The Neverending System Problem

[axlsalinger]

Hey, it's Axlsalinger, just starting a new thread because the "HELP! System Freezing" became so very long.

Latest update, I need to download winzip before I can install the new drivers that Ghost Hacker had suggested. Here is what happened last night when I started my computer... 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 everything seems normal now.

I definitely think Randy is on to something regarding the power and the surge protection, 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.............


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

[Ghost_Hacker]

Hello Axlsalinger..... How did the drivers work for you?
any progress?


Just wondering http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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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]

This thread is "HELP! System Freezing" Version 2.0. Here's the update:

I have installed (as far as I can tell, it went through fine) The 4in1 Driver, Direct X, and the new ATI video card Driver. After all is said and done, it is working better now, but many of the problems still remain...

The only way I can get the system to function normally is to do a proper shutdown, and unplug the computer from the wall for a minute, before plugging it back in and rebooting. Even this only works about 50 percent of the time, but it is a clue. Now since I installed the final driver (Rage Fury), I only had time to try the Internet because it had gotten so late. It is theoretically possible that only my web connection software is corrupted, although at this point it seems doubtful.

Something interesting happened during the video card driver install. I installed it, rebooted, changed the acceleration to full, rebooted, etc. I was getting error messages and had to reboot the system 2 times, where all of a sudden a window came up saying that my video card driver had now been installed!! So it seems that whenever this "problem" rears its head, even if the computer looks like it's booting up normally, it isn't... things are not done properly during startup, resulting in all the error messages and problems.

I think Randy was onto something regarding the heat and power being the culprit. However, problems still arise despite the computer being plugged into the wall outlet. Any suggestions, folks?

- Could it be the power cord itself possibly? (since the computer seemed to work fine at the store, they told me not to bother bringing the power cord when I took it in, they used their own)

- Could the outlet within the computer that the cord plugs into be malfunctioning in some way?

- Is there some kind of power cord driver, or software that is malfunctioning?

- Could it be something else heat/power related, like a fan or cooling component?

I am basically almost ready to return the computer to the store for a 3rd time (or better yet, take someone's suggestion and toss it out a window) However I trust y'all more than them, so I would like to go in there with as much detailed information and suggestions as possible, if we end up unable to solve it from here.

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

[axlsalinger]

I should add, I get a "Windows Protection Error. You need to restart your computer" message virtually every time I turn the computer on.

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

[Ghost_Hacker]

Hmmmmmmm...... Someone may have some other ideas. But check that the fan on the power supply is running. As for the power cord as long as your using a 3 prong outlet I can't see it causing any problems. Power outlets can cause problems (rare but it could happen) so trying another outlet in another room is something to do.


As for heat the fastest way to fix that problem is to remove the computer's cover and place a regular house fan to blow across it at an angle.(make sure that by removing the cover you don't "void" your warrenty.) It doesn't look pretty but it works http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


Again I would assume that they checked the memory,power supple,hard drives, motherboard ( if the keyboard was a problem as they suggested. Did they try to reproduce that problem by using one of those keyboards? Did they reload Windows for you or just tried to see if they could reproduce your problems "in-shop"?)


If you have already reinstalled Windows and the "basic" drivers for the chipset/video. And if all other user programs have been removed or not installed ( you only have the default Windows installation in other words).Then if the "heat" and "power" solutions don't pan out and your still having lockups, there won't be much more for you to do without getting into the guts of your computer.


Frankly at that point I would question what the guys at the shop did to try to reproduce your problems.

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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 05-17-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Ok....Here's what I would do.( if you have already tried the "power" and "heat" solutions and they didn't work) First I would reformat the drive that contains the Windows directory. Then reinstall Windows and the VIA 4in1 drivers. After that install DirectX 8 and the ATI drivers and nothing else. ( again you'll have just Windows with all the default drivers it needs to run your computer, such as video and modem,installed. ) Now see if you can use the computer without lockups or other errors.


If all goes well then install your other programs one at a time and test your system after each install. If at any point the errors crop up again then make a note of the program that was lasted installed and uninstall that program.


This way you know for sure if it's a "software" issue and that your starting with a clean slate. ( right now you have too many "mis" installs to be sure what is going on with your system.)


