QuickTime won't load & produces strange error message 1

[RBH]

A few days ago I suddenly starting getting an error message when I tried to load QuickTime ver 4. I'm running XP and all the latest patches and updates.

The message was

"There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk into drive \Device\Harddisk2\DR5"

Assuming that my older version 4 had gotten corrupted, I downloaded version 6.5, and installed it. Apparently it did not automatically remove version 4. The error message was still there, and as before, it locked up things. I could not dismiss it, nor could I even shut down the system. To reboot I had to kill the power to things.

So, I uninstalled both ver 4 and ver 6.5, and then did a clean reinstall. The same problem reoccurred.

So, I searched Google, and can up with the following info

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I realize this is an old post but many people seem to not understand that even by
disabling qttask via QuickTime it still runs in the back ground for a bit at boot
time or rather "-atboottime" as the switch is.

Here is how to get rid of it all together (requires regedit):

1) back up your registry before attempting this.
2) browse to HKey_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3) find the entry for qttask and delete it
4) exit regedit and reboot
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I went into a utility which displays all the startup programs, and I found Quicktime's qttask.exe there, and disabled it. So when I next booted up. that item was no longer running in the background. I tried Quicktime, and it now worked OK. I also checked the Registry, and the key noted above was not listed, so I assumed that all was well.

Today when I booted up, there was no indication of any QT stuff running, and I went to load QT. Once again the message appeared, and the system locked up. I rebooted, and searched for the noted Registry entry, but it was not to be found, nor was any QT task running.

From what I've seen in numerous posts on other forums, this problem is very common, even several years back. And, the repair noted did fix things. Why doesn't Apple do something to fix it??

Does anyone have any idea how I can rid myself permanently of this damned problem. If I could find another program, even one that I'd have to pay for, I'd get rid of QT permanently. I have zillions of *.mov tutorial files which I play frequently. Does such a program exist?

And, does anyone know how to remove this problem with QT. No other program on my machine has ever exhibited this problem. Is this Apple's way of sticking it to Windows users?

Ron Hirsch

 

[jimp56]

do you have a card reader or usb drive installed?

http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=112376&messageid=1086476720&lp=1095107752

also look at the bottom re: unusual drive letter assignments.

 

[RBH]

Yes I do have a card reader, and also several USB hard drives. And, I now remember, that when I got QT to start working again, I had unplugged the card reader before removing the qttask.exe start up activity, but later plugged it back in again.

I was trying to thnk of what I "changed" in the system to cause it to go sour again, after I had things back to normal when I removed the startup task.

I just now unplugged the card reader, and QT is back to normal.

Thanks for solving the riddle. I use the card reader very rarely, and it is an older USB 1 reader. I have a newer USB 2.0 reader, which I should be using anyway, as my digital camera image files are quite large. Thanks for your prompt response. The QT problem was getting to be a real headache for me.
Where can I go to give you kudos on this site. If you get into my neck of the woods in Boca Raton, a nice lunch is on me.

Thanks again -

Ron Hirsch

 

[jimp56]

glad to be of help. kudos by clicking on the "thank <poster> for this post" gives me a star and is thanks enough.

a search engine is a geeks best friend

 

[RBH]

Here's a follow on question that possibly you can answer.

When QuickTime is installed, it installs a Windows startup entry to run "qttask.exe". This shows in msconfig, or any listing of startup programs. There is an entry put into the Registry that confirms this.

Deleting that Registry key, or removing the entry via msconfig will stop "qttask.exe" from running at bootup, and the taskbar icon will now be gone. But, the next time that QT is run, the Registry key will be added back in, and the the taskbar icon will show up on the next bootup.

I'm using WinPAtrol, so I can block that attempt, but it is a PITA. My research has noted that the utility is not needed, and can cause some users some problems.

There obviously must be some code in the main QT executable that puts that Registry key back in.

I see no way in the main program options to stop this from happening. Do you know of any? What happens if I rename the "qttask.exe" file, and the Registry key is there to call for it to run at bootup?

Will there be an error message displayed on the screen when that happens, or will bootup continue with no hiccups, or what?

Ron Hirsch

 

[jimp56]

ive never tried that, and your right, theres no way to get it to quit putting that entry there. renaming the file would probably work, but i cant tell you if qt will generate errors or not. the reg key would probably reappear whether the file was renamed or not.

i would suggest emailing them about it and then posting their reply, as ive always been curious about that myself.

 

[bcastner]

I beg to differ.

The Microsoft Antispyware (Beta) allows you to examine your startup list and Block an entry. Under advanced tools you can find a link that will show you all of the programs that are loaded at startup, where they are loading from, and location of the executable. You can choose to block the program from loading or delete the startup entry entirely. A good practice to follow is to block it first and then if there are no adverse conditions after awhile it can be removed safely.

