Shaddy we need to know which version of Windows you are running. Have you installed any new programs recently?

If you have Win98 or Win98SE then try this. Click Start, click Run and in the run box type sfc and click OK. You may be asked for the Win98 CD and you may be asked if you wish the older files to be replaced with newer ones. Just read each request through and answer accordingly.

If you have WinXP then try this. Click Start, click Run and in the run box type sfc /scannow and click OK. Note the space after / and the 2 n's. You will probably need the CD in the drawer.

If this does not fix it then tell us what programs you are using for anti virus, firewall and any other anti malware programs you are using - and if these are all up to date and you have ran all of them since this proiblem arose.

It sounds like either a virus or your hard drive may be dying as many different things are malfunctioning. I would back up pics, documents, etc., onto disks just as a precaution. Anything you can't duplicate should be backed up ASAP.

Then, please advise which operating system you are using. If you know how to get into the event viewer, do that and see if you can isolate the problem codes, etc. so more help can be offered.

Shaddy on my first post I said there was a space after the /, sorry it is BEFORE the / slash.

fwiw, quick web search..

mcicda.drv (mci cd audio)
WINASPI.DLL (scuzzy translator maybe)
DDEML.DLL (dynamic data exchange)

those are mostly win98 files needed by a cd drive, used mostly for audio and burning.

If something replaced them with older files, maybe it backed up what it replaced. Perhaps search for the filenames without the extensions and see if newer versions are on your hard drive with a funny .extension,
then maybe you could boot into safe mode and copy newer ontop of old after maybe making your own backups.

DDE might affect your mouse click too.

Security alert is probably a setting in the browser security section.

Shaddy, I'd correct the date on the computer if you have not already done so. Right click on the time in the lower right corner of your tray and choose "Adjust Time/Date". Correct that and then see what happens.

Grandms, I have done the changing of the date/etc., I don't have it in the sustem tray, I had to go to my computer section, but the date and time are about correct.
I was so upset last evening when I posted, I forgot to put in my OS, which is IE98, and OE 6.
At least I think it still is, darn, these machines anyway, I am not so talented as to be able to do much myself, I try and find someone else, don't have the skill to forge ahead. I have adult ADD, and one day I can understand something, and the next day, the same thing is Greek, or whatever nonunderstandable language there is. Tonight is no exception, will try to answer each of responders individually, as I need all the help I can get.
Thanks so much for your understanding, and help.
With that said, the date is good, and will move on to the next business.
I shall return, I am sure!

I tried posting directly to you, was rejected, sorry.
I did what the system file checker said, and have found there were 14? deleted programs? How in the world would that happen? I have done nothing, short of trying to change the date/time back to where it belongs.
I have installed no new programs either, so is just very confusing for me to figure out this, I was so agitated over it, forgot so much to include in my posting as well.
I am running IE98, and OE6, and hoping this waving of the wand you suggested will do the trick.
I am going to try and get around the web, and get back to ya with what happens.
I will also include the programs I supposedly had deleted, and would appreciate so much your input as to whether or not they are good to go?
Thanks again, it is appreciated greatly.
Now, on to Mikie.

I have done as owbist suggested, and hope that does the trick, I haven't been able to force myself to do what either of you suggested, that anxiety is too great, and I would rather struggle with problems here than go without the machine. I don't know if anyone can understand that, I just can't handle these things, know that this sounds whiney, but some of us are good with our hands, and some with our brains. I am good with my hands, meaning manual labor, this desk stuff is beyond me. I am sending up a prayer that what I did will turn the tide, and if not, I will have to get someone to help me, because I am unable to forge ahead by myself. I admit shortcomings.

Shaddy we all understand your nervousness. Been there and done that in most cases. Remember when any suggestion is made here you do not have to try to cure everything in a few minutes. Just tackle one suggestion at a time. Quit when the going gets a little exciting and you get overwhelmed. Rest with a coffee untill you feel settled again even if that is the next day. This is not a race - and you CAN do this stuff. Just decide these things are possible, there are many good minds here to help you as you go along.

