Windows 98 common problems

Windows 98 is a popular operating system and the second major launch from Microsoft Corporation, and a successor of Windows 95 OS. However users sometimes face issues while working on it. In this blog we discuss some issues with this OS.

Common issues
Startup problems: Sometimes, the users are unable to start the system normally. It may be due to problems with some hardware or BIOS.

a)    Hard disk issue: If Windows is unable to load at all, it is the result of hard disk crash. After entire memory check out, BIOS report the disk failure. It may be due to corrupt installation file, missing or corrupt file. Also ensure that the cables and disks are connected properly to power cable.

b)    Load Safe Mode: If the issue is not resolved, go to Safe Mode by pressing F8 before Windows loads. The problems are easy to diagnose and fix from Device Manager Tab under Control Panel. However, if Safe Mode doesn’t get loaded, Windows must be reinstalled for correcting the issue. Problematic hardware can be disabled in the system to boot normally.

c)    Missing Files: If missing file message is displayed, Windows needs to get repaired or reinstalled.

d)    Protection errors: If the user displays ‘Windows Protection Error’, denying the boot process, start the PC and load Safe Mode to correct the issue. It may occur due to defective device driver or the virus damaging the system file to cause an error. It is recommended to run full PC scan to remove any possible virus infections.

e)    Checking for faulty Drivers: If no virus infection is found, it is almost sure that one of the device drivers is causing the issue. To check it, run CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files to find any faulty driver and sort out the issue.

Shut down issues: The shut down issue may occur due to the following reasons-

a)    Damaged or incompatible drivers
b)    Broken files
c)    Damaged/wrongly configured hardware
d)    Old version of BIOS
e)    Programs not responding

The common solution for shut down process is discussed below:

1)    BIOS update: Sometimes, BIOS causes an issue and needs an update. You can check the website for compatible motherboard and vendor on the web and update it.

2)    Program hang up: Due to hardware or software fault, the applications hang at times displaying ‘Application not responding’ message. If the case repeats, install the application again.

3)    Selective Startup: In ‘Run’, type ‘msconfig’ and ok. Under ‘Selective Startup’, choose ’Startup Group’, ok and restart the PC. The issue may get resolved, else try the next step.

4)    As previous step, on the Startup tab, select the checkbox to enable and restart the system. If you again face issues with the system startup and shut down once again, the last startup program is the main cause of the issue. Try reinstalling the program or disable it.

5)    Disable faulty device drivers: Using Device Manager, check the devices that may be problematic. Go to Properties and disable the faulty drivers.

Some of the other common issues faced by Windows 98 users include Router problems, damaged sound file, Black Screen error, BSOD, missing DLL errors, hardware problems, COM port errors, etc.

Third-party help
Feel free to contact on-demand Windows 98 technicians available 24/7 for your assistance. The experts can assist you with Windows 98 setup. You can either chat or call on the toll free numbers for Windows 98 support.

Summary
Windows 98 is one of the supreme versions of an OS from Microsoft. It came with lots of improvements over Windows 95. It offers a good Internet experience, quality computing, maximum entertainment, well functional Start Menu with lots of system tools for better performance. However there are some issues that crop up while using it, which is discussed in this blog. Feel free to contact on-demand Windows 98 technicians available 24/7 for your assistance.