Bugs killed - Have host of other problems

[exile360]

@AdvancedSetup:

Were these entries significant?:

Trusted Zone: abc.com
Trusted Zone: abc.com\ll.media
Trusted Zone: fox.com\gksrv
Trusted Zone: fox.com\www
Trusted Zone: go.com\abc
Trusted Zone: go.com\fep.abc
Trusted Zone: google.com\www
Trusted Zone: ncspearson.com

@KPP:

Please visit this page and when asked to run the ActiveX control, do so. Then click the Upgrade button and allow it to install the update.

Uninstall Programs:

• Click on Start and select Control Panel
  
• Open Add/Remove Programs
  
• Uninstall the following if found:
  DivX
  
  

Reboot if asked to do so.

Download and install the Vista Codec Package (yes, it works with XP as well ) from here.

Visit this website to determine the version of Flash Player you have installed and to confirm that it's working.

If it isn't 10.0.32.18 then do the following:

• Click on Start and select Control Panel
  
• Open Add/Remove Programs
  
• Uninstall the following if found:
  Adobe Flash Player
  
  

Once that's done, download and run the Flash Player Uninstall Tool from here.

Next, reboot your computer and download and install the latest Flash Player version from here (uncheck the Free Google Toolbar (optional) box).

Try abc.com again and let me know if the videos play correctly now.

Also, please let me know which version of Java you have installed (it will be listed in Add/Remove Programs).

[AdvancedSetup]

I don't see an issue with them Exile.

@KPP

Please run the following DDS scan and post the results back here so that Exile and others helping will have a better understanding of what is currently running.

Download

DDS

and save it to your desktop

http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/dds.scr

Disable any script blocker if your Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware has it.

Once downloaded you can disconnect from the Internet and disable your Ant-Virus temporarily if needed.

Then double click

dds.scr

to run the tool.

When done, the

DDS.txt

will open.

Click Yes at the next prompt for Optional Scan.

When done, DDS will open two (2) logs:

1. DDS.txt
   
   
2. Attach.txt
   
   

• Save both reports to your desktop
  
  
• Please include the following logs in your next reply:
  DDS.txt
  and
  Attach.txt
  
  

[KPP]

Please run the following DDS scan and post the results back here so that Exile and others helping will have a better understanding of what is currently running.

[*]Please include the following logs in your next reply: DDS.txt and Attach.txt

Here's the DDS.txt

DDS (Ver_09-12-01.01) - NTFSx86

Run by Kate at 1:25:41.04 on Sat 12/12/2009

Internet Explorer: 7.0.5730.13 BrowserJavaVersion: 1.6.0_01

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600.3.1252.1.1033.18.254.104 [GMT -6:00]

AV: AntiVir Desktop *On-access scanning disabled* (Updated) {AD166499-45F9-482A-A743-FDD3350758C7}

============== Running Processes ===============

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost -k DcomLaunch

svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs

svchost.exe

svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe

C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\sched.exe

svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE

C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avguard.exe

C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Motive\McciCMService.exe

C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe

C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\itype.exe

C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe

C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE

C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe

C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe

C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE

C:\Documents and Settings\Kate\Desktop\dds.scr

============== Pseudo HJT Report ===============

uStart Page = hxxp://dallas.craigslist.org/wrg/

uSearchMigratedDefaultURL = hxxp://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8

uInternet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local

uSearchURL,(Default) = hxxp://www.google.com/search?q=%s

BHO: SSVHelper Class: {761497bb-d6f0-462c-b6eb-d4daf1d92d43} - c:\program files\java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll

BHO: Java Plug-In 2 SSV Helper: {dbc80044-a445-435b-bc74-9c25c1c588a9} - c:\program files\java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll

EB: {32683183-48a0-441b-a342-7c2a440a9478} - No File

EB: {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - No File

uRun: [igfxTray] c:\windows\system32\igfxtray.exe

uRun: [ctfmon.exe] c:\windows\system32\ctfmon.exe

mRun: [QuickTime Task] "c:\program files\quicktime\qttask.exe" -atboottime

mRun: [iTunesHelper] "c:\program files\itunes\iTunesHelper.exe"

mRun: [itype] "c:\program files\microsoft intellitype pro\itype.exe"

mRun: [avgnt] "c:\program files\avira\antivir desktop\avgnt.exe" /min

mRun: [sunJavaUpdateSched] "c:\program files\java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe"