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

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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 05-17-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Here we go again. I had to reboot the system several times with the error messages, then unplugged the system for a minute and now it seems fine.

I dropped by the store today, basically the first time I took the system in they got a couple of blue screen errors, but not much else. Then they noticed the corrupted Windows registry, and replaced it. The second time, the system seemed to be working pretty much fine for them!! They used a diagnostic tool they have to check the hardware, and again everything checked out. So they wiped the hard drive, and reinstalled Windows 98. My new theory is this... for whatever reason, the power supply (maybe damaged surge protection from the Power Bar) keeps corrupting my Windows registry. So even though it's now plugged into a regular outlet, the damage was done when I brought the computer home.

So, I will take your advice, Ghost Hacker, and wipe the C Drive again, then reinstall everything one by one... plugged into the wall of course!! If this fails, it's back to the store, I guess...

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

[axlsalinger]

Alright, last night I wiped the C drive, and reinstalled Windows 98 SE. Now when I went to Add/Remove Programs, and Windows Setup, the system required the computer to reboot at one point. When it came back, and I double-clicked on My Computer, I got one fatal exception, and a "system is busy" message. Other than that, no error messages so far, and the computer has restarted 7 or 8 times now.

On to my next roadblock: there's no video card driver. In Device Manager, underneath "Mouse" and above "Ports" It says "Other Devices" with 2 subheadings... "PCI Communication Device" and "PCI Multimedia Audio Device." When I double-click them to reinstall or search for drivers, it comes back saying there are none available.

Now I will assume this refers to the Rage 128 driver and perhaps the sound card, and of course I've got the updated Rage driver on CD. Here's the catch - I can't install this driver because it requires Direct X 8.0. And I can't install Direct X 8 because it needs to be in 32-bit colour. Right now, my system won't allow me to change the Display area from 640 x 480, and the color palette lists only 16 and 256 colours. How do I change that? If it's because it requires the video card then I'm caught in a loop...

I also am unable to install the 4in1 driver because it requires Winzip. I thought I'd saved that program to disk, but I was mistaken. How important is that? I could install the internet and go download it if it's imperative that it be done first, but I was hoping to get just the basics on there before I started installing other programs... Please help!!


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

[Ghost_Hacker]

Install the VIA 4in1 drivers before you install the DX8 or ATI drivers.


You should be able to install DX8 even if your setup at 16bit color. But if not then install the standard SVGA drivers. (This method is used when installing the ATI Radeon drivers and should work here too.) So here's your roadmap.


4in1
standard SVGA drivers or Standard VGA drivers ( which everyone works)
DX8
ATI drivers

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

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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]

where can i find that standard vga driver for the video card?? I did a search for the driver, and it can't seem to find it...

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

[Ghost_Hacker]

When you get to the list of drivers to install. The "standard" ones are usally at the top. If worst comes to worst you should be able to install the ATI drivers without DX8 ( I don't think it checks for it). DX8 isn't needed for the install. It's need so the card works correctly with games and other apps. So installing DX8 right after the ATI driver should work too.

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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]

the updated card does check for Direct X 8, unfortunately... and Direct X requires me to change the colour setting, which the system won't let me do... i will search for the driver you mentioned...

Thanks! I'll keep ya posted sometime over the weekend

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

[axlsalinger]

Okay, I installed Winzip (to open 4in1 driver), 4in1 driver, Direct X 8, and the ATI updated video card driver. I also figured out how to reset the monitor at 1024x768, and am back at 32-bit colour. So what's the verdict? Basically, not good. I had gotten a few error messages along the way, similar to before, only not nearly as often. Still, enough to be alarming with all the trouble I've gone through with this. The system even froze at one point during the Windows 98 install, and I had to redo it. All in all, not really a way to instill confidence! However, there have been no "Windows Protection Errors," and it is working better than before. However, today when I turned the computer on, i decided to do some detective work, and ran scandisk, registry checker, and system file checker. And... the system file checker said that the "setupx.dll" file was corrupted, (once again) and I should reinstall it from the install disk, which I did. Methinks my Gremlin is still hangin' around...

