I have a Dell Inspirion 537 with Windows XP Professional and Service Pack 3 installed. The computer is about 2 years old, and when ordered, I specified "extra gaming stuff" so that my railroad and firefighting simulation games would have the power necessary to operate. Beyond that, I know nothing about computers. Lately, my railroad simulation game has required me to CONTROL, ALT, DELETE to get out. In my firefighting game, when I exit out of the game, the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH comes up. This causes me to shut down the computer, and restart. The only thing I can figure is that my brother added some sort of program to my computer about two weeks ago, and then my sister did something in an effort to enlarge the fonts so that our elderly mother could read the words. I am going stark-raving nuts at these problems, and am just about to the point where I am going to take the machine down to a repair shop and have them "back-up" the files, change out the hard drive, and reload the O/S so that I can start fresh. Any opinions, suggestions, or offers of help? Thank you.
What is wrong with my computer?
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do a system restore...How to restore Windows XP to a previous state
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Hi mojaveman,
You can definitely save some $$$$$ by backing your files yourself. Need some help? Just come to this forum and we will happily help you out. I recommend performing a tune-up on that computer and see if this process resolves your issues.
I recommend downloading a good program called "CCleaner" and install it on your computer. Use this program to delete temp files on your computer. Here is the link to CCleaner's website: CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download. Another thing you can do is to scan your computer for viruses/spyware in "Safe Mode". To get into safe mode, turn on your computer and immediately keep tapping the F8 key to get to the Safe Mode Menu. Once your on the menu, choose "Safe Mode w/ Networking".
If you got a compress-air can lying around, I recommend blowing out the dust in the computer by taking out the side of the desktop and blowing dust off the computer. Also, you can perform a "Check Disk Repair" on the computer and see if this process helps alleviate the problem as well. Here is the link on how to perform a check disk repair: How to perform disk error checking in Windows XP.
First, I recommend backing up your files. Good luck and hopefully everything will work out for you.
You can definitely save some $$$$$ by backing your files yourself. Need some help? Just come to this forum and we will happily help you out. I recommend performing a tune-up on that computer and see if this process resolves your issues.
I recommend downloading a good program called "CCleaner" and install it on your computer. Use this program to delete temp files on your computer. Here is the link to CCleaner's website: CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download. Another thing you can do is to scan your computer for viruses/spyware in "Safe Mode". To get into safe mode, turn on your computer and immediately keep tapping the F8 key to get to the Safe Mode Menu. Once your on the menu, choose "Safe Mode w/ Networking".
If you got a compress-air can lying around, I recommend blowing out the dust in the computer by taking out the side of the desktop and blowing dust off the computer. Also, you can perform a "Check Disk Repair" on the computer and see if this process helps alleviate the problem as well. Here is the link on how to perform a check disk repair: How to perform disk error checking in Windows XP.
First, I recommend backing up your files. Good luck and hopefully everything will work out for you.
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Make sure to not use CCleaner's Registry Cleaning tool though, cleaning the registry is not needed and can cause issues.
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CC cleaner will do nothing for your machine what so ever if your getting( BSOD)
If you insist on restoring your system?dell have a hidden recovery on that system which will restore your system back to default,You can do this yourself ,you must back up all your data before you perform this,music/photos/etc as they will be gone after the recovery,
PC Restore for Windows XP | Dell
If you insist on restoring your system?dell have a hidden recovery on that system which will restore your system back to default,You can do this yourself ,you must back up all your data before you perform this,music/photos/etc as they will be gone after the recovery,
PC Restore for Windows XP | Dell
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Hi mojaveman,
Can you let us know of any errors in red that show in your Event Log:-
Windows Key+R and type eventvwr.msc into the box and hit Enter. Click on 'System' on the left and then click on the 'Type' tab at the top to sort the errors into their categories. (easier to find). Where there are ones in red that relate to the time/ date area of the blue screens/ freezes, can you tell us the EventID and Source for each one (most regular ones)
Also, Can you download and install Autoruns and run it. Let it generate all the information (shouldn't take long) then go File>Save and save the AutoRuns.arn file to the desktop. Zip it and attach it back. Basically want to have a look and see if we can figure out what program may be interfering.
With regards the font size issue, if you press and hold the CTRL key and scroll up/down with your mouse, this will increase/decrease the size of the text and images in your browser. I know ion Chrome it will remember the last font size that you used when viewing a site (not sure about FF or IE)
Could you also give us your full system specs as well. If you are unsure what your specs are, download and run Speccy, then when it's generated the information (about 10 seconds) go File>Save as text file, and attach that as well.
