... if it only happens on highly graphic intensive stuff I suppose it's possible but not if it also happens on every day browsing. DerekW

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Yell at the video card if it makes you feel better. It cn take it. However, it is quite unlikely to be the root of your problems. I would instead look toward the modem. It sits idle while not on the net and is unlikely to cause problems. It may be something as simple as corrupted drivers. Try deleting it in device manager and rebooting. Be sure to have your driver CD and Windows CD handy as they may be called for in while windows boots.

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I'll try the modem theory and will post when I feel comfortable my computer is either fixed or still broken. [As an aside, my modem is an off-brand made by AirLink, 56K V.92 PCI.]

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Removed modem and reinstalled (allowing Windows to find new hardware). Reinstalled drivers and BOOM, lockups returned. I'll mention an ongoing issue: switching b/n web pages is much slower than it used to be. Any thoughts on RAM going/gone bad?

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Round the same loops as before I'm afraid. A RAM issue would not just affect online activity. It's at the heart of the machine and you would have problems which would affect all aspects of the machine (probably seriously). It's a tough one this. When you get freeze-ups it means the machine has lost it's way, usually a software issue and often some wrong version file or software file mix problem. As you only ever get this problem online (which is probably the most important single factor in all of this) it seems most likely to be a browser issue, modem problem or some Windows file which is also common to internet usage. If, when things settle down you still get the same problem with Firefox then it would take the browser possibility out of the equation rather. Let's see if there are any other ideas but I still suspect some wrong or corrupt file somewhere. Not at all easy to find though if that's the case. Not sure if we ever ran sfc from the Run box (system file checker) but you could try it. IF it finds anything you need to be sure to replace the file with the correct version. DerekW

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... I forgot to mention the possibility of a registry mess up, which is still on the cards, but we've been through scanreg /fix and so forth in the past to no avail. DerekW

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Yes Derek, we did try SFC and found one file but it deemed a usual suspect and not the cause. Hmmmmmmm, thinking 'aloud' ... *If* software, could it be my ISP (Earthlink?) I uninstalled/reinstalled their software way back and obviously no fix. When I spoke with Earthlink on the phone, the 'tech' (and I say that cautiously!!) stated their software did not cooperate well with Win98; however, it's right on the CD that it's compatible with Win98/ME/2000/XP (ok, it does not say Win98se but I'm guessing it's implied). So, you (Derek) took me through every possibility way back and if we've still stumped Rimfire, I'm guessing a reformat or move into the world of XP, leaving you as one of the last holdouts!! :)) Smiles and a good Thanksgiving to those on 'this' side of the Pond :) Nikki

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Well, about anything that relates to online problems could fit this one. I'd still keep any eye on here for a while. Rimfire probably just hasn't had a chance to pop back and there's always the possibility of someone else joining in (although the team seems to have diminished in recent months). DerekW

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I've been on dail-up for years, and would not use a winmodem on a old machine like yours. The minimum specs for your modem is a pentium 233 mmx http://www.airlink101.com/products/... and your not far above that. A good hardware modem can be had on ebay for $20 if your patient. larry

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correction, a good external hardware modem larry

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I'm sorry, I haven't been to this site for a couple of days. Busy elsewhere. We have yet to rule out the modem as the cause of the problems. My next step would be to completely remove the modem and software, reboot without the modem installed. Then shutdown and reinstall the modem. By this I mean physically removing the modem card from the computer. However Larry's suggestion has a lot of merit. Winmodems do require processor power, therfore getting an external modem will speed things up. The other thing I would look at is the ISP's software. You don't need it. It is a fairly easy process to manually setup the modem to dial the ISP and logon. All you need is the phone number, username and password.

