Running:  Win98SE, IE6, accessing internet via AOL9.0 dial-up (running IE6 with AOL connected in background).  384MB physical PC memory.

Have (2) relatively recent problems.  Have not performed any software installations, etc. that I can attribute the problems to.  Have scanned for spyware/adware.  Have "updated" Windows & IE with any critical updates.

1.  Can't delete any IE "History" entries (except "today's).  Was able to delete any of my "history" normally up until ~2 weeks AGO.  However, I CAN delete entries from "today's" history either in IE6 directly, or in Windows Explorer/My Computer/etc.  However, I can NOT delete any entries older than a day old (from "yesterday" back).  I have 39 weeks worth of "history" that I can NOT delete in IE, Windows Explorer, or MyComputer, even when not logged onto internet.  History items SEEM "locked".  Have even tried to delete via PowerDesk5, but have the same problem.  Program "attempts" to delete, but file won't delete from folder.  
Note:  I have some "history" entries I would like to save, if possible (to go back to).  Would prefer not to delete my entire "history", if possible.

2.  The 2nd problem I have is extremely poor surfing performance (and premature web 'disconnect') which acts like a memory/buffer problem.

In the past few weeks, I can only surf to perhaps ~10 sites, before IE stops "connecting" to the web.  AOL actually stays connected in background, but IE can't "find" the pages requested.  AOL's IE browser also stops working, but AOL stays connected itself - just can't request a www page.  When it "stops working", can not access any new web pages or even refresh my current page.
I have "Clear temp folder upon exit" checked in IE "options".
I also try to clear "today's" history when this happens.
I have Windows Virtual Memory setting at max allowable (have tried "manage automatically" and manually setting to max. amount).
Have "Temp Internet Files Folder Settings" set to max. allowable size: 9654MB.
Have recently Deleted all Cookies

Any suggestions?  Change of settings (Windows, IE, etc)

If I try to download a large file, sometimes stops downloading before finished.

Tried to FTP some files today, and transfer stopped before download was complete.  Gave an error MESSAGE SAYING that "buffer" was full.

If I reboot computer, log on to internet thru AOL, as usual, can then surf again (for limited time).  But again have problems if surf to over ~dozen sites, try downloading a large file, or leave computer connected to internet too long (even idle).  Rebooting temporarily "fixes" the problem.    Seems like a memory issue of some type by program behavior.  Please help ASAP.  Thank you.use disk clean up...........and aol no comment.....How about starting with AdAware & SPYBOT (google for free download). Update them and run them in safe mode.

Do a disk cleanup (just above defragment icon)

Empty recycle bin.

Defrag the drive.

See if this changes anything.Thanks for the replies.  Have been running AdAware and Spybot for some time.  Have updated and run numerous times.  Have also tried disk cleanup and defrag - no change.  Have run Pandasoftware's online ActiveScan and Trend Micro's House Call - no viruses found at all.  However, since I have run House Call security scan, my IE page loads have been measurably quicker (unfortunately, could not get HouseCall to give me a scan summary - did the scan, but would never progress to the scan summary page).  However, my IE history is still locked and I can not delete anything proir to "this week".  There is still a problem, but IE page access times have improved slightly, but don't know exactly why.  Note:  I also agree about AOL- not exactly happy with it and know it is a resource HOG.  Would like to switch in the near future - but this is what I'm stuck with for now.  Also have 2 small children - like the Kid's AOL (KAOL) service and protection it provides, and safe surfing atmosphere (but that's about all I like!).
Any additional suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks