contentwatch.com/audit/includes/ContentAuditControl.cab
O16 - DPF: {28F00B0F-DC4E-11D3-ABEC-005004A44EEB} (Register Class) - http://content.hiwirenetworks.net/inbrowser/cabfiles/2.5.26/Hiwire.cab
O16 - DPF: {7CF052DE-C74F-421B-B04A-3B3037EF5887} (CCMPGui Class) - http://64.124.45.181/chaincast/proxy/CCMP.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/yinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {AB29A544-D6B4-4E36-A1F8-D3E34FC7B00A} - http://www.wildtangent.com/install/wdriver/arcadegames/meteormadness/eacom/wtinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {80F1B906-D066-11D3-AD70-009027B8ADBC} (WebPlayer Class) - http://content.hiwirenetworks.net/inbrowser/cabfiles/2.5.30/Hiwire.cab
O16 - DPF: {459729AC-727D-4D97-B18A-72EE224EFEC0} - http://www7.buttonware.net/pub/download/scandl_imesh.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/088da328670e062ee406/netzip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20021205/qtinstall.info.apple.com/drakken/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.0_01) -
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0001-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_01) -
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Chess - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/ct0_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/swdir.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37763.7980902778
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0000-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.0_01) -
O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} - http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2003050501/housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {F04A8AE2-A59D-11D2-8792-00C04F8EF29D} (Hotmail Attachments Control) - http://lw9fd.law9.hotmail.msn.com/activex/HMAtchmt.ocx

[Pieter_Arntz]

Hi Artisan,

Check the following items in HijackThis.
Close all windows except HijackThis and click Fix checked:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL=http://sharempeg.com/find/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page=http://sharempeg.com/find/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant=http://sharempeg.com/find/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch=javascript:window.close()
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL=http://www.the-huns-yellow-pages.com/sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar=http://www.the-huns-yellow-pages.com/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default)=http://www.searchgateway.net/search/%s
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page=
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {2E12B523-3D4C-4FAC-9B04-0376A8F5E879} - C:\WINDOWS\WINDOWSIE.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Uninstall0001] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Totem Shared\Uninstall0001\upd.exe" LASTCALL!adverts.stripsaver.com!StatsStripSaver
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CMESys] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\CMEII\CMESYS.EXE"
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://free.aol.com
O16 - DPF: {CD17FAAA-17B4-4736-AAEF-436EDC304C8C} (ContentAuditX Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/5805/v1503/www.contentwatch.com/audit/includes/ContentAuditControl.cab
O16 - DPF: {28F00B0F-DC4E-11D3-ABEC-005004A44EEB} (Register Class) - http://content.hiwirenetworks.net/inbrowser/cabfiles/2.5.26/Hiwire.cab
O16 - DPF: {AB29A544-D6B4-4E36-A1F8-D3E34FC7B00A} - http://www.wildtangent.com/install/wdriver/arcadegames/meteormadness/eacom/wtinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {80F1B906-D066-11D3-AD70-009027B8ADBC} (WebPlayer Class) - http://content.hiwirenetworks.net/inbrowser/cabfiles/2.5.30/Hiwire.cab
O16 - DPF: {459729AC-727D-4D97-B18A-72EE224EFEC0} - http://www7.buttonware.net/pub/download/scandl_imesh.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/088da328670e062ee406/netzip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.0_01) -
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0000-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.0_01) -

These are double. I don´t know if you want to keep them as local or global startups:

O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: WordWeb.lnk = C:\Program Files\WordWeb\wweb32.exe
O4 - Startup: AntiCrash 5.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\Jibreel Inc\AntiCrash\AntiCrash.exe

Reboot after doing so, preferably into safe mode (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406) and delete:
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\CMEII <= entire folder
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Totem Shared\Uninstall0001\upd.exe


Then download Spybot - Search & Destroy (http://www.tomcoyote.org/SPYBOT/)
After installing, first press Online, and search for, put a check mark at, and install all updates.
Next, close all IE windows, hit 'Check for Problems', and have SpyBot remove all it marks in red.

