Windows 98 Auto Start OS: Windows 98 – 4.10.1998 PROBLEM: When loading Windows 98 some programs start automatically (such as the Windows 98 Welcome tour, Task Scheduler, the Volume control & clock). Among these utilities other programs sometimes load too. I recently installed an ATI video card and some related software, since then every time I start Windows 98 I get the “Dial Up Connection” dialog box wanting to connect to the internet. I guess it’s one of the software packages trying to register itself via the Internet. WHAT I LOOKED AT: I checked the settings in the “System Configuration Utility” and found nothing in CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI or STARTUP. QUESTION 1: Where else can Startup information be found? (I would like to find this and know how to turn it off before I let the software connect and register itself, because I guess the connection prompt will not show up during startup after it connects and does whatever it is trying to do.) QUESTION 2: Where can I find a detailed description of what goes on during a Windows 98 start up? Thank you for your reply. John

John, There is a utility with Win98 called MSConfig. You would go to START>RUN and then type msconfig. This brings up a utility used for troublshooting. In this editor you can check and uncheck mark certain files to either start or not start during your Win98 session. I warn you though that taking the check mark out of certain boxes can cause problems with your system. you need to be sure which items are are deactivating before you do so. For instance you have to be sure you do not accidently remove a check mark from your antivirus load up files or you will not be protected while you are online. As far as deactivating the speaker in your system tray etc you can find many tips and tricks at this web site: http://www.windows-help.net/windows98/all-tips.shtml which tells you how to do this step by step. Hope this helps you Mark