Hi guys!

I've been having a really bad problem with my computer. It seems that when I am using any application that I have installed, I crash to desktop. It happens with games for the most part - but the other day it happened with Norton.

I have tried a number of different fixes but none of them have worked. In your experiences, what could cause a system to automatically exit a program and crash to desktop - even when I have shut down all programs that are running in the background. Other than this, what could possibly be the culprit?

Your help is much appreciated.
Thanks ))

Hello Aliquis76

The trouble with trying to find the detailed, and probably obscure, cause of a problem is that it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

There's a much simpler soution to problems of this type if you prepare for them.

1. You set up a system of backup.
[If you already have it restore a good backup and the problem will
disappear if it's a software or configuration problem]

2. You re-format your Hard Drive and re-build your software taking backups at strategic points along the way where the system is working well.
Keep a log of what you have installed and [in red?] where you took the backups.
I keep 3 backups:
one taken at a very early stage when all essential software is in place which I put away somewhere safe to be used as a last resort;
and another two which "leap frog" each other, the latest one being written over the oldest of the two.

3. If at any point a problem develops; [provided I know that the latest backup does not include the problem] I re-format my drive and restore the backup and the system is restored to it's previous good working state.
Any important, recent, data would be backed up on a floppy or lost.
The "Simple Backup" programme is really good, works with CD-RW disks and makes it all so easy.
I have "Drive Overlay Software" installed to give me access to "large" Hard Drives without updating my BIOS and the software provided with this [on a floppy] makes re-formatting my drive so simple.

This may not [if you don't have a backup] solve your present problem but it could bring similar, future problems, a quick and easy fix.

Hey Sylvander, I like the way you think http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Aliquis, we could use a little more info here.
When you say "Crashes to desktop", are you still functional?
Are you getting any notices?And if so, what do they say?
System specs???
How long has this been happening?
Do you remember what you installed just before this happened?

On a piece of white paper, use a pencil and make as detailed a list as you can of everything Norton, Symantic, and Macafee on your system. Be sure you dig thru every folder and program directory you can to find these.
Now delete these things on your list (thru Add/Remove programs or their uninstall program of course) from your computer.
Next, go into your registry and do a search for Norton, Symantic, and Macafee. Delete every instance that lists. Do it again. Do it again. Do this untill you no longer get a listing for any of these 3.
Last but not least, take the piece of paper out into your yard, crumple slightly, light it with a match, and dance around the flame wildly chanting "I'm Free, I'm Free!"

The above may seem like a joke, and for the most part it is, but I am also very serious about this. If you are prepared to dig into the registry (a dangerous place for the faint of heart) then you might consider trying what I said. Otherwise, just kiddin http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Let us know about the other questions and we can go from there http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

------------------
Waiting patiently for the future to arrive.

Frank's Place (http://dreamwater.net/tech/frankscomp/)

Overheating can cause crashes, especially when playing games.
Remove the case cover and run an external fan blowing on the computer. If this works, then you need an extra case fan or two, a video card fan(if your card does not have one), or a higher capacity CPU fan.

LOL, bassman ! My husband likes Norton so much that I am beginning to get jealous! And, I agree, when I saw Norton in this post, I went "Ah ha!" too...lol.

Seriously, Aliquis76 , we do need a bit more info. Do you use that Norton Crash Guard stuff? A friend of ours spends a lot of time back on his Desktop with the Crash Guard. And how long has this been happening, and did you install anything just before it started happening? Heat could be the problem, as ski said..is this an older system, or a new one? Maybe just needs a really good dusting out.

[This message has been edited by kayofcircles (edited 05-09-2002).]

I read somewhere that crashing to desktop, especially in games, is a problem with DirectX, video card drivers, a combination of the two or a conflict between the two.

Run DXDIAG to make sure you don't have any conflicts.

------------------
This space reserved for highly intelligent observations and witty remarks.

This message has not been edited by BigBlue66.