Thanks guys for your help removing the antivirus boot scan. I've been away from the computer all day. The first time I rebooted the computer it worked like a charm. That was early this morning. This evening I tried to boot up and it took me eight times to finally get booted up. Plus there are a number of repetitve steps happening. When I boot I get a very quick screen that identifies the monitor. Then I get a screen that identifies the part of the system. Then a Windows 98 start up menu (that I would get if it's going to safe mode) and I have to select 1 (which is highlighted. Then the Windows 98 (full color) screen holds for a long time. The the startup menu again where I have to pick 1 again (one is highlited), then the full color 98 screen which holds again. On three of the 8 attempts, the computer automatically started this process all over again by itself. When it finally gets to my desktop, it freezes. If it doesn't freeze I have to log on which I never had to do before. If I am lucky as I was this time on the 8th attempt, I can then log on. Obviously something other than the AVG virus protector is going on. I hope there is someone out there who can tell me what's going on.

Best to avoid reposting while the original is on first page gerri. This is the other one: http://computing.net/windows95/wwwboard/forum/131339.html

Ran the AVG update -- no virus. Did the scanre/fix. Got the message that registry was fixed. Began the same rebooting sequence; bypassed it by pressing the F8 key until I got the log on screen. Guess I will try that route until I can get a professional to look at it. Thanks for your help. My problems really began when I got a new mother board, processor and more memory. It got complicated when I added DSL. Many times I have to unplug the DSL when I boot and/or use the F8 key. Seems to me though that the computer is going through the reboot cycle at least three times before it finally gets to the desktop where it freezes.

HI Try uninstalling the AVG protector & then reboot ur system. AVG protector is known to be a well known reson for this sorta issues.

I'm about out of ideas. The only one not covered in this and your previous post is a bad memory stick. With such a mixed bag of symptoms it is not beyond possibility. Maybe you can prove something by unplugging sticks and swapping them.

Derek, You know you have to explain it to me. What are "sticks"? Do you think my getting an ethernet card for my DSL would help? One bellsouth technician suggested I use the ethenert connection instead of the USB, but I would have to get one I am to dod so.

My fault, I slipped into jargon. The memory is made up of strips with microchips on them and an edge connecter which goes into one of several slots. These are about 4 or 5 inches long and often called "sticks". Mostly there is more than one, so by removing one or more and/or swapping positions you can suss out whether one particular stick is faulty and causing the problem. Often you have to have one in the first postion and with some computers they have to be added in pairs. Your mobo manual should help. No real idea on Ethernet cards, not my field at all - never used them. The mere fact that many folks (like me) are running fine with USB and no Ethernet card makes me feel this step should not really be necessary.