I keep getting this error message: This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down. If the problem persists, contact the program vendor. No matter what I do, this message keeps coming up, it won't even let me shut down my computer or click on anything else. Eventually my wall paper gets replaced with this message: Active Desktop Recovery IE has experienced a problem, Desktop has temporarily been turned off. To start the desk top again use the following trouble shooting tips. But, I can't even click on it, because the error message keeps popping up. I have to use a different computer, just to post this message. Anyone know what the problem is? Thanks in advance.

Dave, that's a tough one from a techie perspective. to hear just the little explanition that you gave.. could be numerous things. Corrupt software, virus, hard drive failing... etc.. Have you reset your computer and started in safe mode? That is the first thing that I would do. Then run scan-disk, and defrag. Scan for viruses, trojans, etc.. After that run spybot, or adaware. If that does not fix any of your problems.. run a test through PCPitStop.. After that.. if that does not work properly.. download Microsoft Online Crash Analysis... Tank863 What the heck is: Tankweb.net

Tank863, Sorry for being so vague. I cannot access the internet on my computer, nor can I run any programs. I beleive it's a virus, because I was on the web when it started acting funny. I was able to run adaware and deleted some junk using Hijack this, but right after that is when I ran into problems. How do you reset a computer and start in safe mode? I am a rookie. By the way, as soon as I reboot this error message comes up. thanks.

To start a Windows 98-based computer in Safe mode, use any of the following methods. Method 1 Restart your computer. While your computer restarts, press and hold the CTRL key until the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed. NOTE: If you are using the EZDrive tool, press F8 instead of CTRL. Select the Safe Mode menu option from the Startup menu, and then press ENTER. Method 2 Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information. On the Tools menu, click System Configuration Utility. Click Advanced, and then click to select the Enable Startup Menu check box. Click OK, click OK, and then restart your computer when you are prompted to do so. Select the Safe Mode menu option from the Startup menu, and then press ENTER. Method 3 Insert a non-bootable floppy disk in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer. When you receive the "Non-system disk or disk error. Replace and strike any key when ready" error message, remove the floppy disk from the floppy disk drive. Press F8, and then press F8. When you do this, the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed. Select the Safe Mode menu option from the Startup menu, and then press ENTER. Method 4 Restart your computer in MS-DOS Mode. From a command prompt type "win /d:m" without the quotation marks.