IE: {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBC} - c:\program files\java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll

Trusted Zone: abc.com

Trusted Zone: abc.com\ll.media

Trusted Zone: fox.com\gksrv

Trusted Zone: fox.com\www

Trusted Zone: go.com\abc

Trusted Zone: go.com\fep.abc

Trusted Zone: google.com\www

Trusted Zone: ncspearson.com

DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} - hxxp://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab

DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} - hxxp://download.microsoft.com/download/C/0/C/C0CBBA88-A6F2-48D9-9B0E-1719D1177202/LegitCheckControl.cab

DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} - hxxp://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-1_6_0_01-windows-i586.cab

DPF: {A3256902-51FA-45A0-8A97-FC1143C169D9} - hxxp://support.microsoft.com/mats/DiagWebControl.cab

DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA} - hxxp://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-1_6_0_01-windows-i586.cab

DPF: {CAFEEFAC-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-ABCDEFFEDCBA} - hxxp://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-1_6_0_01-windows-i586.cab

DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} - hxxp://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - hxxp://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab

Notify: igfxcui - igfxsrvc.dll

================= FIREFOX ===================

FF - ProfilePath - c:\docume~1\kate\applic~1\mozilla\firefox\profiles\dav8808z.default\

FF - prefs.js: browser.search.defaulturl - hxxp://www.google.com/search?lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=

FF - prefs.js: browser.search.selectedEngine - Google

FF - prefs.js: browser.startup.homepage - hxxp://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/etc/

FF - component: c:\program files\mozilla firefox\components\GoogleDesktopMozilla.dll

FF - HiddenExtension: Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant: {20a82645-c095-46ed-80e3-08825760534b} - c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v3.5\windows presentation foundation\dotnetassistantextension\

FF - HiddenExtension: Java Console: No Registry Reference - c:\program files\mozilla firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA}

============= SERVICES / DRIVERS ===============

R1 avgio;avgio;c:\program files\avira\antivir desktop\avgio.sys [2009-11-29 11608]

R2 AntiVirSchedulerService;Avira AntiVir Scheduler;c:\program files\avira\antivir desktop\sched.exe [2009-11-29 108289]

R2 AntiVirService;Avira AntiVir Guard;c:\program files\avira\antivir desktop\avguard.exe [2009-11-29 185089]

R2 avgntflt;avgntflt;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgntflt.sys [2009-10-19 56816]

=============== Created Last 30 ================

2009-12-10 07:04:56 69632 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\javacpl.cpl

2009-12-08 11:17:22 23392 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\nscompat.tlb

2009-12-08 11:17:22 16832 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\amcompat.tlb

2009-12-08 09:33:20 0 d-----w- c:\windows\system32\Adobe

2009-12-07 17:49:18 0 d-----w- c:\windows\system32\NtmsData

2009-12-07 06:21:27 2105344 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\secsetup.sdb

2009-11-30 13:59:22 0 ----a-w- c:\documents and settings\kate\defogger_reenable

2009-11-29 09:41:08 0 d-----w- c:\program files\Avira

2009-11-29 09:41:08 0 d-----w- c:\docume~1\alluse~1\applic~1\Avira

2009-11-20 06:12:10 98816 ----a-w- c:\windows\sed.exe

2009-11-20 06:12:10 77312 ----a-w- c:\windows\MBR.exe

2009-11-20 06:12:10 161792 ----a-w- c:\windows\SWREG.exe

2009-11-13 04:50:27 0 d-----w- c:\docume~1\kate\applic~1\ElevatedDiagnostics

2009-11-13 04:47:20 0 d-----w- c:\program files\Microsoft ATS

==================== Find3M ====================

2009-12-08 11:05:03 56816 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgntflt.sys

2009-11-14 07:47:57 260608 -c--a-w- c:\windows\PEV.exe

2009-11-03 15:17:09 411368 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\deploytk.dll

2009-10-29 07:46:59 832512 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\wininet.dll

2009-10-29 07:46:52 78336 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\ieencode.dll

2009-10-29 07:46:50 17408 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\corpol.dll

2009-10-21 05:38:36 75776 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\strmfilt.dll

2009-10-21 05:38:36 25088 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\httpapi.dll

2009-10-20 16:20:16 265728 ------w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\http.sys

2009-10-13 10:30:16 270336 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\oakley.dll

2009-10-12 13:38:19 149504 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\rastls.dll

2009-10-12 13:38:18 79872 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\raschap.dll

2009-05-02 11:52:36 32768 -csha-w- c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\local settings\history\history.ie5\mshist012009050220090503\index.dat

============= FINISH: 1:26:58.56 ===============

Here's the Attach.txt

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED, DO NOT POST THIS LOG.

