Can anybody tell me how to fix these computer problems??

[cruisnfamily]

We have 2 thoroughly possesed computers currently in our home and it's sooo frustrating. Add in the fact that my DH actually does have a clue about computers and is usually able to fix these things.....it's making us both insane!

OK, here are the problems....If you know how to fix them please let me know...if not, thanks for listening!

Computer #1...about 5-6 years old running Windows 98. This is a new problem, just started about 2 weeks ago. Whenever you click on a link which opens a new window it doesn't work. The new window opens but nothing loads and eventually it says some version of "page cannot be displayed". If you then hit refresh the intended page comes up. I've now taken to hitting stop and refresh as soon as the new window comes up and it works fine but it's a pain to have to do this. Links which just move the page you're on to a new page work fine...it's only the ones which open in a new window that are a problem. There are other issues with this computer as well but this is the most annoying one at the moment.

Computer #2....this one is 2-3 years old and running Windows XP. This is DH's computer and what we call the "good" computer. It has all the bells and whistles and such. Not outdated by any mean. Anyhow, here's the problem and it's been going on for over a year!(yes, I said 1 year). We actually took it in for service last year when it started but of course it didn't act up for them so they couldn't fix it.
The problem is that it will shut down for no reason at all! You're just roaming the net, reading email, composing in Word, whatever, it doesn't matter what you're doing when all of a sudden it will shut down. When it comes back on, it says that "the system has recovered from a serious error". Anyway, we've narrowed this down to whenever we shut down the computer, it will do this again and again for several hours or several days 'til it gets it out of it's system and then it's fine for weeks until it is next shut down. We've taken to leaving it on 24/7 to try and avoid this.
OK, that was problem 1 with the "good" computer. Problem 2 is new and if possible, even more annoying. The computer acts like a control key or a shift key is depressed and it plays havoc with whatever you are doing...every time you click or try to type it messed up ...however, it is not the keyboard...it appears to be a glitch somewhere but there are no actual "sticky" keys.

Anyhow, let me know if you have any thoughts on the possessed computers.

Thanks!

 

[Serena]

For the 98 computer, try to get rid of any un-needed programs files etc. Memory problems was the main problem I had. But I had others on top of that. I bought a new one with XP on it.

 

[Lachesis00]

Run Ad-Aware or Spybot. I bet 10 to one you've got spyware shutting your computer down. I assume you do virus checks?

 

[FroggyinArk]

Has come to the conclusion that todays computers are very closely related to te old west's horses.. if they start giving you any problems ,, shoot them and get anew one,,,seems to be best way to repair one, tbw i have the same problem with 98 loading, and discoverd it was my pop up blocker catching anywindo tat opened,, i trashed it, reloaded the blocker and was good to go

 

[Dan Murphy]

Give this a look, make sure you have all your Windows criticals. Virus scan (Panda has a great online scanner) and youe spyware scans, making sure defintions are all up to date.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=584844

 

[jfulcer]

Ok, Dan's Go To Geek here...

Machine #1, I agree with previous poster, that you may have too many processes running. With a computer that old, I'd suggest backing up your important files (which you should be doing anyway...) and reinstalling Windows 98. Microsoft doesn't support Windows 98 anymore so you will not get any more updates and such on it. Since your DH is computer literate, you may want to consider an upgrade to XP if the machine can handle it.

Machine #2, Problem #1: Just off the seat of my pants, you have a power supply problem. You might want DH to try to replace the power supply. It's very easy to do, and if it doesn't solve the problem you can always uninstall and return it to the store you purchase it from (CompUSA??) The second cause may be bad memory. This one you can test by downloading a memory Diagnostic tool from Microsoft here. If those two aren't the problem, I'd then try to reinstall the OS, and if that doesn't work, you've got a much worse problem.

