Serious computer Issues...Suggestions please.

[HammerDown]

I'm on my laptop at this time...
The PC in question is running....
Windows XP Home edition(xp sp 2).
Aol Dial up 7.0... (yea I know) :rolleyes:
What it's doing, locking up solid after a few seconds, not responding... then getting kicked off the net. Doesn't even respond to shut down comand. The only way to shut down is by holding in the power button. I reboot, seems fine for a short time (sometimes)...then the problem starts over again.
I've tryed to work with AOL tech almost all night...but the problem has gotten worse!
Some of the steps I've tryed...
Disk scan and check for bad sectors
defrag
uninstall AOL adpter
delete cookies,files,history
clear browser cache
AOL "fix it"
and several others....
any other suggestions :confused:
thanks.

[FMluvswater]

Is it running hotter than usual?

[HammerDown]

Uh, don't think so. Where do I take it's temperature.....oh no I ain't going there! :notam:

[FMluvswater]

Uh, don't think so. Where do I take it's temperature.....oh no I ain't going there! :notam:
Okay I was just thinking back on puter probs I've had and probs my ex has had with his puters too and heat was sometimes a factor. Just thought I'd ask. If it was hotter you'd notice and you might even smell burnt metal, so it probably is not that. Lots of puter savvy people on this forum. Someone is bound to have some useful ideas for you soon. :) Hope it's an easy fix. :clover:

[Jbb]

Okay I was just thinking back on puter probs I've had and probs my ex has had with his puters too and heat was sometimes a factor. Just thought I'd ask. If it was hotter you'd notice and you might even smell burnt metal, so it probably is not that. Lots of puter savvy people on this forum. Someone is bound to have some useful ideas for you soon. :) Hope it's an easy fix. :clover:
Nope ....dont believe her...she was heading straight for the elevated scrotal temperature issues.... :D :D

[dc96819]

Uh, don't think so. Where do I take it's temperature.....oh no I ain't going there! :notam:
Where do I take it's :D
Try disconnecting from the web (unplug the tele jack) and see if it does the same.

[FMluvswater]

Nope ....dont believe her...she was heading straight for the elevated scrotal temperature issues.... :D :D
wasn't me :D :D :D

[TexasJet]

I assume that this is something that just started recently? Did you install anything just prior to this starting to happen? When was the last time you cleaned the inside of the puter? Windows XP has a feature called "restore point", try to restore your puter back to a date when it was running normally. Worst case is you have a virus. Do you have Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy? They search out and eliminate alot of bad stuff. If all else fails, take it to the local Mom&Pop puter shop for some professional help. Good Luck.

[switchin'addiction]

Did you recently install any new software? This happened to me last month & I had a installed some new software that was "incompatable" with some software I was already running. I had to boot up in safe mode, uninstall the new software & was good to go. But as stated previously run a good virus, & spyware scan & see if that comes up with anything.

[mbrown2]

Sounds like a virus....if you cannot boot up and safe mode and do a full scan (also turn off the auto restore feature when doing so), then you might want to reload XP from scratch; just have all your drivers and sw on cd to load after the XP install.

[BigDogIvan]

I had the same problem when some how an Internet exelerator from MSN was installed. CHeck to see if you have any kind of exelerator, If not I have to agree that you might have a bug.
Good luck
BD

[Moneypitt]

I get the same problem, I've narrowed it down to an un wanted e mail. It contains 30174 bts, and comes at me from all over, even from myself!! I run the spybot deal and the problem goes away. I just don't open that e mail anymore...........MP

[HammerDown]

Thanks for the feedback people.
The only thing I downloaded a few weeks ago was the Windows 2 servic pack. And I did last night the "windowsXPSP2fix" because apparently
there was some run issues with AOL and XPSP2...but that still didn't fix it.
Sooooooo at this time I'm on the Dell in question and what I did was to *disable AOL's Security FireWall* that I belive was installed not to long ago. and come to think of thats when some of the problems started, especially when I tryed to acces my AOL mail account!
I always had and still have Norton AntiVirus. I did a full scan on that and nothing came up.
So far so good...it's running.
Thanks again...great place with great people. :cool:

[OGShocker]

:crossx: For my computer friends--it's worth reading since it's true.
This has got to be one of the funniest I've heard of in a long time. I
think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true
story from the Word Perfect Helpline which was transcribed from recording
monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the HelpDesk employee was
fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for
Termination without Cause".
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfectCustomer Support employee (now I
know why they record these conversations)
"Ridge Hall computer assistance; may I help you?"
Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."
"What sort of trouble?"
"Well I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away"
"Went away?"
"They disappeared"
"Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?"
"Nothing"
"Nothing?"
"It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type."
"Are you still in WordPerfect or did you get out?"
"How do I tell?"
"Can you see the C: prompt of the screen?"
"What's a sea-prompt?"
"Never mind can you move your cursor around the screen?"
"There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type"
"Does your monitor have a power indicator?"
"What's a monitor?"
"It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have
a little light that tells you when it's on?"
"I don't know?"
"Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power
cord goes into it. Can you see that?"
"Yes, I think so"
"Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into
the wall."
"Yes it is"
"When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two
cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?"
"No"
"Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other
cable."
"Okay, here it is"
"Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of
your computer.
"I can't reach it"
"Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is?"
"No"
"Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?"
"Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's
dark"
"Dark?"
"Yes the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in
from the window"
"Well, turn on the office light then."
"I can't"
"No? Why not?"
"Because there's a power failure"
"A power.... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.
Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer
came in?"
"Well, yes I keep them in the closet"
"Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it
was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from."
"Really? Is it that bad?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is."
"Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?"
"Tell them you're too ****ing stupid to own a computer" :crossx:

[bigq]

Does it only lock up on AOL? Try the regular dial up application to see if it still locks the system, or using IE to browse rather than embedded AOL browser. If it locks up even when not on the net it might be hardware related. Check to make sure all fans are working and reset the memory module in the socket. I have had bad memory do what you describe. If it seems to only be software on the Internet I have had good luck redoing the "IP Stack", here are some tools and info that might help.
here (http://www.wedoc.com/tcpip.htm)

[HammerDown]

Does it only lock up on AOL? Try the regular dial up application to see if it still locks the system, or using IE to browse rather than embedded AOL browser. If it locks up even when not on the net it might be hardware related. Check to make sure all fans are working and reset the memory module in the socket. I have had bad memory do what you describe. If it seems to only be software on the Internet I have had good luck redoing the "IP Stack", here are some tools and info that might help.
here (http://www.wedoc.com/tcpip.htm)
Well still working fine...all's I did was remove the AOL FireWall!
I just got the below e-mail from AOL...the question, should I? As last time I did what they said it got worse! Running fine now...I think :rolleyes:
"This letter contains information about how to configure the Norton firewall to enable the American Online software to access the Internet"
1. Click START, select PROGRAMS or ALL PROGRAMS, select NORTON INTERNET SECURITY, then click NORTON INTERNET SECURITY.
NOTE: If listed in the Programs menu, select NORTON PERSONAL FIREWALL instead.
2. Click the PERSONAL FIREWALL tab.
3. Click the yellow CONFIGURE button.
4. In the PERSONAL FIREWALL CONFIGURATION window, click the PROGRAM CONTROL tab.
5. In the MANUAL PROGRAM CONTROL list, select an AOL APPLICATION from the table below, then click MODIFY.
6. Under WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?, select PERMIT, then click OK. Repeat for all AOL programs listed below.
7. Click OK to close the Personal Firewall Configuration window.
The following AOL applications may be listed:
- AOL Connectivity Service: The executable file is ACSD.EXE or AOLACSD.EXE.
- AOL Dialer: The executable file is AOLDIAL.EXE.
- Radio@AOL: The executable file is AOLMED~1.EXE or AOLMEDIAPLAYBACKCONTROL.EXE.
- AOL Coach Player: The executable file is AOLNYSEV.EXE.
- AOL Installer: The executable file is AOLSETUP.EXE.
- AOL Spyware Protection: The executable file is AOLSPSCHEDULER.EXE.
- AOL Tray Icon: The executable file is AOLTRAY.EXE.
- AOL TopSpeed (Web Acceleration Technology): The executable file is AOLTPSPD.EXE or AOLWBSPD.EXE.
- NullSoft Media Player: The executable file is AXSERVER.EXE.
- AOL Companion: The executable file is COMPANION.EXE.
- Intellisync for AOL: The executable file is IS4AOL.EXE.
- Apple QuickTime Software Suite: The executable files are QTTASK.EXE, QUICKTIMEPLAYER.EXE, and QUICKTIMEUPDATER.EXE.
- Real Media Player: The executable file is REALPLAY.EXE.
- AOL Internet Access Controls: The executable file is SPCAUTH.EXE.
- AOL: The executable file is WAOL.EXE.
- You've Got Pictures Screensaver: The executable file is YGPSSTRA.EXE.
If you'd like to learn more about firewalls and using AOL with a firewall, please go to AOL Keyword: Firewall. You may also go to Keyword: Help, click TECHNICAL SUPPORT, then click USING A FIREWALL. "
PS. I never had any issues with Norton prior the AOL Security Firewall download. :220v:
Thanks again for the feedback...Ray

