HELP!! System freezing...

[axlsalinger]

Hey everyone, please help! Have a P3 800 Computer, close to 6 months, 128 MB of RAM. Worked fine all along... until now. Major problems... system comes up with many error messages, goes into safe mode or freezes. (Ctrl/Alt/Del does nothing) Also windows protection errors, and Performance tab sometimes says "compatibility mode paging, drive's A,C&D running in MS-DOS mode!" I have tried a few things, system file checker, selective startup, c drive defrag, etc. Corrected a few problems along the way, but main one getting worse. I find if I turn video card (Rage Fury 128 32MB) performance from full to zero, computer will start without safe mode.(sometimes) However if I try anything like connecting to the net, computer will freeze. On full, usually get safe mode or fatal exceptions. Is it my video card? Why now? I have heard I should download the updated driver... i have access to my roommate's computer, however the driver will not fit on a floppy... i will need to find someone else with a CD burner, i guess. Is there any way I can get on the net long enough to download it without a system freeze... or do you think something else is causing this problem??? Help me before I throw the computer out the window!!! Using Win 98 SE. Should I reinstall windows, rage against my rage fury, or is something else the cause? Thanx in advance...

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

how long has it been doing this??

did you install or uninstall any new software??

have you run scan disk ??

(btw- WELCOME ) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
*another 'toaster' bites the dust*

[axlsalinger]

hey... my computer has been doing this stuff for about 2 weeks now... i had watched a DVD with no problems, then sent some faxes using Supervoice for the first time... then a day or two later it started... someone had told me i might have a DOS video game causing my system to run in DOS mode, so I went on a search and deleted a few games, to no avail. I don't think i had installed or uninstalled anything else recently.

I ran Scandisk after the trouble started (the quicker version) and it said it would repair one thing... i couldn't do the "Thorough" version, however: it was taking forever and it kept re-starting, saying that another program was running... Control/Alt/Delete gave the usual list of "startup" programs... after I disabled the Startup list, it was still crashing or taking forever, although Explorer was the only thing on the list... I guess I should try running Scandisk again, although it takes a long time... There was another thing i did (maybe it was system file checker) that said a "setupx.dll" file was corrupted, and would i like to reinstall that file from the D drive... i did it and the scan now says everything is fine... however my computer is still virtually useless.

This problem is driving me crazy!!

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[Paleo Pete]

Unless I misunderstand your original post, the computer is 6 months old. It should still be under warranty. The first thing to do is take it in and have them fix it, or call tech support. Make use of the warranty, before someone tells you to open the case and you void the warranty...

To run scandisk, use the [F8] key or hold down [Ctrl] to get to a boot menu, choose Command Prompt Only and run scandisk in DOS.
scandisk_c:_/autofix_/nosummary_/surface will run a thorough, unattended scandisk and automatically fix errors. Use spaces in place of the underscores ( _ ) used here.



------------------
So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[bassvax]

I agree with Pete...the first thing is to utilize that warranty now. It is not uncommon for components to fail, even new ones. I'm thinking that cooling may be a problem either cpu fan or other. Could also be a power supply problem...best bet is to use that warranty.

------------------
One of these days I'm gonna cut you into little pieces...

[axlsalinger]

Yeah... I have had the computer for around 6 months, and I guess I will have to take it back to the store. That is something I have been hoping to avoid, as I don't have a car and it's a big production to disconnect everything, and move the computer around. I am also a bit worried about losing some of my information, although it should remain safely on the hard drive, I would assume. Thanks for the advice... I just hope the warranty is still valid, but I think it was for 1 or 2 years, not 6 months.

By the way, I tried the scandisk in DOS mode. It went through with no problems or errors, and as such, nothing was fixed.

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[axlsalinger]

One final point before I take the computer in... it does say "Unknown device" in the bottom section of Device Manager, with a red "X" when it goes into safe mode... it does sound to me like there is some problem with the system reading the video card...

I will definitely not be opening up the computer, but does it sound like that is what needs to be done? In other words there is nothing else I can do (ie. installing the updated driver) at this point within Windows?

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[kayden azagthoth]

Even though it's a pain in the butt to bring your system back to get it looked at and repaired, I would say it's for the best. I was having a similar problem with my computer. It was always freezing on me and nothing I did fixed the problem. I called the place I bought my computer from and they told me a few things to try and if they didn't work to bring it in. It ended up taking them 8 days to fix it but they did a great job. They replaced my sound card, video card, memory, cpu and finally my mobo and it seemed like my mobo was the culprit. Ever since then, I haven't had any problems with my system (knock plastic--*donk, donk*)

....note to self...don't knock the tower! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd

[axlsalinger]

For the love of God, Please HEEELLLPPP MEE!!! If you read my previous comments you will see my list o' problems. Well, I listened to the advice given, and returned the computer to the store where it was purchased. After several days, they called saying it was fixed... the Windows 98 registry was corrupted, so they replaced the registry, configured to my system and drivers, and that everything worked fine.

