Windows 98, start up problems + modem fault

[deeks]

I need some serious help, my PC is giving up. I presently run windows 98 and have for the past year without any major problems, but recently my machine is acting up it will not boot up correctly usualy crashing or missing files.

I thought of just re-installing win98, this I did at first things were ok but again the faults have re-appeared.

My system is now having problems loading win98 so help.

My systems crashed, I have the original start up disc and version of win 98, where do I go from here.

I also noted a problem with my modem it is installed correctly but when asked to connect to the outside world the unit is reported as not being there or switched off or not installed correctly.

ny help would be greatly appreciated

 

[donnadee]

How old is your machine?

Have you run scan disk, thorough and see if there are any bad partitions?

How old is your modem?
Could it be dead? Could you have it plugged into the wrong port?

If defrag returns nothing, and the modem is still alive, and you don't need any documents on your computer...

If it were me, I reformat the hard drive and reinstall windows. Before you do, unplug any external peripherals like printers and modems, so that it runs smoothly. You can always install them later as soon as you know if the computer is working well without them.

How about memory? You'd probably like at least 96 if using Windows 98. How about space? Do you have a large enough hard drive to run 98?

 

[MiggyD]

I know this sounds stupid but...take the modem out then reinstall it and press it firmly into the socket.

I tried to update my uncle's machine. He didn't have a modem so I used mine. When all was done, I had problems getting my system to dial out also. I tried again and lo-and-behold! It finally worked. Guess I hadn't pressed it had enough the first time.

Good Luck, --MiggyD

It's better to have two heads to solve a problem from different angles than to have tunnel vision to a dead end.

 

[deeks]

Thank you for your assistance,

I removed the Modem and deleted any corresponding files and re-powered the PC it did not try and load the modem as it was not plugged in, I re-instated the modem and re-powered the unit saw the new item and dutyfully download the required files.

To test my modem I tried the internet connecton whizard which got so far and failed but at least I then had a out going request from the modem. I then used the phone dialer a good way of proving your system is working, I dialed my mobile frmo the PC and low and behold it rang, at this point I'm winning.

I eventually got the modem to work and connected to the internet sccess I thought, but I can not connect via the normal IE icon if I do it returns a busy line report, If I connect via the net work dialing it goes through no problem.

Can not find any conflicting device trying to use the same port, the out going line was not being used externally and suggestions?

deeks

 

[LeKirk]

You say that you were able to connect to the internet via the network dialling. I agree BTW that setting a phone number that you know will ring is a great way (and cheap) to test a modem. I have two phone lines so I just set my computer to dial my voice phone.

When you try to connect to the net, via the IE icon, what happens? Does the DUN start automatically or are you given the DUN box with the option to connect? If the first, I would say that your modem is not configured from your IE icon. You should be able to access it from Tools, Internet Option, Connections, Settings, Properties, Configure (assuming you have the correct (any) modem selected.) Also you can check the phone number you are dialling. If you have had the modem uninstalled, your DUN won't know which modem and phone number to use.

 

[Guest_imported]

MiggyD (Programmer),

I had some stranger experience with my modem.
About 3 months ago, without any reason I can
guess, it just drop dead. So I unplugged it
from my computer and just use an external one
(28800) since I am using the modem for faxing
I can live with that. Yesterday, I tried to
clean up a bit and find my 56k still lying
around. I was about to open the case for my
PSU and I think 'why not give it a try' and
as soon as I plugged it in and restarts, wow
there it is. Last time before I plugged it
out, I did try plugging, uninstalling software
but it won't just give me anything. I don't
know if I have throw away any or how many good
modems in the past!!!!

 

[deeks]

Good People,
thank you for your help my PC is up and running and I can communicate with the outside world once again, there a few bugs still in my system, but I can track them down with time.

regards
deeks

 

[whoozhe]

All systems need a good going over at least every 12 months. This means a total format and reinstall.
Windows and applications leave bits and pieces on systems over time and no amount of utitlies will fix them all.
No one likes having to do this because of all the reinstalling work but there is no other way to keep a system in tip top shape.
Oh you will find you system will run faster and with a lot less errors Take control of your life, not someone else's