Computer help

Published:

Updated:

I've been having computer problems for a long time now, but it's gotten even worse. For the past 6 months my computer goes to a blue screen about 10 times throughout the day.

The screen says that it needs to shut down to prevent damage to my computer. It also says that there is a file, and tells me what that file is. It also says that some components were improperly installed and I need to disable them.

I have no idea on how to do this. It also says that if the problem continues, I must either disable caching or shadowing. I definitely don't know what the heck that is.

Any help is appreciated. I might have to call compaq for help, unfortunately, all the CSR folk are indians, and have heavy accents. I have a great deal of trouble understanding what they are saying.

Thanx...

P.S. Before it shuts down, the bottom of the screen says that it's dumping physical memory on to disk. If that helps...

Entry #286

Comments

Avatar truecritic -
#1
Pac, some of those details are important.

First off, correct me if I am wrong, your Windows version is XP?   What Service Pack do you have installed (SP1? SP2?).    If you could get the full filename including extension.

Also, exactly what was installed wrong?   

Something installed wrong could be a valid program or a virus or spyware that is causing a problem.   Anyone helping would have to know the details.    And I also recall you bought some kind of spyware program? Have you run that?

If there are any other error messages, could you copy and paste them here?

Avatar pacattack05 -
#2
I don't know if I have sp1 or sp2.
I'll write the file name next time it shuts down. and it's ext.
I don'y know what I installed that could be doing this. The last thing I installed was a while back. Maybe 9 months or so ago. It was the Mcaffee. I do remember that when I did install it, something happened, and I had to reinstall it. But not sure if that's the problem.

I tried to copy in that blue screen but it wasn't possible.
The message also says something about disabling Bios, whatever that is.
Strangely enough, The computer only shut down once today so far.
I'll definitely try to hand copy as much info as possible. The screen only stays on for about a minute or so. There is a little counter on the bottom of the page that counts up from one to about 90 or something. Those numbers are supposedly the physical memory dumping on to the disk, as I mentioned in my first post.
Thanx for helping. Again I'll write down as much as I can.

P.S. This is unrelated to the above, but ever since I accidently removed something from my registry long before this incident, I've had all kinds of problems on start up. Error messages in boxes, "runner file" error messages. and other messages, which I just x out of. But that's another set of problems. This was all due manually trying to remove Eacceleration from my PC, but should have left it to an expert, than trying to save a few bucks by doing it myself. You can thank all these dumb viruses for all my computer problems. If it wasn't for them, I would have never changed something in the registry. Oh well, live and learn. I might have to call that new company, the "computer Geeks", but they probably charge 50 bucks an hour if not more...LOL
Avatar pacattack05 -
#3
I just realized how I can potentially speed up the shutting down of my computer so as to get that info for you. Usually if I play a game on my pc, it'll get an overload or something and shut down. That's why I stopped playing games. But I'll try that now, maybe it'' trigger it....LOL

Maybe I need more memory...
Avatar pacattack05 -
#4
Forgot to mention, yes I do have windows XP.
Avatar truecritic -
#5
OK will wait for more details.    If not me, someone should be able to help.   Quite a few capable people here.   

To check for Service Pack....go to Start->My Computer. Right click and then choose properties. The info should be there.

Are you getting these errors at any particular time? Like only at shutdown? Or if you are on the net?   I see you mention in your "ps" that those other problems occur on startup.

You might even start with an online virus scan to make sure your computer is clean.   (Even though you already have McAfee). Here is a list, pick a choice:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/AntiVirusCntr.asp
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php
http://www.commandondemand.com/eval/index.cfm
http://www.freedom.net/viruscenter/...viruscheck.html

Do you have a restore disc from when you bought your computer? Normally the way they work, is to restore your computer to the exact way it was when purchased.    That does mean any programs you added would have to be reinstalled. But it would be one way of "curing" all your ills at once.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#6
It just happened again ,but no sign of that file I mentioned earlier. This thing has a mind of it's own. It knew I wanted to copy it down on paper, and is playing games with me. This is the very first time that it didn't show the file name. really strange.
But I tried to get some other numbers at the bottom. I couldn't get all of them.
Stop x00000008e
(0xc0000005,0x8056
That's all I could get.
But the following is the other messages on start up.
A box that says: Cannot find import
DLL may be missing corrupt or wrong version
File rtlzo.bpl
error 126

The other is: Runner file name
compaq connection.exe lacks a (the app id separator
And this last one below may have something to do with my Mcaffe:
"an error occured while initializing active shield
method comcappfactory register result: 0x00004015
Avatar pacattack05 -
#7
Thanx for replying. It just happened a second time and still no file name, however, icopied other stuff that might help. It was asking if I could get bios memry options.
Adequate disk space
Get driver updates and a new video adapter. I'm better off just buying a new computer.
As far as anti virus and antispyware, I'll try your suggestions but I have some already, like trend,spyware doctor,be clean, adaware,registry mechanic,spybot, and error doctor, but like I said I'll try some that I don't have that you've listed.
To answer your question, yes it only happens when I'm on the net, but the exception is when I play games off the net, like I just did to prompt the shut down. I was playing pinball.
Unfortunately I don't have the disk that came with the computer, or don't remember if I accidentally threw it away
Avatar pacattack05 -
#8
I'll go to properties now.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#9
I went to start, my computer, but found no properties. I've seen it before but don't remember how I got there.
Avatar justxploring -
#10
I don't have the expertise that truecritic or others have, but I do know how to find out what version of XP you have very easily. Just go into your control panel and click on System. That should show you exactly what you have.