When I got the computer home, I turned it on and noticed that my video card "Hardware Acceleration" was set to None... I moved it to Full which I believe it needs to be to be set at to use many programs. I also went to my Startup menu, and turned on PC-illin virus protection, then restarted the computer. Well... now I have the exact same problems as before!! Even the guy at the store doesn't know what to do!!

I guess I will have to return it again, but does anyone have a suggestion before I do that?

Here are some possibilities:

- something at my home is corrupting the Windows 98 registry (monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.)

- There is some kind of a video card problem which flares up when acceleration is turned on... however what could be the problem?? Or more importantly, the solution...

- PC-illin is corrupting Windows 98

- some kind of virus?

- Gremlins!!

The guy at the store said something about the keyboard possibly corrupting things if it is made by Packard Bell, which i will check when I get home... he has also suggested wiping the C drive and reinstalling Windows 98, although this would be an extreme annoyance having to reinstall and redownload everything, especially if it ends up not working!! Any ideas???

Last point: earlier the administrator of this list mentioned trying Tech Support... who should I call? Windows 98 came installed on the computer, so as far as I understand i can't get their help, or perhaps I could if I pay them $35. Who else could I contact? ATI for the video card, or the computer manufacturer?

THANK YOU!!

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[mjc]

I would say maybe it is time to seriously consider a wipe and install, obviously one or more of your programs are not playing nice with each other. At any rate you should try to prepare as much as possible for it backup what you can, get the addresses for what you need to download, if possible fit the ones that can onto floppies (the transfer of zipped file to floppies can be done in safe mode).

But you could try uninstalling PC-illin, if you can get into Win try setting the acceleration tab back to zero first. IF that works then run scanreg and say yes to "make a backup" (From the run box, type scanreg then <enter> ). Also try to figur out what your most recent additions were and see if uninstalling them helps.



------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

468th Rule of Aquistion: Debugging of software is foolish, there is much profit in updates and upgrades.

[axlsalinger]

Would it be worth trying to reinstall Windows 98 without wiping the hard drive? From what I know it's a lot easier... my concern is screwing the whole thing up! Somewhere online I read it's easy, you just have to create a backup and make sure no programs are running (for example PC-illin)... but how do I know for sure that's the case?

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[mjc]

Do it from DOS, about the only way to really do things when a Win install goes bad. But even if you go the rename/install route you'll have alot of reinstalling to do, most if not all of the old pointers will be to the renamed installtion not the new one. There are some utilities that could transfer the addresses but it would be time consuming. Win may detect some apps but I can guarantee you it won't get all of them.

And I'm not saying that it is the only way to do it, just at this point (week and a half) and one trip to the shop that it may be easier to start all over again.......



------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

468th Rule of Aquistion: Debugging of software is foolish, there is much profit in updates and upgrades.

[axlsalinger]

Hmmm... well, I am writing this right now on my very own computer!! So that is a good sign so far... I simply uninstalled Pc-cillin.

I did still get a couple of error messages, but I've been on the net for almost an hour, whereas before it wouldn't last more than 2 minutes. I noticed that all of the PC-cillin items are still on my Startup list even though i uninstalled the program "and all its components." Are there remnants of this program in a number of different places? If so should I try to find and get rid of all of them, and how? I guess I should right-click and delete those in the startup list, and use "Find Files" for anything else...

I haven't turned up the Hardware Acceleration yet, so this may all be academic but thanks for your help! However now I cannot hear anything through my speakers. The sound card seems to be active and installed, the speakers are connected and turned on, but... nothing. What did the guy at the store do? Does this ever end?!! Any ideas how to fix this problem?




------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[mjc]

Progress is always a good sign, ok there are many reasons for the sound issue check the easy stuff first (the little horn like thing near the clock is really a speaker) check and see that the various sliders under "open volume controls" (when you right click on the speaker) are up and not muted, it is okay for the line in to be muted and mic, too.

After you check those see if the proper playback device is selected ("adjust audio properties" - speaker icon). Also make sure that there isn't another program trying to use the audio functions at the same time (check to see if any are running in the background).

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

468th Rule of Aquistion: Debugging of software is foolish, there is much profit in updates and upgrades.

[axlsalinger]

Okay...

Computer volume is on. Speaker cord is plugged into the back of the computer in the light green slot, where it was before. Speakers are plugged in, volume is up.

"Adjust audio properties" says SB AudioPCI Playback.

The sound card is SoundBlaster Audio PCI so that checks out.

Nothing else should be using the sound card. I've got WinAmp and used Find File to get "chimes.wav." Also a couple of my Napster songs... they appear to play but cannot be heard. Also tried "Sounds" in Control Panel, again they appear to play but don't.

I don't know what it could be.

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[mjc]

Go into Device Manager and check for any conflicts. Also while there right click on the My computer icon and goto to the IRQ tab and see if there are any other devices sharing the IRQ of you sound card.

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

468th Rule of Aquistion: Debugging of software is foolish, there is much profit in updates and upgrades.