[TexasJet]

Hammerdown, glad it's working now. Just a general note of info to all, from what I have read the service pac 2 for win. xp has a built in firewall. If you install a third party firewall you MUST disable the xp firewall. If you don't, you could very likely have problems just like what you had. :frown:

[HammerDown]

Hammerdown, glad it's working now. Just a general note of info to all, from what I have read the service pac 2 for win. xp has a built in firewall. If you install a third party firewall you MUST disable the xp firewall. If you don't, you could very likely have problems just like what you had. :frown:
:idea: ...so which one is a keeper... Aol's firewall or Windows SP2 firewall?
Also would Norton also have a firewall in their Anti-Virus???
Thanks big time for all the help.
PS. Computer seems to be running fine again. ;)

[dc96819]

I want nothing to do with AOL

[bigq]

:idea: ...so which one is a keeper... Aol's firewall or Windows SP2 firewall?
Also would Norton also have a firewall in their Anti-Virus???
Thanks big time for all the help.
PS. Computer seems to be running fine again. ;)
HammerDown, If it is working I would just use the one that is installed in SP2. It can be configured also to allow certain ports to be opened for any application that may need it. Nortons Anti-Virus by itself does not have a firewall, but if you purchsed a bundled unit called " Nortons internet Security" it comes bundled with a personal firewall, not a big fan of Nortons, but it does the job. I think AOL is coming bundeled with Anti-Virus software also now, but not sure.
Glad it was an easy fix :smile:

[HammerDown]

Arrrrggghhhhh :mad:
In addition to the above headaches...NOW all of a sudded I can't send a file through my E-Mail with my new Cannon scanner. worked fine earler. Now when I try to e-mail a file a window pop's up >"Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close...Please tell Microsoft about this problem bla-bla-bla" :220v:
Talk to me about this spyware stuff. Any good links (spy-bot/ad-aware)?
As I think there's a bug buzzing around inside.
Thanks...

[coolchange]

I run ZONE ALARM. Freeware available but I stepped up and bought the whole package. Like 35.00. Just checked it and on a 3 week old install had 5485 blocked intrusions, 581 were high security. SP2 is a pain and you have to configure a lot of your settings and oh ya, AOHELL

[FMluvswater]

