Give startup problems the boot

Give startup problems the boot

Normally, you would create a startup disk when you installed Windows 98. If you never made a startup disk, if you have lost it, or if yours is old (Startup disks created with previous versions of Windows are not compatible with Windows 98.), now is a great time to make a new one. It�s easy.
To create a boot disk, you will need a blank, 1.2 megabyte (MB) disk. You may also need your Windows 98 CD, so be sure to have it handy. To create a startup disk:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
2. Click the Startup Disk tab, and then click the Create Disk button.
3. Label a floppy disk "Windows 98 Startup Disk," insert the disk in your floppy disk drive when prompted, and then click OK. Click OK again, and then follow the instructions on your screen.
4. Store the disk in a safe place.

What else can you do to protect yourself? Practicing regular computer maintenance is always a good idea, and can be particularly helpful if you are recovering from a system crash. Windows 98 comes with tools such as Disk Defragmenter to help keep your computer in top shape.
Under normal operation, files and applications that are stored on your computer are often divided into small units and scattered around the hard disk, which can make recovering them very difficult. Disk Defragmenter places files and applications into contiguous groups, thereby improving the chances of recovering your data (since files will not be scattered all over the drive), and keeping your system operating at optimum speed. Other tools in Windows 98 for keeping your system healthy include:

• Disk Cleanup: Cleans your computer's hard disk by removing files you don't need, and lets you know when your hard disk is getting full.
• ScanDisk: Checks your computer's files, folders, data structures, and the surface of the disk for errors. It finds and fixes errors, helps you regain unused disk space, and makes your computer run more efficiently.
• Maintenance wizard: Performs maintenance tasks automatically, or at times that you schedule.

Computer viruses can also cause any number of problems, including a system crash. Microsoft recommends you always use current anti-virus software, available from a number of third-party vendors. Many anti-virus programs also allow you to create a startup disk.
Finally, if you do run into trouble and don't have a startup disk, many computer manufacturers offer them for download on their Web sites. But if you make a one now and put it in a safe place, you won't have to rely on your friend's computer for Web access when you are having problems.