Main cause of slowing: You
Aug. 14, 2000
Why does my Windows 98 system take so long to start up? It didn't always used to take this long!
- John
Often referred to as "liveware" or "carbon-based" issues, the primary cause of the slowdowns is: BTMATC (Between The Monitor And The Chair); it's YOU!
Most users have a tendency to load software and utilities with no regard to the eventual outcome and then blame the manufacturer of the computer. In my 15 years of servicing computer systems, easily 75 percent of all problems are software-related. The more programs you install, the slower the system will become (even if you uninstall them).
Every program that you install into a Windows-based system modifies the Registry in order to run by adding "keys" to it. The Registry keys are processed every time you start your computer. So the more you have, the longer it takes. Most uninstall programs do not remove these keys for safety purposes, so even if you remove the program, the residual effects remain.
In the future, you should avoid installing any program that you truly do not need. Don't install a program that is supposed to fix a problem that you don't have. All-in-one fix-everything utility programs can cause as many problems as they fix. Most of the so-called fix programs that you can't live without actually already exist in Windows 98. Don't let your computer-savvy friends convince you that you just have to have this program just for the sake of having it.
Many programs automatically place items in your start-up, which means they are always running in the background. If you have lots of icons in your "systray" (bottom right next to the clock), they are likely loading at start-up, which further increases your load times and is also a common cause for Windows shutdown problems. Float your mouse pointer over the top of each one to see what they do. If it's a program you no longer use or need, uninstall it.
A very helpful utility that is built into Windows 98 is called the "System Configuration Utility." It allows you to see everything that is loading when you start your system. To access the utility, click on Start/Run and type in "msconfig." Caution: Before making any changes, click on the "Create Backup" and don't make more than one change at a time. Click on the Start tab at the top to display everything that is loading at start. Remove the checkmark in front of an item to tell it not to load during start.
This utility is also a great way to track down those error messages at start. By using the "Diagnostic start-up" option, you can pinpoint the exact item that is causing an error message. For other troubleshooting techniques, click on the "Help" menu and select Help Topics.
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Ken Colburn is host of the Computer Corner on NewsRadio 620 KTAR. For free computer support and answer to questions, see www.computerproblems.com. Data Doctors' Home Page is at www.datadoctors.com.
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