Machine #2, Problem #2: Sticky Keys eh? Tell DH to stop eating those cheetohs while typing. Believe it or not this may be caused by your keyboard. I'd suggest trying to swap it for another one and see if you notice a difference. This IS something that does happen on some computers at various frequencies. I know it doesn't solve your problem, but at least you can know there are lots of people that have the same problem. I could explain it to you, but it involves a lot of boring talk about task swapping and CPU cycles.

Good luck!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Machine #1, I agree with previous poster, that you may have too many processes running. With a computer that old, I'd suggest backing up your important files (which you should be doing anyway...) and reinstalling Windows 98. Microsoft doesn't support Windows 98 anymore so you will not get any more updates and such on it. Since your DH is computer literate, you may want to consider an upgrade to XP if the machine can handle it.

They do still support Win98,http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[LN];LifeAn1
Updated Clarification on the Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Support Extended Announcement
Microsoft is pleased to announce a clarification in our extended security update support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium (Me) Editions forcritical security issues. As part of this extended support, Microsoft will provide information about whether critical issues affect these operating systems. Microsoft will provide security updates on the operating systems that are affected and the severity rating is critical.

Key Dates:


Paid incident support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) is available through June 30, 2006.
Critical security updates will be provided on the Windows Update site through June 30, 2006.
Customers may request non-critical security fixes for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, and the most current version of their components until June 30, 2006 through typical assisted-support channels.
Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me downloads for existing security issues will continue to be available through regular assisted-support channels at no charge until June 30, 2006.
No-charge incident support and extended hotfix support for Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition ended on June 30, 2003.
No-charge incident support and extended hotfix support for Windows Me ended on December 31, 2003.
Online self-help support will be available until at least June 30, 2007.

Details:
Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition support was scheduled to end on January 16, 2004. The continual evaluation of the Support Lifecycle policy revealed, however, that customers in the smaller and the emerging markets needed additional time to upgrade their product. Therefore, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me through June 30, 2006.

Critical security updates will be provided on the Windows Update site through June 30, 2006.

Microsoft will not publicly release non-critical security hotfixes for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows Millennium Edition. However, customers may request a non-critical security hotfix through On-Demand Security Hotfix support, which is offered for these products through June 30, 2006. When a request is received, Microsoft will investigate the issue and try to provide an appropriate response to the customer.
Internet Explorer support on Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me
Microsoft will provide the following level of support for Internet Explorer 6 (including the currently supported SP version) from Jan 17, 2004 through June 30, 2006:



Paid incident support will be available through June 30, 2006.
Critical security updates will be provided on the Windows Update site through June 30, 2006.
Customers may request non-critical security fixes for Internet Explorer 6 (including the currently supported SP) on Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me, until June 30, 2006 through typical assisted-support channels.
Extended hotfix support for Internet Explorer 6 (including the currently supported SP) on Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition ended June 30, 2003.
Extended hotfix support for Internet Explorer 6 (including the currently supported SP) on Windows Me ended December 31, 2003


You can also troubleshoot problems through their knowledge base.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Serena
For the 98 computer, try to get rid of any un-needed programs files etc. Memory problems was the main problem I had.

We don't have memory problems...that's been upgraded a time or two. We have already removed anything un-needed. This computer is mostly the kids computer (but I use it for DISing when DH is on his) so there's really not that much on it.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Lachesis00
Run Ad-Aware or Spybot. I bet 10 to one you've got spyware shutting your computer down. I assume you do virus checks?

We run Ad-aware all the time...almost daily...what is Spybot? I'm sure my DH knows what it is. If spyware shut it down would it come up with the "your system has recovered from a serious error" message?

Yes, we run a scan for viruses daily...we have McAfee installed and running all the time.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by FroggyinArk
Has come to the conclusion that todays computers are very closely related to te old west's horses.. if they start giving you any problems ,, shoot them and get anew one,,,seems to be best way to repair one,

Well, I would do that with the older one if it was for me and DH but it's just for the kids and really isn't bad except for this opening of new windows thing.

tbw i have the same problem with 98 loading, and discoverd it was my pop up blocker catching anywindo tat opened,, i trashed it, reloaded the blocker and was good to go

Well, pop up blocker was stopping the windows from opening but if you hold the cntrl key they'll still open but I also thought that maybe this was in some related in some manner to the pop up blocker so I have now disabled my pop up blocker and the problem still persists so it's not that.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by jfulcer
Ok, Dan's Go To Geek here...

