Windows 98 Slow Bootup

[mclellan]

Hello,

When my computer starts, I get the Windows 98 boot up screen, and then it goes away and I see a little cursor flashing in the upper left hand corner of screen. After about 5 minutes, the cursor goes away and Win 98 loads up.

I was told that this was because I have a network card and it is looking for a connection at boot up, and that I must wait until it times out before windows will start.

Does anyone know if this is true? I have made sure my network drivers are up to date, and I can't pull the card since I use it for my DSL connection.

Thanks
Barry

 

[Accessdabbler]

On the next boot, hit F8 and do a step by step confirmation boot. This should help determine where the slowdown is.

Also, you can do a Bootlog boot. Once your system is booted, read the bootlog and see if anything suspicious is in there.

 

[bmac50]

Network card shouldn't be any slower than a regular modem. Try running Scan Disk and Defrag before making any changes.

 

[cdogg]

mclellan,

A delay is normal, but not 5 minutes. During that long pause, is the hard drive light flashing or do you notice any activity on the pc?

I would suggest changing the Primary Network Logon to Windows Logon, if it's not already selected. Here's how:

1) Right-Click on "Network Neighborhood" and go to Properties
2) Halfway down, you'll see the Primary Network Logon. Change that to Windows Logon
3) Also, go into the properties for Client for Microsoft Networks above (should be the first one in the list)
4) Once there, make sure that "Log onto WinNT domain" is not checked, and that "Quick Logon" is selected
5) Hit OK twice and reboot when prompted


If that doesn't help much, then you'll need to examine your autoexec.bat, config.sys, and win.ini for erroneous entries. Post back with what you find...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[mclellan]

Great, I will try it tonight!

Thanks alot!
Barry

 

[gargouille]

Your problem might be related to the DSL provider...have you asked them?

 

[mclellan]

Hello again,

I tried all of the steps above and it's still just as slow.

My autoexec.bat and config.sys are empty, I pressed F8 at the windows startup and each step seemed to load fine.

Once the windows screen goes away and the cursor just sits, my hard drive light doesn't come on as well.


Any other suggestions?

Thanks
Barry

 

[cdogg]

Is the card directly connected to your DSL modem, or do you have a hub/router inbetween? See if the problem still occurs if you disconnect the ethernet cable from the network card during bootup.

As gargouille suggests, it may be the DSL connection that's the problem. Let us know what kind of NIC card you have (make/model).


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[mclellan]

Hello again,

The card is hooked up directly to the DSL modem, and if I unplug it, I get the same slow bootup.

I am using the D-Link - DFE-530TX 10/100 Adapter (Ethernet PCI Adapter).


Thanks again
Barry