Yep, that is part of the issue Acid.
The bottom line is that Win98 does not require autoexec.bat and config.sys in order to operate. Those files are only present to facilitate backwards compatibility in various applications that were not designed for Windows 95/98. I think the first tab in msconfig allows you to choose what files to process on startup, and has check boxes for both autoexe.bat and config.sys. Typically, there are DOS mode drivers and path statement additions included in these files, but they will only come into play if you run something that wants DOS mode. Since they are not required, try un-checking them in msconfig and then restart your computer. Try out all of your software and such and see if everything is working properly. If it works fine, leave it like that, if something bails, then you may have to get in and edit those files selectively instead, which you can also do from msconfig.
Now, about slots. You need to do two things: First, dig out your mainboard manual and get the information on PCI slots and what the limitations are. Second, counting from the top down tell me what cards you have installed in each slot. Post this info here and we'll be able to help. Also, check how that mainboard company numbers the slots, although most do it from the "top", the AGP slot, down.
I used PCI slot 2 in my example because it is generally one of the ones that does not share with any other system device by default. What I mean is, most times Slot 1 will automatically share an IRQ with the AGP slot (bad idea), Slot three with the USB bus, Slot four and five share with each other. Just for example. Your mainboard manual should give all those details.
Also poke around in your BIOS in the section that may be labelled "integrated peripherals" and be sure to disable anything you do not use. IE:, disable USB if you don't have any USB devices, disable the printer port if you don't have a local printer.. etc. This will free up some IRQ's to work with.
Report back here with the details, and we'll thrash it out and try to help.
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Lephturn - Chief Trainer
A member of The Flying Pigs
http://www.flyingpigs.com "A pig is a jolly companion, Boar, sow, barrow, or gilt --
A pig is a pal, who'll boost your morale, Though mountains may topple and tilt.
When they've blackballed, bamboozled, and burned you, When they've turned on you, Tory and Whig,
Though you may be thrown over by Tabby and Rover, You'll never go wrong with a pig, a pig,
You'll never go wrong with a pig!" -- Thomas Pynchon, "Gravity's Rainbow"
