WHY duz it RE-install ALL hardware every reboot

If i dont change anything, and I use the same working win98 directly, etc etc
etc

why if I unplug a card, or change its socket, or something, why does win98
start-up, but before any desktop, searches and tries to re-inst. everything
again.

Most of the stupid time, asking for the CD, or "Details" showing it need to
goto my /inf directory, (i think its hidden, cause its not there at that point)
OR locate the .CAB file it neeeds

Not just that once.... even after the reboot of each re-instalment. WHY?

its been over 1 month now, and at least 45 complete re-instalations with NO
CHANGES in hardware, but maybe only I moved a card up/down a socket.

its frustrating

thjanksdfgpjasgpjiobvg