The video card had no driver the other day. I eventually got the standard vga one on, then the ATI one. The sound card had no driver. Just now I have done my Soundblaster install, solving that problem. After that, I decided to try connecting to the net, as it says there is no modem. I installed a generic 56K modem driver, which is listed in Device Manager, however when I try to connect to the net, guess what..... all the old problems return. Fatal exceptions, System is busy, system freezes.

I am so frustrated right now, I can't even put it into words. Could my modem be the culprit? ie. no driver (or an incorrect one) causing a lot of these problems, especially since they're at their worst regarding the internet. However I did have problems before this with the setupx.dll file... Or could they also have been caused simply by having the modem and phone lines attached to the computer, which could also explain why it was working at the store?

Or could it be the video card? The RAM? Or is it something to do with the power supply?

Aaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!


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

[netdragonx]

Well, all this trouble and still no solution. I suggest returning to the retail store and have them replace the entire system (if that is possible). It isn't right that you should have all these problems with a new system. So, that's my suggestion.

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- Mr. Dragon

[Ghost_Hacker]

Sorry to hear that http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif O.K with just Windows and the basic drivers on there. You should have no problems as long as the default BIOs settings havn't been changed. I would now start to consider what methods where used by your shop to verify the system was working. I would not waste anytime try to dig around in the computer if it is still under warranty. (you'll need extra parts you proably don't have. And it will proably void your warranty.) I would have the "shop" either reinstall Windows and verify the system works under load ( IE: can run without errors, can work with your programs, and can connect to the net without errors) or have them replace it.

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

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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 05-21-2001).]

[AussieJoe]

I reckon this sounds like faulty ram - but don't mess with that if its under warranty - return to store and have them check\replace the ram.
my 2cents worth
cheers

[axlsalinger]

Thanks a lot for your help, everyone!!

I will return the computer to the store and get it looked at. (again) At least this time I have more to go on, it is pretty much certain that it isn't only a software issue at this point. Something to do with the power supply, CPU fan, or the RAM, it would seem.....

I will post later on in the week once the situation resolves itself. You guys are great, I appreciate your time and I'll let you know what happens.....

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

[yawningdog]

I agree with the RAM diagnosis for this reason. If the contacts on your DIMM are a different metal than the contacts in the slot (gold vs. tin) corrosion will result and connectivity problems will ensue. Humidity will only make the problem worse. This would also explain why your machine worked fine for six months.

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Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler.

[axlsalinger]

Hey kids... It is Axlsalinger here with a sad update... I've been away for a while because it took a couple of weeks to get the computer to the store, and they had it for a week. They were convinced the keyboard was to blame, so I brought it in. (NEC multimedia keyboard)

They wiped the hard drive, and tested the computer. Working fine. Then they plugged in my keyboard, and apparently it messed everything up, and they started seeing some of the problems I had described. So they wiped the HD again and tested with a new keyboard. Again, working fine. So I brought it home, holding my breath while I turned it on.....

The computer seemed fine, so I started installing a couple of programs. And yes, slowly but surely, I began getting a few of the same old error messages, to the point where it's hard to get anything installed without getting more error messages. A Registry checker and system file checker revealed once again that the setupx.dll file and the registry were corrupted. It seems apparent that these corrupted files are causing the problems and error messages. The $64,000 question is... what the F%&# keeps corrupting them??? It seems to happen only when I install programs at home, and doesn't seem to happen at the store.

Obviously we are at the point where they will have to send someone to my house to fix it, or replace the computer. I did want to test a hypothesis with you guys first, though. There is a cable that connects the DVD player to the television, but my TV does not have the proper outlet for it. I tried sending it through the VCR, but had problems with macrovision, so what I ended up getting was an RF Modulator from Radio Shack, which receives the cable outlet, and runs one cord to the computer, and one to the TV. I noticed that each time I get my computer back, the "TV Out" is always on, and I have to turn it off and resize the screen to fit my monitor. I usually have the TV on as well while working on the computer.

