Win98 startup too slow!

[Azz]

Hi,

I've got a laptop running Win 98. It's about two or three years old and is having some problems when starting up. In essense, it takes far too long. I've defragged the drive, done the disk cleanup, scaned the boot sectors (no problems) and have had a look around with msconfig. Problem is, there's a whole load a stuff that gets started that I have no idea about.

Can anyone tell me where I can get more info on the stuff in the startup procedures?

Any further ideas on how I can boost performance as well?

cheers,

Azz
gdavies@nemeaconsulting.co.uk

[EvilCabbage]

There are lots of reasons Win98 might take a while to boot.

Check for any programs that are starting up when windoze loads, things like AIM, ICQ, and lotus suite (shudder...) all add up to loading time.

You could also look into the startup files, config.sys, and autoexec.bat . Easiest way to check these files, if you havent played with them before, is to boot into windows, go to Start -> Run, and type in MSCONFIG . MSconfig will let you tinker with some startup options and such.

Good luck.

[AlienDyne]

You could also change the computer type from Home/Desktop PC or Laptop, to Network Server.

You can do that on the Control Panel, System, Performance, File System.

[confus-ed]

If your laptop is 2/3 years old, what processor & Memory, if it isn't 400+ and 64 meg then you really want to be using 95.

[Azz]

Hey,

Thanx for the posts. The laptop is a P2 with 64mb ram. I think its around 400 or 500 or so.

ciao

Azz <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Ya_know]

Originally posted by Azz:
<STRONG>
I've got a laptop running Win 98. It's about two or three years old </STRONG>

Have you got plenty of disk space? With 64 MB memory, maybe add some more.

After a few years, I would suggest a clean reload just for GP (general purpose). It keeps your skills sharp, and is a usual cure all when it comes to degraded performance. It gets hard to find the time to do that sometimes...I would still stick with 98. It will run on a 486,and runs well on a 133mhz. I am sure your PC is more than adequate via the hardware. The problem with 95 is that it gets harder and harder to support. At least 98 has some decent updates, and plenty of newer KB articles.

[anyone]

i have a laptop 120mhz with 16mb ram. i went from 98se to 95 and found out that my video driver and modem weren't recognized by 95. also, i didn't have usb support. 98 runs slow on my machine, but i am able to use my peripherals with 98. just something to think about before you go to win95.

[Jauja]

if its a Compaq laptop... i suggest you to reformat and install a FRESH copy of WINDOZE... not using the restore CDs!...

Compaq utilities are a bunch of ****** they only waste MEMORY... and waste your time...

and yes.. i have a compaq notebook.... without their utilities... (i just get the drivers manually from the restore CDs... ******** Compaq!


Thanks for your post!

[diehrd]

I dont suggest you reformat,Sounds like all is well except start up,and here we are slow not a serious problem.

Go back to msconfig,Deselect all EXCEPT systray,explorer,powerprofiler,and any reference to rundell 32 exe,and your anti virus software.

It has been a while that I have set up 98,I am a ME user and installer on all my systems,But basicly the msconfig will tell you what each program is,like anti virus ect.

If you are unsure at all deselect all you are sure about reboot,now deselect items 1 at a time reboot each time,if you cannot reboot then boot to safe mode and reselect the last item you deselected.

Have fun good luck

[confus-ed]

if you are confident you have all the drivers and utilities for this laptop to hand then reformat, by the sounds of it you are not really understanding what msconfig is telling you so unless you can unload some of your apps.

AND Why is startup such a problem with a laptop you only do it once just use suspend!

While I'm ranting can I point out to 'Anyone' that its only a matter of the right drivers and the usb supplement for 95!

[Sowulo]

Originally posted by confus-ed:
<STRONG>While I'm ranting can I point out to 'Anyone' that its only a matter of the right drivers and the usb supplement for 95!</STRONG>

USB support is only available for Win95b/c, not Win95a.

[confus-ed]

Well spotted. This is cheeky really, I hadn't realised always using OEM copies. Now I seem to remember that Microsoft did an exchange scheme or upgrade scheme similar to that with 98 and SE, but in the uk this offer was withdrawn almost at once. So find someone with an OEM version, sorry!

[Windowscrash]

Originally posted by anyone:
<STRONG>i have a laptop 120mhz with 16mb ram. i went from 98se to 95 and found out that my video driver and modem weren't recognized by 95. also, i didn't have usb support. 98 runs slow on my machine, but i am able to use my peripherals with 98. just something to think about before you go to win95.</STRONG>

Yep, no wonder it's slow...Why didn't you just put Win98a on? SE needs 24mb of ram!!

[Hackmaster]

Go to my list of apps that are safe to remove from the startup group.
http://www.angelfire.com/tn2/rednecksouth/freeware/startup.htm

[TJ]

A good trick too for making your computer load up faster is disabling in the systems properties area go to the performance button and take off the check that says "scan for floppy drive at startup"

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">