Arrrrggghhhhh :mad:
In addition to the above headaches...NOW all of a sudded I can't send a file through my E-Mail with my new Cannon scanner. worked fine earler. Now when I try to e-mail a file a window pop's up >"Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close...Please tell Microsoft about this problem bla-bla-bla" :220v:
Talk to me about this spyware stuff. Any good links (spy-bot/ad-aware)?
As I think there's a bug buzzing around inside.
Thanks...
Links? You want links HammerDown? Okay. :)
Ad-Aware SE (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/)
stinger (stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses - recommended for use in conjunction with your regular anti-virus program) (http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/)
DOXdesk parasite detection (only useful for Internet Explorer) (http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/)
Grisoft's AVG 7.0 free Anti-Virus download (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/Get+AVG+FREE/lng/us/tpl/v5)
Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
WebRoot's Spy Audit (scan only not a fix) (http://www.webroot.com/services/spyaudit_03.htm)
WebRoot's downloads (Spy Sweeper is highly recommended) (http://www.webroot.com/downloads/)
Kaspersky Lab's downloads page (anti-virus/anti-spam) (http://www.kaspersky.com/downloads)
Panda Active Scan free online virus scan (only works with Internet Explorer) (http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm)
Trend Micro's Housecall free online virus scan (only works with Internet Explorer) (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
SpywareGuide's X-Cleaner free online Active X Spyware Scan (http://spywareguide.com/txt_onlinescan.html)
HijackThis download from PCWorld (http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23258,00.asp)
CWShredder download from PCWorld (free stand-alone specialising in removal of CoolWebSearch pest and it's dozens of variants) (http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23551,00.asp)
ZoneLabs IM Secure free download (protection from intrusions/infections through instant messengers) (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_ims.jsp)
PC Hell - comprehensive computer/internet troubleshooting resource site (http://pchell.com/)
How's that? :idea: :)
Your http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/FMluvswaterbabe/HDforever.gif forever :D ,

[TexasJet]

Hammerdown, I am running the win xp firewall. I also have Add-Aware and spybot, they are both free. I have had DSL for about two months and so far no viruses. I think the free version of ZoneAlarm is the best of the firewalls from what I have read. Any firewall you install has to be "trained" to a certain degree. I also have Macafee anti-virus installed. I have Add-Aware and Spybot scan my system every other day in the morning. I do a virus scan twice a week. Lastly, what ever you get, check for updates every day. Hope this helps.

[TexasJet]

Hammerdown, On your E-mail problems. Try to save your scanned image to your hard drive. Say, to you desktop, to a folder labeled "My Pics" or something like that. Create your E-mail, then attach your image from the folder. This works for me. I also am having trouble going directly from the scanner to an E-mail, but saving the scanned image to a file then attaching the file to the E-mail works just fine.

[boxscore]

Sounds like an ID-10t error

[WriedtStuff]

Go back to the MIcrosoft site and read the section on preparing for the SP2 upgrade...there are many things this upgrade can effect.....and MS is using SP2 to shut down people that have pirate copies of XP on thier PCs.

[HammerDown]

Sounds like an ID-10t error
??? how/what/where???
also to the question above...nope I can't send pics/files direct or even after I save to My Pics. I get that damn pop-up > "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close-Please tell Microsoft about the problem" And of course I hit the "send button".

[boxscore]

??? how/what/where???
also to the question above...nope I can't send pics/files direct or even after I save to My Pics. I get that damn pop-up > "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close-Please tell Microsoft about the problem" And of course I hit the "send button".
ID-10t error <------------- (my best effort at sarcastic humor) I feel for you brother. I've thrown my CPU's away far to often. Dell makes it way to easy to order up a new one, provided you regularly back up your data. I have an second external hard drive thats regularly scheduled to back up 2x per day.

[cdog]

Go to your start menu and then go to RUN. Type in MSCONFIG. Go to start up and disable everything. Hit apply. Restart your puter. See if that helps.

[WriedtStuff]

If you can get your browser open....(internet explorer). then go to tools>windows update. That will take you to the MS site....you will have to nagivate around there a little to find the info on XP SP2. If your browser will not fuction you can still browse by right clicking the start button and cliking on explore....then type the url address in the address bar.
Heres a link that mighthelp....you can also search the MS knowledge base with the error code you are getting....
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx