windows 98 starting

So do a full set of Diagnostics on the system. If you do not have any test tools you can use the Ultimate Boot CD available for download here

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html

The important things to test are the HDD with the Makers Testing Utility, the RAM and the CPU. The Ultimate Boot CD has all of the HDD Makers Testing Utilities and quite a few other Diagnostic Tools on it.

You'll also need to check the Power Supply Unit as the Filter Capacitors in these can go bad over time and require that the PSU be replaced.

One other thing to check is the BIOS Battery. If it has gone flat you can get all types of screwy errors cropping up so remove it and test with a Multimeter or just replace it as they are not expensive. Desktop computers generally use a CR2032 Battery.

If the Hardware is all OK you can then set about trying to start in Safe Mode and see what if anything is going wrong with the software. From past experience look at the Video Drivers as a possible problem.

Col

How to Manually Restore the Windows 98/Me Registry

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/221512

While its booting,k hit F8, it will ask you what sort of safe mode, you want command prompt.

Once at the command prompt, type "scandisk".