Computer freezes up with Windows 98

Recently, my computer freezes up frequently. Running Windows 98 with 500 MHz P3, and 128 Mb Ram. Freeze happen using Excel, Word, opening folders on Desktop, when using Explorer on the internet. Have to press power button and hold for 5 seconds to restart.

I have done the following:

Checked Device manager--no conflicts.

Ran Spybot--found WildTangent and Freebird and removed them.
Ran Adaware SE Personal--found 8 "negligible" and 3 "critical" errors and removed them.
Ran McAfee Virus Scan--No infection found.
Ran Hijack This V 1.99.1--log follows

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:10:07 PM, on 5/4/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSRTE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA4 PRODUCTIONS\MACDRIVE 98\MDSHELL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHLD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCAGENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSESCN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GBR XTREME SPEED\PROPELAC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACK THIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = http=localhost:8080
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~2\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: IE_PopupBlocker Class - {656EC4B7-072B-4698-B504-2A414C1F0037} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\GBR XTREME SPEED\PRPL_IEPOPUPBLOCKER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHL.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] c:\mouse\system\em_exec.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MDShell] "C:\Program Files\Media4 Productions\MacDrive 98\MDShell.exe" /S
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCMNHDLR.EXE" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCUPDATE.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Propel Accelerator] "C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\trayctl.exe" /STARTUPLAUNCH
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McVsRte] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsrte.exe /embedding
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Refresh Pa&ge with Full Quality - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-page.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow pop-ups from this site - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-addwl.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Refresh Pi&cture with Full Quality - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-image.html
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcinsctl/en-us/4,0,0,83/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmgr/en-us/1,0,0,20/mcgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {21F16767-8DA7-4113-BEB0-F161B313407F} -
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} -

(Notes: My ISP has a dialup accelerator called Xtreme Speed (maybe some element called Propel accelerator also) and sets a Proxy Server. Also, MacDrive 98 allows me to read Macintosh disks.)

Any help with log analysis and advice about this freezing condition will be greatly appreciated.

Jimmy Joe

Hello,Jimmy Joe & Welcome

Well as for the logfile i don't see anything there but it maybe
me so let's see if someone has anything to say

now try this not sure when was the last time you did it
we will work from safe mode: Instructions here first download this prog here

popular programs for doing this, is a freeware program calledCrap Cleaner. Crap Cleaner is a single utility that lets you clear your Cookies, Internet Explorer History, Empty the Recycle Bin, Uninstall Programs, Clear Usage Tracks and much more. As well as this, it has an Advanced Registry Scanner. Using a program like this is one of the easiest methods.


also download this tool use it

http://www.docsdownloads.com/Tier1/regclean.htm
NOTE: Make a backup of the Registry before using this tool

after doing all of the above do a Scandisk & Defrag

then reboot see if this helped at all

HGD

Thank you for the reply. I have now run CCleaner, Reg Supreme, MRU Blaster, Spybot, and downloaded recent Windows Critical updates. I have Defragged the disk and will next run Scan Disk. Things seem more stable, but only time will tell. I'll give it a workout tomorrow and see if the freeze ups continue.

I'll let you know. I appreciate your help.

Jimmy Joe

Hi,Jimmy Joe

Best of luck lit us know one way or the other

HGD

An update on my Windows 98 freezing problem. The freeze ups have continued. A poster on another board suggested that my McAfee anti Virus may be at fault, because many win98 users have reported freeze problems after a recent McAfee update.

I am wondering if I can turn off McAfee services and see if computer behaves better, or if I must Uninstall it completely to correctly do this test?

Any thoughts?

Jimmy Joe

Hi,Jimmy Joe

Ok i don't like doing this but goto options from within
McAfee. there should be an option to disable it
then reboot see how it gos & please don't go on line

after your done running test please go back to
settings & turn Mc, back on

HGD

Here is an update.
I disconnected from the internet for a whole day. I turned off McAfee and NEVER had a single computer freeze up. So, I have uninstalled McAfee, installed AVG AntiVirus and have not frozen up for another whole day.

Keeping fingers crossed for the future, but things seem to be stable and better now.

I do have a couple of questions about my Hijack This Log tho.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:43:17 PM, on 5/11/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA4 PRODUCTIONS\MACDRIVE 98\MDSHELL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GBR XTREME SPEED\PROPELAC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACK THIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\OOBE\blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\OOBE\blank.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = http=localhost:8080
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~2\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: IE_PopupBlocker Class - {656EC4B7-072B-4698-B504-2A414C1F0037} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\GBR XTREME SPEED\PRPL_IEPOPUPBLOCKER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] c:\mouse\system\em_exec.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MDShell] "C:\Program Files\Media4 Productions\MacDrive 98\MDShell.exe" /S
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Propel Accelerator] "C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\trayctl.exe" /STARTUPLAUNCH
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Refresh Pa&ge with Full Quality - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-page.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow pop-ups from this site - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-addwl.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Refresh Pi&cture with Full Quality - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-image.html
O16 - DPF: {21F16767-8DA7-4113-BEB0-F161B313407F} -
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} -
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} -

The first two R0 items?--I check them, FIX but they always come back.

One of the 04--Quicktime. Does it always need to be running? (I do have a scanner, printer and digital camera that is occasionally hooked up. Do view photos.)

The last three 016 items?--I think they were part of the McAfee autodownload feature.

As always, thanks for all of your valuable help.

Jimmy Joe

Hey,Jimmy Joe

Check the following items in HijackThis.
Close all windows except HijackThis and click Fix checked:

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\OOBE\blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\OOBE\blank.htm

O16 - DPF: {21F16767-8DA7-4113-BEB0-F161B313407F} -
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} -
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} -

see if this keeps it gone now close HijackThis

as for Quicktime no it Does not need to be running
see if there is an option from with in QT to disable it
of not sure check Add/Remove Programs

now make sure to update the new virus scanner right away

HGD

I was able to get rid of the 2 R0 items but the three 016 items:
O16 - DPF: {21F16767-8DA7-4113-BEB0-F161B313407F} -
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} -
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} -

came back in after a reboot.

Any ideas?

Jimmy Joe

Well, I was wrong. The first two items have returned, but without the reference to blank.htm

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =

Maybe this doesn't matter? But it is irksome not to be able to be rid of them.

Jimmy Joe

Log follows:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:54:55 AM, on 5/12/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA4 PRODUCTIONS\MACDRIVE 98\MDSHELL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GBR XTREME SPEED\PROPELAC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACK THIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = http=localhost:8080
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~2\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: IE_PopupBlocker Class - {656EC4B7-072B-4698-B504-2A414C1F0037} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\GBR XTREME SPEED\PRPL_IEPOPUPBLOCKER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] c:\mouse\system\em_exec.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MDShell] "C:\Program Files\Media4 Productions\MacDrive 98\MDShell.exe" /S
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Propel Accelerator] "C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\trayctl.exe" /STARTUPLAUNCH
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Refresh Pa&ge with Full Quality - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-page.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow pop-ups from this site - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-addwl.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Refresh Pi&cture with Full Quality - C:\Program Files\GBR Xtreme Speed\pac-image.html
O16 - DPF: {21F16767-8DA7-4113-BEB0-F161B313407F} -
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} -
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} -