windows 98 start-up problem

[jonethel]

Hi. I'm running Windows 98 and am having a problem. When I start my computer, the Dell logo appears as always but then the screen goes black, with a blinking space key in the upper left-hand corner. Then...nothing. When I reboot, the same thing happens but then the screen goes to boot-up options with safe-mode highlighted. I choose normal mode and again I get the blinking space key but this time everything comes up just fine. I tried scanreg /restore. This gives me the last 3 days, then 2 days from January. I need to go back a couple weeks. How can I choose a specific date to back up to? And is there anything else I can do to solve my dilemma? Thanks.

[harry12]

I can't help specifically, but you don't say what happened recently - has something caused this change?

Trouble is it's an old OS and probably an old computer. Do you have a recovery CD - I understand Dell used to supply them then stopped - but now have gone back to supplying if asked. Snag is I understand that it restores only the settings "as supplied" so all new programs will need re-installing - still maybe time for a clearout?
The other possibilty is the HDD has started to croak - bumps, age etc so a modern replacement might be worthwhile (probably the smallest that will fit) this should extend the life of the PC, but eventually I guess you have to dump it.
Sorry...are you any good on IE...see my new question, if you are.