defraging C drive

Try defraging the hard drive in Windows Safe Mode.   The other option is to just press CTRL-ALT-DEL and close out everything, but SYSTRAY and EXPLORER then defrag.  I have a similar problem when trying to defrag my C: drive.  I eventually found the problem was related to the cordless mouse software running in the background.  Once I closed out that program ScanDisk and Defrag runs completely through without stopping.

"..... THEN PRESSING AND HOLDING THE CTRL KEY OR THE F8 KEY TO BRING UP THE STARTUP MENU. THE STARTUP MENU DOES NOT COME UP. IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO GET INTO THE SAFE MODE? "

 

Instead of "pressing and holding," just tap the F8 key when Windows 98 starts to load and the logo appears.  I suspect the problem is related to the F8 key being held down.  Once the boot menu appears just choose the boot to Safe Mode option.

 

"I ALSO PRESSED CTRL-ALT-DELETE TOGETHER AND THE BOX OPENED BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FROM THERE TO SHUT DOWN EACH PROGRAM INDIVIDUALLY."

Just use your mouse to highlight what item you want to close by left clicking on it.  Once the item is highlighted then click on the End Task button.  The highlighted application will then close.  You will have to repeat this for every item you wish to close out.  You can close out everything except for Systray and Explorer.  Once you are done defragging just reboot your computer and the previously closed applications will be loaded again when Windows restarts.

on mine after windows shuts down i press and hold down the shift key.