Various problems with Windows 98

[z0mbi3]

Hello all. Thank you for your help in advance. Here's my situation, I have a computer that is several years old that is displaying the following symptoms.

-When I click to get on the internet it does nothing and
will not all me to connect. This happens sporadically.
-The computer will not shutdown when I click
Start/Shutdown. This also happens sporadically.
-The mouse will go very slow all of the sudden and then
return to normal a few minutes later.

Here are the stats of my machine.
550mhz PII
256mb Ram
20GB hardrive.

I really don't want to upgrade to Windows 2000 because I really only use the computer for internet access and finacial programs. I would do a complete format and reinstall but I'm not very familiar with the backup process. Any suggestions??? Thanks again.

 

[ANFPS26]

You may just need to do some housekeeping. This FAQ by cdogg may help:

faq615-3144 Jim

Please come back and let us know if your
problem is fixed and what fixed it!!

 

[bygeek]

These all could be symtoms of a virus. Do you have antivirus protection with UP-TO-DATE virus definition files? If so, try a full scan in safe mode. If not, try an online scan from either symantec or trand micro websites.

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

Excellent advice so far. Please allow me to add the use of a SPYWARE programme such as Spybot and if the combination of all three suggestions doesn't correct it, there's always FORMAT C.

If you do wish to wipe your HDD and start fresh, please ask for advice. I'm sure there are many of us out there who have done it many many times. Regards
Phil