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Rimfire, I did your suggestion a while back re: removing ISP software and since the problem persisted, I reinstalled it. Question - I once knew the difference b/n a 'winmodem' vs. one that is not. I just read up a bit and gathered that winmodems use software (?) and are 'easier' to install (ie: PnP ?). I also read there can be battles with Com ports and IRQ's. Since I never had issues before, I'm losing confidence in this being a modem issue. However, since I truly respect the suggestions offered by you gentlemen, I will remove the modem completely and reinstall from scratch. [note: I have an old USRobotics modem that was replaced with my current modem due to my lockup issues.] So, there's probably some disconnect in the brains of this box and Derek can tell you that he has walked me through every possible troubleshoot. I'll post back after I perform surgery on this box! Tks, Nikki

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You have nothing to lose trying the US Robotics. Try to go to there site for the drivers, although windows probably contains some generic driver for it, unless you still have the floppy that came with it. larry

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Rimfire & All In post #1, OtheHill asked for info about what had been tried. The online lock-ups have been going on for months. I've listed out what I can remember because at one stage we reverted to email. At times there were different symptoms (Outlook Express problems and particular website issues), so some of this will make little sense in terms of the current posting. IE Repair IE Settings (about everything) Scandisk Scanreg /fix Ran SFC (no problems found) Replaced Imagehlp.dll from CD (it doesn't get updated) Disabled hosts file Registered various .dll's Checked for viruses, malware etc (perfectly clean) Checked Java VM and Windows Script Engine (inc some file version checks to above - all OK) We obviously did quite a fair bit on modem earlier on (I'd forgotten) Poster spent some time on Earthlink software (server) We were very persistent so I'm sure we checked out a lot more than the above but it gives some idea. Nikki might remember some more. I appreciate the danger of getting bogged down in endless loops which is why I welcome a fresh look at this from others. DerekW

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What IRQ is assigned to the modem and what is sharing that IRQ?

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Nikki Re post #21. I've got a feeling you won't know how to check IRQ's. Probably the easiest way is to use either "Everest" or "Aida32". If you haven't got either of those programs onboard go to: AIDA32 Install & Run the program then go to: Devices/Device Resources. You will see a list of IRQ numbers. Find your modem, note the number then see if that same number is being used for anything else on the list. DerekW

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Derek, you should know I'll surprise you now and again with things I do know :)) Systems Info provided: IRQ 11 - Ageres Systems PCI soft modem IRQ 11 - Diamond Viper V550 IRQ 11 - IRQ holder for PCI steering What I don't know is if modem and video card are 'fighting'. Sounds logical ~ Always, thank you!!

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Yes, sorry, you can also get it from Device Manager/Computer so you don't need those programs for this. Sounds odd, not sure, see what others think. DerekW

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I would like to see some re-assignment of IRQs. There are various ways to accomplish this depending on your Motherboard BIOS options. Do you know how to enter the BIOS screens when booting up the computer? If you have Aida32, Everest, or Belarc Advisor, run one of them and find your Motherboard make, model, and BIOS version. Also, figure out what onboard hardware you are currently utilizing. Things like parallel port, onboard modem, onboard sound, onboard video, etc. Device manager can yield the hardware list, although it won't say if onboard or add-in card. Is the video card an AGP type? Onboard hardware output ports will be part of the Motherbaord at the rear of your case, as opposed to add in AGP or PCI cards. I suspect a resource conflict may be at the root of your problems. It is almost midnight here in Michigan so I am going off to bed for the night.

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OTH, MB: P2BX (purchased new Dec. '99) Chipset: 443BX AGPset BIOS: V4.51PG Video card: is AGP Add-in cards: Video/Sound/modem Mouse/keyboard: plug in the back Tks again.

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Well, I was looking for exact model on the Motherboard so I could DL the manual. I assume the BIOS is Award?

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I think I know what your BIOS looks like. Try the following: Enter the BIOS at startup by tapping the correct keystroke. Probably Delete. Go to Chipset Features Setup Screen Click on F6 to load BIOS Defaults Then set the following to disable: Onboard Serial Port 1 & 2 Onboard Parallel Port PNP and PCI Setup PNP OS Installed Yes PCI Latency timer 32 USB Function Enabled USB IRQ Auto VGA BIOS Sequence AGP/PCI Onboard Audio Chip Disabled Save and EXIT After rebooting into Windows Go to Device manager> disk drives> (select your harddrive)> properties> settings> check for DMA enabled

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I've got the manual here. It simply says Turbo Guide on the front. Is that the model? If so, www.turbo-guide.com. Yes, Award BIOS. I will do your suggestions later this evening, but want to confirm this: I'm reloading DEFAULTS which means any tweaks I've already done would be lost. I truly can't think of major things, but I do recall changing a couple things years ago. Tks,

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Follow up: DMA was not selected. It is now. (did give warning that changing the setting could damage devise). With further review, I'm guessing tweaks done years ago would not be lost unless done within the Chipset screen (which I'm doubting). Ok, again, will try your modifications later tonight.