Or, download Ad-Aware at http://www.lavasoft.usa.com/software/adaware/ (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/)
After installing AAW, and before running the program, update by using the Globe icon.
Shut down and restart Ad-Aware.
Now press "Scan Now", then 'next', and let Ad-Aware scan your drives.
It will find a number of "bad" files and registry keys. Click 'Next' again.
Rightclick in that pane and choose "select all and click 'next'.
It will ask you whether you'd like to remove all checked items. Click OK.
Finally, close Ad-Aware, and reboot.

Regards,

Pieter

[Artisan]

Thank you so much. I did everything that was told, however, I was having difficulty finding C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\CMEII. Did I do something wrong?

[Pieter_Arntz]

Hi Artisan,

That depends. :)
If you scanned with AdAware or Spybot before looking, then it should be gone.
Good riddens anyway.

Did the cleaning up solve the freezes?

Regards,

Pieter

[Artisan]

Hi Pieter,

No more freezes so far. It was a miracle! lol

[Artisan]

Pieter,

Thank you so much for your help. I wanted to ask you what could be causing the freeze on my computer?

Artisan

[root]

I would be a little leery of that anti crash program. It has been my experience that programs designed to stop Win 95 and 98 from crashing usually causes more crashes than prevents them.
If you have any more hangs, you might at least disable the program and see if that helps.

[Artisan]

Hi root,

I took your advice. I uninstalled Anticrash 5.0 last night. I am also very suspicious about that program. I remembered times when I got blue screens with Anticrash running in the background. My computer ran smoothly yesterday thanks to Pieter's help. However, today, the occasional freeze is back!

Artisan

[Pieter_Arntz]

Hi Artisan,

Could you run another scan with HijackThis and post the fresh log?
Also, could you tell me if these freezes happen only when you´re online or all the time?

Regards,

Pieter

[Artisan]

Hi Pieter,

These occasional freeze happens all the time.

Results from HijackThis:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.95.0
Scan saved at 2:02:38 PM, on 7/12/03
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\COMSMD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WORDWEB\WWEB32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ACCSTAT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WINOA386.MOD
C:\WINDOWS\cd32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\setup.exe
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\_ISDEL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\PROFILES\DAVID CHAN\DESKTOP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page=c:\windows\SYSTEM\blank.htm
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OEMCleanup] C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\OEMRESET.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMSMDEXE] comsmd.exe -on
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: WordWeb.lnk = C:\Program Files\WordWeb\wweb32.exe
O4 - User Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - User Startup: WordWeb.lnk = C:\Program Files\WordWeb\wweb32.exe
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .edu/ovftpdfs/IDNJHKEKLBLDAK00D/fs010/ovft/live/gv016/00003615/00003615-200305000-00010: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash2/cabs/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {7CF052DE-C74F-421B-B04A-3B3037EF5887} (CCMPGui Class) - http://64.124.45.181/chaincast/proxy/CCMP.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/yinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20021205/qtinstall.info.apple.com/drakken/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Chess - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/ct0_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/swdir.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37763.7980902778
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0000-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.0_01) -
O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} - http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2003050501/housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {F04A8AE2-A59D-11D2-8792-00C04F8EF29D} (Hotmail Attachments Control) - http://lw9fd.law9.hotmail.msn.com/activex/HMAtchmt.ocx

Artisan

[Pieter_Arntz]

Hi Artisan,

Could you find these three in
Start > Run > msconfig
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: WordWeb.lnk = C:\Program Files\WordWeb\wweb32.exe
O4 - User Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE

and uncheck them.
In msconfig it is easier to re-enable them, but if you don´t know how, you can also Fix them with HijackThis.

Another thing is two running processes from your temp folder:
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\setup.exe
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\_ISDEL.EXE
They look like drivers, but that is one funny place for them to be.

Try the first part first and if that doesn´t help reboot to safe mode (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406) and delete the content of Windows\Temp

Regards,

Pieter

[Jooske]

Hi Artisan,
i run win98se myself.
For the freezing part via the update site is a repair available, which should help, when the system has to come back from the energy savings to be re-activated.
When i do heavy things, like a full system scan, i disable temporary those savings certainly when i walk away a while, preventing freezing and no more wake up in such heavy processes like scans, defrag, etc.
Hope this helps you too.

