Maintaining Windows 98

As soon as your computer boots up...  Do the following each month:

(1) Empty the C:\Windows\Temp folder...

1. Double-click on the "My Computer" icon (located on your Desktop)
2. Double-click on the "C: drive"
3. Double-click on the "Windows" folder
4. Double-click on the "Temp" folder
5. Press CTRL-A on your keyboard to Select All files and folders
6. Once you have selected all the files and folders in C:\Windows\Temp press the DELETE key
7. Click "Yes" to send these files and folders to your Recycle Bin

(2) Run a free online scanner to find and remove malware and viruses...
             Click here to see several free scanners

(3) Check for errors by running a "Standard" Scandisk...

1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > ScanDisk
2. Under "Type of Test" select "Standard"
3. Select "Automatically Fix Errors"
4. Click "Advanced" (You will only need to set these options once)
   1. Display Summary : Always
   2. Log File : Replace Log
   3. Cross-Linked Files : Delete
   4. Lost File Fragments : Free
   5. Check Files For : Invalid File Names _and_ Invalid Dates and Times
   6. Select "Check host drive First"
   7. Click OK
5. Click "Start"

(4) Update your antivirus definitions...

1. Norton = http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/support/selectproduct_ts.jsp
2. McAfee = http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/index.html

(5) Run Windows Update...

1. Open Internet Explorer and click Tools > Windows Update
2. Click on "Product Updates" and wait while your computer is checked for necessary updates.
3. Select all of the "Critical Updates and Service Packs" located in the top section
4. Select "Recommended Updates" as desired
5. Click the "Download" button
6. Click "Start Download" to begin downloading and installing the updates you selected.