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Reboot and recheck DMA. If chipset drivers not installed DMA may not stay selected. Also try the insternet with DMA enabled.

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DMA did 'stick' after reboot. At this time, I'll presume all's ok. I've still not manipulated chipset features as instructed above. Will though...

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OMG..... It's FIXED. I TRULY BELIEVE (with Derek's blessing) that OtH was right on by having me place the tick mark in DMA. How it ever got removed or DMA's purpose I don't know, but I have overloaded my system with OPEN websites and the system refuses to freeeeeze :)) !!! Going to read up now on DMA to understand its purpose, but after this experience, I can certainly write my own. OtH - Can't thank you enough. The rest of you gentlemen, thank you. Nikki

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Glad it worked out for you. You may want to check on the amount of RAM allocated to AGP. 32MB or 64MB is about all you want to allocate. This setting is found in the BIOS screens. Usually under Advanced settings.

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Hey, you don't need my blessing LOL - all thanks are due to OTH. I was amazed to note that the HD wasn't set for DMA and I suspect you will notice a general overall improvement. Not quite sure why all your problems were "online" though, which rather focussed me in that area. I can only imagine that being online in combination with other background activites was too much for the poor thing. I recall that this problem has appeared to have been fixed before and then it came back again, so I hope it stays good this time. It sure sounds promising though and setting DMA for the HD can only be a good thing. DerekW

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Those older MBs with AGP have shared system memory because the graphics cards didn't come with heaps of onboard RAM as they do now. That is why I suggested Nikki check the amount of RAM set for AGP in the BIOS. If that setting is high and Windows resorted to the swap file on the HD that could cause the problem. I still recommend disabling any onboard hardware not in use as this will free up the IRQs for other hardware. Nikki, you never posted your exact MB model so I guessed at what I thought would be the settings in the BIOS. When I stated to set to defaults, I believe that would only be for that screen. You are correct to be hesitant to reset all BIOS settings to default. If you wish you can still post the MB model and I can look at the manual to see which way would be best to reallocate the IRQs. As Derek pointed out it is possible your problem may be only partially solved. One other thing to stay on top of is to keep the temporary internet file folder as small as possible. Set for 1MB in IE options.

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OtH, On post #29, I mentioned thinking the model name for my MB was "Turbo-Guide". Other than that, I checked the BIOS and could not find a name/model # mentioned anywhere in any of the setup areas (Standard CMOS, BIOS Features, CHIPset). Being a bit overjoyed that the major ill was fixed by tick-marking DMA, I think I'll leave well enough alone. I certainly appreciate the other suggestions as being prudent choices. And I'll go on a limb and say that Derek is probably looking forward to the break!! Honestly OtH, I truly can't thank you enough. This issue, while such a quick and easy fix as it turned out, was a major time consuming affair for me. Thank you, Nikki

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OK then, good luck.

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Well, luck lasted for just over 24 hours. Sadly, I experienced a freeze-up. Shutdown/restarted. Then went to sleep with computer left online and awoke to a darkened screen (experienced this before too). With the upcoming holiday, I will not be near the computer on a regular basis, but will give an earnest effort to try some of the suggestions noted in REPLIES #28 & #34. [Note: I had trouble matching OtH's suggestions in #28 with the layout of my BIOS and hesitated to proceed. Since it appeared DMA was the culprit, I left BIOS settings as-is.] I am sorry I am unable to locate MB model. Tks again OtH. I will post back with changes I make and how I get along. Nikki

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Try downloading Everest Home Edition. This freeware may yield the MBoard info. Find it here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4... Did you check to see if DMA is still ticked? Another possibility would be to copy all the screen settings in your BIOS. This is time consuming and would be a last resort IMO. Disabling the unused onboard hardware is not risky. Doing this by itself may cure an IRQ conflict.

