Basic Microsoft Windows 98 troubleshooting
Error messages encountered during boot before Windows loads
Before following the steps below, if you're getting an error make sure to search our site for the error message first and look through our Windows 98 Q&A.
Ensure the computer BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings are correctly configured to the hardware that is installed in your computer. Improper settings in the BIOS may cause various errors when first booting an IBM compatible computer. These errors often occur as the computer is first booting and may stop the load process of the computer.
Error messages while Windows is loading
Errors that occur while Windows 98 is loading or prevent Windows 98 from loading are likely being caused by a configuration error in the registry.
- If you cannot get into Windows, and removing or uninstalling a program or changing a setting may help you access Windows, boot the computer into Windows 98 Safe Mode.
- If you were unable to resolve your issue through Safe Mode, restore the registry using scanreg. Additional information about how to backup and restore the registry using the scanreg utility is on our registry page.
Other error messages that occur while Windows is loading or after Windows is loaded
- If errors occur but Microsoft Windows still loads, verify no issues or conflicts exist in Device Manager. If errors are found read through our Device Manager page for steps on resolving issues.
- Ensure that if programs are loading automatically, the errors are not associated with these programs. Often utilities such as virus programs may load when Windows first starts and cause errors to occur. If you believe the startup errors are associated with another program, refer to our basic software troubleshooting.
- Make sure Windows 98 is up-to-date by checking Microsoft Windows update page.
- If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up-to-date and that no viruses are detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems.
Other error messages
If you're experiencing other error messages it's likely these errors are being caused by the program you're running, or hardware device you're attempting to utilize. We recommend you see the basic troubleshooting overview for your hardware device or program.
Computer running slowly
- Make sure your computer has at least 100 MB free of hard drive space. If your computer has less than 100 MB free, it may cause the computer to operate more slowly.
- Run Microsoft ScanDisk and Defrag on the computer. Additional information and help with these commands is on our ScanDisk overview and our Defrag overview.
- Close any programs that are running in the background and disable background programs from automatically loading each time your computer boots.
- Click Start, Search, and click For Files or Folders. In the search window, search for files named *.tmp and make sure you are searching or looking in the local C: drive. Once search has completed, delete any files found.
- Ensure that no errors or conflicts exist in the Device Manager.
- Make sure Windows 98 is up-to-date by checking Microsoft Windows update page. Also, ensure your computer has the latest drivers for the hardware devices installed in your computer.
- If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up-to-date and that no viruses are detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems.
Issue with hardware device
If you are having difficulties with a hardware device, see the basic troubleshooting overview for steps that can be taken to help resolve your hardware issues.
Other
If you still have errors or cannot resolve your issue, search Computer Hope, check our on-line help, and our questions and answers page for additional help. If, after checking these locations you are still unable to resolve your issue, feel free to contact our support team.