Networking slows down Win98 Boot

[timswim78]

I reinstalled (clean install) Win98 on an older machine (P233MX, 96MB RAM) because the Windows Startup screen was staying on for about 4 minutes. After the reinstallation, the Windows screen was still staying up for an awfully long time. SO, I read and read and tried a variety of things such as changing the .sys files and etc . . . Then I read that it may be the networking card. So, I removed the card and did another clean install. Bam! Windows started right up! Then I installed the network card and it ran like a dog again, even after I removed the card. So, I did another clean install with a different brand network card. had the same problem again. I should mention that one card was a PCI Netgear, and the other card was an ISA Intel.

Any suggestions?

THANKS!

 

[FUBAR]

That's a well known issue, although your time seems a little long. I'd believe a minute to a minute and a half though.

The reason is that your network card, unless you've set the tcp/ip stack to use a static IP, is looking for a dhcp server. When it doesn't get a response from one, it has to wait for the timeout, which is the delay you see.

No need to reinstall to see the diff, just yank the card and put it back in.

 

[timswim78]

Thanks for the advice. You are right, I did have the card set up to seek the DHCP.

 

[dvogel]

If you feel like reading a bit more, there is a registry setting to modify the DHCP timeout. Note, however, that setting it too low will cause you to miss valid DHCPOFFER packets. I believe the DHCP specifications also set a minimum timeout period.

Regards,
Drew Vogel

 

[timswim78]

I tried some google searches on this topic, and all that I seem to come up with are tweaks to fix the "DHCP Vulnerability" issue. Could you please point me in the right direction.