The SWAT Team: Kill Bugs Dead

Windows 98

Second Edition Shutdown Patch

Windows 98 SE is supposed to be the most bug-free version yet. But as with the first edition of Win 98, modifications to the power management software cause problems on laptops (and some desktops, too). A few BIOSs apparently don't interact well with Windows 98 SE's power management feature, which can prevent you from booting, resuming from suspend mode, or shutting down.

FIX Microsoft has posted a 502KB patch that fixes the problem for some combinations of hardware and software. If the patch doesn't work, try following the troubleshooting steps at Microsoft's tech support page. If that doesn't work, check with your system's manufacturer for a BIOS update.

The patch is available at Microsoft's Win 98 SE Shutdown Supplement page.

Intel SE440BX-2 BIOS Update

If the Microsoft shutdown patch doesn't correct the shutdown and resume errors that are discussed above, the problem may be traceable to your system's BIOS.

FIX Check your system manufacturer's Web site for BIOS updates--many offer downloadable patches. If your PII or PIII system uses Intel's popular SE440BX-2 motherboard (call the PC manufacturer if you're not sure), downloading the latest BIOS from Intel's SE440BX-2 BIOS update Web page may solve the problem.

Windows 98 Service Pack 1

Other than power management and a few Y2K issues, Windows 98 is fairly stable. Nonetheless, it harbors some glitches, including problems that occur when you plug a USB device into a computer on standby; Plug and Play network adapters that don't plug or play; and a problem that you may never encounter: After running for precisely 49.7 days, Windows may freeze up. We should all live to see Windows run without crashing for a month and a half. You can find a fuller description of the contents of Service Pack 1 at Microsoft's site.

FIX Depending on what the Windows Update site determines you need, the SP1 download may range from 2MB to 6MB. Alternatively, you can order the update on CD for $5 at 800/426-9400 or by filling out the order form on the Windows Update site. For $20, you can get Microsoft's Windows 98 Second Edition Updates instead. In addition to supplying the entire contents of SP1, the SE Updates CD includes Internet Connection Sharing, expanded hardware support, Internet Explorer 5, and NetMeeting 3. To get this version, call 888/287-9755 or use the Windows Update site order form.

Windows 98 Registration Wizard Update

Win 98's Registration Wizard automatically uploads system configuration data to Microsoft's servers, even if you've told it not to. Microsoft says it didn't know that this would happen.

FIX A patch prevents the upload--but forget it if you've already registered.

Virtual Private Networking Update

If you've used the Virtual Private Networking feature in Windows 98, you know it can be slow. It's also less than secure. According to Microsoft, it's possible for outsiders to capture log-in passwords from a Windows NT server session. See the Win 98 DUN Security Update page for the minute details.

FIX Dial-Up Networking 1.3 strengthens VPN security by adding a new, more secure password authentication protocol and speeds up VPN connections.

See Microsoft's Virtual Private Networking page.

Power Management

Windows 98 may not cooperate with your laptop when the latter goes into or out of standby mode--choosing the standby option results in a reboot or shutdown, and sleeping machines refuse to wake up.

FIX Microsoft's free Power Management can help you pinpoint and in some cases correct the problem. An early version of the tool is included on your Win 98 CD-ROM (look for pmtshoot.exe in Tools\Mtsutil\Pmtshoot\directory). Microsoft, however, recommends that you download a more up-to-date version from its Web site.