Laptop, w2k pro, freezes, overheating? (moved by AM)

[SillyChick151]

I have read so many posts, my eyes are buggy. Haven't found a fix...

>>>added: Lately, I've been on a chat site and also working the vanishingpointgame.
Those were the two main areas which had freezing issues. I am concerned about
hijackers and/or viruses. My other options would seem overheating or weird power
supply issues, which I don't know how to verify.<<<

>>>more added: I replied to Spider below with more info. I sure hope something helps
all you good people get me squared away. I will continue to read all these posts for
advice. Thank you. <<<

I have a dell laptop, latitude c640 with win2000 professional.
This is from the system info, don't know what it all means:
version 5.0.2195 service pack 4 build 2195
x86-based pc
phoenix rom bios plus version 1.10 a10
total phys memory 261,560 kb (available is 87,248kb)
total virtual mem 892,608 kb (avail is 554,656)

The screen fully freezes, and only a hard reboot will fix it.
If the cursor is a white arrow, fine red lines will appear in it when it freezes.
I downloaded SpeedFan last night. Not sure how to use it, but when it froze last night, the HD0 and Temp were indicating high, but the degrees C was only around 51C. Now it is 54C. (it just froze before I'm writing this)

I downloaded HijackThis (nice tutorial) just now. Here is the results of that scan:
<<< log deleted as advised >>>

<<< Am I showing anything odd? Please be patient with me. Compared to anyone here, my knowledge level equates to knowing where the Start button is located. :dizzy: >>> Thank you for your help and time.

[Spider]

If you read the STICKIES at the top of every forum here you'll see we ask to *not* post HJT logs here
in the forums. We have a forum for that.

[SillyChick151]

I did post this elsewhere. It was moved. The STICKIES said the moderators would move a post if they thought it applied elsewhere. Sorry, I will try to delete the log.
Meanwhile, I still do not know if I have a virus, hijacker, overheating, or power supply issues. I don't know what is causing this. It just happened again. I checked the event viewer as advised by one of the posts. I don't know what the 'events' mean.
I did a disk cleanup and defrag as was also listed in the STICKIES.

One thing I do not know (well, there's a bunch of things I don't know) is when I read to clean out the dust or check the fan. I have no clue how to open this laptop.

Anyway, I'm still in dire need of help if you have the time. Thank you.

[Spider]

Ok, thanks for the edit.

the HD0 and Temp were indicating high
54C is a wee bit hot but not enough to worry yet.
Is that 51ºC on the hard drive (HD0) or the CPU (processor, Intel, AMD)?

Do you have the Windows 2000 CD?
I checked the event viewer as advised by one of the posts. I don't know what the 'events' mean.
Open Event Viewer again
Start
Run...
type eventvwr.msc click OK

Click once on the left side System Log
on the right side click twice on any red Error
in the middle is the Description:
click and hold your left mouse button while dragging (tracing pointer over all the text)
let go of the left mouse button when all the text is highlighted
on your keyboard hold down the Ctrl key and press the C key
Right click your mouse and paste in here.

[SillyChick151]

No I do not, but I could get it. This is mainly a work computer which I've signed out. (I use it at night to chat and play games...I know, bad me.)

The HD0 is usually the lower degree. It's the Temp1 (not otherwise labeled, but the reading box says 'found ACPI temp') that shows high first (51C reading). When Temp1 hit 54C, then the HD0 went to a picture of a flame or a red up arrow, I can't recall which.

I don't know how to review previous given temps. Right now, HD0 is 41 and Temp1 is 45.

Should I request the Windows 2000 CD that goes with this computer? And if so, is it only one CD, perhaps labled system cd? (just checking, I don't want to mess this up by not getting what is needed so you can help me)

Thanks again, Spider. I appreciate this.

~Kara

[Spider]

No I do not, but I could get it.Should I request the Windows 2000 CD that goes with this computer?
And if so, is it only one CD, perhaps labled system cd?
Let's wait a bit for requesting the CD.
It should say "Windows 2000" on it somewhere.

Is this a brand name computer?
Do you have a floppy drive in there?
then the HD0 went to a picture of a flame or a red up arrow,
It's possible this hard drive is failing. We may be able to test that. Run Everest (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/download/file/everest-home-edition)
on the left side click on the + sign beside Storage
click once on Physical Drives
on the right side [top] it should name the drive info...post that here.