Good you take out the Office from the autostart too, and most certainly never have that "fast search" thing in the autostart which is only taking place and doing nothing as MS admits. I took them out and just use the function i need from shortcut icon individually. No MS Office bar here too!
QuickTime, do you use it a lot? You can get it from the autostart but it's back after each use so depends onm your use if you want it there.
Pieter did a very good job already, i'm following this thread with great interest.
Your system must have doubled speed by now!

[Artisan]

OK...done all that. Haven't experience a freeze yet. I'll let you know in the future Windows misbehaves again. ;)

Thank you so much for your help.

Artisan

[Cochise]

Hi Artisan,

Yes Mate, everything that they said, but tell you what, a lot more RAM wouldn't go amiss.

Speed up your OS and virtually stop anymore freeze-ups, Take my word, been there, had the 'T' shirt etc.,

Best of British, Cochise. 8)

[root]

I agree that more ram wouldn't hurt.
Also in msconfig, you might try stoping everything from loading that is not necessary.
You need systray, explorer, your av, at, and firewall if you use them and the reg scan that runs at boot, but I can't remember what that one is called. I would think that by unchecking the rest, you will find out if it causes you any problems and see if your system becomes more stable.
Over a period of time, Win98 can get so much corruption in the registry, that no matter what you do, it will keep your system unstable until you fix it. You might try running jv16 power tools and run the registry cleaner found under registry tools. Just delete the safe entries(green). It has been safe to use for everyone I have heard from. It is free and can be found here. (http://www.vtoy.fi/jv16/index.php)

Don't give up. If we get desperate, you can consider 98lite. ;D

[MickeyTheMan]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Artisan link=board=9;threadid=11237;start=0#msg72899 date=1057946862]
The problem with Windows 98 SE on my computer is that it will occassionally freeze for a short period of time and then goes back to being normal. This "freezing" does not have to occur when I'm trying to open up a program, file, or email. It will freeze occasionally when Windows is just left alone undisturbed. " }-
I'm currently under win2k, so i have to go from memory here.
The problem you describe is often related to power savings settings, especially the hard drive. Just make sure you do not let your drive go into hibernation as some have problems go back live.

[AplusWebMaster]

;) 'Agree with MickeyTheMan...

That's a real good place to start. See if you can disable any sort of "power management" in the Bios setup. Depending on the motherboard vendor, enabling "power mgmt" may or -may not- work well with W98 or W98SE...

[Artisan]

I downloaded jv16 powertools. It turns out that my computer was flooded with old registry files...over 1,000! ;D So, I removed the files and rebooted my computer. Amazing! Windows 98SE ran SMOOTHLY! I don't think "Mr. Freeze" is ever coming back.

Thank you for so much for all of your help. By the way, is there a non-trial version of jv16 pwertools or some other registry cleaner? jv16 powertools only has 29 days usage left.

Artisan

[root]

He will be releasing a final version 1.4 sometime this week. I believe it will still be free and will not expire.

Glad it helped.

[Artisan]

-{ Quote: "See if you can disable any sort of "power management" in the Bios setup. " }-

How do I gain access to the BIOS setup?

[AplusWebMaster]

'Need to know the manufacturer of your PC to answer the "access to bios settings" question exactly.

This is a "hardware" question...I may have missed something in previous posts in this topic (saw you had a 266MHZ CPU), but the replies I read dealt only with W98SE in the "software" end.
A few come to mind:
- Most Compaq's should hit and hold F10 while the -Compaq- logo is displayed during a POR (power on reset); unless you have a Presario - there are various ways for them dependant on the model.
- Dell: hit the "DEL" key during POR...but I've seen different ways for them, too, that are model dependant.

Let us know what ya' got!

[Artisan]

Hi AplusWebMaster,

I have a Dell Latitude CPi laptop computer.
It runs on the following:
Pentium II 266MHz, 64MB RAM
Windows 98 SE

Artisan

[Artisan]

Never mind. I found it! ;D

Thank you for your help.

Artisan