Could this be what is corrupting my Windows registry? I unplugged the DVD cord yesterday and noticed that things were working a little bit better and the font size was larger when I first turned on the computer. I was also able to connect to the internet. However there are still problems installing anything, but that could be because the registry has already been corrupted once again. I am thinking maybe another C drive wipe, followed by installs with this cord unplugged could solve things? Does this sound familiar or feasible to anyone???

The only other things at my house that plug into the computer are my phone, the monitor, speakers, printer and a joystick. Either that or it is my wall outlet, I haven't really done a proper wipe and reinstalled everything while plugged into a different wall outlet yet.

Of course, the problem could be the usual suspects discussed before, ie. power supply, CPU fan or RAM. They checked the power supply and said it's fine, and apparently everything else as well. I also have 500 Napster songs and a couple of programs saved on the D drive... I suppose it could also be a virus. However, regarding these options, WHY WOULD IT KEEP WORKING PROPERLY AT THE STORE???!!!!!

I'm way beyond being angry about this anymore, I just need a resolution. Please help.



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

[yawningdog]

I've been awaiting your return with guileless abandon axlsalinger. I'm about 90% convinced that your problem is memory and I'm dying to find out the truth. Unfortunately, vindication has not been forthcoming as yet, but I believe in you. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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He thrusts his fists against the posts but still insists he sees the ghosts.

[yawningdog]

Sorry, double post.

[This message has been edited by yawningdog (edited 06-19-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Thanks Yawning Dog, I was really hoping to return with some good news for once!! I don't know what I was thinking with this crazed idea that I might actually solve this problem and be able to use my computer. I now officially give up. Anybody want a large paperweight?

When the guy at the store said my keyboard had created similar problems there, I thought that maybe, just maybe, that was the problem after all even though it seems ridiculous. However, it appears not to be...

Yesterday, with the DVD cord (and hence, the RF modulator) unplugged from my computer, I wiped the CD drive, and reinstalled Win98. Everything seemed okay, so I inserted my ATI disc into the CDROM to install the ATI drivers, Direct X and DVD player. Well, it installed the first 2, but not the multimedia!! I did this 3 times... eventually I isolated the multimedia center and installed it, however a message came up about something that will not allow it to work properly, I forget the exact wording but I saw this message last time as well. I installed the sound card with no problem, then turned to the Internet...

As happened the last time, i keep getting messages that say it cannot detect a modem. This despite the fact that when I got the computer home, I was able to connect to the Internet. I also received yet another error message regarding a corrupted Windows registry.

I think I will move the computer to another room, and perform a wipe and install to make sure there is no problem with the actual wall outlet. Beyond that, unless my phone and modem are causing this somehow, I am at a loss. That only leaves the monitor, printer, joystick and speakers as things at my house that could be responsible.

The store guy said he might send his repairman to my house this time. I'll tell him to bring some new Ram with him... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif



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

[yawningdog]

If you're serious about the paperweight thing, let me be the first to say...DIBS!!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I'd like to suggest you work slowly(If you haven't been). Load windows and play minesweeper in safe mode for about a week, just to get the feel that at least that much is right. Then start adding stuff one thing at a time and give each item some time to fault out. I know it's going to be maddeningly slow, but I see no other way to deal with intermittent problems like this one.

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He thrusts his fists against the posts but still insists he sees the ghosts.

[AwARe]

axl,

I really dont have enough time to read all thses posts haha

Sorry to hear about your delima.....

I would recommend from what little bit I have had time to read of this incredibly long thread, that you get a dos boot disk and let the dos mem manager have a go at that memory........alot of times this will report an error with bad memory that windows cannot detect or doesnt report (and would give you a little bit of evidence to use against that store that sold you that comp, if in fact the ram is the problem) Id also "if you havent already" run an extremely thourough scan disk on that HDD..........

Usually when Ive had these kinds of problems in the past however, they have been caused by a POS Mother Board.........Didnt see if you had it posted what board, I assume its listed in here somewhere.......

Good Luck!

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What I meant by what I said is hopefully less confusing then the contemplation of the question that led to the confusion in the 1st place.......

[This message has been edited by AwARe (edited 06-20-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Okay guys. I moved the computer into another room yesterday, and simply hooked up the monitor, keyboard and mouse. New outlet, no other distractions. And...