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Computer is back to old tricks. Froze 3x while trying to type reply and download Everest (still not downloaded). I will attempt BIOS modifications as suggested in replies #28/#34. But with holiday, I imagine we might find ourselves preoccupied. I will do my best though. I am tired of all this to which Derek will attest, but I am very grateful for OtH and other's input. DMA remained tick-marked. BIOS Screen Settings: ROM PCI/ISA BIOS (2A69KV59) <=== Could that be model number?? *Standard CMOS Setup *BIOS Features Setup *CHIPset Features Setup *Power Management *PnP/PCI Configuration *Load BIOS Defaults *Load Setup Defaults *Integrated Peripherals *Supervisor Password *User Password *IDE HDD Auto Detection *Save & Exit Setup *Exit Without Saving Questions: 1. Why would system improve dramatically for 24+ hours and then fail miserably again? 2. Java Console was downloaded when I installed Firefox. I had the Java icon in the right corner of task bar. Now it's missing and when I go to Java Console settings to have it appear again, I am told "I do not have permission to make changes". THIS IS MY COMPUTER and SHARED BY NO ONE. 3. Any thoughts on RAM going bad? Will post just as soon as I am able. Nikki

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Forget about the Java icon in the system tray. That only appears if a java aplet has been run since you last restrted. Certainly, this sort of behvior can be caused by flaky RAM. Just as easily, it could be a problem with the power supply. Since you probably don't have a spare power supply lying around, It might be worthwhile reseating the RAM. This involves removing and installing the ram sticks several times to ensure that there is good contact. Personally, I would go one step further and run Memtest86 overnight. (I'm sure you can find this without assistance). OTH suggested disabling the onboard serial ports. I just wanted to mention that this can stop some winmodems from working (it will also stop all external modems). Many of them are hardwired to use COM3 or COM4. In the absence of the onboard com ports, windows can assign COM1 to the modem which it cannot use.

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Rimfire I believe Nikki posted in response #23 that the IRQ currently being used is 11 so I assumed this modem can use any IRQ and not hardwired to the com ports.

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Rimfire, I tried downloading memtest86 to a floppy. Too big and requires CD Rom. Can't do at this time. So, I am going to thank everyone and send you on your way to your Turkey dinners. I truly can't do anymore with this. I am beyond burnt out. I will leave on-board serial ports as is. Might try some new RAM. No, don't have a spare powersupply. Might though open computer and be sure processor chip/fan and power supply are dust free. Still baffled as to why adding tick mark to DMA fixed things brilliantly for 24+ hours and then all troubles returned as if they never disappeared. Again, I sure do thank you gentlemen, but I am done. Nikki

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Nikki Don't give up on us now. In post #41 you listed what you saw in the BIOS. I believe you may need a little coaching on how to maneuver within the BIOS screens. Many of those items you listed can be expanded to actually get to the sub menu. Standard CMOS Setup *BIOS Features Setup *CHIPset Features Setup *Power Management *PnP/PCI Configuration *Integrated Peripherals Above are some of the items you listed in #41. These are the labels of individual screens within the BIOS. If you highlight one of them by using the proper keys and then hitting enter the page will expand and the settings I referred to will show. The keys used to maneuver are Pg up/down, arrow keys, esc, enter. To disable the serial ports, parallel port if you don't use it for a parallel port printer, the onboard sound you: Go to *Integrated Periphals by using the up/dn arrow keys to highlight that title. Then hit the ENTER key. Then scroll to the hardware you want to change using the up/dn arrow keys then change the value using the page up or down keys. After setting the above mentioned hardware to DISABLED hit the esc (escape) key returning you to the Main screen. Highlight PnP/PCI using the up/dn arrow keys and hit ENTER. PNP OS Installed should be set to yes. If set to NO highlight the word NO and use the Pg up/dn keys to change to YES. Hit the Esc key and scroll to Save and Exit Setup. Hit ENTER and then when the Y is showing hit ENTER again. At this time the computer will boot with the new settings.

