I do a quick format (format C:\ /q)every 3 months as recommended for Win98.
I use W98 and only reformated when my system crashed. Igor is correct here. Do not reformat unless necessary. A monthly Diskscan and Defrag is usually all that is needed as a preventive measure.
As for the problem with the iNews window - I'd say it's a problem of the avast<->Internet Explorer connection - i.e. either IE, or avast, or something in between. Maybe a problem with the particular IE version on Win98... is anybody else running the same OS/IE combination?
Igor,Yes, I do believe that IE is the culprit here in combination with Windows. I have one of my machines with W98 and Avast 4.289 The panel function incorporates both IE and Windows function as sort of a "drag and drop" operation. The separate panels are (for lack of better technical terminology) linked, or coupled, or piggybacked, or just stuck toghether whereby they are supposed to "move" together when grabbed by the top edge of the window. This behavior of minacross' is most strange.
Minacross,There is no actual resize box in the upper left corner. That is called a Minimize/Maxmimize icon. Most panels can be "stretched" by moving your cursor the any outer edge where it should cange to double arrows. If you now click and hold.....you can drag the edge in or out as needed.
I want you to try to do this with the inews panel.
Then, try separating the panels into two separate ones and try stretching each of them. Right now, as we try to eliminate causes, we are gathering information.
Following on what Igor has said and what I believe at this point, we need to eliminate Avast. So YES, we need to uninstall it.
Here's where I get into hot water with some of the Avast Team but I like to be sure.
Use the Add/Remove function of Windows to take out Avast. THEN, I want you to download and use AVCLEAR 4. This is an Avast removal tool for stubborn "uninstalls".
http://www.avast.com/i_idt_1336.htmlLet's see how your system acts after the reinstall.
We are all in unchartered territory on this one.
![Huh ???](https://forum.avast.com/Smileys/default/huh.gif)
I'll be here.
techie101