Same problems. The computer is basically unable to properly install anything without getting numerous error messages. The usual suspects, fatal exceptions, windows protection errors, computer freezing, etc. I am pretty sure at this point that this is because the Windows Registry keeps getting corrupted. As for why it seems to work fine at the store, I haven't got a clue. Perhaps they are not trying to install enough programs, although it seems to happen to me right away.

The previous post mentions doing a test on the memory through dos using a boot disk of some sort. Where can I get this, and how do I do it??? Otherwise it's back to the computer store with an ultimatum. Fix it now, or give me a new computer.

Last question... I have a large collection of Napster songs that we have moved to the D drive. Could there be a virus there messing things up, and if not, is there any way I can keep these songs if I get a new computer... using a Zip drive or something? Please advise!!



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

[mjc]

Aware: his mobo is...MS-6309 ATX VA5

Axl,

Is the D drive a separate drive or a partition on the main hard drive?

If it is a separate drive then the songs are fairly safe, just unplug the drive before doing anything, you can even pull it out of the computer. If it is just a partition and if you have a Zip100 then you should get between 20 and 30 songs per disk, if you want to use it to back them up...but I wouldn't try adding something else to already iffy machine.

Also I'd grab a 32MB stick of memory and try just that, then if it works, add in the current memory, one piece at a time...Also just for the heck of try running some DOS based apps to see if the same problems show up in DOS...here is a DOS mp3 playerDamp (http://www.damp-mp3.co.uk/news.htm). You can put it on a floppy and access your mp3s without actually installing it in windows...it should be able to tell you if your problem is just in windows or everywhere....

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

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Ghost_Hacker]

OH NO.... the system form hell is back !!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Too bad your problems only seem to crop up when there is no tech near by. ( isn't that the way it always is though?)

The fact that their sending a tech out to your house is good news. Hopefully they'll have you up and running in no time.


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



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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!"

[Eject]

I really dont want to be a bother but I had very similar problems to you but maninly just with windows constantly freezing. I came to this forum looking for an answer to almost the same question. My piece of advice is what sound card do you have. I have a Kt7A motherboard and as some of you probably know it hates the Sound blaster live cards and many others, I dont know if you have tried this but take all you pci and isa cards out and reformat and reinstall windows with ONLY the graphics card in, first install the 4in 1 drivers, then the ati driver by the way i have and ATI Rage Fury Pro this TOTALLY solved my problem but now i am faces with another problem when i put my sound card back it i get the crashes again. Sorry if this has already been posted. Hope I can help. (oh by the way i also had a NIC card that kept giving my windows protection errors before windows started up.)

[This message has been edited by Eject (edited 06-22-2001).]

[sea69]

is the keyboard you're using (having trouble with) a USB type connector??

do you have many devices (USB) plugged into a hub??

was the keyboard that did work non -usb.. (at the shop) ??

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

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

;)~


[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 06-24-2001).]

[kenja]

I see the motherboard has the VIA VT82C694X chipset. From the manual for a Tekram S3PRO-AU+: (BIOS, Advanced Chipset Features) AGP2PCI Turnaround Cycle When set to Faster, allow the ATI XPERT 2000 2X/4X VGA working normal with this board. [unquote]

The Xpert 2000 is in the RAGE 128 board family (not the RAGE 128 PRO family) and it makes me wonder...

I'm gun-shy about ATI video adapters on VIA chipset motherboards. The Xpert 2000 seemed to work on my new KT133 chipset Soyo board, but then kept having intermittant crashes with the screen frozen in place (on both Win98 and Win2k). No sound card was involved.



[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 06-27-2001).]

[drdan]

Okay, first you need to understand that I am probably less expert then you on computers. Three thing stood out when I read through both your threads last night. One, I'm not sure anyone ever addressed the TV connection (whatever it was, I'm not sure I understood it). If that was screwing with your monitor then what is is it affecting? Two, at the risk causing even more hard work for nothing, why don't you haul EVERYTHING you have hooked up to it down to the store and set it up there and make them go through all that you do to find the error (two or more trips it sounds like). Three, I really like the pounding on the counter demanding a new one the best but if it turns out the new one has the same "problems" you're not in a good position to demand much more. Seems like the corroded memory connection fits the fact it worked six months without a hitch, and I don't think you have tried anything with that either.