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You're so sweet, but actually, I do know how to get into the BIOS and tinker. The best analogy I can give here is for a cyclist (me) 'truing' my wheels. While I know the 'act of truing', unless done correctly, the small wobble once felt will become a disabling wheel that can no longer be ridden under any circumstance. I'm sure you can draw my conclusion. I poked around the other day and thought the words you used did not match identically to what I was seeing in the BIOS. And b/c DMA seemingly worked, I chose to bail. I will go back and try your suggestions, but I don't know that I'll have time in the next couple days. So if you're willing to hang in with me, I'm willing to give another shot. I am also in process of getting new memory and will install that, making sure connectors are cleaned first and all is seeded properly. Not sure of delivery date though. Derek - ignore my "Surrender" email. OtH still wants to go into the trenches with me :))

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... there's a memory test on www.docmemory.com that goes onto a floppy. You have to create the floppy with the download (not just copy the download onto it). You then boot with the floppy in the drive and run the test - no failures accepted. Have half an idea we might have done this in the dim and distant - not sure. I gather you had problems downloading Everest. Aida32 (its predecessor) might be a bit smaller and is much the same. See my link in #22. DerekW

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Downloaded/ran Aida32. A lot of info but not sure this is what you wanted. Motherboard ID: 02/25/1999-i440BX-W977TF-2A69KV59C-00 Motherboard Name: Unknown Will work on the memory test just as soon as I'm able and report back.

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Anyone still watching this post :))? To fill you in, today I ran Docmem(ver 3.1 beta) for 10 hours, 48min 30 sec. Computer DID NOT not freeze!! Results: 27 loops run. First 5 passed, as did loops 26 and 27. I can only presume loops 6-25 also passed, but obviously I did not sit in front of computer all day. So, white flag is raised. Perhaps a new laptop will be my Christmas present!!! Thanks to all that offered their expertise. I am most, most appreciative. ~Nikki

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I'm still here.

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Must be a sloooow day on ComputerNet!! :)) My feeling is there's a corrupted or missing file that's required for displaying web pages correctly (especially those with advanced programming). My options as I see them are: 1. Windows overlay 2. Remove/reinstall IE/OE 3. Try new modem 4. Reformat all together Not fully sure of Javascript's purpose but if memory serves correctly, Derek and I explored that option and found nothing out of order (ie: no old file versions). Funny, since stopping Docmem 4 hours ago, the computer's not frozen whereas before, it'd freeze every 5 minutes it seemed. It could be some time before I try any of the 4 options, but when I do, I'll post back for properity sake :). OtH, thank you. Nikki

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Nikki How about posting a list of IRQ assignments. Go to device manager> hightlight Computer> click properties. A list should appear with IRQ assignments.

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Here you go: 00 System Timer 01 Standard 101/102-key Microsoft keyboard 02 Programmable interrupt controller 03 Com 2 04 Com 1 05 Creative Sound Blaster 16 PnP 06 Standard Floppy Disk controller 07 ECP Printer Port (LPT1) 08 System CMOS/real time clock 09 – 10 Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller 10 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering 11 Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem 11 Diamond Viper V550 for Win 98 11 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering 12 WheelMouse1 (PS/2) 13 Numeric data processor 14 Intel 82371AB/EB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller 14 Primary IDE controller (dual fifo) 15 Intel 82371AB/EB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller 15 Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)

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OK Com 1&2 are not in use but have IRQ assignments. On the other hand, IRQ 11 is being shared by both the modem and graphics. You never stated if you have a printer or scanner. If not, IRQ 7 should be available. IRQ 9 also appears to not be in use either. So we have 4 IRQs not serving any purpose while IRQ 11 is not only shared by modem and video, but also doing triple duty directing traffic on the PCI bus. I now suggest you do what I suggested back in response #28. Doing this should allow Windows to utilize those unused resources. Setting defaults is only for that screen. If unsure if that is what will happen, don't enable system defaults but do set the selections as I indicated.

