My 98 SE computer keeps freezing. You can't move the mouse and the keyboard lights stay at what they were set at (you cant change them, eg: Num lock). The only way out is to reset. I formatted and reinstalled (as connected would have recomended) and everything seemed fine. Until now. I have just had the same problem. I have virtually no software installed on it. What is the problem? I need help bad.

It's being overstretched by the sounds of it. Make sure it's not dusty.

It could also be faulty hardware, in particular the HDD.

Finally, it could be conflicting software (I.E. drivers), try to keep the hardware to a minimum in it and then build it up, putting the most important hardware back in first.

I'll consider your ideas, but before I take it all to bits (again - hhhnnnggg) I need to just check something: One of the people in my tutorial said he had the same problem. He said his dad downloaded a patch or a service pack, or something.

98 doesn't have Service Packs, only the NT based OSes. There may be a patch, though. I couldn't find anything on the Microsoft website, however, they may not support 98 anymore.

The person in my tutorial said it was a patch. I wasn't sure if he meant a service pack.

well I'm afraid I cannot find such a patch on the Microsoft website - only find two when I search for 98SE.

I had the same prob with 2 of my pcs, one i replaced the motherboard and it worked, the other (well, i cant afford to change the mobo, i might as well save up and get an amd instead of a p4), so the probable prob is the mobo

Microsoft have only ever released a service pack for a 9x operating system when they were adding extra features to Windows 95, but they left out USB capabilities.

On another hand for SPs for 98, they did release one, called 98SE, aka Windows 99.

Wait a min! hasnt SB got the same prob!?!

By the way, Ill see whether i can burn every patch for 98SE onto a CD using Windows Catalogue.

Yeah i do. But does Species's ;lock up when loading windows or after he has got to the desktop?

Do you mean you have the same problem? From what Species said, his locks up randomly, though there are often patterns that are unnoticed.

In answer to StarBucks Question, I have never had it freeze when it is starting up OR shutting down. It only freezes once it is running. Also, I think this rules out the motherboard: Before I reinstalled Windows (to try and fix this problem) I was backing up my stuff. It froze while I was doing it so I booted into safe mode. It did not freeze in Safe Mode (although it could be a coincidence).

Did it freeze on the desktop? Coz mine freezes on the Windows 98 loadyscreeny thing?

its called a boot screen

anyway species, this sounds familar, it is likely to be something to do with the drivers, registry or startup folder if it only crashes in windows, not safe mode.
You know about this dont you GR :)

Yes, but that was XP, booted into safemode and did system restore. It later did it again, but I removed my pass and it worked fine, without restore. Don't think it's relevant, Connected.

Good point, 98 dont have sys restore, only me, but that was aimed at SB, but i think hes already tried that


anyway species, if it freezes at random points, format and reinstall

Yeah, format and reinstall is usually the best solution, also cleens up the rubbish on your hard drive. Make sure you back up important data first, though.

If that doesn't work, it's probably a hardware/overheating problem, though that is unlikely with old hardmare (make sure it is clean, and the fans are working).