Since you mention that some of the buttons are weird, you might take a look
at this article. The problem could be with the Marlett font.

Description of and Troubleshooting the Marlett TrueType Font
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=134861

I would also not hesitate to follow the directions in the article
recommended by Jeff. If you go slowly, one step at a time, you should not
have a problem.

PattyL


"Webford" wrote in message
...
It's not the appearance that's the problem. It would appear that some
file
has gone missing while I was trying to go through the steps of fixing a
startup problem I had and I also removed some old applications. Could
they
have 'shared' any system files and now they are gone?

The fonts that are displaying incorrectly are what are normally verdana
etc
on websites used frequently ie, ebay at the sign in page is partially
spidery. Very disconcerting for someone with bad eyesight. By the way,
while typing this post, the Post and Close button fonts are weird too but
all
else on this window are fine.

I had a look at that article you mentioned and I don't feel confident
enough
to do this myself in case I really stuff it up! Although I must say, that
registry key looks familiar - I hope nothing's gone wrong with that?!

Thanks

Tessa

"Jeff Richards" wrote:

Right-click a blank part of the desktop and choose Properties /
Appearence.
Select an item where the font looks strange and check the font that is
being
used. Change the font to something more suitable.

Also, see:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=234749
How to Restore the Windows Default Fonts
Note that this restores the font files - it does not restore the desktop
appearence settings.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Webford" wrote in message
...
The fonts have also gone strange in all my other programs too - not
just
Windows 98.