IF REQUESTED, ZIP IT UP & ATTACH IT

DDS (Ver_09-12-01.01)

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume2

Install Date: 7/9/2005 9:59:57 PM

System Uptime: 12/11/2009 3:58:09 PM (10 hours ago)

Motherboard: Dell Computer Corporation | |

Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 1.80GHz | Socket 478 | 1794/400mhz

==== Disk Partitions =========================

A: is Removable

C: is FIXED (NTFS) - 29 GiB total, 7.874 GiB free.

D: is CDROM ()

E: is CDROM ()

==== Disabled Device Manager Items =============

==== System Restore Points ===================

RP1415: 11/12/2009 6:08:47 PM - Ron's New Restore Point

RP1416: 11/12/2009 10:48:09 PM - Installed %1 %2.

RP1417: 11/13/2009 10:53:42 PM - Avira AntiVir Personal - 11/13/2009 22:53

RP1418: 11/15/2009 1:50:07 AM - Removed ePenInstallation

RP1419: 11/16/2009 2:27:55 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1420: 11/20/2009 12:12:56 AM - ComboFix created restore point

RP1421: 11/21/2009 12:34:50 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1422: 11/22/2009 1:59:56 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1423: 11/23/2009 4:10:09 PM - System Checkpoint

RP1424: 11/24/2009 2:11:31 AM - Avira AntiVir Personal - 11/24/2009 2:11

RP1425: 11/25/2009 12:12:32 AM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP1426: 11/27/2009 4:50:15 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1427: 11/28/2009 8:25:16 PM - System Checkpoint

RP1428: 11/29/2009 3:39:00 AM - Avira AntiVir Personal - 11/29/2009 3:38

RP1429: 11/30/2009 7:46:19 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1430: 12/1/2009 8:36:03 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1431: 12/3/2009 10:20:27 PM - System Checkpoint

RP1432: 12/5/2009 3:44:37 AM - Removed Apple Mobile Device Support

RP1433: 12/7/2009 12:21:19 AM - Installed Microsoft Fix it 50198

RP1434: 12/8/2009 2:23:40 AM - System Checkpoint

RP1435: 12/8/2009 4:07:13 AM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP1436: 12/8/2009 4:25:34 AM - Installed Windows Media Player 10

RP1437: 12/8/2009 5:41:35 AM - Installed Windows Media Player 10

RP1438: 12/9/2009 5:43:40 PM - System Checkpoint

RP1439: 12/10/2009 12:57:36 AM - Removed Java 6 Update 16

RP1440: 12/10/2009 1:03:13 AM - Installed Java SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1

RP1441: 12/10/2009 10:59:32 PM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP1442: 12/11/2009 11:02:17 PM - System Checkpoint

==== Installed Programs ======================

123 Free Solitaire

2WIRE Wireless LAN - USB Driver

7-Zip 4.65

AAC Decoder

Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX

Adobe Reader 7.1.0

Adobe Shockwave Player 11.5

Adobe

[KPP]

KPP:

Please visit this page and when asked to run the ActiveX control, do so. Then click the Upgrade button and allow it to install the update

Done

Uninstall Programs:

Click on Start and select Control Panel

Open Add/Remove Programs

Uninstall the following if found:

DivX

DivX - Have 5 programs related to DivX: DivX Codec, DivX Converter, DivX Player, DivX Plus DirectShow Filters & DivX Web Player- Do I uninstall them all?

[exile360]

Yes, please uninstall all of them . Also, there has been a Flash Player update since my previous post. Now, please make sure you have 10.0.42.34 installed.

Do the following to update Flash Player:

• Close any open internet browser windows (including this one)
  
• Click Start and select Control Panel
  
• Open Add/Remove Programs
  
• Uninstall each of the following:
  

  
  

  Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX
  
  
  Adobe Flash Player

  
  

Once that's done, download and run this and then install the latest version of Flash Player from here.

[AdvancedSetup]

You also need to remove the old Java. I'm not going to go back and re-read all the logs but certainly someone has asked you to remove that old version by now.

