PC Troubleshooting FAQ

Start-Up and Shutdown

2: Windows takes much longer to launch than it used to. How can I speed it up?

Check your start-up programs. When you add new software (and even hardware) to your PC, setup routines often add small applets to Windows' automatic start-up list. It's amazing how quickly those programs can pile up. And since each must be loaded as Windows launches, they can significantly slow down your start-up.

Many of the files are found in the Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder, and can be dragged to the Recycle Bin from there. Others are buried in the bowels of the Windows Registry. And none should be summarily deleted until you're sure you don't need them. (You can always drag a file out onto your desktop until you're certain.)

Fortunately, the Startup tab of the Windows 98 System Configuration Utility lists most of the programs that run at start-up, and lets you temporarily disable any of them so you can see what's necessary and what's not.

Access the Windows System Configuration Utility by choosing Start, Run, typing msconfig, and pressing Enter. Each start-up program is listed with a check box next to it. Uncheck the box, and that program won't load the next time you start Windows. Uncheck them all, and you're guaranteed to speed up Windows' launch. Of course, you will want some of the programs to launch automatically, but you'll be surprised by how many of them have little use.

3: Windows doesn't shut down properly. How can I fix it?

There are a number of possible causes for that common Windows 98 complaint. One quick fix that may get Windows 98 to shut down properly is to disable a feature called "fast shutdown."

To disable fast shutdown: Select Start, Run, type msconfig in the field, and press Enter. Click the Advanced button on the General tab of the System Configuration Utility, and place a check beside Disable Fast Shutdown. Reboot, and then try shutting down the system. (Some PCs lack this option; if yours does, try the next approach.)

If that doesn't work, or if you're using Windows 98 SE, there are a number of other fixes to try. For complete, step-by-step instructions, go to Microsoft's Knowledge Base. For Windows 98 solutions, check out article Q202633, and for Windows 98 SE solutions, see article Q238096.