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Ok. Updates Discovered freeze-ups occur OFFLINE too. Performed Windows Overlay successfully, but time will tell if freeze-ups are cured permanently. Still feel there are issues with IE loading pages correctly aside from modem/video card/PCI Steering sharing same IRQ. Verified DMA selected for HD and CD ROM. IRQ assignment reveals IRQ 3 and IRQ 4 "Open". All other IRQ assignments unchanged. BIOS mods as per reply #28: CHIPSET FEATURE: It read VIDEO RAM CACHABLE: Disabled. [I changed to "Enabled" just because.] POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP: Modem Uses IRQ: 10 [fyi. Did not change] Floppy Disk: Disabled [fyi. Did not change, but odd to me in that I have a floppy drive that works brilliantly.] INTEGRATED PERIPHERALS: On Board Serial Port 1: 3F8/IRQ4. [Changed to "Disable"] On Board Serial Port 2: 2F8/IRQ3. [Changed to "Disable"] On Board Parallel Port: 378/IRQ7. [Did not change. I have a Visoneer 6100b scanner, circa 1996] Parallel Port Mode: ECP+EPP [Did not change] ECP Mode USE DAM: 3 [Did not change] EPP Mode Select: EPP1.9 [Did not change] Note: The only reference I could find re: "USB" pointed to the USB Keyboard Support: Disabled [Did not change] PNP/PCI CONFIGURATION: [note: these are the only options available] PnP OS Installed: Yes [Did not change] Resources Controlled by: Auto [Did not change] Reset configuration Dates: Disabled [Did not change] Next.... :)

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ps: Loaded BIOS defaults (F6). Forgot to mention ~ Sorry

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Minor point (possibly) but it might be interesting to see if the IRQ's are still as given in #53 now that you have reloaded BIOS defaults - they probably will be. In particular sharing IRQ11 with modem and display card seemed a bit questionable to me. If the machine stays OK then fine (if it aint broke don't fix it applies LOL) but if the online lockups return then following the advice given in #28 does seem worth a go before you pursue any other ideas. DerekW

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Re the last bit of my #57. Seems I missed the one liner that said you'd already done that (in #55). DerekW

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Ooops, more like I flew right past #55 somehow. DerekW

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Nikki You state that the modem is on IRQ 10 and it didn't change, yet in post #53 you have modem on IRQ11. Also, you failed to mention what IRQ is currently being used by the video card.

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BIOS shows modem on IRQ 10. Device Manager shows modem on IRQ 11. I agree this makes no sense, but that's what each shows. All IRQ's remained as originally assigned in reply #53 except for IRQ 3 & 4 which are now "open" as explained in #55 So, pretty much assume something's a bit amiss here, yes?

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OtheHill Just wondered if you thought that removing the modem from Device Manager then rebooting might be worth a shot? Hopefully it would then pick up IRQ 10. Nikki Not trying to by-pass you but want to avoid "too many cooks" on this. Best run with just OTH (if he's willing) so ignore this input for now. DerekW

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Steps recently taken: 1. Shutdown and verified thru BIOS/Power Management Setup that Modem is set to use IRQ 10. Specifically BIOS reads, Modem Use IRQ: 10 2. As per reply #62, I removed modem thru Device Manager. Shutdown/restarted and installed modem software. Modem assigned to IRQ 11. Should I move modem to vacant PCI slot hoping a different IRQ is assigned? 3. fyi: Following file not found during modem installation: agrsmvsd.cat Skipped this file and finished loading modem software. Computing.net had no additional info on this vxd. OTH - If you give up I understand. I appreciate all you've offered. This very well could be one of those issues easily resolved if sitting at the computer itself. Tks all ~ Nikki

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Nikki You didn't say what IRQ the video card is now using. Check AIDA32> devices> device resources and see what it says there.

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Nikki There are two ways to change the IRQ assignments. The easiest way for you is to ENABLE "reset configuration data". This will sort out the resources differently, now that you have disabled some onboard hardware. Speaking of onboard hardware, are you sure there isn't an onboard modem on the MBoard? Let me emphasize once more, resetting to default settings is NOT the same thing as "reset configuration data". Try that and then recheck the assignments. If three devices are still present on IRQ11 you can set the IRQ for each of your PCI slots. What slot is the modem installed into? PCI #1 is the slot next to the AGP slot.