[axlsalinger]

This may sound like a stupid question, but I will ask it anyway.

When I look at Start-Programs-ATI Multimedia, it says <Empty.>
So it think the guy at the store erased some stuff when he was working on my computer, like the multi-media programs. As such, I think I will have to reinstall my DVD software.

Is it possible the same thing has happened with my sound card, ie. the card is there but the software is missing?

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[mjc]

If you check in Device Manager it will tell you imediately if there are any missing driver components for the sound card (a red X or yellow exclamation point indicate problems).

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

468th Rule of Aquistion: Debugging of software is foolish, there is much profit in updates and upgrades.

[Bad Omen]

You may say I'm cruel, but...my suggestion: Try reinstaling your OS...if that don't solves your problems...change: motherboard, CPU, RAM. It can't be anything else. Most probably the memory is causing all this mess.

[axlsalinger]

THEY'RE BACK.....(insert shot of demonic ghosts here)

If somebody out there could help with this problem before I go MAD, I would greatly appreciate it. Please, Please, PLEASE!!!

I took my computer back to the store for a second time. (On the subway and bus) He wiped the hard drive, keeping my Napster files and a couple of other programs on the D drive. He removed and reinstalled Windows 98 SE. He said the computer was working fine. So I took it home. (On the subway and bus.) I began reinstalling my programs using the CD-ROM, and started getting error messages... SAME PROBLEMS as detailed above! I can barely do anything, programs keep crashing, even clicking "My Computer" has to be done 3 times before I can look at it.

Yesterday, one of "System File Checker" or "Registry Checker" stated that file "SETUPX.DLL" was corrupt, and would I like to reinstall that file... I did that... then ScanDisk with Autofix stated that there were errors, and Windows fixed them all. The exact same thing happened before the hard drive was wiped, and 98 was reinstalled. Obviously there is a conflict somewhere, but what?? What would cause the Windows Setup files to be corrupted for the 3rd or 4th time?

Is it a virus? Or a hardware problem? If so why did the computer seemingly work fine at the store? Or is there a conflict with a hardware item at home? Here's what I plugged into the back of the computer when I got home:

- monitor - keyboard - joystick - printer - speakers - power cord - telephone

Nothing on that list seems to be something that would cause this... is there a video card conflict? As someone stated before, i should download the updated Rage 128 driver from the ATI website, however I cannot get on the Internet long enough to do this!!! And again, if this is the problem, why did it work fine before, as well as at the store?

Or, did one of the programs I was installing cause this problem? If so, why and how? They were installed originally and the computer worked fine for 6 months. What is different now? Would the new programs be conflicting with the video card, or something else? I installed pc-illin, acrobat, the dvd player and soundblaster without too much trouble, 3web, supervoice, my printer cd and Office 2000 had error messages during installation.

Also, I often get messages like the system is running in MS-DOS mode, or the computer is busy, or resources are dangerously low... in other words I have 128 MB of RAM, but it acts like there's 8 or 16. Could my RAM be the problem?

I really am at the end of my rope with this problem, and quickly losing faith in the guy at the computer store! I need my computer back, I haven't had it for over a month and there is much to do. PLEASE HELP ME!!




------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

Also, I often get messages like the system is running in MS-DOS mode, or the computer is busy, or resources are dangerously low... in other words I have 128 MB of RAM, but it acts like there's 8 or 16. Could my RAM be the problem?

did you install/run any GAMEZ????????

sometimes games running in DOS do not 'quit' when you think they have.. and keep on going...................



------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[Ghost_Hacker]

First try this for the SETUPX.DLL problem.

Start the System file checker tool and when the Changed Files dialog box appears, click "Update verification information", and then click OK.

If you decide to restore that file. Use this method instead of the System file checker.

Restart your computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk, choose "Start Computer With CD-ROM Support" from the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then re-extract the file at a command prompt using the "Extract.exe" command line tool.

You will need to run the ATI card in the "None" mode as per this KB article: Q188163 (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q188/1/63.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=Q188163&rnk=1&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=CHS)

You may need either a updated driver for the ATI card or a BIOS update for your motherboard (or both). I would try the ATI drivers first. The 128 Rage does have problems with certain Motherboards hopfully the new drivers will correct that. If you have a VIA motherboard be sure to get the lastest 4in1 drivers for that board. The "4in1" includes a new bus mastering driver, this driver could fix your "DOS" mode problem.

You may also have a DOS program that will not let you out of DOS mode. This can happen if the computer is not shutdown correctly and will not resolve itself with a reboot.(Windows is now starting in that mode.) To fix follow these steps.


Press and hold down the CTRL key as the computer restarts, and
then choose "Safe Mode Command Prompt Only" from the Startup menu.

At the command prompt, type "win /wx" (without quotation marks), and then press enter.


If you get the following message "Windows 98 is now starting your MS-DOS-based-program.Press Esc now to cancel MS-DOS mode and restart Windows 98". (or something close to that)

Press ESC and windows will be out of DOS mode for good.

