Right click on your taskbar on a empty space.
Point to toolbars and select Desktop (you can push the bar all the way to the right by putting your mouse arrow on the bar left of the Desktop and drag it to the right).
This option will enable you to access everything on your Desktop without opening windows.
To remove, right click again, point to toolbars and select Desktop.

Run Scandisk (if windows does not run it) after power failures, screen freezes, Illegal operations or if windows is not running correctly and you restart the computer.
To access, click on start, point to programs, accessories, and system tools.

Run Defrag at least twice a year.
To access, click on start, point to programs, accessories, and system tools.

If you have problems with windows, try running file checker.
To access, click on start, point to programs, accessories, system tools and system Information. Then click on tools and file checker.
This utility will check for corrupt system files and if it finds any it will give you some options to replace or Ignore the file.
To replace the file you will need your Windows98 CD.

Before installing new software make sure it's compatible with your OS.
Any time you install software you run the risk of upsetting your computer.
That is why you should only install software that you need and not take the risk by installing something like a screen saver or freeware.

When a new software or upgrade becomes available, (not including patches) let a few month go by so they can work out the bugs and that way you won't have to be the one calling them for HELP!

Very important to make a Emergency Repair Disk incase your computer will not boot up.
To make a disk, click on start, point to programs, accessories, system tools and click on backup. Click on Emergency Repair Disk and follow directions, you will need a blank floppy. Put a check mark in the box for: also backup the registry.
When you are done, put in a safe place for future use.

When you sign on it seems fine but you can't access the Internet (The page Cannot Be Displayed). First make sure that AOL is not having server problems before continuing. Once you've check, and there are no problems with the server:

Try this link to resolve Netsetter problem, if it doesn't help
try changing the phone number that AOL dials out or
try installing AOL again from a known good disk or
try installing a newer version of MS Internet Explorer.
In some cases this should resolve the problem if not, there could be a problem in the Windows registry and you may have to restore Windows.

This folder contains all the data for all the AOL users in your computer including, address book, favorites, email names and so on.
You can save this information to disk so you can:
Add AOL to another computer and bring back all your settings or if you have to restore Windows.
The folder is in, C:\America Online 6.0\organize or (7 & above) C:\program Files\America Online 7.0\organize.
Just copy and paste the organize folder to a floppy or other format.
When you install AOL on a new computer or Windows restored computer, just copy the backup organize folder and paste it in the C:\America Online over writing the one that is there.
Once you sign on for the first time as a existing user and sign off, all your preferences will be there but you have to sign on first.