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Win98 crashes

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by supz

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After botching an attempt to install a LAN network for dialup from my one computer to my next (both run win98) my best computer lost several important files, such as system.ini...The computer will not run the same now, even after detatching and uninstalling all network software I had. It sill crashes every IE based application (Kazaa, AOL, Juno, AIM) and can not connect to the internet. The computer boots very very slowly now also and I'm lucky if it shuts off or restarts properly. I spent over$2,500 on this machine over 4 years ago, but I'm wondering if it is finally a good idea to entirely format the hard drive and upgrade to windows2000 (500 mhz 13 gig HD machine)...If I do not like Win2000, I can always format the HD again and re-install Win98, but the biggest problem in my head is, will network settings that were previously pre-loaded on Win98 before I deleted them and screwed the entire thing up automatically load upon Win2000 installation so I can begin using the internet again? Also...I need opinions about the upgrade. Windows 2000 is not especially a bare bones system OS...It's for more developed computers, so I'm not sure. Also, my computer is a Pentium III. I'm really not sure what to do, and is there any way I can back up the ENTIRE C: currently? It has about 5 gigs/13 taken up...not sure... Also, I'm hesitant to upgrade do to installation of plug and play devises such as my external cd burner...It was a big enough pain to install once, let alone again. It definately won't be fun to re-install EVERYTHING, but I believe it is at the point where it is nescessary. Comments, please...Thank you so much

8 replies

by s.milhouse

You can sometimes trick the system into acting right by upgrading to Windows 98 or ME and then immediately uninstalling it. But I would almost bet that your problem is virus related. Especially if you were using KAZAA orIMESH. These file sharing sites are breeding grounds for viruses. Scan your system before doing anything.

by thechas

I agree with your basic synopsis.
Some form of starting from scratch is the way to go.

I would forgo an OS upgrade, and install from scratch onto a clean drive.
You will just have a LOT fewer problems that way.

Yes, there are ways to back upwhat you have.
There are software packages to back up to CD.

Here's what I would do:

Back up ALL data files of any type.

Create a detailed hardware list (www.belarc.com download Belarc Adviser).

Verify that you can get W2K drivers for each device.
Download the drivers, and if needed, extract the drivers from zip archives.
Burn the drivers onto a CD.

Backup your user settings and passwords for your ISP, mail, web sites, etcetera.
(this can be a document)

Once you are sure that you have everything you need, create a W98 startup disk.

Boot from the startup disk, and run fdisk.
Delete your primary dos partition.
(www.fdisk.com/fdisk for links to tutorials)
Shut down the system.

Now, boot from the W2K CD, and install W2K.
As needed, switch to the driver CD you made, and install the latest device drivers.

Install any desired Windows updates, then your application software.
I recommend that you replace Kazza with Kazza-lite.
This strips away most of the ad and spy ware.

2 notes:
If you play games, you may want to skip W2K and go straight to XP Pro.

For either W2K or XP, install as much RAM as you are willing to pay for / will fit.
At a minimum, I recommend 256MB of RAM for either.

Chas

by rhall75

I agree that it may be a virus. Call me crazy but have you thought about upgrading to XP Pro. I upgraded my home computer from 98 to 2000 pro and some of my devices werent reconized by 2000 pro. My friend gave me a upgrade of XP pro and praised it. So I decided what the heck cant hurt to try. When I upgraded my system to XP pro every device I had was recognized by the OS. I have heard people complain about XP but I have had way less issues with XP pro then any of my other OS and it is a snap tonetwork. If your are worried about not being familar with the new GUI you can switch to the classic windows interface. Anyway I am just putting in my two cents.

by supz

I ran scans...It's not a virus...It was just that files got deleted when installing the network card when I tried to play around and install Novell software for some STUPID reason...XP is...annoying, I feel...But I think maybe i'll try 2000 and if that doesnt go well I'll put XP in...I have the disk for that downstairs on my other PC so that's not a problem. Thx for the suggestion, I agree that it would detect bios and hardware so much easier with XP, and i DEFINATELY agree that networking withXP is made EASY. Thanks :)

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