General computer suckiness

[Thoroughly]

I've been having various problems with what is probably hardware lameness, ie. random rebooting, multiple program crashing, etc. On the offchance that it is some viral thing, I'm checking here with you techie boffins...

See anything irregular? ;/

Oh, and I'm not exactly sure where the best place would be to really ask about the actual hardware (or whatever they are) issues, either... can anyone point me in the right direction there?

Any help would be appreciated.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:08:52 AM, on 4/12/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Google\Gmail Notifier\gnotify.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2006\pccguide.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Wtablet\TabUserW.exe
C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Tablet.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\mIRC\mirc.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\neighbour\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [{0228e555-4f9c-4e35-a3ec-b109a192b4c2}] C:\Program Files\Google\Gmail Notifier\gnotify.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2006\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Hide IP Platinum] C:\Program Files\Hide IP Platinum\hideippla.exe
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: TabUserW.exe.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\Wtablet\TabUserW.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
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: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2...ll/xscan53.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{1A865C2B-88F0-4796-A23D-08B2310A380C}: NameServer = 192.168.1.254
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{1A865C2B-88F0-4796-A23D-08B2310A380C}: NameServer = 192.168.1.254
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\..\{1A865C2B-88F0-4796-A23D-08B2310A380C}: NameServer = 192.168.1.254
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (PcCtlCom) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
O23 - Service: TabletService - Wacom Technology, Corp. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Tablet.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Real-time Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe

[jholland1964]

Why don't you list ALL your problems here first, and be specific, we can always move the thread to another place in the forum if they don't apply here...
for now I notice that your Java is out of date. Current build is 1.5.0_9.

[Thoroughly]

Stupid java.

Okay. The first main problem is the computer randomly rebooting... could just be overheating, but it also seems prone to this when it's cooler, or has just been turned on five minutes ago. The CPU temp never gets above 47 or so. It does this at least once a day, usually three times or so.

The second problem is various programs crashing to desktop after a few minutes of use. Usually just larger games do this, but sometimes ZSNES or DOSbox will do it as well. I *think* it's just graphic-heavy programs doing this, but I can't recall. Strangely enough, the computer seems to decide somewhat randomly at startup whether or not this will happen. If a program crashes, then all subsequent programs (the ones subject to crashing, anyway) will keep on crashing until a reboot. However, if programs don't crash after 15 minutes or so of use, then none of them are going to. How long the computer is left unused with the power supply turned off seems to affect the likelihood of crashes after startup. Bad RAM has been suggested, but I'm not sure how to check.

edit: Oh... using WinXP sp2, 512mb RAM, AMD Athlon 1900 mhz 2600+... all graphic and sound drivers updated.

[jholland1964]

I AM moving this thread to our Hardware Section as this does seem to be the likely culprit here.

Stupid java.

Maybe it seems stupid but if you are using programs with a lot of graphics then you DO need it and it should be kept updated

I *think* it's just graphic-heavy programs doing this

This does sound as if it could be bad RAM. OR a very dusty computer.
I would start with a thorough cleaning of the inside of the tower.

Next I would download and run memtest86
This program is available both as a bootable floppy and a CD. This version of the Memtest software also identifies certain characteristics of the system it is running on, like the chipset, CPU type and memory speed.
Memtest86+ has basic and advanced testing modes, differing in the time they take and the thoroughness of the testing. The basic mode should be sufficient to indicate any major problems with your memory.

To use Memtest86+ first download either the pre-compiled floppy disk image or the bootable ISO CD image.

Unzip the downloaded file and create your bootable disk by either running the 'install' program (for the floppy disk image) or creating a CD from the ISO image by using a program like Nero or Easy CD Creator.

Reboot your computer with the floppy or CD in the drive to start the Memtest86+ program. It will automatically begin the basic test. Note the system information displayed to the left of the screen.

The 'c' key will open a menu that allows you to choose between the various test modes. Any errors in your memory will be listed at the bottom of the screen.

If you do find errors then of course you will have to determine which memory module is the culprit.
The link below will give you steps to determine which module is the problem.
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.c...id=1565&page=4

[Thoroughly]

Thanks for the input, but the thing is, I cleaned out the inside of the tower and ran memtest a couple of times a few month ago (when the computer was given to me). I'm not sure what else it could be, really...

[jholland1964]

I thnk I would try the memtest again. Especially since you know the computer is clean on the inside. I would also make sure the RAM is securely seated in their slots.

[starshooter10]

um.... open you computer and check the CAPS (tall round things) and see if ANY are budging or have what looks like rust on them....

if so you needa new MOBO

(it's common on cheap hardware and name brand computers)


but when you say random rebooting do you mean the screen FLCIKS out or does it do a shutdown where you have no controll?

[acruxksa]

um.... open you computer and check the CAPS (tall round things) and see if ANY are budging or have what looks like rust on them....

if so you needa new MOBO

(it's common on cheap hardware and name brand computers)


but when you say random rebooting do you mean the screen FLCIKS out or does it do a shutdown where you have no controll?

I'm with starshooter10, check all the caps. I've had a couple go bad on a mobo before and it exhibited the same problems you are experiencing now. You could also be suffering from a driver issue, but if your problems just started and you didn't change anything, that is unlikely.

[starshooter10]

yeah it's quick and easy thing to check for... and may keep you from ripping hair out of your head LOL

if you have a DFI board their CAPS tend to go bad ALOT