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OTH, I need to take a break. This is easy stuff for you, but for me, it's going round and round w/no fix. IE is suffering new ills now due to me removing a 'Knowledge Base' update. Since ills began months ago with IE, I'd like my focus back on fixing IE once and for all. I have no doubt IRQ 11 working triple overtime is not the perfect setup; however, this was the setup best to my knowledge even before IE went loony. Thank you ever so much ~ Nikki

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Nikki I bow to your wishes but I ask you this. Have you ever heard the says about the straw that broke the camel's back. You can't isolate one part of your computer from the rest. Excerpt from your post #55 "Discovered freeze-ups occur OFFLINE too".

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I have re-read your reply #65. After a night's sleep, I see this is not tough to do and will proceed with ENABLING as suggested. I'm looking in my MB manual now in Power Management Setup Screen. The guide's diagram shows MODEM Use IRQ: 3. This line/field is nowhere else further explained. Video still on IRQ 11 (see Post #55. I was so proud of myself for including that without being asked by you smarties :) but everyone missed it. Again, I'll try your suggestions in #65 AFTER THE CHARGERS FOOTBALL GAME TODAY!! PRIORITIES GENTLEMEN.... PRIORTIES :))))

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Sorry Nikki, I asked about the video twice recently, #60 & #64.

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re: My post #66. I fixed the ills recently developed. Somehow, many of IE's Scripting, Java and Active X controls wgot re-set to "Disable". They're now changed back to "Enable" or "Prompt". I will happily perform mods as suggested in post #65 to see if I can reset IRQ's. Will post back once done. Give me a couple days ~

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Will do Nikki

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Answers: Reset Configuration Date: Enabled IRQ Assignments: (unchanged) 11 Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem 11 Diamond Viper V550 for Win 98 11 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering Video Card - AGP slot Modem - PCI slot #1 (4 total, all others avail.) Sound Card - ISA slot #2

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Nikki I'll bet you feel like you've been to the dentist. By now you should feel more confident. OK then, as I stated before, there are two ways to change the IRQ assignments. In your instance there are actually three ways. There are two left. On is to choose NO as the selection for PnP aware OS. This forces the BIOS to assign the IRQs, which may or may not yield the desired result. Win98 wasn't known for it't strength in this area so it's worth a try. The final way is to actually assign an IRQ to one or more of the PCI slots. In your case there is only one card that resides in a PCI slot. That is the modem. You will need to determine which PCI slot the modem is installed into and then assign one of the unused IRQs to that slot. All of this is kind of trial and error as to what will work best. However, no harm can come to the system by trying either method. By this time I'm pretty sure you know the BIOS screens fairly well, but if you don't know how to find the settings I describe, simply say so.

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Shoot, at this point, I'd much rather be sitting in the dentist's chair than here:) Before I proceed, plse note: 1. PnP was originally set to "no" before ever posting here and was changed to "yes" during the trials of this thread, meaning IRQ 11 always had its 3 items assigned to it. 2. see Reply #72 - Modem - PCI slot #1 (4 total, all others avail.) 3. I never did anything about your reply #34. I tried but did not find the RAM settings. 4. MY IDEA - Would moving the modem from PCI slot #1 to one of the avail 3 alter its IRQ assignment?

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Moving the card will probably result in changing the setting but I am pretty sure you havethe ability to simply ASSIGN an IRQ from choices that you can toggle. This would be the more exact way of doing it. You can choose the IRQ from one of the unused ones. Moving the card may result in the modem sharing a DIFFERENT IRQ. I suggest you try assigning one. If none of the unused IRQs are listed under that PCI slot then it may be necessary to move the card. You need to LOOK right now and determine a course of action. The ideal is to have the modem using an IRQ exclusively. Under PnP Configurations check to see that PCI Latency is set to 32.