Also, if you need more memory you can tell by pressing ctrl/alt/del and look at the performance. CPU usage and available memory. XP, SP2 can run on 128MB, but not well. That's the bare minimum. It ran okay on 256MB until I purchased another 512MB, but it was very slow when I was online or multi-tasking. If you have shared video, it will also use up memory. However, not enough RAM won't give you the messages you list.

If you have a dll missing, try System Restore & choose a date when you didn't experience this problem. That often works. You might want to try this in Safe Mode first, but that should take care of the problem, depending on what you mean by "a long time." I've never waited 6 months to fix an error, so I honestly can't tell you. XP has this feature.

Do you have a recovery disk or did you make a rescue disk and continue to update it in case your computer crashed? Nobody wants to start all over, but like a good house cleaning, sometimes that's what it takes to get a computer running smoothly and trouble free again. If your computer ran fine before and you inadvertently deleted a file, sometimes that's the solution. Again, I'm no expert here. But in the past I spent a lot of time on tech boards when I upgraded my old system.

Avatar pacattack05 -
#11
It says service P2
Avatar pacattack05 -
#12
I meant sp2, sorry.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#13
Thanx justxploring, I appreciate you input.
I tried the system restore but it only goes back , I think 3 months or so, not enough. I have to go back to nearly the beginning...LOL
I don't have a recovery disk either, which was dumb of me to not do.
I definitely know there is a problem somewhere because I also get messages from windows telling me there is an error of some kind and to report it. when I sent in the report a while back, many months later I received a note from one of the windows people saying that they carefully looked into my problem, and didn't know what to do about it. So they don't even know . Better to just buy a new computer, and transfer all my music and photos.
Avatar justxploring -
#14
How old is it Pac? You mentioned Compaq technical support so I assumed it was still under warranty. My HP was built in 1997 and works fine. Of course, I don't use it any more since it's too slow for DSL. I hope my Toshiba laptop last a few years. Anyway, if everything you have is "legal" then you should be able to reinstall Windows XP. Too bad you didn't get a recovery disk. HP & Compaq don't include the software disks with the computer, but they'll send them to you if you call & ask. I don't know if they do this after the 1 year warranty expires however. A few months ago I had to reinstall everything in my laptop. I deleted some important files when I tried to clean up my registry and it was behaving badly. Another solution is to buy a recovery disk on eBay. Of course, I'd read the feedback first and ask the seller some questions. Might be worth it, since they usually cost under $10. Sometimes they're just boot disks, so it might not fix your problem.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#15
It's about 2 years old, maybe more, but the warranty is definitely over. I tried to use them about 9 months ago but because the warranty was out, they wanted something like 70 bucks a year for their support.
I might go on ebay and try that. Thanx... for your help.

Avatar Todd -
#16
I would backup any documents and files you want to save, then format the computer and install the OS fresh. Then re-install applications and restore files, but NOT BEFORE INSTALLING ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE. Sounds like you have a million viruses on your PC.

If you're going to install Windows XP, I'd recommend using the Zone Alarm Suite. If you're going to install Windows Vista, I'd recommend installing Microsoft OneCare.

Remember, Anti-Virus gets installed before any apps and any files.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#17
Thanx Todd, but I'm not computer literate. I've already messed around with the registry a while back and screwed some stuff up. I don't want to do things I don't understand, like OS fresh lingo. Don't have a clue as to what that means. I don't even know how to back up files. I know, it's pathetic huh?
I think that it's more of a error problem than viruses, because I run my anti-virus and anti-spyware on a regular basis.
But thanx anyway for the suggestions...
Avatar pacattack05 -
#18
I had problems with an error message ONLY logging onto the LP for the oast 30 minutes.
Follow these steps to solve the problem with a video device driver

You received this message because a device driver installed on your computer caused the Windows operating system to stop unexpectedly. This type of error is referred to as a "stop error." A stop error requires you to restart your computer.

Solution

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


There are two options you can use to try to fix the problem. If the first option doesn't work, then try the second.

