Win98 Safe mode
It's not what Win98 Safe Mode does, but what it doesn't do. If, while working normally, you press Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys simultaneously, you'll open an 'End task' window displaying the programs running in the background, as well as the program you're using at the time. If any of these background programs chooses to access your disk, it could have an impact on your defrag process.
If, while working in safe mode, you press Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys, the same 'End task' window appears, but only explorer is running. Also, you'll notice that the display is rather ugly. In safe mode, no background programs are started, and the display defaults to the lowest common video mode available: Vanilla VGA, 640*480 pixel, 16 colours. This minimizes the 'custom' stuff, and enables us to 'add' our stuff one thing at a time to isolate what's causing our difficulties. Usually, troubles stem from 'extras' and not 'bare bones' Win98. (So we're told!)
Extra bit ...
It's a good idea to be running in safe mode when installing software. The install program has less 'side effects' to worry about and you'll get a 'clean' install. If, when you return to normal mode, you have problems, you start off a fair distance down the path toward a solution.
Hope this helps, PW.
|