Machine #1, I agree with previous poster, that you may have too many processes running. With a computer that old, I'd suggest backing up your important files (which you should be doing anyway...) and reinstalling Windows 98. Microsoft doesn't support Windows 98 anymore so you will not get any more updates and such on it. Since your DH is computer literate, you may want to consider an upgrade to XP if the machine can handle it.

Well, there really aren't that many processes running. The kids use it for surfing the net, word, and games. The only thing on here of any importance is my Quicken which I do backup often. We are thinking the next thing to do is to uninstall and reinstall Windows on here. DH says this computer won't handle XP(or some geeky thing like that).

Machine #2, Problem #1: Just off the seat of my pants, you have a power supply problem. You might want DH to try to replace the power supply. It's very easy to do, and if it doesn't solve the problem you can always uninstall and return it to the store you purchase it from (CompUSA??) The second cause may be bad memory. This one you can test by downloading a memory Diagnostic tool from Microsoft here. If those two aren't the problem, I'd then try to reinstall the OS, and if that doesn't work, you've got a much worse problem.

Back when we originally brought it in for service we assumed it was a power supply problem but the wizards at the computer store assure us that is not the problem. I guess we could try the replace it and see method. The bad memory thing is a new idea that I don't think he's checked. I'll mention that to him. Does "OS" stand for operating system? Do you mean XP? He did at one point reinstall that and it didn't do anything for us. It's a pain to get XP all situated and happy so I don't think he'd like to do that again but it's worth a shot I guess. What would the "much worse problem" be?

Machine #2, Problem #2: Sticky Keys eh? Tell DH to stop eating those cheetohs while typing. Believe it or not this may be caused by your keyboard. I'd suggest trying to swap it for another one and see if you notice a difference. This IS something that does happen on some computers at various frequencies. I know it doesn't solve your problem, but at least you can know there are lots of people that have the same problem. I could explain it to you, but it involves a lot of boring talk about task swapping and CPU cycles.

Good luck!

Huh? Sorry, I didn't get this last thing....are you saying to go ahead and switch the keyboard because it could be this even though the keys don't actually "stick"? Try telling me what you mean again in non-computer-geek-speak.

 

[cruisnfamily]

OK, I tried to go thru and respond to all of you to see if that gives anyone more info which might be helpful.

Thank you all so very much! It's so kind of you to try and solve our little annoying computer possessions! Actually, I think my DH is ready to toss his computer (the good one) out on the driveway and run it over! He is sooo frustrated.

I'll pass all of your input on to him and see what we can do with it.

Thanks!

(and keep it coming if you have more info for me!)

 

[jfulcer]

Originally posted by cruisnfamily
Well, there really aren't that many processes running. The kids use it for surfing the net, word, and games. The only thing on here of any importance is my Quicken which I do backup often. We are thinking the next thing to do is to uninstall and reinstall Windows on here. DH says this computer won't handle XP(or some geeky thing like that).

Back when we originally brought it in for service we assumed it was a power supply problem but the wizards at the computer store assure us that is not the problem. I guess we could try the replace it and see method. The bad memory thing is a new idea that I don't think he's checked. I'll mention that to him. Does "OS" stand for operating system? Do you mean XP? He did at one point reinstall that and it didn't do anything for us. It's a pain to get XP all situated and happy so I don't think he'd like to do that again but it's worth a shot I guess. What would the "much worse problem" be?

Huh? Sorry, I didn't get this last thing....are you saying to go ahead and switch the keyboard because it could be this even though the keys don't actually "stick"? Try telling me what you mean again in non-computer-geek-speak.

I agree with your DH, some older computers may not be able to run XP.

Yes, OS is Operating System. If he's already tried a reinstall then scratch that.

Worse problem? Your mainboard in your computer could be 'flaky'. That's the brains behind how your computer works. That's likely to be one of the most expensive options for repair, unless it's under warranty. I'd try those other options before thinking mainboard, though. I've seen machines act this way when the power supply starts to go. I've built literally hundreds of machines and <i>know</i> this is a common problem with an easy solution. I would not discount it because the geeks at the store think they know better(unless they know something about your machine that I don't).

IMHO, if someone came to me with your symptoms one of the first things I would do is replace the power supply as a 'check this first' kinda thing.

Yes, try a new/different keyboard. If they are the same kind swap from your other machine. Borrow a friends. 'Try' one from the office one night.

Good luck!

 

[jfulcer]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
They do still support Win98,

[snip snip]

You can also troubleshoot problems through their knowledge base.

I stand corrected. I guess a lot of people must have screamed REALLY loud. They are making it very difficult, though.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by jfulcer
I stand corrected. I guess a lot of people must have screamed REALLY loud. They are making it very difficult, though.

Yep, they probably did. I love knowledge base, answers all my questions. But, I also have Dee, he owns a computer business, so, if I want a quick answer, I pull the "helpless female act" and ask him. LOL

I love Win98SE and would probably still be running it IF they had the "show pictures as a screensaver" feature, that is the only reason I went to ME, which I do like a lot. Hate 2000 and XP.
I have taken the computer at work and switched it to the Classic windows setting. I guess it is true: You like what you know.
and.....I hate changes.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Thank you everybody....I've printed out various responses to give to DH to see if any of these ideas work. I really appreciate it!

I hope something works!


Anybody have any other ideas on the old computer new windows not opening? I was hoping this would be some kind of really simple fix that somebody know about. We haven't tried uninstalling and reinstalling Windows 98 yet so we'll give that a shot but I wondered if anybody had any other thoughts.


Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

[jfulcer]

What version of IE?

Does this do anything(I know, wrong window version, you never know)?

or this?

various links/things to try here, try the second page of the thread it's got some other ideas - quote from this site -

What is the version (and date) of the file 'oleaut32.dll' ?
I too had this problem once and found that this file had been changed to a version different from the original one installed. Got resolved after I replaced it with the original file.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by jfulcer
What version of IE?

When I click on help in IE it says it's IE 6.0 I that what you were asking? I haven't checked out your links yet.....off to do that now!

And Thanks!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by jfulcer

Does this do anything(I know, wrong window version, you never know)?

OK, I tried this and this is exactly the problem I'm having so I followed all their directions which were:RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
Quit all programs that are running.
Click Start, and then click Run.
Type regsvr32 urlmon.dll, and then click OK.
When you receive the "DllRegisterServer in urlmon.dll succeeded" message, click OK.
If this does not resolve the problem, repeat steps 2 through 4 for each of the following files (in step 3, replace Urlmon.dll with each of the file names below):
Shdocvw.dll
Msjava.dll
Actxprxy.dll
Oleaut32.dll
Mshtml.dll
Browseui.dll
Shell32.dll (Windows XP and Windows 2000 only)
If the problem is still not resolved, verify that the following registry values are present and correct:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{00020400-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
Name: (Default)
Value: IDispatch
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{00020400-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\ProxyStubClsid
Name: (Default)
Value: {00020420-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{00020400-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\ProxyStubClsid32
Name: (Default)
Value: {00020420-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}



If the problem is still not resolved, reinstall Internet Explorer. If you are using the version of Internet Explorer that is included with your operating system, reinstall or repair your operating system.But unfortunately it didn't do anything for me. I never got the "successful" message either.

We then tried deleting and reinstalling both IE and Windows 98...no luck. We then installed Windows ME...no luck. We ran Norton utilities...no luck. Nothing at all will fix this problem! I'm now using a new browser called Firefox(Mozilla) and everything works fine with it so I've given up on IE. One interesting thing...my zip drive which hasn't worked in 2 years or so is now working! Go Figure!