did you take a look inside your computer maybe somehow your processor has gotten loose or the motherboard needs be checked. but are you saying that when you boot you are able to run the install cd or not because if you can run the cd then all you probably need to do is to reinstall. It does however sound like a hardware problem try posting in that forum so maybe someone can give you some better help.

Have you looked through the literature that came from your broadband provider to see what the system requirements are? I would think a PIII-500 should meet the requirements, but you should start there to make sure.

If your system does meet the minimum requirements, you should get in touch with your providers tech support as they may have already had to deal with this issue.

Have you got the Windows 98SE CD? It sounds like your system is in need of a good 'refresh' of the windows installation.

Pop the Windows CD in the drive and run 'Setup' o install Windows again over the top of the current installation. That should leave your programs and data files in place, and simply refresh the system files with new copies which actually work - if you are in luck that is!

No guarantees, but it's worth a try and it's better than formatting and starting over fresh.

Ooh I didn't know you could do that without wiping everything! It's worth a try isn't it?

Thanks! I'll let you know!

Kate xx

Wait just a second-- who's your ISP?

Keep in mind that with most broadband cable companies, you don't need to install a single thing on your system to get it to work. If you install and configure the network card, or if it's already configured right, you should just be able to plug it in and go.

ISPs are full of it when it comes to these "system requirements". I've had 30mhz machines on broadband (directly connected to the modem, too, mind you!), and had nary a problem before.