We still need to know what you are using for anti virus, a firewall and any other safety programs. I think your computer is infected that is why those files got deleted or alterred.

Remember too that if you contact any of us by email the only that person knows what is going on, the others who may well have the answer cannot help.

As you find things we are asking try writing them in a small text file you can create and save using Notepad. Then as time goes by and you have got it all written down you can copy and paste it into the forum here. Whaddyathink?

Owbist, have trouble again, please assist?
Still getting a system file error window, with this info:
DDEML.DLL has been replaced with an older version of a program you recently ran. (I am using windows 98)
These files are in use and can't be automatically repaired. Windows may not run correctly until you reboot and they can be repaired.

I have shut down several timees, and overnight, now trying to get back to you again, and still nothing. Usually there are 2 of these windows one atop the other, and I click OK, and they disappear. Next time they show up again at reboot.
What else do I need to do?
Most of the rest seems to be back in order, the right click of the mouse is even returned so you are on the right track for sure, just need some reassurance here, I am trying to get the website to let you mail directly to me, and it won't accept that either. Really messing with my mind.

I Googled the error and found this page which instructs exactly how to correct this problem. It might be a good idea to print out the web page and read carefully and SLOWLY follow the instructions, step by step. This should correct this problem.

Here is a link that might be useful: DDEML.DLL error

Try grandms' cure Shaddy

Now we need to know which programs you have installed to keep the bad guys out. Also we need to know if these are up to data and if you have ran each program. Why? I think you are infected and until you do some scans nothing is going to get better for you. Of course I could be wrong here.

As I said in another post, it is important that the discussion continues here on the forum and not by using emails. There are 2 reasons for this. First for you, I could well be wrong but no one else would see our communications so could offer no alternative cure. Secondly there are always lurkers on these types of forums. They too gain from this. As they read any of these threads it helps to guide them on some issues that may affect them too.

Hello,

mikie is right you need to follow his instruction on renaming the file in save mode if you GOOGLE the words below it will take you to some links click the Microsoft link take your time read the information presented

Google > (DDEML.DLL has been replaced with an older version of a program you recently ran). Copy & paste all the words in brackets and google it. I also noticed you said you had a date problem please make sure your time & date are correct and are staying correct fluctuating time/date can indicate bad c-moss battery on main board this can cause a host of odd errors. grandms' link is good too--The Microsoft link will cover more detail.

I am going to try this what Grandms suggested, but will have to be at my own time, cuz it looks overwhelming.
I would ask where is DOS, and how do I get into that part?
Is there some step by step things that I should know?
Lately, keeping up with the puter is getting harder, tho I do have an older machine.
Also, would ask while I am in here, I am having trouble when I want to reply to a posting, such as this one, and always have to go and login. I was told to set internet settings to accept all cookies, but I can't find in my options where it says that at all. IE98, maybe doesn't have this?
Also, trying to find some old internet addresses, as I lost some cookies, I barged around and found TempInternet files in documents/settings, there are tons of them. I thought I was cleaning them out when I did the settings in the beginning, now what? I do have some of the usernames/passwords written down on paper, but have lost a couple, would like them back if possible.
As I stated before, am green as grass about some things, and sometimes, I can make sense, does anyone else have or know of adult ADD? Sure makes things difficult.
Anyway, wanted to thank you all for your responses, and will do my best, hoping to get some assistance in the DOS area, and perhaps with the cookies?

So the saga continues, I have done virus check, Avast, and done a complete scandisk this time, went sorta well, took long time, checked all errors.
Also, as long as it was a good day, tried the error thing at Microsoft, and got nowhere. Will try again tomorrow, if things are good, otherwise, the defrag, and malware will have to take presidence.
thanks again to all, and appreciate your giving me some confidence to keep going. I know I can do most of this, it is just on the good days I can make progress.