[artjam]

I hope someone can help me with this problem I have been looking for a solution for awhile now.OK when I boot up my :) computer everything loads fine but when I go to click on anything (start,my computer etc... ) iexplorer crashes I think it is a virus of some kind but I really don't know I would like to upgrade from windows 98 to xp but I can't get onto the computer long enough to do that can you help me please.

[fredg]

Hi,
I also use Win98SE, with IE6, SP1.
I do understand your issue, and with 98, it does happen within 6 mo. To a year, normally.
Here are some Maintenance steps for 98/98SE, which does keep my computer running smoothly. However, 98/98SE has to be completely re-installed at least once a year, on the average. The 98 windows operating files corrupt themselves in that time!

Registry Repair should be done whenever there are problems:

To Repair the Registery:
Turn off the computer; or reboot; then immediately press F8, (or, could be F5) located on top of the keyboard. Keep it press down until an options window comes up, then release it.
(If F8 or F5 doesn't work, then re-boot, and immediately press down the CTRL key, hold down until it comes up to the options screen).
Use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select "Command Prompt Only".
Press Enter
You will now see C:>
Type in SCANREG /FIX (there is a space between the G and the / ).
You will now see C:>SCANREG /FIX
Press Enter
This will take about 5 minutes or so.
When finished, press Enter for OK.
Manually, turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, the turn it back on.
If you don't have the "Command Prompt Only" option, then re-boot the computer normally.
Go to Start/ShutDown, then choose "restart in ms-dos mode".
It will come up to C:\windows.
Type in CD C:\
It will look like C:>windows CD C:\
Press Enter.
It will then be at the C:> prompt.
Then type in SCANREG /FIX
Press Enter
When it returns to the C:> prompt, then manually turn off the computer, and turn it back on.

Win98/98SE Regular Maintenance
All of these should be run whenever Win98/98SE starts giving problems. It will keep the computer running smoothly.

Before doing any of the following; turn off wallpaper and screensavers before re-starting or re-booting the computer.

Safe Mode is best where indicated, because most programs are not running meaning their files are closed, or not in use. This allows them to be scanned much better, repaired, or defragged better.

1. Scandisk
Start in Safe Mode by:
Re-boot the computer, and immediately after starting up, Press and hold down, F8, at top of keypad.
When the options show on the screen, use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select
"Safe Mode".
Press Enter
After it boots to Safe Mode, go to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools, and click on Scandisk.
(It is faster if set on "Standard", the "Thorough" usually is not needed and takes a long, long time).
Click on "Start" and let it run until finished.

2. Defrag
When Scandisk is finished, click on "Close".
Now, go back to the same place, but this time, click on "Defrag".
Click on OK, and wait until it finishes (might take 1 hour if not done within a month).
After it finishes, Click on OK or whatever.
Then, re-boot.

The Registry fix (scanreg /fix) might solve the issue, but if you haven't done the remaining steps in about a month or so, please do them as well.
If the above doesn't fix the issue, then it's time to re-install Internet Explorer. If you don't know how to do that, then please post back for step-by-step instructions.
If re-installing IE doesn't do the trick, then it's time to completely re-install your Win98/98SE.
Also, sometimes a Spyware/Advertising program can get into the computer and cause weird things happening. I am assuming you have AdAware or some other Spyware scanners.
I might also mention that if you can print out these Maintenance steps, they will save you much frustration and aggravation in the future with 98.
Best of luck,
fredg

[ScottGem]

Before you consider upgrading to XP you need to determine whether your hardware can handle it. The XP CD has an Upgrade advisor on it that will analyze your system and let you know of incompatibilities. You can also get the Upgrade analyzer from microsoft.com.

I would try the Scanreg /fix that Fred suggests to see if you can get past the problem to run the analyzer. Once you know your PC is compatible, then you can just boot to the XP CD to run the upgrade.

[artjam]

Hi fredg, sorry it took so long to reply I'm having hardware problems with the computer I'm on now. Well any way I did what you said and now I get.Explorer has performed an iilegal operation and will be shut down as soon as the wallpaper loads can't even get a desk top now.I can give details if that will help or maybe I should just reinstall internet explorer.Thanks for trying to help me