[SillyChick151]

(I'm hovering over the refresh button just to see your posts, thanks)

Last several event viewer errors:
(after this, I went back 2 weeks and every error is one of the below, repeated and repeated)

Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 7:18:54 PM
Description:
The server could not bind to the transport \Device\NetbiosSmb because another computer on the network has the same name. The server could not start.
----------------------------------
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 7:18:54 PM
Description:
The server could not bind to the transport \Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{EA9B0C39-5E7D-4CBE-9483-1A52CDA113D1} because another computer on the network has the same name. The server could not start.
----------------------------------
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 6:56:22 PM
Description:
\DEVICE\{77A5792C-DACF-43AA-AC39-ECDD107F7460} : Could not allocate the resources necessary for operation.
--------------------------------
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 6:56:22 PM
Description:
\DEVICE\{77A5792C-DACF-43AA-AC39-ECDD107F7460} : Could not allocate the resources necessary for operation.
----------------------------------
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 6:56:22 PM
Description:
\DEVICE\{77A5792C-DACF-43AA-AC39-ECDD107F7460} : Could not allocate the resources necessary for operation.
------------------------------
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 1:10:20 PM
Description:
The server could not bind to the transport \Device\NetbiosSmb because another computer on the network has the same name. The server could not start.
-------------------------------
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 1:10:06 PM
Description:
The server could not bind to the transport \Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{EA9B0C39-5E7D-4CBE-9483-1A52CDA113D1}.
---------------------------------

>>This is a normal Dell laptop. The drive is a CD, but I can bring home the floppy drive tomorrow. Please chuckle when I tell you this is the 3rd harddrive on this computer in 6 months. Don't know how many before that since it wasn't mine. But anyway ;) .

Ok. Everest result:

Drive
Drive #1 - TOSHIBA MK4032GAX (37 GB)

(very appreciative of the help! I tell my family back off when I see your reply...leave me alone so I can listen to the expert, I say...they think I'm nuts already) Thanks again.

[Spider]

You can burn a CD from this Drive Fitness Test ISO file (http://www.hgst.com/hdd/support/downloads/dft32_v408_b00.iso) and it will make a blank CD into the drive tester.
or this will make a blank floppy into the Drive Fitness Test (http://www.hgst.com/hdd/support/downloads/dft32_v408_b00.EXE).
Files are from this page (http://www.hgst.com/hdd/support/download.htm#DFT)

Both these Drive Fitness Testers will boot the computer (no Windows needed) and test the drive.
this is the 3rd harddrive on this computer in 6 months.
If it's work feeding those hard drives in there then they are most likely coming from a big stack
of used hard drives that were pulled for some reason or another.

Tell 'em to pull the keyboard and clean that thing out properly! ;)
Date: 2/5/2007
Time: 1:10:06 PM
Description:
The server could not bind to the transport \Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{EA9B0C39-5E7D-4CBE-9483-1A52CDA113D1}.

Get IT to remove the default printer (all printers for that matter) from Windows
or
you can ask them to partition the drive and install Windows 2000 dual boot
this way you can boot one Windows for work and one for home
or
you can add a new user and just setup the stuff you want from there.

All this moot-post hard drive testing of course.

[SillyChick151]

So, there I was, doing the 'yay-Spider-will-get-this' dance, and I discover that the IT bubbas didn't give me back the CD burning software (only after I put the blank CD in and got ready).

So, I will have to wait to go retrieve the floppy drive since the only IT left at work this week knows about as much as I do. Then I'll test.

Two hard drives ago, it died rather quickly. Come to find out it was one that crashed on someone else's machine and they didn't realize they wrapped it to send out. They thought it came in fixed and was wrapped up. Yeesh.

Roger on the clean-out. (blowing on the keyboard obviously does not work) Will do when the smart tech returns.

I'll wait for follow on steps when test is run.

I only see 2 things in the printer window: Fax and Symantec Fax Starter Edition (set as default). I always copy to a jump/flash drive and go to another computer to print.

I have Administrator rights, if that info helps for later.

I will be back after 6pm est tomorrow.

Much thanks, again and again.
~Kara

[SillyChick151]

Ran the test. It passed. (green screen with no errors)

Of note, when rebooting into DOS getting to the test, these are some of the issues I could write down:
First, I selected 1. SCSI & ATA support
Then, another 1. for Adaptec
It said, Host adapter at port address (both 340 and 140) failed diagnostics. ASPI2DOS.SYS installation failed.
Unable to find AIC-78XX/AIC-75XX.
ASPI8DOS.SYS installation failed.
DC-39OU/U PCI SCSI controller could not be found.
ASPI8U2.SYS installation failed.

I don't know if any of that is important. I also hope I copied it right if it is.

But, in any case, the test passed. :)

Should I remove the 2 fax choices in the printers folder?

I won't touch anything unless you say so. Thank you for your time and help!!!