Option 1: Install the most current device driver for your video card

Go to the Microsoft Update website to see if there are any updated drivers for your video card. If there are any drivers listed, you should install them.
If there are no updated drivers listed at Microsoft Update, and you know the manufacturer of the video card, contact the card manufacturer's product support service for assistance.
If there are no updated drivers at Microsoft Update, you don't know the name of the manufacturer of the video card, and you need more help diagnosing and resolving this problem, contact your computer manufacturer's product support service.
Option 2: Manually decrease Hardware Acceleration for your video adapter

This procedure prevents the display device driver from programming the hardware incorrectly, but you might lose some display functionality and performance. Although you can increase the hardware acceleration settings higher than None to regain functionality and performance, these settings increase the chance that the issue will occur again. For maximum stability, leave hardware acceleration turned off.

Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Display.
Click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.
Click the Troubleshoot tab, move the Hardware Acceleration slider to None, and then clear the Enable Write Combining check box.
Click OK, and then click OK. Note: This procedure prevents the display driver from programming the hardware incorrectly, but you may lose some display functionality and performance.


Technical Information
Error Message: STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (Q293078)





Avatar truecritic -
#19
IS this one less problem then? You got it solved?

Did you get my PM? Not sure it went out because unknown to me, Todd had a scheduled shutdown for maintenance.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#20
Hey Truecritic, No that's the message microsoft sent me, but what I did was run my adaware, and it found 4 diabolical entries. One was a trojan32sys, something or another. I couldn't log into LP only. After that it was no problem.

Also when I got the Comcast internet a few days ago for the first time in months, I improperly installed their hardware, and I fixed that. My computer has shut down less often than regular after all those adjustments I made, however, I don't think I'm out of the woods yet, because even though I've reduced the amount of error screens, that Blue screen one was happening even when I didn't have the internet a couple of months ago.
But nevertheless, it's better than before.. Seems that viruses can control my logging habits. I don't see what benefit they get in doing that, than to just annoy people. I know they gather info about me in the process and sell that info. They're most from overseas.
Avatar pacattack05 -
#21
Yes I did get your PM. Didn't you get my reply?
I guess not, since you're asking....DUH? That was a stupid question on my part...LOL
Avatar truecritic -
#22
LOL
No, did not get it.
Avatar justxploring -
#23
FYI, the Bonita Springs library has computers you can use for free. LOL
Avatar pacattack05 -
#24
Thanx justxploring, but just thinking about sitting in a library, on the internet, eclipses the uneasy feeling as compared to the problems I have with my home computer.

The difference is that I can tolerate the problems caused by my computer. They're menial. Having to drive somewhere in this traffic, on my days off is not inviting, considering i drive for a living. The last thing i want to do is sit behind someone on the road who has no clue where they're going and what to do next. It's really painful, and has effects on my psyche.

Too much sun for people who drive here in South West Florida. It seemingly affects their rational choice processes....
Avatar SirMetro -
#25
OK...first things first, in amongst all the information, I am missing the following which would be helpfull in guiding you to a long, but incredibly simple repair. First and foremost, you need to consider what Todd suggested.
If you don't have many files, perhaps you might consider getting a USB drive. A 1 gig USB drive can be found at a local Eckerds at a decent price. Typically easy to deal with.
Before you start the process, you need to record the following info on paper for future reference.
1) Email Settings such as Incoming Mail Server (POP3) Setting & Your Outgoing SMTP setting.
    This will make it easier to set up your email again
2) Record all your dial-up settings as well any DSL settings
3) Record all passwords for the programs you have that need them along with user names
4) If you have any files such as drivers for your components such as the mouse, wireless keyboard, etc..., save a copy to a CD or USB drive
******
To restore your system get all the CD's that go with your computer.
When everything is ready, also have a fresh bottle of Crown Royal (or whatever your favorite alcohol beverage is) you can start.
Insert the Windows CD
If it doesn't start up on it's on, click Start, RUN, and seek out a file called Setup
Then, follow the onscreen prompts.
Follow the route that will WIPE the hard drive, this is your simpliest route and the whole process may take up to an hour or so
Once reinstalled and you have an internet connection, spend the rest of the day doing the automated updates.
Good Luck
Avatar truecritic -
#26
If memory serves me....Pac is a brown bottle kind of guy...Heineken?
Avatar pacattack05 -
#27
Sir metro: I really do appreciate everything you've done, but right now my brain is like raisan bran soaking in milk for about an hour....lOL
The instructions to which I skimmed over , over-powered my instinct to go on....LOL

Truteriffic: Iam a dark bottle kinda a guy...Heine's you're right....HA!
Avatar sysp34 -
#28
some info about BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death)

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1647

you must clean install the OS and etc...

and backup all data, write down all important info like sirmetro suggestion.

and wait for more and less 45 minutes for XP OS and
more time for other software or program.

you may use avg for virus protection
http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup/avg75free_441a944.exe

for antispyware
http://www.free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup/avgas-setup-7.5.0.50.exe

latest update avg antivirus (6,697,762 byte)
http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/update/u7iavi708tn.bin

Post a Comment

Please Log In

To use this feature you must be logged into your Lottery Post account.

Not a member yet?

If you don't yet have a Lottery Post account, it's simple and free to create one! Just tap the Register button and after a quick process you'll be part of our lottery community.

Register