Computer gurus?

[Weston]

We are having problems with Windows crashing... computer locks up and then the infamous *blue screen of death* pops up.

We've re-installed Windows twice now... last time it crashed we had only had windows reinstalled for a few days.

Could it be a hardware problem you think?

Thanks,
Mike

[Don-Dad]

It could be a piece of hardware failing. When you reinstalled windows, did you do a clean install? That is, reformat the drive, then reinstall windows? Never had to do that with XP but with win 98, you could fdisk at a c: prompt and then reformat the drive.

If you have a nasty spyware program , it might still be present even after a reinstall.

I'm not expert though.

How old is the PC?

[dabrewinguy]

Hey J, sorry to hear you're having problems. I know how frustrating it is to spend all that time reformatting, and reloading, only to have it crash again. I've been there way to many times. Usually the blue screen is caused by problems with incompatible versions of DLL files. If the version of a program changes, and you have an outdated DLL, the application or device tries to load the DLL but pukes it back up because it's not the right one and gives you the blue screen. If you can make out any type of error message that is displayed that will sometimes help figure out what's causing the problem. I think windows 98 displays the error as a fatal exception. Sometimes the screen just fills with a bunch of memory addresses and it's hard to make out, but you should be able to make out something that resembles an error. If you find it, write it down and do a google search for it, there's bound to be someone that has a website documenting it.

[Weston]

Thanks guys...

Hasn't crashed again... yet.. lol

[SAHF]

If you are using XP...the best way to combat the BSOD:

After a CLEAN install, install your first piece of software, then set a set point in system restore.

Then install second piece of software, set a restore point.

Continue to do this for EACH piece of software until you are completely ready to go. If you computer pukes between beginning and end, you know where you problem lies (with that last software install).

I can not stress enough to my customers, if you are updating or installing a new version of ANYTHING, set a restore point then install. If it pukes, you have a back door!

.02

[GoatBeard]

Sounds like you are installing Winders back over itself without reformatting. If you don't reformat you won't get rid of whatever the problem is.

[Weston]

I have no clue J.... my two cents :lol: :lol:

Damnation! The best advice I've got yet!

:lol: :wink:

[SAHF]

I have no clue J.... my two cents :lol: :lol:

Those kinds of answers are the BEST!! That means I get to stay one more day!