~Kara

I just opened speed fan. HD0 is 38C with a blue down arrow. Temp1 is 63C with a flame indicator. (thinking this thing had to work when using the floppy drive?) I'm not sure what to do about this. I only signed on, ran the test, and wrote results here. I'll go surf and see what happens.

[Spider]

Symantec Fax Starter Edition (set as default)
Start
Run...
type appwiz.cpl
Uninstall anything with the word Symantec or Norton

It said, Host adapter at port address (both 340 and 140) failed diagnostics. ASPI2DOS.SYS installation failed.
Unable to find AIC-78XX/AIC-75XX.
ASPI8DOS.SYS installation failed.
DC-39OU/U PCI SCSI controller could not be found.
ASPI8U2.SYS installation failed.

Not to worry, it's just the tester disk booting up and trying different CD drivers to match your drive.
Those are just drivers for another type of CD ROM you don't have.

With the drive passing and Symantec on there my guess is IT puts "images" on the hard drive and
doesn't actually install Windows the standard way.
If they are doing that they may also be "overlaying" the hard drives. That's formatting the lazy way
and more times than not the results are machines like yours...Windows that goes crash-boom all the time.
Oh joy for the user (not) but it saves IT lots of real work and time.
They get things done, and all the clients live in misery.

[SillyChick151]

Our IT's are not trained in a normal fashion. You are so accurate. lol

Ok, only 2 found and removed: LiveUpdate 2.0 and Symantec AntiVirus.

Aren't I at risk now?

Thanks for hanging with me.
~Kara

[Spider]

Aren't I at risk now?
In my signature below is SUPERAntiSpyware, scan C: with that.
then
ensure you have all important Windows updates (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/).
then
install AVG Anti-Virus Free (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5)
install AVG Anti-Spyware Free (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-spyware-free/lng/us/tpl/v5)

only 2 found and removed: LiveUpdate 2.0 and Symantec AntiVirus.

There should be 3. Look for another "Symantec".

After all that...
Start
Run...
type cmd OK
type chkdsk /r hit enter
type y hit enter
type exit hit enter
reboot
it's going to run a hard drive check/repair.

[SillyChick151]

Scan resulted 22 Adware trackers. Gone.

Windows found no new updates to install.

Doing the AVG step and looking for another Symantec.

>>>added: AVG Anti-Virus came back clean.
No other Symantec found. I'll try to log in as Administrator to see if anything's hidden.
AVG Anti-Spyware froze. This is the error from the event log:
Date: 2/8/2007
Time: 1:20:12 AM
Description: The Cdralw2k service failed to start due to the following error: The service
cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices
associated with it.

I will try the AVG-Spyware again. <<<

THEN, I'll do the last part. I'll be back again in 24 hours. I'm currently on the road.

Thank you!!!!

[Spider]

Cdralw2k service failed
How about installing Windows Media Player 9 from Windows Update.

Burn CDs with that computer?
What program do you use to burn?

[jtdoom]

hi

when you use the laptop, what surface is this on?
I ask, because it can all too easily happen that ventholes get blocked when you have it in your lap, or on a blanket, or any other really soft surface..

[SillyChick151]

I installed MediaPlayer 9.

No viruses to report. I always show about 22 tracking cookies. I get rid of them and they come back within a day or two. Nothing unusual there.

I always have the laptop on a hard, flat surface. Even on my lap, I use a hard board (like a board game folded over).

For burning CD's, I usually have Roxio something. But again, the work techies forgot to put it back on here. I'll get it installed eventually, but I won't be back in town for another week.

The computer is starting up a little more slowly. Should I keep all of the programs I've downloaded? (SUPERAntiSpyware, AVG Anti-Spyware, AVG Free, EVEREST Home Edition, SpeedFan, initdebug, Registry First Aid)

I deleted Symantec Fax. That was the only other one I found.

Thanks for all your help. I'm still working with everything you tell me, just not having constant internet connection while I'm out of the office.

Oh, yeah, the chkdsk (DOS screen after reboot thing) went fine. Nothing to report there.

[Spider]

The computer is starting up a little more slowly.
Should I keep all of the programs I've downloaded? (SUPERAntiSpyware, AVG Anti-Spyware, AVG Free, EVEREST Home Edition, SpeedFan, initdebug, Registry First Aid)

Some of those programs you've mentioned do not start when the computer starts. Most everything that starts
when the computer starts has an icon for it beside the clock (on Windows 2000 it's the indented part, the System Tray).
We can shut some off.


Start
Run...
type msinfo32 OK
Software Environment
Startup Programs (click once on that)
in the menu - Action - Export List...
Call it something and paste it here.

