pre-programmed Operation at a certain time. On the flipside, it could also be because of a Virus, Script, SpyBot, Adware, or Network connection associated with those. Most computer users know enough to have an Anti-Virus program, but no one warns them about Spybots, Ad-ware, Scriptbugs or the like. (I will DEFFINATELY cover this in more detail on another Tech Page!) My suggestion...get yourself a copy of SpyBot Seek & Destroy! Its a FREEWARE (donation supported) program available online. You can go to http://www.safer-networking.org and download it yourself. Its a good program and even the online updates are free! Run this, and your anti-virus program first. Next I recommend you run Scandisk and Defrag from within SAFE MODE of Windows. The reasons for this are...
1.) Most TSR's in Windows are designed to run in Windows Enhanced mode. (Believe it or not, that what your running in usually!)
2.) Drivers, Internet connections, scheduled operations and some viruses dont run in Safe mode!
3.) While in safe mode, it also tends to run a bit faster since all that kack isnt running!
Now, no matter what the manual says (and believe me, the introverts who wrote those have no clue what end users are like) always...ALWAYS...run Scandisk First! This will help immensley!
Reboot the computer and repeatedly press the F8 key) until the Windows Startup Menu appears. It usually looks like this (Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000)
1. Normal
2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)
3. Safe Mode
4. Step-by-step conformation
5. Command prompt only
6. Safe mode command prompt only
7. Previous version of MS-DOS
Using the ARROW keys, select #3. Safe Mode.
Let Windows finish loading and try and run the thorough SCANDISK choice and you should then run the DEFRAG process. If this does not work, or when you reboot your still are getting the "Restart error" when you try DEFRAG the next time. This could be indicative of a Hardware problem. You may have to have it checked out by a qualified technical person. But usually this does the trick!
Another way to do the SCANDISK/DEFRAG is to go to START -> RUN and type in msconfig (Windows 98 and ME...2000/XP does NOT have this function) and click OK. On the General tab, click the SELECTIVE STARTUP and UNCHECK each entry, click APPLY and OK. Then restart your computer.
This will cause all your icons to be huge and the colors will appear different but do not worry - it should be like that, just as safe mode does. Now run your scandisk and defrag and when complete, return to the general tab and UNCHECK the Selective STARTUP and REcheck the NORMAL STARTUP and click APPLY and OK and reboot the computer. Your display should now be back to normal. This is just like running it in SAFE MODE.
