"not responding" (W98)

[blackdog]

My pc keeps locking up. I have clicked on "Ctrl, Alt, Delete", and I thingk every item in that list has given me a "not responding", at one time or amother. I keep all the junk cleaned out and defrag, and clean disk, and all that other stuff, but does not seem to help. Even run windows washer once in a while to clean out "index.dat" junk. I don't know where to go from here.....
HELP
eps...

[Mocha]

You may have too many processes running at startup.

You need to leave Scan Registry, Systray, Load Power Profile (if you're using power saving features), and your AV and Firewall.

Msconfig....Things safe to remove:
<a target="_blank" href=http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/Uncheck.htm>http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/Uncheck.htm</a>

[blackdog]

I "unchecked" several things in the list, but they have been unchecked before. Why do these items keep showing up as "checked"? And thank you for that URL, I had it bookmarked on another hard drive, but lost access to it when I replaced hard drive. I will try it again, and we will see how it goes. Thank you....
eps...

[homeflash]

Locking up could mean your explore.exe may have problem. There is software I found from download.com called something like win98 task manager, it will show you which process you have problem.

[POBrien]

If no joy yet go to Start/run and type in sfc

check for corrupted system files.

Patrick (http://www.winguides.com/forums/sendprivate.php?Cat=&User=POBrien&Board=&Number=&what=online&page=&view=&sb=&part=&vc=><font)</font color=green> /images/forums/icons/smile.gif
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.winguides.com/subscribe/?guide=registry>WinGuides</a>

[Mocha]

What "things" show up as checked, after you've unchecked them? Do you recognize them?? Unchecking them should have effect really.

Have you scanned for viruses lately? If you think there's something unusual listed, it never hurts to do an online scan. At least you'd illiminate a virus.

Trend Micro:
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.housecall.antivirus.com>http://www.housecall.antivirus.com</a>

There also could be spyware causing this problem. Do you use Ad-Aware?

[blackdog]

I have run that from "system tools", and got nothing.

[blackdog]

Mocha, I have uncheched some of that stuff several times, and no, I don't know what it is. Thanks for the URL, I will check it out.

[blackdog]

Homeflash, thanks for the info at "download .com", I will check that out.
eps...

[blackdog]

Patrich, when running sfc, and a file comes up as "altered", or "changed", and I select "restore from disk", and it is not my OS file, now how do I tell what that file beliongs too, what program does it use????
eps...

[TonyKlein]

You shouldn't want to restore every file that comes up as changed.

When a file's been updated that's usually good, and you should leave it alone.

Also, when a file is reported missing, and it isn't a Windows file, it likely belongs to an application you've uninstalled, so, although SFC reports it as missing, you must not restore the file.

All in all, I think you should concentrate on files that are reported missing.

[blackdog]

TonyKlein, I click off on files that have been "updated" and only concentrate on files that have been removed or considered "corrupt". But as I ssaid in previous note, "If the file does not belong to my OS, how am I going to tell what the file does belong too, to restore it."? If I don't know what program it is assocciated with, theres no way to restore the file??????????
eps.
RSVP...

[TonyKlein]

Well, that's what I mean.

SFC's results can be particularly hard to interpret.

At the same time, I'm sure what Patrick meant is, that if SFC is going to point you in the direction of a solution, it'll have to do with missing Windows files.

So I suggest you concentrate on those, and disregard the others.

[blackdog]

c'mon guys, I need some help, I just had to start this gd computer 4 times before I could get on the net. two times Internet Explorer was locked up, once Net Zero locked up, the other I don't remember what the hell went wrong. I have went through all your recomendations, and that hasn't saolved a damn thing, except wast everybodys time. Now if you have some real answers, I would realy appreciate it....
eps

[Mocha]

Excuse me?? To be honest, I wouldn't waste anymore time on your problem myself.

You've given no real feedback on the results of anything you've done.

If I might add, noone here is obligated, nor gets paid, to respond to your post in the first place!

