PC locks up too often!

[Kurt]

Hello,

My desktop PC locks up intermittently. I'm suspicious that I've got some type of malware or possible virus. I had an old version of McAfee anti virus that was way out of date. I've since replaced it with an updated version of AVG 7.5. Please help with malware troubleshooting and cleanup.

Here's my HJT log:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:37:47 PM, on 2/17/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16574)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\acs.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\Backup Exec System Recovery\Agent\VProSvc.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Programs\cvsnt\cvscontrol.exe
C:\Programs\cvsnt\cvslock.exe
C:\Programs\cvsnt\cvsservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\DeltTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Roland\VSC32\vsc32cnf.exe
C:\Program Files\Roland\VSC32\vscvol.exe
C:\Program Files\Contour Shuttle\ShuttleHelper.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\msg32.exe
C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe
C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTBDaemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Airlink101\AWLL4030\ACU.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.3\apdproxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\Backup Exec System Recovery\Agent\VProTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\lib\NMBgMonitor.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\ShuttleEngine.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlwriter.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
c:\wamp\apache2\bin\httpd.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
C:\wamp\apache2\bin\httpd.exe
c:\wamp\mysql\bin\mysqld-nt.exe
C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\SearchIndexer.exe
C:\Program Files\Extensis\Suitcase 9.2\Suitcase.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
C:\wamp\wampmanager.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\SearchProtocolHost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroDist.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HJT.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: eBay Toolbar Helper - {22D8E815-4A5E-4DFB-845E-AAB64207F5BD} - C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTB.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Conversion Toolbar Helper - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: eBay Toolbar - {92085AD4-F48A-450D-BD93-B28CC7DF67CE} - C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTB.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Windows Live Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINNT\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DeltTray] DeltTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ink Monitor] C:\Program Files\EPSON\Ink Monitor\InkMonitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vsc32cnf.exe] C:\Program Files\Roland\VSC32\vsc32cnf.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vscvol.exe] C:\Program Files\Roland\VSC32\vscvol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Contour Shuttle Device Helper] C:\Program Files\Contour Shuttle\ShuttleHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EW Message Server] msg32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIGStream] C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINNT\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PWRISOVM.EXE] C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Version Cue CS2] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue CS2\ControlPanel\VersionCueCS2Tray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acrobat Assistant 8.0] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eBayToolbar] C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTBDaemon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ACU] "C:\Program Files\Airlink101\AWLL4030\ACU.exe" -nogui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Photo Downloader] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.3\apdproxy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 7.0] "C:\Program Files\Symantec\Backup Exec System Recovery\Agent\VProTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Google Desktop Search] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINNT\System32\NVMCTRAY.DLL,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_0_9 -reboot 1
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINNT\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [^SetupICWDesktop] C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Connection Wizard\icwconn1.exe /desktop (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [^SetupICWDesktop] C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Connection Wizard\icwconn1.exe /desktop (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [^SetupICWDesktop] C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Connection Wizard\icwconn1.exe /desktop (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'Default user')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [^SetupICWDesktop] C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Connection Wizard\icwconn1.exe /desktop (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: WampServer.lnk = C:\wamp\wampmanager.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check 2.lnk = C:\WINNT\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV02.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: InterVideo WinCinema Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: NkbMonitor.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Suitcase Startup.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Windows Desktop Search.lnk = C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Windows Live Search - res://C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll/search.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Windows &Live Favorites - http://favorites.live.com/quickadd.aspx
O8 - Extra context menu item: Append to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECaptureSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppendSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: eBay Search - res://C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTb.dll/RCSearch.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Blog This - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Blog This in Windows Live Writer - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINNT\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINNT\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/activex ... -0-3-9.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mci ... insctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/windows ... 1462601890
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microso ... 3191877515
O16 - DPF: {A18962F6-E6ED-40B1-97C9-1FB36F38BFA8} (Aurigma Image Uploader 3.5 Control) - http://www.betterphoto.com/_shared/uplo ... oader3.cab
O16 - DPF: {A8683C98-5341-421B-B23C-8514C05354F1} (FujifilmUploader Class) - http://photo.walmart.com/photo/uploads/ ... Client.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcg ... cgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - http://entimg.msn.com/client/msnmusax3313.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\Google\GOOGLE~2\GOEC62~1.DLL
O23 - Service: Atheros Configuration Service (ACS) - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\system32\acs.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe Version Cue CS2 - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue CS2\bin\VersionCueCS2.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Backup Exec System Recovery - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\Backup Exec System Recovery\Agent\VProSvc.exe
O23 - Service: CVSNT Control Panel (CVSControl) - Unknown owner - C:\Programs\cvsnt\cvscontrol.exe
O23 - Service: CVSNT Locking Service (CVSLock) - Unknown owner - C:\Programs\cvsnt\cvslock.exe
O23 - Service: CVSNT - March Hare Software Ltd - C:\Programs\cvsnt\cvsservice.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: GEARSecurity - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\System32\GEARSec.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Google Desktop Manager 5.7.801.1629 (GoogleDesktopManager-010108-205858) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE
O23 - Service: MySQL - Unknown owner - C:\Program.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINNT\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Contour Shuttle Device Engine (ShuttleEngine) - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\System32\ShuttleEngine.exe
O23 - Service: wampapache - Apache Software Foundation - c:\wamp\apache2\bin\httpd.exe
O23 - Service: wampmysqld - Unknown owner - c:\wamp\mysql\bin\mysqld-nt.exe

--
End of file - 15705 bytes

[askey127]

Kurt,
I don't see any evidence of malware in your log.
I do however see a very capable, but finicky and fussy app called GigaStudio.
I would suggest surfing some of the related bulletin boards for advice on drivers/sound cards, etc.
It is a complex system, and its techniques restrict the hardware and software that will run without crashes.
msg32.exe runs at startup. and can cause unrelated faults. (Don't make any efforts to remove it from startup).
Googling on "GigaStudio bugs" will yield lots of items.