I know that may seem a lot, but this may help us with your issue. Can your brother remember the name of the program that he installed? If not, then go to your Program Files (My Computer>Local Disk (C
>Program Files, and see if there are any that you don't recognise. If there are, right click on the yellow folder and select 'Properties', then look at the 'Created' part which will let you know when it was installed. (as you say, it will be around 2 weeks ago, 23rd March area)
Can you let us know of any errors in red that show in your Event Log:-
Windows Key+R and type eventvwr.msc into the box and hit Enter. Click on 'System' on the left and then click on the 'Type' tab at the top to sort the errors into their categories. (easier to find). Where there are ones in red that relate to the time/ date area of the blue screens/ freezes, can you tell us the EventID and Source for each one (most regular ones)
Also, Can you download and install Autoruns and run it. Let it generate all the information (shouldn't take long) then go File>Save and save the AutoRuns.arn file to the desktop. Zip it and attach it back. Basically want to have a look and see if we can figure out what program may be interfering.
With regards the font size issue, if you press and hold the CTRL key and scroll up/down with your mouse, this will increase/decrease the size of the text and images in your browser. I know ion Chrome it will remember the last font size that you used when viewing a site (not sure about FF or IE)
Could you also give us your full system specs as well. If you are unsure what your specs are, download and run Speccy, then when it's generated the information (about 10 seconds) go File>Save as text file, and attach that as well.
I know that may seem a lot, but this may help us with your issue. Can your brother remember the name of the program that he installed? If not, then go to your Program Files (My Computer>Local Disk (C
>Program Files, and see if there are any that you don't recognise. If there are, right click on the yellow folder and select 'Properties', then look at the 'Created' part which will let you know when it was installed. (as you say, it will be around 2 weeks ago, 23rd March area)
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I cant believe a Microsoft person with over 4.000 post,Is telling a person to fix (BSOD)WITH CC CLEANER
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The person who recommended CCleaner was not the person you quoted. Look up a bit further and you will see that the suggestion was made by just a registered user. I actually reported his post, since I'm still rather new here and not totally sure of the protocols. reventon's suggestion to NOT use the registry cleaner part of CCleaner was, I suspect, the response to my report.
Run this program BSOD_XP_v1.3_jcgriff2_PROD.exe. and when it is done go to My Documents and zip the file TSF_XP_SUPPORT up and attach it in your next post so we can see what is going on in your system.
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I will admit I missed the fact that the OP was getting BSODs, I thought the problem was limited to freezes/slowdowns in which case cleaning out the temp files etc. makes sense.
Seeing as you are getting BSODs, please do as spunk.funk says:
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apologies
Greetings one and all. I had to print out all of the fine responses to my question in order to respond to them. So without further delay, here we go.
To Stu computer: Unfortunately, the System Restore did not work. In fact, when I requested to go back to 3/21/11, the computer answered back that my system could not be restored to the point I requested. I used that time as the point when I first started experiencing the problems. Maybe selecting a later or earlier point might do the trick, but for now, I'll hold off and try some of the other suggestions. Thank you.
To DB Cooper: You're absolutely right. Saving $$$$ when it comes to this computer would be a definite plus. I think I will try the backing up of my files as the first step, and other than purchasing some flash drives and transferring my files to these devices (sorry, that's the extent of my knowledge) I am reasonably sure that there must be more to it than this. So yes, I will welcome any assistance in this endeavor. As to the downloading of the "CC Cleaner," I'll wait and see what some of the other options from other TSF members have to say. Finally, your suggestion of running a "Check Disk Repair" sounds good, but I must caution you that my games (both the railroading simulation and the firefighting one) are on a CD ROM and maybe they're defective in some way? Thank you for your comments, and I'll keep you posted as to any new developments.
For brobarapas: Yikes! This option sounds like "the last resort." I will admit that returning everything back to the default settings would allow me to start fresh with a new knowledge and respect, and would allow me to reload these games (if the disks are not defective). I will definitely keep this option open. Thank you.
For TheGift73: I will try the suggestion you mentioned, but as you said, this is an awful lot to do and remember, so you'll have to be patient as I read the printout of your response and follow your directions. I will keep you posted.