Please go into the Control Panel, Add/Remove and for now remove ALL versions of JAVA

Java

[KPP]

You also need to remove the old Java. I'm not going to go back and re-read all the logs but certainly someone has asked you to remove that old version by now.

Please go into the Control Panel, Add/Remove and for now remove ALL versions of JAVA

Java

[YoKenny1]

# - Any way to turn off avira updater ad?

Un-install Avira and install avast!

http://www.avira.com/en/support/antivir_removal_tool.html

Reboot and download then install:

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html <== English (39.90 MB)

[noknojon]

-

From when I had Avira , I do remember being able to turn off the automatic updates (and it shut notices down also)-

Then you would just do them manually at a time that suits you (only took a few mins) -

Or follow YoKenny1 to Avast (great salesman) and get similar protection - He is the better one for information on Avast -

[KPP]

Un-install Avira and install avast!

Yo Kenny!

Thanks for the advice. But last time I checked the geeks here were recommending Avira over Avast and all others. Will double check.

KPP

[KPP]

[From when I had Avira , I do remember being able to turn off the automatic updates (and it shut notices down also)-

Then you would just do them manually at a time that suits you (only took a few mins) -

Hey Noknojon ...

Like your avatar. Not as cute as my Jap Chin, but nice nonetheless! Mucho thanks for your comment. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to do it. Yikes!

[exile360]

Did you install the newest version of Java along with the old one you use for your work? If not, then you should do so as it might enable abc.com to work.

As for your startup problems, the trouble is the amount of ram you have (only 256Mb as I recall), that will dramatically affect the performance of your system and slow things down.

The messages from security center about Avira as well as the message from your wireless saying you aren't connected are normal and as long as they go away, you're alright. This again is just another symptom of the limitations of your hardware (lacking ram).

Cardspace is just an update installed from Microsoft when you did your Windows Updates.

Please post a new Autoruns log for me:

Delete the attachment of the previous Autoruns.zip file you uploaded by clicking My Controls at the top of the forum page and then clicking Manage Your Attachments on the left.

Then delete the Autoruns.arn and Autoruns.zip files from your desktop and run Autoruns again:

• Double click Autoruns.exe
  
• Once it starts, please press the Esc key on your keyboard.
  
• Now that scanning is stopped, click on the Options button at the top of the program and select Verify Code Signatures
  
• Once that's done press the F5 key on your keyboard, this will start the scan again, this time let it finish.
  
• When it's finished, please click on the File button at the top of the program and select Save and save the Autoruns.arn file to your desktop and close Autoruns.
  
• Right click on the Autoruns.arn file on your desktop and hover your mouse over Send To and select Compressed (zipped) Folder
  
• Attach the Autoruns.zip folder you just created to your next reply
  

[KPP]

Did you install the newest version of Java along with the old one you use for your work? If not, then you should do so as it might enable abc.com to work.

I didn't know you could have 2 versions of Java at the same time???

Please post a new Autoruns log for me:

Delete the attachment of the previous Autoruns.zip file you uploaded by clicking My Controls at the top of the forum page and then clicking Manage Your Attachments on the left.

Then delete the Autoruns.arn and Autoruns.zip files from your desktop

and run Autoruns again:

The only attachment I found was the zip.

[exile360]

Yes, you can have more than one version of Java installed at a time, but the new one might uninstall the old one automatically because older versions contain known security vulnerabilities, you'd simply need to reinstall the old version after installing the newer version if it does remove it.

Run Autoruns again and attach the log as instructed please. If you don't have an old one in your attachments that's fine, I'm just trying to make sure that you don't run out of upload space as the forum limits how much you attach in your posts.

[KPP]

Run Autoruns again and attach the log as instructed please. If you don't have an old one in your attachments that's fine, I'm just trying to make sure that you don't run out of upload space as the forum limits how much you attach in your posts.

[Autoruns.txt is attached)

Can you check out my attachments & see if there are any others I can also delete?

[exile360]

I needed an Autoruns.arn file, not .txt .

I can't check your attachments because I do not have access to your account, but as long as you have enough space you're fine . Please delete the attached text file and do another scan with Autoruns and save, zip and attach the Autoruns.arn file as follows:

• Double click on Autoruns.exe it to run it.
  
• Once it starts, please press the Esc key on your keyboard.
  
• Now that scanning is stopped, click on the Options button at the top of the program and select Verify Code Signatures
  
• Once that's done press the F5 key on your keyboard, this will start the scan again, this time let it finish.
  