Btw, taking your problems out on others, stinks.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by Mocha on 08/18/02 17:31.</FONT></P>

[blackdog]

mocha, Iv'e tryed to answer each post that was under my original quarry. If yours was neglected, then I owe you an appology. However, I sit here looking over a site that is supposed to help people with thier pc problems, and I am getting answers that seem to lead nowhere, what do you proppose I do, just keep chaseing my tail. There have been so many answers to my problem, that I do not honestly remember what you sollution was. I would be in anybodys debt that can figure out what is wrong with this pc. I have defraged, checked for viruses, used windows washer to get rid of junk, run SFC, run "repair Intenet Explorer" from the tool menu in "System Info." , Theis rig will run like a new on for a couple of days, then when you go to start it, you have to restart it several times before it will even let You use it, then to get on the Internet, you may have to reboot it several times because it will lock up. and as the original messege said, almost everything in the "Ctrl, Alt, Delete" box has given me a "not responding" messege. I have removed some of that stuff, and still am getting same results.
I rest my case. If you choose not to respond any further, I thank you for the advice you have given so far.
eps...

[BertImmenschuh]

Basics:
Unplug the computer, take it outside with a can of compressed air [for computers], remove the cover from the case, blow out all the dust, blow out the CPU fan, blow out the power supply and its fan.

Take it back in and plug it in before putting the cover on and check the fans for operation.

Ground yourself on something metal like a water pipe or the computer chassis while it is plugged in and don't move around afterward.

Get the wiring in the outlet check for proper voltage and polarity. Get the phone line checked for polarity. When it is plugged in, make sure it's on a good surge protector and the phone line is plugged into the surge protector.

Ground yourself on something metal like a water pipe or the computer chassis while it is plugged in and don't move around afterward.

With it unplugged press on the edge of any add-in cards to make sure they are well seated.

Now put it all back together and try it.

We all, each of us, have a uniqueness, some of us enjoy it, some of us don't.

[Mocha]

Just to set this straight....this site isn't supposed to do anything. Were you asked for a credit card number, when you signed up??

You didn't answer, what things showed up after unchecking them, or whether you use Ad-Aware spyware removal program. That's the kind of feedback I'm talking about.

You only said you unchecked some things and were vague about it. Remember, this service is free! Nobody responding to posts and taking time to help, was asked to.

[report_2]

Blackdog, We all come here to try to help but in doing so some feedback is needed.

I see several incomplete answers in your feedback:

What programs remain running in msconfig?

Do you use Ad-Aware?

Have you focused on the Microsoft files that are missing or corrupt when using SFC?

On 8/17 you replied with "I will check that out" twice; how did you make out with checking it out?

Have you cleaned out the tower?

[blackdog]

homeflash, I just had to reinstall IE6.0, it said there was a file that needed a newer version. I just now got back on the net, we will see how it goes.
eps

[blackdog]

mocha, I went to the URL you posted, and run a virus scan. None. McAfee update, will re-chech itself after a few boot-ups, I cannot keep it unchecked. I finally had to check Tru Vector (Zone Alarm), it kept wanting to go to "Not Responding(VSMON)". and FREE RAM XP PRO will not stay unchecked, so I finally left it that way, and click it off after startup. I am just now getting started again.

[blackdog]

TonyKlein, I have tried to reload files from my Win98 CD, and it will tell me it cannot find that file.
I have even used the old trick, "look in SYSTEM FILES, save too SYSTEM FILES." Some times that will work and some times it will not.

[blackdog]

Report_2, I am in the proccess of trying to answer all the answers I have had to my original input. I hope I have answered some to thier satisfaction, I have had so much trouble with this thing, I spend a lot of time doing troubleshooting and rebooting and reinstalling. I will have to go back and make a list of whatr is running in startup, and yes, I do use Ad-Aware, and I have run it reciently. Yes I took the tower outside to the shop and give it a good blowing, it was not as dusty as it ws last year when I done that. I checke all boards for fit, and checked for looe wires. All ok at this time. I went to the web sites that were mentioned when I said "I will theck that out", and the results were satisfactory.
Now--- I have to go to the hospital tomorrow for a Cardiac Catheterization, I don/t expect to be back on-line for several ddays. I will be back in touch.
Thanks, all..........
eps...

[TonyKlein]

Blackdog,

If you use System File Checker, it ought to find a windows file (if indeed it is a Windows file) on your CD-ROM every time.

