Windows 98 - Computer freezes a few seconds after start-up

[BJ]

Been using this computer for an old DOS program and hence critical need.  Had Windows 98 as operating system.  I do not use this for anything else, including internet browsing.  Since a few days ago, whenever I start computer, once everything is up, it completely freezes a few seconds afterwards.  Like some start up program is running and stops it.  All I can do then is reboot but am in this cycle.  Tried starting in Safe Mode and it works fine.  But then I cannot access network drives.
Any help will be appreciated.  Via msconfig, startup tab, I also unchecked all files there but still the problem remains.
Thx,  BJ

[brundle]

Have you tried 98's version of system-restore - see Restoring the Windows 98 registry; http://www.computerhope.com/registry.htm

[patio]

When was the last time you ran diskclean and defrag on this machine ? ?
If this is the original hard drive it may be heading South...

[BJ]

Sorry but have not run diskclean and defrag for 5 years atleast.  As I said, it has a DOS program that is critical for work and is the only reason used.  All other work I do from my laptop, which is Windows Vista.

I am not sure how to do a System Restore on Windows 98 because that would definitely solve my problem.

Help appreciated.

[patio]

There is no system restore in win98...
Try what i suggested.

[BJ]

Will try diskclean and defrag.  Thanks a lot

[patio]

Yep...
Keep us posted and Welcome to CH !

[BJ]

Since I cannot do a normal startup (because computer freezes as soon as all icons show up on display and then mouse nor keyboard works a few seconds later), I assume I will be able to do suggested things from safe mode.  Is that correct?

Thanks

[patio]

Hopefully...but yes you should be able to.

[pasture]

i too have mindows Me and my cordless mouse and cordless keyboard and the actual computer are all frozen. when i turn the computer nothing happens please help me, and i am unable to do anything even in safemode.

[BJ]

Hello Patio....following are the things I tried in listed order:
1) msconfig, selective startup (with everything else checked off)
2) Disk Cleanup
3) Disk Frag

Everytime, I restarted before trying next step to see if that fixes problem.  But still have the same issue.

Computer will start like normal until the icons start popping up.  Keyboard work before that as I have to put in password.  Mouse also works until a few seconds after all the icons are on the screen and then everything freezes.  Mouse, keyboard etc.  Only way to get it to restart is a power cycle.

Any further suggestions will help.

Thanks

[pasture]

it souunds as though BJ and i have similar problem, please give me some instructions

[patio]

Open up a side panel and do some housekeeping.
A can of compressed air is best to use...do NOT use a vaccuum.
Use a QTip to hold all fans in place when blasting them.
As always when working inside the case remove all power sources.

If the symptoms persist we'll have to explore other possibilities...