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re: Post #75 Could not locate PCI Latency. The only settings under PnP Configuration are: PnP OS InstalledL: Yes Resources Controlled by : Auto Reset Confirguration Data: Enabled IRQ's remain as-is with all 3 items assigned. I've gone to Device Manager to set the resource setting myself for the modem and video card. I removed the checkmark from "USE AUTOMATIC SETTINGS" and then clicked on "CHANGE SETTING". The following message is displayed: "This Resource setting cannot be modified." I went into PCI Bus Properties (also in Device Manager) and there is a place where I can toggle with the IRQ Steering. Having no idea what this would do, I've not removed any checkmarks. Checkmarks are in all options except: "Get IRQ table from Protected Mode PCIBIOS 2.1 call"

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The place you need to reassign the IRQs is in the BIOS. Open the screen "PnP/PCI Configurations". List ALL items on the screen.

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PNP/PCI CONFIGURATION: [note: these are the only options available] PnP OS Installed: Yes Resources Controlled by: Auto Reset configuration Data: Enabled [Set at Disabled too during this thread freeze ups.]

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I went into the MB manual and found I had to change "Resources Controlled By" from "Auto" to "Manual". Doing so gave me the IRQ/DMA list that you're looking for. It reads as follows: IRQ 3 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP <Legacy ISA> IRQ 4 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 5 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 7 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 9 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 10 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 11 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 12 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 14 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP IRQ 15 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP DMA 0 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP DMA 1 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP DMA 3 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP DMA 5 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP DMA 6 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP DMA 7 Assignment: PCI/ISA PnP Used Mem Base Addr: n/a Note: Toggling PCI/ISA PnP yields <Legacy ISA>

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OK, your BIOS is slightly different than I thought I was. The settings I was looking for don't appear to be available for you. You don't want to use manual because you would need to assign ALL the resources, which would be quite a chore, if it would even work. The best option would appear to be moving the modem to different slots. You may need to try both PnP OS Yes and No. Also may need to reset configuration data. By the way, the reset configuration data setting should automatically return to the default of Disabled. If for some reason it doesn't you only want to have it set to Enabled for ONE boot cycle. Might be good to check after one cycle to verify it has returned to disabled. What you want to accomplish is to get the modem off IRQ11 and preferably on to IRQ 3 or 4. Try Slot #1 first. Be sure to unplug the computer and ground yourself before touching any components. If your power supply has an On/Off switch you can use that to cut the power to the innards. The advantage is that the case will then be grounded, assuming you have proper wiring, and you can use the case to discharge any static charge on your body.

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OtH, I truly can't thank you enough but after this reply, let's consider the thread closed. Final notes: Modem has been on PCI slot #1 the whole time. I will move it to a different slot. How funny would it be if that's all it takes. I will change the PCI/PnP configurations setting back to "auto". PnP O/S has been both Yes and No through this whole exercise (it started as No, proving whether set to Yes or No has no effect on freeze ups.) If moving modem proves successful in stopping freezeups, I will post here. Tks all~ Nikki

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Well then good luck and don't be afraid to experiment a little.

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12/16/06 Finally moved modem from slot 1 to 2. IRQ assignment as follows: IRQ 3 Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem (COM 1) IRQ 11 Diamond Viper V550 for Win 98 IRQ 11 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering Note: Modem moved from IRQ 11 to IRQ 3!! It's been 20 minutes, no freezeups; we'll see for how long! Nikki

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NO LUCK. Locksups returned. I truly have to believe it's scripts or Java related (more likely scripts only in that every now and again my IE will issue a scripts error. Oh well, really a non-issue at this point. I'll eventually do a full reformat and set this box back to its origins. Tks again for all the help and suggestions. Nikki

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I reckon that reformat is about your only hope. One way or another (over a period of many months) everything else has been tried and it always seems to come back to a "software issue". Maybe it's my "wrong file version somewhere" idea or maybe the registry is screwed up but whatever, if it's software then reformat is the ultimate fix. Trying to sort a computer remotely has its limitations and unfortunately it looks like this is one of those cases. It would probably be tricky to fix without reformat even hands-on. DerekW

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