• When it's finished, please click on the File button at the top of the program and select Save and save the Autoruns.arn file to your desktop and close Autoruns.
  
• Right click on the Autoruns.arn file on your desktop and hover your mouse over Send To and select Compressed (zipped) Folder
  
• Attach the Autoruns.zip folder you just created to your next reply
  

[KPP]

You also need to remove the old Java. I'm not going to go back and re-read all the logs but certainly someone has asked you to remove that old version by now.

Please go into the Control Panel, Add/Remove and for now remove ALL versions of JAVA

Java

[KPP]

Attach the Autoruns.zip folder you just created to your next reply.

It is attached.

[exile360]

Did you install the latest version of Java yet to test abc.com? If not, do so now, then reinstall the older version that you need for work (but leave the latest one installed as well).

Once that's done, proceed with the following:

Update Drivers:

1. Download and install the latest chipset drivers for your system from here and then reboot if asked to do so.
   
2. Then download and install the latest graphics driver for your system from here, again rebooting if asked to do so.
   

After all of this is complete let me know if any of the issues you've been having have been corrected.

Thanks

[KPP]

Did you install the latest version of Java yet to test abc.com? If not, do so now, then reinstall the older version that you need for work (but leave the latest one installed as well).

I did download the latest Java but have not downloaded the older version. I'm having too many problems right now so I thot I'd hold off for awhile. Speaking of problems, I'm going to post what's been going on lately, but first ...

Once that's done, proceed with the following:

Update Drivers:

1. Download and install the latest chipset drivers for your system from.... and then reboot if asked to do so.

I decided to do that first before posting my problems, on the off chance it might fix some of them. Well first the

GOOD NEWS:
My computer seems to be running a whole lot better after I did that. Now for the

BAD NEWS:
It was a lot more complicated than I had instructions for, so I had to abort the operation. First, the DELL instructions said to be sure to "Open" the download. Well, "open" was never an option. "Run" or "Save" were the choices. So I chose Run. After running, it asked me to "save" and opened what looked like "My Documents." This didn't look like a good place to drop these files, so I selected "Desktop."
(FYI - Here's exactly what Dell had printed on their download instructions:
Intel Chipset INF Update
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility installs to the target system the Windows* INF files that outline to the operating system how the chipset components will be configured. This is needed for the proper functioning of the following features:
- Core PCI and ISAPNP Services
- AGP Support
- IDE/ATA33/ATA66/ATA100 Storage Support
- USB Support
- Identification of Intel Chipset Components in Device Manager
IMPORTANT NOTE:( Win XP users) When you select 'Install Now', you may be given the following four choices - Save, Open, Cancel,More info. You MUST select 'Open' for the installation to work.
C:\DELL\drivers\R47822
As the files began opening, it asked repeatedly if I wanted to replace the the older file with new download . I guessed "Yes" and all was fine until it began asking me where to find certain files that "were needed." The exact message was, for example, "the file 'isapnp.sys' on Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 CD is needed. Type the path where the file is located and click OK." Well, the path it showed as a selection was "c:\windows\temp\386." I clicked OK and it couldn't find the file. The end result was that I had to abort the install because I was out of my league at this point.
So, I need more instruction on how to do this in order to correctly answer the questions as they pop up.

Then download and install the latest graphics driver for your system from here, again rebooting if asked to do so.

Haven't done this yet. Was afraid I might run into the same type of problems as I had with the other drivers.

After all of this is complete let me know if any of the issues you've been having have been corrected.

Problems before I tried to download the drivers. Note that, my computer is not acting up at all, right now.

"For the last couple of days.,approximately 5 minutes or less after the computer completes start-up, my mouse freezes. Today, that happened right after I began playing a game. I wanted to turn down the volume, and clicked the volume icon in the taskbar. Multiple versions of the icon popped up & stayed on the screen. Then the game froze as well. I tried using keyboard commands like ALT F to pull down the file menu and close the game, but it wouldn't work. The command does highlight the menu, but the menu cannot be opened, so I cannot exit the game. (I don't know the keyboard command to exit so I have to access the Task Manager to end all open applications.) This mouse/screen freezing is happening with increasing frequency, particularly the mouse freezing. In order to regain functionality, I have to manually shut the computer off & reboot.

Today, I opened notepad to record this scenario (by using keyboard commands to get the start menu & selecting "notepad.") I can type in the notepad, but as soon as I try to close it, using ALT F, to pull down the file menu and select "Exit," the computer freezes. At this point I must resort to Task Manager to end the application and reboot.

