When I started my computer it came on in Safe Mode and my desktop looks funny (not the usual desktop).

The Safe Mode is essentially a limited, or minimal version of Windows that loads when your PC is
having problems. Thankfully, in many situations Windows is smart enough to know when a
problem has occurred and will automatically start in Safe Mode (or at least give you the option to
start in Safe Mode) the next time you restart.
• In some situations you may want to force your computer to start in Safe Mode. To do that,
hold down the F5 key when you start up and keep holding it until you see that your PC has
booted to Safe Mode. You can easily tell this because your screen resolution will be reduced
to the VGA standard 640 x 480 resolution and you’ll see the words "Safe Mode" all over the
screen. (Another way to do this is to hold down the F8 key during boot time until you’re
presented with the Windows Startup Menu and then chose Safe Mode from the list of options
presented there.)
• When you’re in Safe Mode Windows skips the Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files and loads a
minimal set of drivers that lets your PC function at a basic level. However, usually you can’tprint, use your modem or do lots of other things you would
normally otherwise be able to do. You can, however, run most of
your applications, so if you’re desperate to get some work done
and your machine keeps crashing, you may want to consider
simply working in Safe Mode for a while.
• To get out of Safe Mode restart your computer.
Run Scan Disk
The ScanDisk utility included with Windows 95/98 is a powerful disk-fixing utility. If your computer
was not shutdown properly or when an error occurs on one of your hard disk drives, ScanDisk normally
runs automatically. ScanDisk tests and checks drives for errors (which could slow the system down).
You can perform a “Standard” Scan which checks files and folders for errors or a “Thorough” Scan
that will test files, folders and the disk surface (including free space) for errors.
• To start the ScanDisk tool:
6) Exit/close all programs and turn the Screensaver off--Right click on a blank spot on the
desktop, select Properties and the Properties window will open. Click on the Screen Saver
tab, click the drop-down arrow to select None, click the Apply button and then click the OK
button.
7) See 10a.
8) Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
ScanDisk.
􀂾 Select the drive you want scanned.
􀂾 Click the radial button next to “Thorough.”
􀂾 Click in the box to select (place a check)
“Automatically fix errors” (the utility will fix any
errors found) and then click Start.
• When running ScanDisk for the first time, click on the “Advanced” button and make
sure the following ScanDisk Advanced Options are
checked:
􀂾 Display summary: Always
􀂾 Log File: Replace log
􀂾 Cross-linked files: Make copies
􀂾 Lost file fragments: Free (you do not want them converted to files)
􀂾 Check files for: you don’t have to make any choice here
􀂾 Click “OK” button when selections are completed.
• ScanDisk can also be accessed by right clicking on the [C:] Drive icon in My Computer,
select Properties from the pop-up window, and then select the Tools tab. In “Errorchecking
Status” the last time a ScanDisk was performed is reported, click the “Check
Now” button to begin.