Last but not least I would also uninstall the PC-cillin software.

Good Luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 05-10-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Hey... okay, the idea of games running in DOS mode was the first thing the guy at the computer store suggested way back when. However I did not install any new games since the hard drive was wiped, so I will assume that can't still be the problem. We did however save 2 games on the D drive... they are not DOS games however, Thief 2 and NHL 2001.

As for the other suggestions about the ATI driver and BIOS, the internet keeps crashing before I can do anything... but I will try to download them. I unfortunately am not too knowledgable about BIOS, what exactly is it and where can I find what you have suggested that I download?

I will also try your "Setup" suggestion... can this be fixed in your opinion or will I need to wipe the hard drive again???

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[Ghost_Hacker]

If you've already gone that route and it didn't work. I don't think it will do any good now. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif


Try the "setup" and ATI drivers options first (don't forget the "none" setting). In the mean time look thur your documentation and see if you can find out what type of Motherboard you have.


I'm sure we can fix it. Just remeber the more information you have about the "parts" of your computer( type of ATI card, driver version number, that sort of thing) . The easier it will be for us to pin point your problem.


Also is the computer crashing or just one program/service?


------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 05-10-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Hey thanks for your help... hopefully i can lick this problem without taking the computer back to the store yet again... no one here seems to think it's a hardware issue?? (ie. defective video card, or something at my house conflicting with the OS)

Where can I find the information you are requesting about the motherboard and video card? I can say it's a Pentium III 800 MH board, and a Rage Fury 128 32 MB video card. Sorry I don't know more, unfortunately computer knowledge to me is like shining a flashlight inside a cave, once something is illuminated, I can see it and learn, but until that happens.....

My Office 2000 install was aborted, so I will uninstall that as well as PC-illin. Anything else need to go, or should I leave as is for now? I also have a question about Direct X, I had Version 8 on there before, and I was going to download Version 9 which I will need to operate the updated video card driver (for these I have the exact web addresses at home - unfortunately i have 3web free phn access to the net right now, and it will take 2 hours to download each - yikes!) I think version 7 was installed from my Antivirus Device Driver CD yesterday... could this be a contributing factor??

The computer does every irritating thing you can imagine, both before and now. Constant fatal exceptions, occasionally saying "Windows Protection Error. Restart your computer," from which is will go into safe mode. If I connect to the net, it will either crash the browser, give an "Explorer" error, or completely freeze up (and need to be reset) ... Inserting discs to reinstall stuff, I was getting "autorun" errors, fatal exceptions, freezes, or "Computer is busy" messages. If it were only one thing it would be so much easier to diagnose!!!!!!




------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

hey axl,

I have no new ideas on this as of yet, but if GH is on it.. you're already in VERY good hands..!

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[Ghost_Hacker]

No, I belive it really a compatabilty problem between different drivers or programs. First there must be some documentation that came with the computer. Maybe even an invoice that tells you what the computer has in it.
Perhaps you can call the dealer/shop you got it from and they can give you the information about your computer model. Otherwise you'll have to open the case to find out.

Now about the DirectX. There is no directX 9, the latest one is 8a. If you installed an older version then the first thing you should do is download and install the latest version (directx 8a). Most install programs will abort the installation of an older DirectX over a newer one. But to be on the safe side always refuse any option for a 3rd party program to install Direct X for you. (do this yourself using the DirectX install program from Microsoft.)

Go ahead and do these steps tonite or whenever you have the chance.
[list]
Uninstall antivirus software
Uninstall Office software
Use the "none" option for your ATI card.
Install Directx8a
Install the latest driver for your ATI card. (make sure you know the correct version of the card you have. Is it a Rage 128 or a Rage Pro or a All-In-Wonder card. Look for documents or call that dealer)
Try the steps I gave to correct the "setupx" problem. (if this is still an issue)


Avoid installing anything over than the drivers or directx for now.
And don't install the "4in1" drivers or any BIOS upgrades till your certain what type of Motherboard/chipset you have. Also when you boot the computer jot down the name of the BIOS as it boots.

Good Luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[mjc]

If you need some more time to grab the BIOS id you can hit the <pause/break> key while booting aand it shoud pause until you hit another key, and in some BIOS if you force a keyboard error it'll pause with the id on screen (press a key and hold it when you first power on)
------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

All Control Agents must memorize Rule 5 before proceding to Rule 6

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 05-10-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Okay. I dropped by the computer store today, it sounds like the guy is a bit skeptical of my story because the computer seems to pretty much work fine at the store!! So it's either my hardware or installs wreaking havoc. He seemed to think it was the keyboard or mouse... apparently he had a problem with a couple of Packard Bell keyboards with those "Internet" and "Radio" buttons along the top. Mine has those, but it's not Packard Bell. He gave me a different keyboard to try - it didn't help.