I have tried, unsuccessfully, to let the new hardward Wizard find whatever it thinks it's looking for, but it asks for the XP CD, which I don't have handy. So I must abort the task. The funny thing is I can minimize the notepad, using keyboard commands. Then Alt Tab to select it again. It opens and I can type again but still can't exit."

I hope you can follow all the above and reply to each issue listed. I have no clue on what to do next regarding the driver installation. And need you feedback on the strange things going on after start-up.

Many thanks,

Kate

[exile360]

Save the drivers to your Desktop, then double click on the installer package to run it (Dell is wrong, it will work if you don't select Open , I know because I just did it on another Dell computer yesterday).

Anyway, double click the installation file for the chipset driver and begin the installation. If it prompts you for your XP disc then you'll need to have it handy, a missing system file could easily be behind all of your issues.

If you don't have your XP disc then when it asks, browse to C:\ and see if there's a folder called i386. If there is, select it so that it will search there for the file(s) it needs.

The other issues can't be addressed yet because we don't know which ones will or won't be corrected by the steps I've already instructed you to take that remain incomplete. The entire reason I instructed you to update these drivers was because I suspect they are behind all of the "found new hardware", sound and performance issues you've been having.

If you have any trouble with locating the file(s) requested by the driver installation package then let me know and I'll have you execute a command to verify your system files which will require your Windows XP installation disc, so please have it ready.

[KPP]

Save the drivers to your Desktop, then double click on the installer package to run it (Dell is wrong, it will work if you don't select Open , I know because I just did it on another Dell computer yesterday).

Anyway, double click the installation file for the chipset driver and begin the installation. If it prompts you for your XP disc then you'll need to have it handy, a missing system file could easily be behind all of your issues.

I don't have the Windows XP Home Edition SP3. The SP3 is what I downloaded whenever it became available. When I bought my computer, the only CD was just the plan old XP ... SP3 came out several years later.

If you don't have your XP disc then when it asks, browse to C:\ and see if there's a folder called i386. If there is, select it so that it will search there for the file(s) it needs.

Do you mean 1386 vs. i386?

The other issues can't be addressed yet because we don't know which ones will or won't be corrected by the steps I've already instructed you to take that remain incomplete. The entire reason I instructed you to update these drivers was because I suspect they are behind all of the "found new hardware", sound and performance issues you've been having.

I have completed every step you instructed me to ... what are you referring to? And you still haven't answered my question about where the driver files should be saved to and whether to replace old drivers with new ones. I assume one does, but I don't know for sure.

If you have any trouble with locating the file(s) requested by the driver installation package then let me know and I'll have you execute a command to verify your system files which will require your Windows XP installation disc, so please have it ready.

Do you have any thoughts on why my mouse is freezing up ... that is still happening and I have to reboot every time. In fact, it just froze again.

Thanks,

KPP

[exile360]

Do you mean 1386 vs. i386?

No, I mean i386.

I have completed every step you instructed me to ... what are you referring to?

Installing the drivers. While you did indeed attempt to install them, you never completed the installation.

And you still haven't answered my question about where the driver files should be saved to and whether to replace old drivers with new ones. I assume one does, but I don't know for sure.

You can replace the driver files, yes. You can save the installers wherever you'd like, I suggested the desktop for convenience so you wouldn't have to browse through any folders to find them once they've been downloaded.

Do you have any thoughts on why my mouse is freezing up ... that is still happening and I have to reboot every time. In fact, it just froze again.

Yes, this is one of the reasons I'm trying to get you to update your chipset drivers.

[KPP]

No, I mean i386.

Installing the drivers. While you did indeed attempt to install them, you never completed the installation.

You can replace the driver files, yes. You can save the installers wherever you'd like, I suggested the desktop for convenience so you wouldn't have to browse through any folders to find them once they've been downloaded.

Yes, this is one of the reasons I'm trying to get you to update your chipset drivers.

I just tried to reinstall the drivers again, and I got this ugly message: "The InstallShield Engine (Kernel.exe) could not be installed. The system cannot find the file specified."

So I deleted all the downloaded files and download them again. Got the same message. I did find this file ikernel.ex_ in C:\DELL\drivers\R47822. Is that the one they were referring to?

[exile360]

Please follow the instructions here and then try the installation again. If it doesn't work or you have any further errors please let me know.

Thanks