Everytime I attempt to use Explorer (for file system, not the browser)
it locks up the computer before launching the program. A window
pops-up reporting: "...has encountered a problem and needs to close.
We are sorry for the inconvience." I went to the command prompt and
performed a "c:/windows> dir > windir.txt and placed the output at
http://www.uniquelarentals.com/misc/windir.txt for anyone who might be
able to help me to view.

Running the Control Panel generates the same error. Something is wrong
when I use a program that access the hard drive. Also, I can run my
browser (slimbrowser) and Outlook Express without problems.

Help!

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Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 04 Apr 2005 07:41 PDT

Hi harderm,

Please run the following, in the order given.

1) HouseCall, a very thorough online virus scan:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

2) Ad-Aware SE ("scan for updates" before running):
http://lavasoft.element5.com/default.shtml.en

3) CCleaner (hard drive cleaner)
Use the default settings to clean out temporary files.
Use the Windows tab and select Run Cleaner (do not run any of the
other options from other tabs).
http://www.ccleaner.com/

Please let me know how that goes, hopefully you'll be in good shape
when you are finished.
hummer

Clean it up (if you can get that far):  www.theofficeexperts.com/cleanyourpc.htm

I hate to break it to you, but Windows 98 ends up needed a reinstall
about once a year for one reason or another. There is no such thing as
complete virus removal and the only way to deal with it reliably is to
swipe the hard drive. Even if it is not a virus, it can self-corrupt.
I speak from A LOT of experience with W98.

Agreeing here with eclectro, it's bad news but Windows 98 is not
reliable and needs a complete re-install if ANYTHING goes wrong, and
quite often when nothing goes wrong.

I too agree with electro. Win 98 has too many problems that causes it
to need to be reinstalled, even when nothing is wrong. My suggestion
is to completely wipe the hard disk clean. Perform a low level format
and clear everything. Once everything is re-installed, I suggest
downloading the freeware version of AVG anti-virus. I have used it
almost a year now and I love it. My system is clean, a full scan is
done daily, and you have none of the hassels that Nortons and McAfee's
has. Then to keep spyware off of your computer, I suggest Spyware
Blaster, to keep the pests from getting on your computer at all. And
Spybot to remove those that rarely do. Both can be found at
Download.net , AVG can be found at grisoft.com All three programs have
live update features so you can keep your computer up to date and
protected at all times to keep spyware from bogging the computer down
or viruses harming your computer. Another tip is to keep going to
windows update and make sure all your updates are in tact.

My other suggestion is that you upgrade to XP if at all possible.
Windows update has Service Pack 2 and it helps so much with spyware
among other things. Hope you find this helpful and your computer gets
fixed soon.