My son just inherited a computer. It boots up, it can get online, but it goes to "the blue screen of death" every couple of minutes. I tried to run Scandisk and Defrag but it cant finish either. It runs on Win 98 right now. Can it be helped ?? It has plenty of memory left and I've run AVG many times.
Syed Irfanulla
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When Blue Screen comes, it should say something like "Access violation in xx-938303" etc etc.
This is Ram module problem, either your ram is damaged or gotten loose from its base place.
Open your Cabinet and remove the Ram from the Slots carefully, just rub it on plain cloth slowly and gently now place it again on its place, It should work fine now
Kanuk Komputers
The hard drive appears to be going. When the computer starts note the make of the hard drive from the opening screen that comes up before windows starts. Go to the manufacturers site and you can usually find software that will test the hard drive. Download it and run it (you will likely have to boot the computer from a disk to do this).
winton_holt
As another person suggested, the computer is too old to really be compatible with much of anything. Win98 is hopelessly ancient. Honestly, you need at least XP to run anything that your son would be interested in. Look in the the classified ads for used computers. You can find some decent deals. But as for that computer...well, you can still use the monitor. :)
David
okey, dont waste time virus scan,scan disk, defrag. i agree, there are possibility on hardware probelm. well if you dont have important files,before you decide to sell & buy a new computer. try to ask someone help to format & install new windows 98, if the hardware specification minimum is Pentium 3, RAM 128, Harddisk 4 Gb, install windows XP is better
Texan
Sounds like you have an old computer that is ready for the junk yard. Be a good parent and buy your kido a nice new computer. They don't cost as much as they use too.