Why does a laptop have a no signal message?

Why do I get an insufficient memory message when I boot my laptop?

• I was given a laptop running Windows 98 and it booted up fine when I first recieved it. I ended up not using it for probably about 6 months and now I wanna use it just for internet around my house. Then problem is that when I start to boot the computer I get a message that reads 'Insufficient Memory' and velow it tells me to 'press any key to continue' and then shuts off. I try to start it up again and I get a menu that includes booting in Safe Mode. I did try to boot 'Normal' first but that wouldn't work, but I successfully booted in Safe Mode. Unfortunately I'm not good with Windows 98 and have no clue what I can do to get it running from there. If you have an idea I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance for all your help.

• Answer:

  Obviously too many programs are trying to load upon startup. In safe mode, and the reason safe mode works, is the programs that are trying to load into memory are disabled from starting. So, since you can get into safe mode. I suggest you do this: 1) Go to Start>Run> type 'msconfig' and hit enter. A tab on the top called 'startup' will appear. Open that tab, and their should be a listing of all programs that start up upon the operating system startup. These programs can be disabled by unchecking the box next to them. This won't disable the programs, but will just stop them from loading which in most instances are unnecessary. 2) Check to see how much memory your laptop actually has and what your laptop can take. An increase in memory can only benefit and the cost will be marginal.