During bootup, my computer says "Award Modulator BIOS v4.51 PG, Pentium III, CPU at 800 MHz. DRAM CLK: 133 MHz." Later it adds "Award Plug and Play BIOS Extention v1.0A"

My video card is Rage Fury 128, ATI TECH Enhanced, software version 4.00. Driver File AT12DRAA.DRV

I was wrong about Direct X, it's version 7 I've got and # 8 that I need. I believe I had already found the right spot to download both Direct X and the updated Driver:
support.atitech.ca/drivers/winme/winme_r128_4137078_directx.html

The problem is, I can't get on the net. What I will do over the weekend is get a friend with a burner to download both of these, which I will then install.

Earlier, I tried to uninstall PC-illin: here's what it said - "cannot uninstall Trend PC-cillin 98 while the Real-Time Monitor is still loaded in the memory." I also cannot find a place to do the "Uninstall" anywhere within my Microsoft Office. I only got disc 1 or 2 on there, maybe it wasn't even installed to begin with!! Any ideas?

My video card is now set to "None." That is the one thing I have been able to accomplish!! As for the setup X problem, I had already reinstalled it from disc yesterday. It says everything is fine now within system file checker, so I was unable to locate what you mentioned, ie. the "Changed Files Dialog Box" or "Update Verification Information."

I also tried the safe mode command prompt "win /wx"... all it did was restart the computer, leading to yet another "Windows Protection Error. You need to restart your computer" message. That one's my favourite!

Ghost Hacker I hear you're one of the best. Thanks to everyone for helping out thus far, hopefully I can fix this problem without (a) dragging the computer to the store again, or (b) going insane.



------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[axlsalinger]

I should add, I am pretty sure my screen size used to be 1024 x 768, however I could be wrong. This time around, that is way too big, despite my playing with the monitor settings for half an hour. It fills my screen properly at 800 x 600 now. Small detail but I'm trying to mention everything.

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

hi again.. maddening isn't it ?? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

Earlier, I tried to uninstall PC-illin: here's what it said - "cannot uninstall Trend PC-cillin 98 while the Real-Time Monitor is still loaded in the memory." I also cannot find a place to do the "Uninstall" anywhere within my Microsoft Office. I only got disc 1 or 2 on there, maybe it wasn't even installed to begin with!! Any ideas?

at least I can help you with this one.

go to start, run. type in msconfig, click ok, or press enter.

go to "Start Up TAB", UNcheck the pc-cillin area('s).

reboot.

this time when you boot, that will not be loaded at all.

you can also take out any other things in your start up menu that you do not need. The MAIN 2 things that every windoze system has to have are systray, and explorer. Some machines configuration need other things too.

I leave in scanreg, and ensonique (sound mixer) and a couple of other things that I want to be there.

this process can be reversed the same way to re=add these programs as you see fit, you also may see something else loading there that you dont want... get rid of it.

note: when it says you need to restart windoze, click no.. I will do it later (or whatever .. something like this).. and then just shut down and re-start yourself.. your pc can 'hang' if you don't.
this has nothing to do with what you have just done, it's just windoze....

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-11-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Here I go again... I found a booklet that came with the computer, I think the numbers you're looking for may be in here somewhere...

Here's what the cover says: MS-6309 ATX VA5 Mainboard, Support Intel Celeron Processor with MMX Technology.

Chapter 1 Introduction: "The MS-6309 ATX VA5 mainboard is a high-performance computer mainboard based on VIA VT82C694X chipset." It goes on to mention the Apollo Pro133A.

The BIOS section within doesn't seem to really list anything specific. This is the User's Manual. It may contain generic numbers or my specific ones, I have no idea, but it did come with the system. Let me know if there's any more info in there that you require...

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

you posted before I could finish editing:

was gonna add: after you do the msconfig, the pccillin will NOT be loaded into memory, so it will then be able to be uninstalled.

will ad that sorry if you already knew this, and the reason I told you how to, was because GH said to do it.. NEVER mess with GH!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

hehe.. forgot more than I ever learned yet..

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-11-2001).]

[mjc]

Manuals here (http://www.msi.com.tw/support/manual/main.htm)

Identify board version here (http://www.msi.com.tw/support/bios/step/image54.jpg)

Drivers here (http://www.msi.com.tw/support/driver/driver.htm)

Does this board have "Fuzzy Logic 3"? Instructions are here (http://www.msi.com.tw/support/software/fuzzyread/readme.htm)



------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

All Control Agents must memorize Rule 5 before proceding to Rule 6

[Ghost_Hacker]

Seems you guys did a lot over night. Cool, I'm sure with all 4 of us working on this problem your computer should be up and running fine in no time http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

OK first with MS office. Open the Add/remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. If Office is listed you can uninstall it here by clicking "install/uninstall" ( I forget the exact title of this botton on a win98 computer) Anyway if it's not listed great, that just means it's not installed.