[not bob the builder]

4 in1 drivers? Did you mention 4 in 1 drivers?? Have similar problems whenever I try to install any/all VIA "updates". Ditch 'em. Stepping back a little however from Windoze and it's problems, is the BIOS setup properly (gonna assume all daughter cards inserted properly and in right holes...) as incorrect CAS-RAS delay/memory hole/video BIOS cache/memory speed settings as well as all the other quite wonderful options you might have can cause delayed problems that only surface after your OS of choice has booted.
Otherwise have a look in your registry and delete everything that runs at startup as any of them could be the culprit/involved, particularly if any of them are trying to access the net and therefore tying up the modem. search for "run" (no speech marks) under keys and select match whole word only. You'll also need to look at the entries under Run, such as RunOnce, RunOnceEx, RunServices, RunServicesOnce, RunServicesEx, any of above-, you get the idea...
Get rid of PowerProfile and TaskMon, ScanReg, Winampa, any net apps like netscape/internet exploder or Instant (not a 56k modem they're not...) Messengers/chat apps.
Whilst it could well be memory it may be possible to check this if you can set the speed of it in the BIOS. I've got settings for 60ns, 70ns, fast, faster, fastest etc. etc. on one motherboard whilst another is either auto or hexadecimal input... I stick with auto on that one... Power management can be an issue (turn off, disable PM by APM, set all monitoring as much to off as you can..)as can hdd spindown/access times, UDMA/ATA settings, bus mastering. Disable any ports you're not using, what is the point of having Com1, Com2, LPT1, USB (with keyboard and DOS support of course...), IR.. all enabled when you only use USB devices (for instance..) If you've got CPU H/W monitoring then keep an eye on it by leaving it in BIOS mode for a period or under Windoze using 3rd party app. May also have options to force standby/slowdown/shutdown of system when temperature reaches a certain level.
If you have onboard sound/video then disable them... ditto modem/LAN and either pretend they don't exist and don't use them or install hard cards for their functions.
I don't buy (particularly) the heat thing, power thing or input device thing and I'd look to why you should have a problem that occurs frequently/intermittently after the PC has been on for a given period and suspect it may be software/BIOS related.
Otherwise you might consider swapping out, if possible and if you have no life, each component until you rule out the one that is to blame. That's everything individually from memory sticks to daughter boards to hds. Boring. Try looking at Sisofts Sandra diagnostic app and X-Teqs tweaker app to see if they come up with anything before you start camping out in your local computer dealers shop. www.sisoftware.co.uk (http://www.sisoftware.co.uk) www.xteq.com (http://www.xteq.com)

Good Luck...

Anthony

[sea69]

welcome anthony http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

nice post... "internetexploder"??

hehe

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

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

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

;)~

[axlsalinger]

Hey kids... the prodigal son has returned!

And... I think my problems have finally been solved. To keep you in suspense just a little while longer, here's what happened...

It's been about 6 weeks since I last posted only because my brother is a jackass. It took me about 3 weeks to get a ride to the store with the computer... where it worked fine, again. Since I had already brought in the keyboard and mouse, that left the monitor. Fast forward another 3 weeks until I could get a lift downtown with the monitor. (by the way, he kept saying tomorrow, or wait till Monday, etc... otherwise I would've made alternate arrangements... i really, really miss having a car)

Anyway, I go to the store and they set this baby up. I put in a DVD, and..... it works fine! Honestly at that moment, if I had the power i would have just snapped my fingers to take myself and the computer home, and thrown it in the closet. However, I decided to shut down and restart the computer. And I got an error message.... I called one of the tech guys over, he made a couple of adjustments, and got another error message. The owner of the store came by and tried a few other things, with one problem after another. Vindication!! Finally they could see it!! I had to stop myself from dancing out of that store...

Bottom line... apparently when all was said and done, there was a conflict between the video card (ATI Rage Fury 128) and the monitor (KDS) that could not be resolved, so they installed a new video card and things seem to be working fine.