[SillyChick151]

Thanks. Here's the list. I only removed my logon name in one area. I can privately send that to you if needed. I will be online again late tonight. I very much appreciate your time and all the great help!!!


Program Command User Name
SUPERAntiSpyware c:\program files\superantispyware\superantispyware.exe RTSERV\(my name was here)
AVG7_Run c:\progra~1\grisoft\avgfre~1\avgw.exe /runonce .DEFAULT
Belkin Wireless Utility c:\progra~1\belkin\belkin~1.11g\belkin~1.exe -t All Users
Synchronization Manager mobsync.exe /logon All Users
PCTVOICE pctspk.exe All Users
PRPCMonitor prpcui.exe All Users
ATIModeChange ati2mdxx.exe All Users
AtiPTA atiptaxx.exe All Users
WEPStat wepstat.exe All Users
QuickPassword c:\program files\activcard\activcard gold\agquickp.exe All Users
TkBellExe c:\program files\common files\real\update_ob\realsched.exe -osboot All Users
rfagent "c:\program files\rfa\rfagent.exe" All Users
AVG7_CC c:\progra~1\grisoft\avgfre~1\avgcc.exe /startup All Users
!AVG Anti-Spyware "c:\program files\grisoft\avg anti-spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized All Users

[Spider]

And don't think for a moment I don't appreciate you cleaning up the list from that log file.
I know the log file comes out all messed up. :thumbsup:

Start
Run...
type msconfig OK
Startup(tab)
uncheck - TkBellExe and !AVG Anti-Spyware
OK
reboot


Start
Run...
type cmd OK
type ipconfig enter
what is the first set of numbers of the IP Address? (eg; 169.*.*.*)

[SillyChick151]

I'm trying not to be too difficult... :)

I typed msconfig and got an error: Cannot find the file 'msconfig'(or one of its components). Make sure the path and file name are correct and that all required libraries are available.

The IP address is 192.168.1.49

Hope to be back tomorrow around midnight. Thank you again!

[Spider]

I'm trying not to be too difficult... :)

I typed msconfig and got an error
Heh :) that's because you don't have it or Windows 2000 doesn't have it rather.
I forgot that I need to point you to a download msconfig.exe for Windows 2000 (http://www.perfectdrivers.com/howto/msconfig.html)
Put that is C:\WINNT\System32
IP address is 192.168.1.49
Do you have a router at home?

[SillyChick151]

Ok. Got it. Thank you.

I unchecked 'avgas' which is the only one listed as AVG anti-spyware. I also unchecked 'symantec fax starter'.

Tkbell was not in the StartUp tab.

Yes, Belkin wireless at home. I've been on travel for two weeks and froze twice. I just froze again now. The last 2 errors on the event viewer say the server could not bind...

I will add more in a moment after reboot.

Also, the IP address is now 192.168.2.3.

After reboot, it says the System Config. Utility is in Diagnostic or Selective Startup mode...choose Normal Startup mode to start Windows normally. blah, blah. (I've done this 3 times. Same thing.)

In the Utility, another 'avgas' appears. I will try to uncheck it also, as it's the only AVG anti spyware there.

Ready for next guidance...;)

[Spider]

Ready for next guidance...;)
Need more info...
The last 2 errors on the event viewer say the server could not bind...
...the entire error please.
Also, the IP address is now 192.168.2.3.
Something unusual is going on there with those IP addresses getting assigned by the router.
192.168.1.49 is a Linksys device and 192.168.2.3 is a Belkin.
My guess is IT has wanked around with your network settings and they are most likely set to
something other than default Windows settings. Something that works to get connected at
work but it's set up so wanky it won't work anywhere else.
I would like to see the rest of that Event Viewer error.

I think an easier way to deal with your probs is to partition the hard drive or if it's able to boot
from USB device then add an external USB drive and install Windows on that. This way you
can leave that finiky Windows alone for work and boot to a clean proper Windows at home.

I think the Windows your working with has been wank-tweaked up too much and chasing the
ghost in the settings may be futile.

[SillyChick151]

I am so unbelievably frustrated. As I was typing/cutting/pasting to respond, the computer froze. Again.

I have to go to a funeral and then I will return for help.

Meanwhile, I have to say that the first IP address was from a hard connection (cable, ethernet) and the second is when I'm back on my Belkin wireless. I have since heard from several peeps that Belkin isn't the greatest. geez.

I have the System Utility coming up during start up, and I hit exit without restarting. I'd like to bring that back to normal. I will later post all the event errors. I will also post the list of all programs opening during start up. Additionally, I would like to know if I can send some info to you without it being viewable in public? Perhaps just a little more details could help.

