A real solution is to get W2k.
Otherwise, go to www.Microsoft.com and search for the faq section.  There are well documented articles relating to your problems.
Also, can you try relocating your video card and moving around your cards.  Do this systematically so you can know what is causing the problem.
Definitely sounds like a video card problem.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Andrew Marker 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2001 11:12 PM
  Subject: [PCBUILD] freeze on boot



  using Win 98 4.10.1998 with an ATX-Athlon 1100 T'Bird /256 RAM with an ATI video card of recent vintage my systme must reboot two or three times before it finally boots solidly and is ready for use. 


  The first time I always see a thin fine line at the top of the screen that is usually red and the mouse will work, but the hourglass [and I presume, the system] are frozen. I have removed the audio card for now until I get this problem resolved. 


  I also cannot get the system to shut down the computer on shut down as it is supposed to do [yes, the CMOS is set for "auto shut off."] and must 'hold the button in for 5 seconds'. 
  I've run out of ideas, tweaks, reg cleaners, regedit checks, system cleaners, clean sweepers, etc.... I think this may be a video card conflict but have uninstalled and reinstalled the software and drivers. 


  I have no idea what to do now. 





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