Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows 3.x/9x/ME => Topic started by: Steve M on January 15, 2011, 09:33:55 AM

Title: defragging
Post by: Steve M on January 15, 2011, 09:33:55 AM

I'm using an old pc with windows 98 SE. It hasn't been defragged in an age and I think this is causing problems (pc switches itself off, locks up and so on). I've tried defragging but the pc won't stay on long enough for it do do it. Is there a quicker way to defrag?

Title: Re: defragging
Post by: Allan on January 15, 2011, 09:39:14 AM

Defragmenting the hd (or not doing so) would not cause the problems you've described. Can you boot to safe mode? If so, what happens there.

Title: Re: defragging
Post by: Steve M on January 15, 2011, 01:43:32 PM

I'll describe the problem a bit better. Sometimes the pc works fine for hours. But other times it will suddenly go black screen without warning, and not do anything until unplugged then plugged back in. Also sometimes a webpage will freeze/not respond; ctrl/alt/delete brings up the task manager but when I click on End Task it doesn't do it, just leaves me hanging and won't shut down normally. Any ideas?

Title: Re: defragging
Post by: Salmon Trout on January 15, 2011, 01:45:03 PM

Quote from: Steve M on January 15, 2011, 01:43:32 PM

I'll describe the problem a bit better. Sometimes the pc works fine for hours. But other times it will suddenly go black screen without warning, and not do anything until unplugged then plugged back in. Also sometimes a webpage will freeze/not respond; ctrl/alt/delete brings up the task manager but when I click on End Task it doesn't do it, just leaves me hanging and won't shut down normally. Any ideas?

Old age. Hard drive or RAM or something is getting old.

Title: Re: defragging
Post by: Allan on January 15, 2011, 01:51:49 PM

What is new or different since the last time everything worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, virus, error, etc)?