Tom:
I started from scratch, that is reformatted and installed Windows after backing up data files. Then I installed programs in the order of priority, ie. Office 97, VB 6.0, etc.. This will also cut out all, an I mean ALL, the residual crap.
Each time I installed new software I closed every unessential program loaded. Most programs will tell you to close all programs; previously I had ignored that advice and blundered on. If you hit <Cont> + <Alt> + <Del> a window will open and list those programs. But note, you can not close all on the list without forcing a reboot. Microsoft support will give you a hand in doing this, and I think MS is probably where I got the advice.
I was having a conflict with Norton's Utilities, which seemed fine until I installed something that conflicted with it. Now it no longer loads automatically but it's functions can be launched from the program menu. I am told that Norton's alters the "appearance" of the drive as part of their recovery-safeguard function; who knows?
Hardware, other than absolute crap, is pretty darn reliable. SEE Subject 18946
Ciao, Ted |
