Anyone Having These Issues Since SP 3 Update 1

[tyhand]

Hey all,

Ever since the XP SP 3 update, my PC hasn't been the same. I constantly get the BSOD.

It now takes about 10 minutes for the darn thing to start and sometimes even longer for it shut down.

I remember after the update that I got rid of NAV 2008 and installed Avast anti virus v 4.8 Home Edition and Zone Alarm v 7. Finally, after a few System Restores I got it working right.

Everything was ok until the middle of December. For some reason, my PC started acting up again. I'm beginning to think maybe there's some conflict with Avast and Zone Alarm (I upgraded to Zone Alarm v 8).

I checked my PC several dozen times to check for viruses and other malware - but it comes up clean.

I'm at the point where I'd just rather get a new PC (or Mac LOL!).

Anyway, anyone else having similar issues? Anyone know of known conflicts with SP 3 & Avast & Zone Alarm?

Thanks all & Happy New Year!

- Tyhand

 

[tyhand]

Oh, BTW - I forgot to mention that I also get the BSOD when I do a system Defrag. Can't explain it as it never happened before.

- Tyhand.

 

[BadBigBen]

Do you remember, or could you post the BSOD error number? then that could be the clue to what is happening...

on all the XP installs I ever did an update to SP3, I never came across any problems at all...

from the info given, sofar, I would conjecture that it is either hardware related or outdated/corrupt drivers or an incompatibility, as you noted, between AVG and ZA... ZA has been known to cause issues in the past with even SP2 installs...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[linney]

If you boot into Safe Mode and Shutdown from there are the hanging problems still occurring?

If not try this.

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Are there any clues in the Event Viewer?

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

Don't let XP Service Pack 3 hose your system

http://windowssecrets.com/links/gkl...rl=WindowsSecrets.com/2008/09/11/ts/?n=story1

Windows XP SP3 Cheat Sheet

http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/06/30/windows-xp-sp3-cheat-sheet/

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249#appliesto

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates (including SP3) but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

The drive manufacturer will have free diagnostic software on their site to thoroughly check the condition of your hard drive.

Checking your RAM may be worthwhile.

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

If I was a gambling man I would bet on ZoneAlarm being the cause of your problems.

 

[LilBob]

Like Ben mentioned, ZA caused me problems also. I uninstalled it & ran Online Armor Personal Firewall 3.0.0.190 in its place. Use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove ZA (works much better than M$ Add/Remove). Another option is Comodo Firewall Pro 3.5.57173.439. I'm testing that one out on another computer & the results are great. Both work with XP & Vista and both are free downloads available at download.com. See if that helps stabilize your PC. Also run the checks that linney mentioned.

Bob

 

[BadBigBen]

as for Firewalls, my vote goes to Comodo Internet Suite (which includes the AV and Firewall from Comodo, but each can be installed seperately)...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[tyhand]

Thanks fellas!

I really appreciate all the help.

Didn't copy any error numbers, but I'll try applying some of the suggestions. I'll also be checking out the Comodo Firewall as an alternative to ZA.

Thanks again.

Peace!
- Tyhand