And finally, for spunk.funk, I will try the program you suggested and get back to you. Just to give me a little peace of mind, if I do this step as you suggest, it won't self destruct will it? Thank you.
I know I missed a couple of you, and I apologize. I've got a wealth of information here, so I'll respond just as soon as possible.
To Stu computer: Unfortunately, the System Restore did not work. In fact, when I requested to go back to 3/21/11, the computer answered back that my system could not be restored to the point I requested. I used that time as the point when I first started experiencing the problems. Maybe selecting a later or earlier point might do the trick, but for now, I'll hold off and try some of the other suggestions. Thank you.
To DB Cooper: You're absolutely right. Saving $$$$ when it comes to this computer would be a definite plus. I think I will try the backing up of my files as the first step, and other than purchasing some flash drives and transferring my files to these devices (sorry, that's the extent of my knowledge) I am reasonably sure that there must be more to it than this. So yes, I will welcome any assistance in this endeavor. As to the downloading of the "CC Cleaner," I'll wait and see what some of the other options from other TSF members have to say. Finally, your suggestion of running a "Check Disk Repair" sounds good, but I must caution you that my games (both the railroading simulation and the firefighting one) are on a CD ROM and maybe they're defective in some way? Thank you for your comments, and I'll keep you posted as to any new developments.
For brobarapas: Yikes! This option sounds like "the last resort." I will admit that returning everything back to the default settings would allow me to start fresh with a new knowledge and respect, and would allow me to reload these games (if the disks are not defective). I will definitely keep this option open. Thank you.
For TheGift73: I will try the suggestion you mentioned, but as you said, this is an awful lot to do and remember, so you'll have to be patient as I read the printout of your response and follow your directions. I will keep you posted.
And finally, for spunk.funk, I will try the program you suggested and get back to you. Just to give me a little peace of mind, if I do this step as you suggest, it won't self destruct will it? Thank you.
I know I missed a couple of you, and I apologize. I've got a wealth of information here, so I'll respond just as soon as possible.
As DB Cooper suggested, Backing up is essential before you go monkeying around on your computer. However, you need to have at least another drive or USB device (Flash, or external drive) to backup to, it's a good investment and they are very cheap.
Finally the program link I sent was written by TSF's Manager of Microsoft Support. And does no damage to your computer but writes out logs of the things that are happening on your computer, so we can look them over and try and solve your problem.
Thank you again spunk.funk for responding back. OK, I have five (5) 2 GB Flash Drive devices, and I know how to transfer data files to them. Now, my question is where do I go transfer and backup these files? Do they come from "All Programs," "My Documents," or "Program Files?" Secondly, if I have, say a folder containing sub-folders, do I back up just the main folder (and the sub folders automatically back up), or do I have back up each individual folder? Thirdly, I probably use only 15% of this computer's total ability (I surf the web and play my simulation games) so a lot of what I've saved in folders may be able to be reclaimed with a new surfing session. In other words, I don't believe I have that much "vital" stuff that can't be replaced. What, basically, do I want to save to these flash devices? Thank you.
To TheGift73: Have downloaded and run EVENT LOG and AUTORUN. I am amazed at the amount of error messages that are present. I have made Zip Files of each of these files and am attaching them to this post as requested. I hope the information will help. I did not get the SPECCY program due to the cost of same. My employment is very slow at present and the cost is prohibitive. I am including all the specs of my system taken from the "System" page, and hope this will help. My specs are as follows:
Microsoft WIndows XP Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 3
Registered To:
MILTON SMITH
76487-OEM-0011903-00102
DELL Inspirion 537
Intel (R) Core (TM) 2 Duo CPU
E7400 @ 2.80 GHz
1.59 GHz, 3.00 GB of RAM
Here are the Zip File Attachments
Microsoft WIndows XP Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 3
Registered To:
MILTON SMITH
76487-OEM-0011903-00102
DELL Inspirion 537
Intel (R) Core (TM) 2 Duo CPU
E7400 @ 2.80 GHz
1.59 GHz, 3.00 GB of RAM
Here are the Zip File Attachments
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Thank you for the files, I'll take a look at them. Not sure what you mean about Speccy though? It's free (see image attached). I think you were looking at the sites advertisement. Or just choose this link and select 'Download
Latest Version' from the upper right hand side of the page
Latest Version' from the upper right hand side of the page
Attachments
To backup, you go to C:\Documents and Settings\[username] copy the My Documents, Favorites, and Desktop folders to your Flash Drive. Did you get a chance to run the program I sent you, Please attach the results file in your next post.
