Hi, iv'e got a pentium 2 ...350mhz...win 98.

i now its old but it does me for what i want it for. I only play one game on it thats a horse racing game. However it seems to freeze up all the time and sounds like something is making it not run smoothly. Someone told me to look at my startup in MSCONFIG, here is a list of what is ticked in my MSCONFIG startup screen

1. Scan Registry
2. Task monitor
3. System Tray
4. Load Power Profile
5. SM Serial
6. Logitech Utility
7. Nv Cpl Daemon
8. Nwiz
9. Load power profile (again)
10.NV Media centre
11.Scheduling Agent
12.2d mouse

Which if any of theese can i SAFELY take off at start up..As my system recources is only at 76%??

My second problem i think is with my graphics card. It's a ELSA GLADIAC MX/511 32 mb. When i'm surfing the net and i close or open a window there are like dots left behind on the screen sometimes my pc freezes up then...

Iv'e downloaded the latest driver and when i check on my graphics card in my device manager it says its working properly. But when i click on driver file details theres a minus sign next to the writing.,.

thanks for taking the time to read this and for any help you can give me

You can shut down 2 and 4-10 in msconfig.
Also, delete all unnecessary files in the Windows Temp and 'Temporary Internet Files' folders, uninstall all unused applications, update your AV program with the latest files and do a virus search, d/l and run Ad-aware, Spybot, and CWShredder to remove any spyware, and run ScanDisk and Defragmenter.

If that does not help, then turn off the computer, remove its cover, restart, and make sure all fans are running.
If they're ok, then turn it off again, disconnect the power cord, clean out any dust bunnies, remove any dust build up on the heatsinks for the CPU and video card and on the fans, and reseat all cards and the memory and make sure that all connections are secure.

If that does not help, then keep the cover removed and run an external fan.
If that helps, then you may have to install an additional case fan or two. Recommended locations are lower front of the case blowing in and upper rear(or top) blowing out.
You may also want to remove the old thermal paste from the CPU's die and the heatsink, and reapply Arctic Silver 5.

If the external fan does not work, then see if it runs ok in Safe mode by holding down the Ctrl key during startup, select Safe mode, and press Enter.
If it's ok in Safe mode, then do a clean boot to troubleshoot it:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q192926

If still no luck, then a reformat and reinstallation of Windows, etc., may be in order.

I would certainly agree with ski regarding giving this little guy a thorough cleaning with a can of compressed air...if you haven't already! ;)

It could be laden with accumulated dust which would severely limit its ability to shed heat...this would include not only your motherboard and attachments, as mentioned, but also the power supply unit.

Originally posted by Whyzman
I would certainly agree with ski regarding giving this little guy a thorough cleaning with a can of compressed air...if you haven't already! ;)


I just finished cleaning two boxes, a Dell and a Compaq. One thing you have to watch out for using a can of compresse air...as you move the can and disturb the inert chemicals in the can they will start to become cold from the bottom of the can up. Eventually that will block up the air. So then just put the can down for a while until it becomes stable and returns to room temperature.

Also--MOST IMPORTANT-- * DO * NOT * turn the can on its side or upside down, or the cold or freezing inert material in the can will squirt out and freeze whatever it hits. Hold the can level and bend the little red tube.

It's easy, just don't shake the can, and try not to turn it or aggitate it. If you do just put it down for a while. If you have to turn it do it slowly, no moe than a 45 degr angle, and if it starts to cold-up on you--back off for a minute or two.

Edit: If you can, take it outside, or in the garage. The dust is really bad stuff, so you should wear a filter mask, and that dust is probably loaded with micro-mites, bacteria, fungus and God knows what. Igf you have to keep it inside, put it by a window and put a fan on it so it blows out the window. Keep anyting liquid or wet well away from you--static, NO VACUUM CLEANER, and no cigarette or flame--dust is flammable, that's why grain elevators explode.

:)

Originally posted by ski
You can shut down 2 and 4-10 in msconfig.
Also, delete all unnecessary files in the Windows Temp and 'Temporary Internet Files' folders, uninstall all unused applications, update your AV program with the latest files and do a virus search, d/l and run Ad-aware, Spybot, and CWShredder to remove any spyware, and run ScanDisk and Defragmenter.

At this point, it's probablt not a good idea to run CWShredder at this time. Ruuning it can make it harder to diagnose some of the newer variants.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to help me, and ill do all what you say

thanks again