[[size=4]]During normal bootup, win 98 se pauses for like 45 to 50 seconds, with no hard disk activity, then continues to load normally. Is there a way or registry fix to make the pause disappear or much less?
The computer this is on is a PII 350, and a gateway machine, with 192 MB Ram, 15 GB HD

The main improvement you can make is to replace that 192mb of RAM with two 256mb sticks. You will not believe how big of a preformance increase it will make.

For now you can go into Start>run>MSconfig>Startup. Uncheck everything but your security programs. Antivirus, firewall, and antispyware programs. This will also free up some of you RAM since certain programs will not start until you use them.

I have turned off everything I deemed unnecessary in MSCONFIG.
Besides Windows normally loading certain drivers, I have Pest Patrol and it's entries loading, also zonealarm and AVG anti-virus loads like 3 things. I have this computer networked with a wireless USB Adapter that loads, and an AOL Tray Icon. But, even before I networked and added the anti-virus and firewall, it was doing the SLOW Boot UP....the long Pause.....
In total, there are now 18 items that load at start up according to MSCONFIG. Thanks for your help.

I do not like USB. The long pause can be the USB NIC attempting to configure the network. I find USB can cause problem when adding addional devices. Try starting your computer with the USB NIC not plugged in.

I agree with acklan. If you have a Network Adapter thats not in use that can also cause the long pause. Look in Device Manager under Network Adapters and if there is a NIC listed double click it to bring up the Properties on it and place a check mark in Disable in this Hardware Profile and reboot and see if it improves.

[size=4] First off, I want to thank you all for your help on this problem, and on past problems. This site is a GREAT Resource.
I unplugged the USB Wireless Adapter, and that fixed the Slow Boot Up headache. NOw the computer has a normal length boot up. THis problem is solved thanks to you all. Thanks again, John.

Are you going with a PCI NIC?