Please don't give up on me.

[Spider]

I am so unbelievably frustrated
This is good it means your normal and this is a normal computer situation.
The World is not going to end
your pets will still love you
banks won't fail
and you have the mental capacity to deal with this.

It "hurts" because your brain is max'in out learning. A brain is just like a bicep, it's a
muscle and you can't keep working it till your done just like someone doing curls
with weights...you have to stop because you burn out the muscle so you need to
put the weights down, take five, breath, and give 'er again.

This is the same with your brain and comps. When it gets hot n' heavy realize when
your noodle is cooked and take five and breath then go back with a fresh brain.

I would like to know if I can send some info to you without it being viewable in public?
Just click on my name on any of my posts and from the list select Send a private message to Spider

[SillyChick151]

Attention to all you post browsing peeps... Spider is da bomb.

See how brain fried I am? And I'm still getting the greatest responses. I believe we will eventually figure out what is making this 'puter freeze. I have the faith.

Meanwhile, takin' five. Then, ready for next suggestion. Thanks!

[Spider]

We are going to test the RAM module(s) to verify it's functioning properly.

This one Download - Memtest86 v3.2 ISO image (zip) (http://www.memtest86.com/#download0) makes a CD to boot to.
This one Download - Pre-Compiled Memtest86 v3.2 installable from Windows and DOS (http://www.memtest86.com/#download0) makes a floppy disk to boot to.
(I know you don't have a floppy but others will read this thread for years to come)
They both run the test on the RAM.

Oh yea, uninstall AVG Anti-Spyware Free and AVG Anti-Virus Free, install Norton and Symantec stuff if you want.

[SillyChick151]

Actually, I put in the floppy drive since I never got the roxio cd creator stuff put back on the computer. So, I'm going to do the floppy.

Should I keep SuperAntiSpyware? (I'll get rid of the others when I get back to work and they put Symantec back on.) I'm not real fond of Norton/Symantec. But I think that's 'company' policy. Yuck.

You can call this a duh moment... I have memtest on c: right now. I reviewed the read me. Not sure if I copy all the files to floppy and do something or run something from c: to be copied onto the floppy.

[Spider]

Should I keep SuperAntiSpyware?
Nope. It's always available for a fresh download from their site .

I'm not real fond of Norton/Symantec. But I think that's 'company' policy. Yuck.
Tow the line then.

Not sure if I copy all the files to floppy and do something or run something
Put a blank floppy in the drive, open a Windows Explorer and two-click on install.bat
If that fails,
- put a blank floppy in the drive
- make a folder (directory) C:\[i]ramtester
- put the files in C:\ramtester
- open a Command Prompt
- type cd\ hit enter
- type cd ramtester hit enter
- type install.bat hit enter

Make sure you drag-n-drop (or Extract) those files out of the *.zip you downloaded.
The files have to be Extracted before you can two-click on them.

[SillyChick151]

I ran the test and it froze on test #5. I did a hard reboot and it froze in the same test. I did this 4 times. I'll try it again to write down more info.

Okay, this time it made it to almost 14 minutes of the test then froze. It was test #5 (block move, 64 moves) and it said it was testing: 108K - 256M.

I don't know what that means, but this computer must have issues...:dizzy: ...where do insert the valium? lol

[Spider]

I ran the test and it froze on test #5. ... It was test #5 (block move, 64 moves).I don't know what that means,
It's looking like you've got some failing RAM that needs to be replaced.

[SillyChick151]

Is this a simple thing to do?

[Spider]

Goes something like this (http://www.laptopmemoryupgrade.com/installing_laptop_memory.html).
All are a bit different but it's under a "flap" and it "tilts" out.

[SillyChick151]

Outstanding! Thank you for the guide! (i needed it)

I'll go out and get some now.

Thank you for ALL of the help! You are awesome!

[Spider]

Your very welcome.

Another point.
Static is bad for RAM, you can corrupt RAM simply by a touch.
A static touch but the touch of death none-the-less.
The static electricity scrambles the data in the chips on the RAM.

The rubbing feet thing builds the charge then you touch the RAM and pzzzap.
Perform this while on a rubber mat (car mat) or some surface that isn't a carpet or cheap plastic.

When you buy RAM all the packaging is anti-static.

If you take the RAM (in hand) to a small shop you can test it with a device and there
should be no charge for that. Phone first and ask if the have a RAM test device.
I'd do that before going out or buying online the same type of RAM.

This may also be an opportunity to increase the amount of RAM you have.