Sea's instruction on how to prevent the loading of "Pc..." will let you uninstall the antivirus program. ( The problem with Antivirus programs is you have to turn them off before you install other programs. Or else it might screw things up. In this case we'll remove it all togethere and reinstall it last once everything is working OK)


You do have a VIA chipset which has problems with ATI cards and Bus mastering. So go here and download the "4in1" drivers:
VIA 4in1 Drivers (http://www.cyrix.com/drivers/index_new2.htm)

Make sure you get the ones for the Apollo Pro 133A Intel/Cyrix platform(4in1429v) It will also list below that the name of the northbridge chip "VT82C694x+". When you install this driver choose the "turbo" option which supports AGP4x.(The "non" turbo option supports AGP1X .) Once these drivers (and DirectX 8) are loaded then load the drivers for your ATI card. After the reboot run the card with the "None" option. If things go OK then turn on the video hardware acceleration.

The VIA 4in1 drivers are also listed in the link MJC provided. ( However I always like to get the latest drivers from the chipset maker instead of from the Motherboard maker) I would hold off installing any of the "Mainboard drivers" for now. Hopefully we won't need to go that route.

Here's the correct link for DirectX8 http://www.microsoft.com/directx/ (This takes you right there.)


That should do for now. Unless Sea or MJC or anyone can think of something I missed.

Good Luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 05-11-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Hey guys, thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it.

I don't know what I was thinking, I should've known that turning off PC-illin in the start menu would allow me to uninstall it, I was just thrown for a loop by that error message. Same goes for the "Add/Remove Programs" option... d'oh!

So... I will uninstall both of those, and do all the downloads/installs that you have suggested. This will probably take a couple of days to coordinate, so it will likely be Sunday or Monday before I will know whether or not to introduce my baseball bat to my computer...

As I mentioned before, I will need to get a friend to do these downloads, and burn them onto a CDRW. UNLESS you have a way for me to get on the net long enough to do it. Also, I guess since no one commented on it, it would be a waste of time to bring my keyboard and mouse into the shop, as they had suggested.

Finally: I should wind up with 3 programs on a CDRW. (Direct X, ATI driver, 4in1) Let me know if I am right here... I will turn my computer on, throw the CD into the CDROM, and double-click on My Computer, then E drive. What do I do next? Will there be an obvious .exe type file to click on to install them? Also, is this the best order: Direct X, then ATI driver, then 4in1?

Thanks!! I'll post the results in a couple of days.




------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[Ghost_Hacker]

Yes, you'll see the "install" icons (they'll be of the .exe type) I would load them in this order 4in1,Directx8,ATI drivers. ( install them only after you've uninstalled Office and PC-illin .)

As for the keyboard and mouse, you could try using another pair. Who knows it might work. But frankly I've never seen any keyboard/mouse combo crash a computer. (As long as the software that drives them works with the OS)


By the way just what type of keyboard/mouse do you have? Who makes them?

------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 05-11-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Hey Hey. A question...

While I'm getting the Direct X 8.0a downloaded, should I get the Digital Video Update for Direct X 8.0 at the same time? At the spot where I can download the ATI driver, it suggests getting both...

Also, when I got the computer back, I installed a few things as I mentioned before like the DVD player, Soundblaster, Acrobat, etc. Is there a chance these are corrupted in some way? When I uninstall PC-illin and Microsoft Office, should I pull these off at the same time, then reinstall them later??

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[axlsalinger]

i looked 3 times, my keyboard does not have the manufacturer's name on it anywhere as far as I can see. It does have those "internet" buttons in the right-hand corner.

Not sure about the mouse, I'll check it when I go home. As for the downloads, the wheels are in motion...

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[Ghost_Hacker]

There are some keyboards/mice made by Logitech that can cause problems (it's their drivers that cause the problem.) Since your keyboard/mouse seems to be a non brand name I would doubt it's causing your problems. Of course trying another keyboard/mouse combo would prove that.


As for the "the Digital Video Update " I would download it. (I changed my mind after doing a little checking) Install it after you install DirectX 8.

I would wait and see how things go with the new drivers and with the uninstalling of the other programs first, before uninstalling anything else. You never want to do too much at the same time. It makes it hard to keep track of what your doing and can cause more problems then it fixes http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


Good Luck!!

------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 05-11-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

I managed to uninstall PC-illin and Office. Although when I go to the Add/Remove programs section, they are both still on the list, as well as disabled items on my Startup list. I did a Find Files search, and deleted what I found. Are there other "remnants" of these programs that I could or should seek out and destroy?

My mouse is made by Logitech. I wonder..... I am still waiting on the other drivers, my friend's out of town for the weekend so it'll be another day or two. I can sort of get on the net now, but after a few minutes the Fatal Exceptions, or "System is busy" gremlins come back and crash it.

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[Randy_tx]

If you can get your hands on some known good RAM.....I would swap out the RAM at this point......I think you have defective RAM...

------------------
Will XP save Me ?

[Ghost_Hacker]

Once the Reg entries are gone and the program folders have beem deleted. I wouldn't worry about any other files.

