Windows 98 Slow Response

[rferland45]

Hello

I'm experiencing a real slow response after each move on my Windows 98 machine. Also The mouse response lags behind the mouse move and the clock always stops during these lag times. I have changed to a mouse that works ok from another system but with the same result.

I'm thinking about remove some programs that I'm not using and checking my CMOS., but I'm a novice who is trying to learn more about PCs.

Thank you!

[freakitchen]

rferland45 - I moved your post to its own thread in the correct forum. The 'tips and tricks' forum in which you posted is not for asking questions.

**Moderator**

[ktkendall]

Are you able to give us the hardware specs of that machine, make and model and age also may help. Go to the run box and type msconfig and then click on the startup tab of the window that pops up and let us know also how many things are checked there, then cancel that window. Win98 was famous for needing reinstalled every so often to kepp it running well, but there is not enough info in your post to be sure if it is a software or hardware problem on your PC, so try to get back with the requested info please.

[glc]

Are you free of viruses and spyware?

[rferland45]

Thank you for moving my post to the correct thread; sorry for the mixup.

My pc was purchased may 2000
Windows 98 SE 128 MB
Intel x86 Family: 6 Model: 8 Stepping: 3

41 items checked in the Startup Tab - Could this be a possibility for the slowdown?

This machine has not been connected to the internet since 2005 but when it was I used Symantec as my security software up until it was disconnected.

Thank you for the replies!

Thank you!!

[glc]

41 items!!!!!!! Holy cow. Yes, that probably has a lot to do with it. Use add/remove programs and uninstall all the junk you don't use, including your way out of date Symantec.

[ktkendall]

For sure you want to uncheck all those items in startup and reboot and you'll think you have a new machine.
Is that a Pentium2 PC and is it a store bough brand name machine?

[glc]

I wouldn't just uncheck them all without knowing what they are.

[GaryRouth]

Hi all

rferland45 - Some startup items are essential, some are not. To help indentify those you aren't sure about, and for more information as to whether a Startup program is necessary or not, you can visit SysInfo.org's Startup list --- http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php --- and Answers That Work's "Task List" --- http://www.answersthatwork.com/Taskl...s/tasklist.htm

If you'd like to scan the computer for malware that might be contributing to the system slowness - without having to connect to the Internet (which it sounds like isn't a good idea right now, as the protections are out-of-date) -- you can create an "Ultimate Boot CD" with some free antimalware programs, and use that to scan --- http://www.ultimatebootcd.com [ --- create the CD from a different computer, of course!--- ]

Check around with your friends, family, & neighbors - it's possible that someone might have an older 128mb or 256mb memory module of the same type you use in your system [If you aren't sure what type you need, but know your model - crucial.com ( http://www.crucial.com )has a Memory tool that can tell you the exact type] -- increasing your memory would help a bit, too - 256mb total memory would help, 384mb total memory would be good, too.

Some other system maintenance you might consider would be to empty out unnecessary temporary files ( you can use Disk Cleanup for this - Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup), uninstall unnecessary & unused programs, run a Registry Cleaner ( CCleaner is a good, free, choice --- http://www.download.com/CCleaner/300...-10315544.html ) and defragment your hard drive -- [Boot the computer into Safe Mode to run the defrag - it will finish with less interruption that way -- start tapping the F8 key as your computer is starting up, and choose "Safe Mode" from the menu - then head to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter].

If the system starts to lose track of the time/date (especially if things go back several years) - then the CMOS battery on the motherboard probably needs replacing. The Lithium batteries last a long time, but it's been 7 years - so keep that in mind. [The replacement for most systems is very easy, and the 3v 2032 type coin battery - if this is the type in your system - only costs about $1.50].

I keep a 1997 laptop with Windows 98 2nd Edition on it around - it's still kicking -- so enjoy that well-built computer you have, it's proven itself to be a survivor!
. . . Gary

[rferland45]

Thanks to all for so much informative advice. I'm motivated to get started on these suggestions. I'll document this process and report my findings.

This novice really appreciates this help.

[ktkendall]

Originally Posted by glc I wouldn't just uncheck them all without knowing what they are.

The nice thing about the msconfig utility though is that if you uncheck something you really do want to keep running in the backround, like your virus software, you just go back in and recheck it, reboot and it will be running again as long as you did not remove the program. I'll never forget a trip years ago to my sister in laws house, and I had my boys bring a few cdrom games so they would have something to do there. Her PC was just about the same as this win98 box you have, and when we tried to play a game from the cd, it would not even load. I went to the startup and it was just like yours, ( too many items checked to even count). I unchecked everything, rebooted, and all was well. She could'nt believe it. There is nothing in the startup window though if not checked that should hinder basic win98 to boot up, so in a case like hers, I just shotgunned it and unchecked everything and rebooted then went back a rechecked the 1 or 2 items that we wanted to keep running in the backround, but since your not even using this PC for internet anymore I can't thing of much of anything your should really have to keep running in the backround except maybe a certain printer utiliity that you sometimes need for certain printers. I would start by unchecking anything you don't need in that startup just so it begins to run decently enough to do the other suggested things like scan it and be sure it is free of any virus, then remove any programs you no longer need via the add remove programs.

[glc]

128mb ram is sufficient for a Win98 box unless you have a lot of high end software on it. 98SE only requires 24mb.

[rferland45]

Hello to Everyone,

So far I have followed all of the suggestions that I have received and now my system is running great, including the clock. The only problem I have is still the poor response of my mouse. It doesn't always follow my hand movement so I'm going to clean the ball of the one I'm using now, and if the same result, I'm going to change to one that I kbow is working fine. I've noticed the mouse icon on the Control Panel window that may have some suggestions.

Thank you to all for your very informative input. I sure hope that someday I'll be able to help others just like you all have helped me. I've checked online for some manuals that may help me learn about PCs and I like the one by Mike Myers. It seems to be one of the best resources out there, at least from the readers' critiques.

Just to let you know I reside in Levittown, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia.

Thanks again to everyone.

[glc]

Treat yourself to a nice new optical mouse.