Windows 98 several problems

Hello this is my first time using this post and seeking help for my comput problems. I first have difficulty with clicking on the Start; I
can click everywhere else on my computer, but the tool bar that contains time,Start etc will not click-What do I do to correct the problem?? Secondly, I have made several attempts to close programs that aren't working properly I have used the Close Program End Task Shut Down dialog Box and for a while the programs do disappear, but then they reappear-What could be the problem? Lastly, I cannot defrag or Scandisk- I have been able do a complete operation to find errors in system but none were found, what can I do? All assistance to helping me with these problems are appreciated and badly needed, more information on specifics are available if needed to help rectify my problem. Generally it seems my computer is in a delayed reaction mode or something. Thanks

 

candileigh,

Welcome to the board! A couple things that I would start with. First, do you have any anti-virus software installed? If so, have you run it lately? If you don't have any, you may want to try AVG. It's pretty good and free.

For the programs that you want to keep closed. Have you tried going into MSCONFIG and removing the check mark? If the programs are coming back up, they are being accessed some how. You could also uninstall them if you can.

For your defrag problem, have you tried running Scandisk and Defrag in SAFE mode? I would try that and see if it will complete.

Give those a try and let me know how you come out.

Mike

 

candileigh--Concerning the Start button, could you please clarify/confirm
1) You do have a Start button and several icons on the Taskbar, but none are active when you click on them? Or is it only the Start button which is not active?
2) If you have a Windows keyboard, what happens when you click the key with the Windows flag (bottom row of keys between Ctrl and Alt on the left side--there is also one on the right side to the right of Alt)?
A couple of quick things come to mind.
a) Have you rebooted? That often cures a problem like this.
b) Did you add any hard or software just prior to the problem?
c) You could try running scanreg /restore from a DOS prompt and chose to restore a registry from a date prior to the problem.
http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/regback2.html?
(The first paragraph here will only give you a backup of today's registry, which is a good safety precaution, but it has nothing to do with finding and restoring an older version of the Registry as discussed in later paragraphs.) Also this article mentions running scanreg/restore, rather than scanreg /restore. I think the space is needed.

 

Windows 98 Trouble

I want to thank Mike and Jim for their insightful hints on how to
correct my difficulties with my computer. Unfortunately I was unable to solve my problems and the more I tried to follow the instructions given, the more confused and deeper in the hole I got. So I resorted to calling for assistance from someone who knows computers. It is my prayer that he will be able to clear up all my difficuties, I will show him the advices that you both have given to me, that might help him as well. I want to thank you for spending the time to help, may you know Jesus as Lord and savior and may you have a wonderful holiday and a blessed new year. If this person cannot assist in solving the problems I will return to this sight for more assistance, but prayerfully this person will be the answer for me. Thank you again and may you have a blessed holiday and new year.
Candileigh

 

candileigh,

Let us know what it turns out to be. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to come back.

Mike