First, press ctrl+alt+delete "ONCE" ... a popup menu should appear that will allow you to either close the application causing the problem, or shut-down the computer. Try closing the offending application first, if that doesn't work, press ctrl+alt+delete again and try to shut down the computer. If all else fails, press the reset button on your computer. Of course, scandisk will run then and you'll have to correct any problems that arose.
Windows crashes are much rarer on Windows 98 than with 95. A great trick for solving computer glitches is to do a "Cold Boot" ... shutting your computer completely down for at least 30 seconds. This usually resolves many conflicts.
Windows ME crashes VERY regularly -- get help here.
There are several good sites to download updated drivers.
Here's links to some of the best ...
Windrivers. Com - http://www.windrivers.com/
Driver Guide - http://www.driverguide.com/
The Driver Zone - http://www.driverzone.com/
Chances are you've got a conflict in your hardware settings. Right click on the "My Computer" icon and select "properties". Click on the tab titled "Device Manager", and look for any hardware items that have a red "X" through them or have a yellow "yield Sign". These indicate hardware with problems. You can click on each problem item, and select "properties". The properties dialog box will identify the problem. It could be an IRQ conflict or a device driver that doesn't work. If it's an IRQ conflict, change the settings to a free IRQ. If it's a driver problem, try updating the driver.
Windows Update for Windows 98/ME is a fantastic updating tool available from your start menu. You must be online to use it, and the site no longer gathers information about YOU! All the available updates for Windows 98/ME and a scan for outdated device drivers is included. There's also free add-ons, desktop themes & more. You must have Internet Explorer 4 or higher to use it.
If the Windows Update Icon is not in your start menu, go to the run menu and type in ... C:\WINDOWS\WUPDMGR.EXE --- this will start the updater (you must be online). You may even download a free online advisor to tell you when new critical updates become available immediately.
This depends on your needs and how you use your computer. If you feel your system isn't fast enough, then it's probably time to upgrade.
The most popular upgrades are:
- More RAM
- Larger or second Hard Drive
- Upgrade/overdrive chip on the motherboard
- Faster modem, CD-ROM and Video Card.
Before upgrading, please read this Upgrade Tutorial Online ...
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