Memory ,as Randy suggested, could cause your system to crash. But if the system is running you'll normaly get a blue screen or a "locked up" system if bad memory is to blame.Your system is giving you errors before crashing.( is this correct?) Hopefully the shop you took your computer to would have check for this and anyother hardware related problems. I belive that your system is fine until you start to load up your programs and drivers. So finding the driver or program that refuses to play nice is the first step I would do. Before moving on to the hardware of your system.


As for the Logitech mouse do you know which model it is?


------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[axlsalinger]

I thought it might be the RAM too, however the part that makes no sense is that it seems to work fine at the store. They wanted me to try the computer there, I opened the DVD player, Microsoft Word etc., and everything seemed fine when they were done with it.

I do get blue screen error messages, I get every kind or error message! For example, when I accessed the Internet on Saturday, I could go to a couple of sites, then all of a sudden it would do a fatal exception, and crash the browser. However I was still connected, so I'd just open up a new Internet Explorer browser.. then something totally different would happen, sometimes a blue screen, and a couple of times i would get in a loop, fatal exception and press any key to continue would lead me to a new error message, and pressing OK to that would bring me back to the Fatal Exception. I might be able to Ctrl/Alt/Delete out of everything and simply redial the internet... then after looking at a few more sites, the computer would freeze completely and force me to reset... then the next time i tried to connect it said it can't locate the modem!!

In Device Manager, underneath Universal Serial Bus Controllers, 3 things are listed, the first one being Unknown Device with a red X through it. Under that are "USB Root Hub" and "VIA Tech PCI to USB Universal Host Controller." On Saturday, during one particular bootup the computer said "installing unknown device." I think i mentioned this earlier, but what's goin' on?

On the mouse it says M/N (model #, I assume?) - M-S48a
In device manager, it says PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port.


------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[mjc]

I have the same model Logitech mouse and in device manager it shows up as "Wheel Mouse (PS/2)", so it looks like you don't have the Logitech drivers installed for it...click on the driver tab under mouse in device manager and see if the Logitech drivers are installed...the stanard drivers should work, though.

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Vive diu prosperaque!

[Ghost_Hacker]

MJC right the standard driver should work fine, but follow his instruction to check.


Do most of your problems seem to happen when your connected or trying to connect to the internet? When you were at the computer shop did they have you connect to the internet?


Some of those problems you mentioned in device manager should be corrected with the new VIA 4in1 drivers.



------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[Randy_tx]

One other thing you want to be sure of.........if your computer is plugged into a power strip (surge protector)...take it off of the strip and plug it directly into the wall socket.........see what happens.....you MIGHT have a defective surge protector [I've seen it cause these kinds of problems many times].

------------------
Will XP save Me ?

[axlsalinger]

In Device Manager, if you double-click on "Mouse" a line will open underneath it stating the following: "PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port." So perhaps there is a missing driver, although the mouse seems to work fine.

I think they connected it to the internet at the store, although I'm not 100 % sure. My problems are certainly not limited to the net, however... the computer will freeze trying to play a DVD, and sometimes I get error messages or fatal exceptions simply trying to double-click on My Computer. A few days back I was unable to get sound, or print a Word document, and if you recall it kept crashing and wouldn't let me install Supervoice or Microsoft Office, which only got halfway done.

The computer is in fact plugged into a Powerbar or whatever they're called, and I think it might have surge protection. Maybe I'll try plugging the computer into the wall??? I will do that when I get home. I am hoping to get the drivers tonight or tomorrow as well.

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[Ghost_Hacker]

Good Call on the power strip Randy!!!




------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[axlsalinger]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

I plugged the computer into the wall instead of the power bar, and... voila!! It seemed to work much better instantly. I was able to access the Internet, use several programs at once, and get my sound working. I then tried a test, turning up the Hardware Acceleration of the Video card to "Full." At first, all was great, I used several programs, and viewed a DVD. However, after a couple of minutes, I started to get some of the same error messages I'd gotten before. After 10 minutes and several startups, even after having turned the Acceleration down to "None" and rebooted, it was starting to do a lot of the same things again. (Mostly freezing this time, although Ctrl/Alt/Delete was allowing me to simply close things rather than reset the computer)

I unplugged it from the wall for a minute, and tried it again later. Acceleration is at "None" and it seems to once again be working fine (I'm using it right now) I guess there's still some kind of video card problem, hopefully the new drivers will bring everything back to normal... I hope.

I have a couple of extra questions, please forgive my lack of knowledge here! I am pretty sure display setting was 1024 x 768 before. Now, this is way too big for my screen (you have to use the mouse to scroll left or right, up or down to find many of the icons) What I did was set it at 800 x 600, which filled about 2/3 of the monitor, and then use the monitor settings to enlarge it to full-screen. The problem now is that everything is way too big (icons, application windows, fonts, etc.) How can I make everything within Windows a bit smaller while having the Desktop still fill the whole screen? The only things I can seem to find to change this would be the 800 x 600 setting, and the Rage Fury Properties General section, where "Display - Font Size" is set at Small Fonts.