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1,560 Posts
Hi mojaveman,
Sorry I didn't get back to you last night.
1] Did you check the inside of your computer for any overbuilding of dust inside your machine as DBCooper suggested? If there is a build up, this can cause a system to shut down due to overheating when under stress (like gaming)
2] Did you manage to download and run the file that spunk.funk asked you for as it's a great program and way to figure out what the issue is.http://sysnative.com/0x8/BSOD_Windows7_Vista_v2.64_jcgriff2_.exe
3] Did you manage to back up your documents yet?
Right, just been looking over your autoruns file and it doesn't look too bad. You have a few browser toolbars that you don't need (unless you want to keep them) as they are just another thing that your browser has to load every time it starts. You probably got them whilst installing another program and missed the check box during the install.
To remove these go Start>Control Panel>Add/ Remove Programs, and you will see the toolbars in there.
Conduit Toolbar
Gamesbar
Google Toolbar
Windows Live Toolbar
Norton Toolbar
Again, it's upto you if you wish to keep them ot not.
I would also uninstall Norton using the Norton Removal Tool and replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials instead. Download MSE first, but don't install it until Norton has been removed and you have rebooted. Again, using MSE instead of Norton is my preferred choice as Norton causes quite a few issues at times. You can always re-install it later if you wish. (If you do, make sure that you have uninstalled MSE as running more than one anti-virus will cause system conflicts)
In the Error log that you supplied, there are a lot of SideBySide Errors with different Event ID's. You should be able to resolve this by installing the latest .NET Framework which is currently version 4. You can get this in 2 ways.
1] Start>All Programs and select Windows Update. You should see it available there. Try this option first.
2] You can download it here. It may require you to uninstall previous .Net Framework updates first via add/remove programs (Start>Control Panel>Add/ Remove Programs (at the top of the window, check the 'Show Updates' box)
Can you make sure that you computer is also fully up to date via Windows Update.
I am also re-attaching your Error Logs in .pdf format and data sorted (easier to look at and couldn't attach as xls) so that other people can look at them and help out if they spot anything. The only ones you have to worry about are the ones that show up in red in your Events Logs. Some of these may be resolved by making sure that your system is fully up to date.
Sorry I didn't get back to you last night.
1] Did you check the inside of your computer for any overbuilding of dust inside your machine as DBCooper suggested? If there is a build up, this can cause a system to shut down due to overheating when under stress (like gaming)
2] Did you manage to download and run the file that spunk.funk asked you for as it's a great program and way to figure out what the issue is.http://sysnative.com/0x8/BSOD_Windows7_Vista_v2.64_jcgriff2_.exe
3] Did you manage to back up your documents yet?
Right, just been looking over your autoruns file and it doesn't look too bad. You have a few browser toolbars that you don't need (unless you want to keep them) as they are just another thing that your browser has to load every time it starts. You probably got them whilst installing another program and missed the check box during the install.
To remove these go Start>Control Panel>Add/ Remove Programs, and you will see the toolbars in there.
Conduit Toolbar
Gamesbar
Google Toolbar
Windows Live Toolbar
Norton Toolbar
Again, it's upto you if you wish to keep them ot not.
I would also uninstall Norton using the Norton Removal Tool and replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials instead. Download MSE first, but don't install it until Norton has been removed and you have rebooted. Again, using MSE instead of Norton is my preferred choice as Norton causes quite a few issues at times. You can always re-install it later if you wish. (If you do, make sure that you have uninstalled MSE as running more than one anti-virus will cause system conflicts)
In the Error log that you supplied, there are a lot of SideBySide Errors with different Event ID's. You should be able to resolve this by installing the latest .NET Framework which is currently version 4. You can get this in 2 ways.
1] Start>All Programs and select Windows Update. You should see it available there. Try this option first.
2] You can download it here. It may require you to uninstall previous .Net Framework updates first via add/remove programs (Start>Control Panel>Add/ Remove Programs (at the top of the window, check the 'Show Updates' box)
Can you make sure that you computer is also fully up to date via Windows Update.
I am also re-attaching your Error Logs in .pdf format and data sorted (easier to look at and couldn't attach as xls) so that other people can look at them and help out if they spot anything. The only ones you have to worry about are the ones that show up in red in your Events Logs. Some of these may be resolved by making sure that your system is fully up to date.
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