[blackdog]

Ok guys, I'm back. This is a list of the people I have to respond to:
Mocha, HomeFlash, POBrien, TonyKlien, Bert Immenchuh, Report_2, If I leave out somthing, I'm sorry... Ok, here we go:Yes I have AD-AWARE 5.0, I use it often, I have downloaded "win98 TaskManager." and it gave me a list of running pricesses I will post, at the end of this post. I have run SFC, and if you think it will pick files from the CD every time you need them, you are sadly mistaken, I'm sorry, I will stand on that one... I restored the ones I need though. BertImmenchuh, I've allready answered your question.
Now, after all that has been done, all the places I have been-----I still have all the same problems... I have two Anti-virus programs on this machine and Zone Alarm. I'm not upset with anyone that has answered my plea, I can't dissagree with any information that I have gotten, they all sound good. But I'm almost "dead-in-the-water"... I thought I knew a little somthing about pc's, but this has got me stumped. Here is th list of running:
SYSTEM IDLE PROCESS, SYSTEM, MPREXE.EXE, MMTASK.TSK, VSMON.EXE, MSTASK.EXE, EXPLORER.EXE, SYSTRAY.EXE, VETTRAY.EXE, VETMSG9X.EXE, MCVSSHLD.EXE, SONEALARM.EXE, MCVSRTE.EXE, DDHELP.EXE, TASKMNGR.EXE. These have beenrunning every since I installed new hard drive.

[Mocha]

One thing is that Ad-Aware 5.0 is out of date. We're using ver. 5.3 at present. That needs to be kept up to date, just the same as your AV program.

I completely uninstalled mine first and started fresh, rather than just installing the update. That's up to you, though.

Follow Tony's instructions in this post:

<a target="_blank" href=http://www.winguides.com/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=genwin&Number=62754&page=&view=&sb=>http://www.winguides.com/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=genwin&Number=62754&page=&view=&sb=</a>

I'm not sure what all those processes are, maybe someone else does. I'd have to do some research. For sonealarm.exe, I assume you mean Zonealarm.exe?

Btw, I have no idea.... what's "Free Ram XP Pro"?? <P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by Mocha on 08/21/02 12:57.</FONT></P>

[blackdog]

Mocha, "Free Ram", is a little program that will let you check the amount of memory you have available. You can free up as much memory as you want, including so much that the pc will stop working. Sometimes your memory is being used by things that it don't to be useing memory. I am going to have correct myself, my version of Ad-Aware is 5.5...There are a few processes running, that I don't know what they are either. But if I check them off, as soon as I start useing the pc, they will show up checked again. Zone Alarm has 2, McAfee has 4, Comp. ***'ts, has2, and of course Windoz, has a bunch. I will go to this URL you posted and look at it...
eps...

[Mocha]

There is no Ad-Aware 5.5, unless there is in the Pro version. I don't know!

The only things you need running at startup are: Systray, Scan Registry, Load Power Profile (if you're using power schemes) your AV and Firewall, if you have one.

As far as I know, there's no program that can free up RAM. You can free up resources, by closing programs, extra open windows, etc. That's not the same thing.

I messed up on the latest version of Ad-Aware. The newest is ver 5.83, so you don't have an up to date one.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by Mocha on 08/21/02 17:12.</FONT></P>

[Mosaic1]

My opinion is this. Please lose the RAM program. It just may be your culprit.

Also, sometimes SFC doesn't do it. Here's how to search for a file:
Go to find files.
In the Named box type this
*.cab
In the Containing Text box, type the name of the file.
Look in: that's the Drive you want to search. For instance the CDROM drive with the install disk inserted.

Perform the search. The result will be a list of cabs containing the file you need.

See if any of this helps. Post back.

[blackdog]

Mosaic1: Sorry it took so long, I've been gone for a couple of days. For now, I will continue to use the Ram program, if worst comes to worst, I will trash it, but it has proven itself many times. And I'm glad to see someone in agreement about SFC, it isn't what it's cracked up to be. Another MS blunder. And I will make a note about find file (*.CAB) method. The last time I ran SFC, it came through clean, so I hav'nt had to use your method yet. By the way, will that method work on any file extension?
eps...

[blackdog]

Mocha, I think it's time we had a little understanding. When I tell you I have, whatever, on my pc, please don't tell me "there is no such". And if you want to know something about "Free Ram" programs, go to ZDNET\downloads, and type in FREE RAM, and read the cover page that comes w/each of those programs, theres only about a dozen of them. And I now have version 5.83, of Ad-Aware. And all the other things in MSCONFIG\STARTUP, that don't need to be checked, have been unchecked a dozen times, but after I use pc and restart it, all that junk will put itself right back on the checked list. Thank you............
es...