Also, most of my stuff is now on the D drive, which is full. (programs, napster songs, etc.) I have located the Desktop icons, and "sent them" to the Desktop. Is it fine to leave everything there, or should I move them back to C Drive Program Files? And if so what's the best way to do it?

I'll post the results when I get the updated drivers installed. It is nice to have regained some of my computer back. THANKS SO MUCH for your help everyone!!!




------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

unbelievable RANDY!!!!!!!!!!.. right in front of us the entire time.. so obvious nobody 'thunk it'.. hhe

real nice call..


great for you axl !!

I can say that my monitor is set to 800 X 600 16 bit HIGH color, and I view everything perfectly.. not sure about the rest but.. someone else will be..

long thread, but nice ending. heh

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-15-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Cool!!! Great that your system is now a lot better http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


I would wait till after you install the new drivers before adjusting the resolution of your monitor.


As for your programs...Check first that they still work. Some of them may need to be reinstalled. If so you can install the program first, then copy/move the olddirectory (in the D drive) over the new one (just installed) to restore your data. The MP3s and other non-program files can be copied or moved back to their orginal location. Once you have moved the files/programs back to the C drive you'll need to delete the desktop icons and replace them with new ones that point to their new location on the C drive.



------------------
Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[Randy_tx]

IF your computer continues freezing up on you or giving errors.....it is HEAT........what temp. do you keep the room at where this computer resides??

------------------
Will XP save Me ?

[axlsalinger]

Ay carumba. Today I got the CD with the drivers on it. However, it seems the 4in1 driver is a "Zip" file. When I double-click it, the window pops up asking me which program to open it with. Of course, I have no idea. This file needs to be unzipped somehow, I think, but how?? Can I do that, or did my friend miss something, and should I download it again?

So I decided to connect to the net to make this post. Windows Protection Error, ended up having to go into Safe Mode, do a proper Shut Down, and then reboot. (At that point all the usual suspects were there, right-clicking My Computer Properties listed everything working in MS-DOS compatibility mode paging, as before.) After rebooting, everything looked normal, so I connected to the Net. Here's what happened:
1 - I got some error message, (which I didn't write down) which led to a Fatal Exception, which led to the next message: "Launchpad caused an invalid page fault in module KERNEL32.DLL at 0177: bff74507." At this point it was completely frozen, and I had to reset. I've seen this one before.
2 - The next time I connected to the net, this message came up: "lexplore. This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down." Ctrl/Alt/Delete allowed me to get rid of this without rebooting the computer. However, when I connected again, it froze completely, which caused me to Reset, causing a Windows Protection Error...

I feel I am in the movie Groundhog Day!! So at that point I shut down, unplugged the computer from the wall, then rebooted, and here I am. Everything seems normal now.

I definitely think Randy is on to something regarding the power, however I am not out of the woods yet. As for the question about the temperature, the computer is in a normal room on the second floor of an apartment building. Now this building is quite unusually hot, it is very annoying. So for example now, it is very warm in here considering it's 12:35 at night, however it's not that bad and the window is open.

Certainly the computer is better. But the problems remain to at least a certain extent.............

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[axlsalinger]

as i was saying, I don't have the exact temperature, it is fairly warm upstairs here but don't forget the computer worked beautifully for 6 months. Also, I am in Toronto, Canada - not quite as hot as Texas!! For example today was 20 degrees Celsius... I believe that'd be around 70-80 Fahrenheit? Slightly hotter in my place, and Toronto is a very humid city, but not enough to cause all this, I don't think!!

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

you don't have WINZIP (http://www.winzip.com/ddchomea.htm) ???

hehe.. sounds like Randy needs to give you some 'Texas Heat Tips'.... they know about heat in Texas...

me thinks this thread should be re-started !
(way too long)

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-16-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

My problem is a bad memory!! I remember Winzip... now the question is, do I have it or not? I don't think I've ever needed it so I'm not sure, but I will check it when I get home. Remember, the hard drive was wiped so I may need to download it.

I guess I should start a new thread... or hopefully just bring this one some closure!!!

I should add to my previous post, the video card acceleration has stayed at "None," and there are still these problems.

------------------
"Believe in me, cause I don't believe in anything... and I wanna be someone who believes" - Counting Crows

[sea69]

copy the winzip address from above to take home with you.

just start a new topic on you current specific problem.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[yawningdog]

This will solve everything. Yes I know it's a pain, but take your machine back to the store one last time, place it on the counter, pound the counter with your fist and say in your best drill sargeant voice, "Give me a new machine, or give me my money back! DO NOT offer to fix the problem again!" It works best if you can get a woman to do it for you. She's less likely to get arrested.

If you seriously want to try to fix this thing, you should bear in mind that you are not the only person with hands in this machine and you have no idea what the other person\people screwed with

[netdragonx]

...or throw it off the top of a 3-story building, and just screw it.

As my friend, the radio-man, would say (especially for those of us in gray-out prone california): "It would help us all get through this energy crisis, and it's not even hard."



------------------
- Mr. Dragon