Win98, stalls, shutdown hangs, can't "install"

Problems, problems.

I have had this for a while but it's getting right on my nerves so it is.

1) Invoke certain applications/programs say Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) or /settings/control panel and it takes a while to start, a minute. Meanwhile the task bar in untouchable.

2) When shutting down, Win98 hangs for a while then gives the "Windows is waiting for a task to stop running, wait or kill ". So I kill whatever the process is and Windows shuts down.

3) Intall programs don't work "setup.exe" when trying to load software.

I don't want to do a reinstall. Where do I start to look for these problems ?

Thanks.

 

With as many problems as these, I would recommend a reformat. In fact, why not just update to Xp? I'm serious. However, if your budget won't allow that, just go for a reformat and reinstall of Windows.

Samir Talwar

 

Get SpyBot Search & Destroy, free. Install and scan, remove everything marked with a red splat. If it asks to run at next boot, allow it, then reboot.

 

I want to avoid a re install. This seems like a kop out for most of Windows problems. I did think about that but I will try some of the utilities that I have seen posted here and see how I get on.
I certainly don't want to reformat my hard drive. I have a dual boot system with SuSE Linux on there.

 

I agree an overlay install of windows is something of a copout. But the problems you have described can occur as a result of deep errors in the registry, or unknown undesirable programs existing in memory. That is why I suggested Spybot, it will remove bad stuff not detected by AV programs, as they are not technically viruses. But, just as problematic.
A registry cleaner cannot correct these errors, most work by deleting not repairing. Win98 does have something of a repair tool available, though.
Restart in Dos Mode, type this command at the prompt:
scanreg /fix
It wouldn't be a bad idea to do this after running Spybot, then maybe Housecall, online AV scan or use your own updated AV program.
If installing a program doesn't work after this, then an overlay install of windows after starting up the computer with a boot floppy is in order.
An installing executable digs into the registry, sometimes very deeply, and errors can send it awry.

 

I've often thought about this senario. What about going to a startup disk and deleting the Windows folder?

C:\deltree windows

Then it would only be a matter of installing Windows again and reinstalling programs to their original folders.

Your thoughts?
Matt
(Drivers: back them up using Windriversbackup)

 

I'll give it a go over the weekend. Thanks for your help.

 

It was a bust. I downlaoded Spybot and it was a nightmare. It hangs after a while and I have to kill it. I hate this.