First of all, I have Windows 98SE (yes, I know I should get a new computer but I want to save this OS for all the cool games I have that won't work with NEWER versions). Also, as you will probably figure out, I am pretty ignorant when it comes to computers.

I actually have several problems:

1) Every time I use the computer, at some point, I get "Explorer (not responding)" in close program dialog box and my computer freezes. Just before this happens, the computer starts to hum (almost like when you put a cd in the cdrom and autorun starts) and then it starts a clicking kind of noise. Sometimes when I close the program, it unfreezes and sometimes not in which case I have to shut down manually. When it unfreezes, the clicking stops. I think this is my biggest concern.

2) Also, the computer stopped recognizing that I have a cd-rom or a cd burner. It could see them in Safe Mode, but not is normal mode. According to one suggestion, DELETE them in safe mode and when the computer is rebooted, Windows will recognize them as new and reinstall them. This did not work. Now I don't know which driver to try to reinstall because I don't know the specs of the CD ROMs.

3) Sometimes, Windows does not load and I get a DOS screen that has a "C>" prompt not a C:\ . I am sorry that I don't remember the details, but it doesn't HAPPEN all the time. I do recall that it mentions something about "no device driver".

Things I've done to try and solve the problem:

1) Downloaded and RAN RegistryFix. This did not help at all.

2) Ran ScanDisk and Defrag.

3) Downloaded and ran virus software from AVG anti-virus from Grisoft. No viruses found.

4) Use Spybot regularly.


Any help would be greatly appreciated. One last thing, I do not want to reformat my hard drive if I can avoid it because I have some digital pictures and lots of music that I would like to save if I can. Of course, without a CD burner, this is difficult to do. Anyway, thanks for your help.

Pattyas it always done this?? most older games will run on xp.... what games are theyMost of them are not well known, but I thought they were fun, and I'd like my kids to be able to play them. For example, Kings Quest, Legacy of Time, The 7th Guest, Amber, etc.

I am assuming they won't work on newer versions of Windows because my sister found this to be the case with her older games. But if the games will work then I would be glad to upgrade.go to there websites and seeWhenever "clicking" is involved, it seems to usually be a failing hard drive. I can't say for sure, THOUGH, because this isn't my area of expertise. However, if I were you, I would back all important data as soon as possible, just in case that thing is about to go south.

As for your games...you should be able to play them fine on XP. Just run them in Compatibility Mode for Windows 98. Right-click on the game file, go to Properties, click on the Compatibility Mode tab and choose Windows 98."...then it starts a clicking kind of noise." I agree with Chris, backup your data and replace the hard drive.

Clicking is not your friend.

Alan <><