The new video card is listed as follows: (I think!) MSI MS-8808 Nvidia TNT2 M64 32 MB. Now I guess I shouldn't speak too soon because i've only been using it for a couple of hours, but I've installed several things, and here I am on the Net. The computer is perfectly fine thus far. I guess the moral of the story is, get a car, stick to the Commodore 64, and DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!

Any other problems and I will return it for exchange. Thanks again to everyone who tried to help me... a lot has changed since I was properly online... (cough, Napster) And it feels great to be back in action!!!!!


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

[mjc]

It is good hear that you may have finally gotten this mess sorted out....I was about to suggest the large hammer or cliff approch... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif :P http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif


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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

Gun Control...hitting what you aim at!

[sea69]

good news! (for you)


yep, napster's dead. (bad news) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

at least for me... can't connect with my old version, and refuse to get rid of it for the new one.

(I hear there's nothing there anymore anyway)

tried BearShare (complete nightmare- highly NOT recommended.


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

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

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



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 08-08-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

Hey, thanks for the warning on Bearshare, I had heard conflicting reports... same with Gnutella...

I have been monitoring the Napster situation over the past couple of months, and from what I've learned (and I could be wrong!), the 2 best places to start are:

1 - Morpheus (musiccity.com)
2 - Aimster (aimster.com)

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

[sea69]

here's a little 'tip' for you:

always look for a Users Forum associated with any of these programs, when you do, you will find out things like this (http://www.zeropaid.com/cgi-bin/ub/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowPost&Board=audiogalaxy&Post=4&Idle=0&Sort=0&Order=Descend&Page=0&Session=)!!

or the fact that if you check the aimster Forum, they all want to know where to get the music from (if the app works at all)


I'd stay away from Audio Galaxy as well.

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

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




[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 08-09-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Whewie!! Sure glad this one's ironed out. I was gettin ready to offer up Big Blue with which to run over the dang thing. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Woe is me.

[axlsalinger]

You're not gonna believe this... I am surprisingly calm right now, I guess just numb at this point. The problems have returned. Jesus!!

It's not as bad, the computer works better than before but it still keeps crashing the internet (illegal operation message), the computer just reset itself a couple of times (as if I'd pressed Ctl/Alt/Delete) And I just did a Scandisk (there were errors, and windows fixed them) followed by a System File Checker (where my old friend, the "setup.dll" file was once again corrupted.)

This time I will insist they come here to fix it or replace it. It seems to me that either my "3web" free Internet application or a hidden virus on one of my Napster files has got to be the culprit. Unless it's still the same hardware issue (ie. RAM, cooling, etc.) as before. But the age-old question, why no problems at the store? It seems to only crop up when I install/download stuff at home. (or, of course, play that particular napster mp3 if that's the reason)

I am thinking a napster virus at this point... I would hate to delete all my Napster files for no reason, though, that would just about break me. Is there any way to run a "scan" or virus checking program on my partitioned D drive??

Whatever, I almost don't care anymore. How much can one person endure?

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

[sea69]

hmmmmmm ........ I thought virus possibilities were already covered??

with any virus program you should be able to scan (D) drive, or any individual files/folders by just highlighting them.

At this point, I firmly suggest that you DEMAND a replacement.

and- if this happened to me, I would be trying for compensation for my time as well.

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

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

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




[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 08-10-2001).]

[axlsalinger]

that is what i don't understand... if it is relatively easy to do the virus scan, obviously they did it a long time ago unless they are complete idiots (well, they are anyway, but...) i'm pretty sure they said they did it in the beginning

it's weird, the computer works better now than before, but is still unusable for internet if it keeps crashing the computer all the time... i keep getting a message that says this is an illegal operation, save your work and restart your computer. This shuts down IE... eventually the computer will freeze outright.

i even double-clicked "My Computer" one time and got an error message (which used to happen back in the day quite often)

as always, system file checker revealed that the SETUPX.DLL file was corrupted. This happens all the time... and causes all my problems...

i did a major search on the net last night for error messages regarding setupx.dll, as well as potential MP3 viruses... I found virtually nothing that resembles my situation!! WHAT the hell is going on here?????

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