[TonyKlein]

Carol and Mo are both right:

Memory managers and Resource managers are, first of all, programs that demand memory and Resources! Secondly, they do not tend to work that well (if at all).

Most of the running tasks you listed are Windows services that are required.

You can't disable those, nor do you want to.

The other ones mainly belong to your antivirus and firewall.

Stuff that keeps coming back after you uncheck it in Msconfig/startup belong to programs whose settings overrule the changes you make in Msconfig.

Open up the program in question, and find a 'load this program at startup' box you can uncheck.

[Mocha]

I think it's time we had a little understanding. If you don't want help, don't ask for it!

For one, Mosaic is quite a computer whiz, so if the suggestion is to get rid of the program......do so. There are a lot of programs that claim to do a lot of things.

Good luck! I hope you resolve your problems on your own from now on or change your attitude!

Btw, I wonder if you've stopped to think on how much time was donated to your cause? No problem....I for one, have nothing better to do anyway.

Thanks.....

[blackdog]

Mosaic1: I have removed the "Ram" program, we will see how things go. I will let you know if this was the culpret.
eps...

[blackdog]

Mosaic1: Well, I guess I answered my own question, two hours ago I removed the "Ram" program, and now when I tried to get on the net, I had to restart pc because I had three things give me "Not responding".
Lets make this the finall entry in this log, Merry Christmas, and----to all---- a good nite..................
Thankx, to those that tried...............

[Mosaic1]

I just got here. And you have not done a thorough troubleshoot. I read this thread and stayed out for quite a long time because I hate this kind of fighting on the Forums. If you want to continue to try and resolve this, I am willing to give you a hand. Sometimes it is difficult and takes time & patience. There is a method.

Let's start by testing your RAM. You can download a free utility named DocMemory from
http://www.majorgeeks.com/showfiles.php?cat=14 (http://www.simmtester.com>www.simmtester.com</a>
)
I use version 2.0

I also want to troubleshoot your Software from the beginning. But after you have instsalled RAIN and tested your RAM.

[blackdog]

Mosaic1: Yes, I will gladly agree to try to resolve this issue with your help, if we can agree to two things. First, I would like for everone else to stay out of this for the time being. Second, it may be a few days before I can get started on your request. I will post back, or you can reach me at at my email address.
I think some confussion was created be the injection of to many ideas, all of which had merit.

[Mosaic1]

blackdog,
I am happy to help if I can. However, I will not ask anyone to stay out. That's not how it is done. We are a team here. Any and all advice is welcome. In fact, we will be going over old ground again.
Your problem seems to be difficult to resolve and if there is someone out there with answers then please don't chase that person away.

I am aware that you are not well. I hope you feel better.

Mo

[blackdog]

Mosiac1: I have been to both web sites you suggested, and done as you requested. Three burnins, all passed. I had to use version 1, of Rain, as the Zip file wouldn't unzip on version 2. Heat, had crossed my mind several times, but this cabinet has 3 fans. (and they all work).
A brief rundown of system as follows:
4 years old
AMD K6 300 (overclock at 477)
100fsb
SB16 sound card
Maxtor 5600 20GB HD(new)
100MB ZIP DRIVE
LAVAWARE LPT2 card (LEXMARK Z31 PRINTER)
HP officejet V40 Printer (LPT1)
Visioneer Paperport 6100b scanner
Windoz 98 w/updates
Computer Associates E Trust EZ antivirus
McAfee Online Scan antivirus
Zone Alarm security
Ad-Aware 5.83

I have had to resort to useing NORTON UTILITES, to keep this thing running, I once had it installed, but it caused more problems than it solved. Not installed anymore. Use "run from disk" feature, that works OK. Most found problems, "Active X" files, are usually missing. I'll quit now and wait for your reply. (Some tech terms I am not familiar with. The only tech training I have is "from the school of hard knocks". I have a brotherinlaw that has a degree in computer sciences, and he is the one that got me started. When somthing went wrong, I had to learn how to fix it myself, or do without. I think I have done pretty good, all things considered. but this mess totally escapes me.)
eps...