Windows Freezing

Currently using Windows 98, IE version 6.0.2800.1106. System has been operating fine until April 10, 2003 when I updated the system with the following:
Direct 9.0a End-User Runtime and
816093 Security Update Microsoft Virtual Machine (Microsoft VM)
While it may be a coincidence, I have experienced a number of system freezes when looking at websites in my favourites folder and typing e mail messages. I went into IE thru the control panel and used the fix choice to see if that solved the problem yesteday. This morning went on my e mail to type a message and the system froze again. Any suggestions?

 

The first thing I try...and recommend trying...is general system cleanup and maintenance.

Run Disk Cleanup (Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Cleanup).

Download, install, immediately update and then scan with Spybot and/or AdAware (I use them both.) Let them clean up any spyware they find.

Run scan disk and then defrag...both in System Tools on the Start menu.

 

Tried everything you said. So far so good. Keep your fingers crossed.