If this is a Sound-centered PC, I would remove the Windows Desktop Search, any screensavers, and disable File Indexing on the C: drive. Possibly too much housekeeping at inopportune times. (My Computer, right click C:\ drive, Properties, Uncheck Allow Indexing..) This can make database searches slower. You can try it to determine if this helps.

askey127

[Kurt]

askey,

Thanks!

You are absolutely right. I use GigaStudio on this production-centered PC as it is my favorite sampler-playback application. I've also noticed countless times that this version will throw a driver error on system boot-up, however it is random and usually means the Giga drivers or DLLs did not load correctly and a reboot is required to use the app. So, GigaStudio research time again (-- I've seen the forums on Giga issues in the past.) One thing to note, I have an older lite version of the application and have not considered updating until now (it's very expensive). At least I've been able to get by with the occasional reboot problem.

Another issue I've found that is causing problems with this PC (maybe this is the culprit..) is a wireless USB, AirLink 101, dongle that I use occasionally to go online for updates, maintenance, etc. I've found that sometimes when the dongle is present is when the PC will freeze up beyond control, and the only solution is to press the power button to shut down - something I do not like to do! What do you know about cleaning up after this type of shut down? My tests reveal when the AirLink is present is the ONLY time (so far) I get the lock-up problem, other than GigiStudio requiring a reboot.

Possible solutions to try: I will follow your tips to remove the Windows Desktop Search, I don't use screensavers here, and disable File Indexing. I will check on GigaStudio updates /or issues with my version, and use the AirLink USB wireless sparingly! I will test and let you know the outcome. I appreciate it!

[Kurt]

Hello askey,

I spoke too soon. I applied the above changes and rebooted after each. USB wireless Airlink not anywhere near the computer and it crashed! Locked up... only a hard restart brought it back by pressing the power/restart button.

E_S1T0A2.EXE has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience... Please tell Microsoft about this problem... a) Send Error Report, or b) Don't Send

This error message appeared twice in a row after restarting. The second time was unrecoverable while the mouse cursor was available but only giving the hour-glass at hot points.

Thanks again for any assistance with this.

[askey127]

Kurt,
I am assuming that there is sufficient space on the C: drive (more than 15%) so that is not an issue.

One of the things you can do is to check the integrity of the hard drive.
If it's defective, it could cause all the symptoms you have.
You can test it like this:

First Sequence
Got to Start, Run and type cmd and hit <Enter>
When the command window comes up, type at the prompt :
chkdsk c:
hit <Enter> again.
Maximize the command window, and wait for the scan to finish. These scans can take quite a while.
Read the results carefully to see if it says that it found problems with your file system.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second Sequence
IF it has found any errors with your file system, it needs to run a different sequence on reboot to do repairs. It can't repair the file system while Windows is running.
DO NOT START THIS SEQUENCE UNLESS YOU CAN DO WITHOUT THE MACHINE FOR AN HOUR OR TWO.
It will not relinquish control until it is done. You cannot stop it, and it would be a mistake to pull the plug.

Go To Start, Run and type cmd
hit <Enter>
Type this black text into the command window at the prompt:
chkdsk c: /F <==notice the /F, with one space between c: and /F
hit <Enter>
You will get a message that the volume is locked, with a request to do the repair on Reboot.
Answer Y
Then type exit to close the Command window.
Go to Start, Turn Off Computer and choose Reboot
It will scan again when it boots up and make the repairs as the first part of the reboot process.

After it reboots, run the First Sequence again (without the /F parameter), and see if it still shows any File System Errors.

It's possible that the chkdsk c: /F sequence may have to be run on reboot twice to pick up everything.
If it repeatedly shows File System Errors, even after running the Second Sequence a couple of times, you can assume the hard drive is likely at fault.
askey127

[Kurt]

askey,

Yes, I have plenty of space on my C: drive. In fact, I have already run the drive maintenance untility SpinRite v6.0 on this drive (see http://www.grc.com), and the integrity of the hard drive reported fine!

My trouble very well may be one of those things that happens when some software/drivers (i.e. Giga) become old and other system updates and software are added (i.e. Microsoft, etc.). I'm a web developer and content producer, so the range of applications I need to use is huge. One solution I'm looking into is virtualizing my environment, but will likely require (again) a hardware upgrade. Check out http://www.vmware.com.

Any other suggestions will be welcome!

Thanks again,
Kurt

[askey127]

Kurt,
I think your analysis is correct.

I run VirtualPC with both XP and Vista.
Good Luck
askey127

[askey127]

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