Strange Crashes in XP

[DG55]

I have started to incur some extremely strange crashes.

They seem to happen whenever I try to use any interface in any program such as a "File > Save As..". This happens in anything related to a "selecting files" interface inside a program, for example, "File > Import". All my programs are doing this. For example, Word, Photoshop, Flash.

However, this only seems to happen after I have been on the computer for about an hour or so. From a fresh boot-up, these interfaces are fine.

I did not notice this after a specific program installation. Infact, I had quite a quiet period with program installation, and all I have been doing over the time this started happening was using the computer for browsing the internet. The programs seemed to be fine before, and the system seemed to be stable.
I've tried doing a system restore to a few weeks back but nothing seems to have happened.


Just to add, that when these crashes happen, I can usually press the cross button in the corner of the screen and it comes up with an end task box, and then I can end the program. However, If I try to use Ctrl + Alt + Delete this function does not work during these crashes. Also, I usually have some problem with programs not responding when trying to shut down or restarting the computer after these crashes have occurred.

I hope somone can help.

Is there an easy way to reinstall Windows XP as a totally fresh install over the existing one?

Thanks.
Tom.

[wildman6801]

CTRL+ATL+DEL is suppose to always be available, unless the operating system crashes. If a program crashes or locks up in Windows XP, 2000, NT this command is suppost to always be their. I would say to run your antivirus programs update function and scan the system. Also update and run your Adware or Spyware program (such as AdWare) this could be the problem with your system.

[DG55]

Hmm well I actually found a few viruses on system (which is strange, because when I was running ME a few months ago I never ever had any hidden viruses in the system). I've cleared them up. The problem has sort of half gone. If these said crashes now occur, the system usually remains stable after I have ended the program.

I am sort of led to believe that the problem is to do with memory.

I was trying to run Adobe Photoshop, internet explorer, and messenger at the same time, and got a few problems in messenger with a "browse" feature, to find images on the computer. I closed photoshop and it was fine.

I have only 382 sdRAM. Is that enough for XP? Would it be worth upgrading to 512? (My maximum is 512).

Also, space on the C: (Main) drive is 5GB at least, and I have 100GB on my secondary drive.

[Kolji]

I think I have the same problem

When I press Ctrl-Alt-Delete... the task manager icon sits in the task bar, but the actual task manager never pops up...

Also, Autocomplete in the IE location bar stops working after the computer "Crashes"... I am never warned of the crash... it just happens...

To visit a website in IE, I have to type "http://www.google.com", it I forget the "http://" and just type "www.google.com"... it stops working...

now here's the interesting part...

I've just formatted my computer... and re-installed windows... and I have the same problem!!!...

Common sense is telling me it's some sort of hardware fault... but My computer has been perfectly fine since i bought it... unless something has exploded, i've got no idea what to do!

Another interesting point, is that I just re-installed office 2000... and I wasn't asked to 'activate' the software like I have been in the past... Is it possible that something wasn't cleanly wiped during the format?

Can someone please help me? This is the most frustrating problem of all time... usually a good format will fix everything up... WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!!!

- Daniel

[kpunderground]

If you installed using the repair option or our installed Windows in the same directory. It still remembers your settings. I did the reinstall in the same directory and I still had all the programs before the reinstallation and still had the problem I was working on.

When you reinstall, Delete the partition and recreate it. This will give you a freash install. If you need to know more information on the installation process. Goto www. theeldergeek.com. This site has great documentation on the XP installaion process(s).

[Kolji]

I did delete the partition, I had to so I could create 3 new ones...

I've also found another post with the same problem, I think... No solution but

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com...4563#post34563

- Daniel