I used 98se until recently ,(last six months) and never experienced that either.However i always loaded Rsrcmtr.exe (found in windows folder) with windows (make a shortcut to startup).You may be able to view the resource drainage and what app is causing it.I do not believe its a ram issue ,i only had 256 and never had any problems.Also windows 98 will only be able to utilise a certain amount of ram (i believe its around the 512meg mark) even if you installed higher,without modifying max cache registry entries
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miscreant
I checked ‘system.ini’ in a 1GB RAM 98SE machine and found these settings and note to myself.
[vcache]
ChunkSize=512
MinFileCache=16384
MaxFileCache=65536
; not limiting vcache with more than 512MB RAM causes problems
The absolute limit is 1GB even with vcache limitations.
Which is why I suggested more RAM be used. This gives more memory free when such applications do not release memory properly. With W98SE, there is a way to set higher RAM usage in RUN > MSCONFIG. I am not sure this exists in W98 as it has been too long since I used W98.
The memory isn’t the true issue (IMHO), but the 64KB resource limitation, for those with what they consider to be adequate RAM and on a win98 system 256MB gets the job done, but ther will be swapping out to the swap file, unloading from RAM, etc. What doesn’t change is this 64KB stumbling block.
But as I said way back in this topic, stopping all non-essential applications may help.
Further reading?
Just happened to find this old link while cleaning out emails. http://www.meikel.com/en/support/freememfaq/Backup_Q117744.htm
Unlike some of these old fashioned users of Win98SE I like to keep more up to date so I have Windows Me on a machine with 128Mb. (This is a seven year old Sony laptop - so it is not going to be getting any upgrades).
Last weekend will testing the infamous scanning problem in 4.8 I ran a thorough scan on that WinMe system (with avast 4.8). For the first time ever I saw for my self that, when the scan ended, the quick launch icons had completely vanished.
Unfortunately, there were no other applications running on that system that could be disabled. I have to agree with others that this is likely a Win9x resource issue (the largely unresolvable Win9x architecture issue that finally convinced me to move to WinXP).
Just to throw this out. I did experience similar behaviour with a couple of previous versions. I can’t recall which ones. I’m not one for using each version as it was released. I just wait to be “forced”.
What I do remember, it’s been about a year since I saw what is being described… It wasn’t just during a full scan, but if the computer had been used for a log period of time. This didn’t happen each time. It was probably a combination of programs previously opened, avast and windows poor resource mangment.
As mentioned, I haven’t seen that happen lately. Perhaps something in avast has changed. This computer or OS certainly hasn’t.
Just to add a little more. I used to use mcafee with 64mb ram, no icon problem. Even with their infamous 4400 engine and current ram, there was no problem. Only with avast and current ram did I ever experience it.
I actually found it amusing, that I could erase the icon by dragging the mouse across it. The button was there just no icon on it
Thanks for that which better explains what I was trying to explain about resource limitations of the win9x era.
Can I ask which version you currently use when you say you haven’t seen it happen lately?
Can you try if the latest beta version solves this?
Download the updater (http://files.avast.com/files/beta/aswbeta.exe) and run it or go here for more information.
Dear Tech,
Can I wait and do this later as I don’t have Avast installed as yet, as I am waiting until the support for AVG drops in August, then I am installing Avast.
I am kind of confused a little, is the beta the same as the 4.8?
Also when you asked to run the updater is that to be used when someone has version 4.7? what is it actually updating?
I don’t know why you are waiting, avast is far better ;D
I haven’t looked back since I jumped the AVG ship 4 years ago.
4.7.1043
I did install it last year, but the icon problem put me off, but of course that was before I learned that AVG were discontinuing support for my system, now I am being forced to change, ah well.
I am waiting for Tech to answer a couple of questions in a reply to his message as I am a little confused to say the least.
The current version is 4.8.1169. The beta is 4.8.1178.
You’ll update from any version (4.7 or 4.8 versions) to 4.8.1178.
A beta is always with avast the chance for users to test a release of avast that is not currently delivered to the main user population. avast is seeking help from those of us willing to take some risk to test out the new release of avast before it becomes the release which all users get offered.
Please be aware that though the avast team does their best to ensure the quality of beta releases before starting a beta program there are always some risks with testing beta releases. Anyone testing with a beta release is well advised to have a backup of their system or alternative recovery strategy before starting to test with the beta release.
Sorry I didn’t notice this earlier. Does the m/board have an Intel chipset with integrated graphics?
Some Intel chips have an on-demand GPU memory allocation whereby a nominal 1MB is assigned to graphics but the actual amount being used is constantly adjusted on-the-fly as demanded by running programs. This can lead to display anomalies but I don’t really know if your disappearing icons is one of them.
I have the following.
NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS
BUS Type : AGP
Bios Version: 3.15.00.12
On Board Memory: 64MB
IRQ 11:
TV Encoder Type: Conexant Bt869
I will more than likely be downloading version 4.8.1169.
Is this when I use the updater if I want to try the beta which is 4.8.1178.
I have now installed version 4.8.1178.
And I am unable to click on the self defence module as it is greyed out.
Any ideas?