This software will be free to registered users after the Beta period:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

 

[RBH]

I have several programs that display my startup list. I can block items by either disabling them, or delete them completely,

In the case of this QuickTime situation, I can readily do either of these approaches, and the activity will cease to be running in the background, and not be there on the next bootup.

The point you may be missing is that the main executable for QuickTime is the culprit here. It pbviously contains code that is intended to add back the Registry key that calls for "qttask.exe" to run at bootup. I cannot block the QT main executable, as I would then not be able use QuickTime.

I can block the main program from stopping its try to add the startup Registry key however, as WinPatrol monitors all of that, and asks me if I will allow it. I check "NO", and it is blocked. But, the next time I run QT to view an MOV file, I must once again respond to WinPatrol's window advising me of the attempt.

This is now just a nuisance item, and a PITA. And I think Apple is acting pretty sneaky in this whole matter.

Ron Hirsch

 

[bcastner]

There is a difference between "blocking" a program through a startup utility, and blocking the executable.

In the former case the entry is removed from the Run key in the registry and placed in a sort of quarintine. This invites QT to reinstall the entry.

In the latter case, that used by MSFT Antispyware, the fully pathed entry to the application is blocked from executing. It does not matter if the entry exists or not, it will not execute.

 

[RBH]

OK, I understand what you are saying. I have held off installing the MS anti-spyware software until it came out of the BETA mode, I am currently running several other spyware utilities. Two of them do scannning only on request, so they should not conflict with the MS program. The other two keep an eye on things, and monitor various activities which can be triggered. WinPatrol, which I mentioned above, alerts one to all attempts to change the startup activities, with the option to block it, or delete it, which is what I've been doing today.

From what you say The MS program would seem to do the job I'd like to have done.

Do you think there will be conflicts with the MS BETA Anti-spyware program if I install it? Microsoft generally doesn't like to share the stage with other players.

Ron Hirsch

 

[bcastner]

I have not tried, but I do follow the MSFT Antispyware Beta private newsgroups. I have not seen a conflict.

Just personally, I would restrict the number of applications that do Active Scanning to one - your pick. You can disable the Active Scanning feature of the Microsoft product.

What you likely want is to have more than one anti-malware tool doing regular scans. My choice is the original Giant (which Microsoft purchased as the basis for their tool), in active mode. I use AdaWare and SpyBot on a regular basis as manual scans.

The Microsoft program plays nice so far with other anti-malware programs. And as a "freebie" from Microsoft should not be ignored in your anti-malware arsenal. Quite frankly the underlying engine rates higher than Pestpatrol, AdaWare and SpyBot in the last year in its incarnations as Giant or CounterSpy. Rather than dicker as to what is better, run all of them regularly, one of them as an active scanner for registry changes, script blocking, etc..

Best wishes,
Bill Castner

 

[jimp56]

i agree with bcastner on blocking the process, but we're skirting the main issue, which is the error that appears when the qtask is running. as i suspected, its due to the MRU or history list, both in quicktime and windows. see:

http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?14@458.FpvVabOnSJ3.0@.68a6f025

which discusses the way to clear histories and prevent the error to begin with. thus, theres no need to block the qtask process if you regularly clear the histories. (unless the process causes other unknown problems).

 

[jimp56]

to get to this link (which isnt posting properly) - i went to the quicktime support area, clicked on discussions, and found the post "no disk in drive error." FYI.

 

[bcastner]

jmp56,

I appreciate your suggestion. Clearing MRUs as you proffer involves a registry edit.

To me the underlying issue is that this annoying and unnecessary application installs itself rpeatedly without asking, scans each and every fixed and removable drive without asking, records these results without asking, and complains when your system changes.

The notion that I can "fix" this by a regedit is small comfort to me.

 

[jimp56]

i agree. wish we could get apple to explain the reasoning behind that process. thanks.

 

[bcastner]

It comes down to whose is bigger - Bill Gates or Steve Jobs - in the default application space.

There is a ton of money involved in whether WMP or QT or RealPlayer or any other are the biggest players in the streaming video and audio player space on a users desktop.

 

[RBH]

Well, I found a solution other than using the MS BETA. I already have the solution in my install of WinPatrol.

This is a very powerful anti-malware utility. When a startup entry is picked to be removed, don't use the "remove" choice, use the "disable" choice. that will block it from running just as the MS BETA will, whether it's in the Registry, or anywhere.

I got this info directly from the author of WinPatrol.

If you're not using WinPatrol, or not familiar with it, go to

http://www.winpatrol.com

This program is a real winner. It's free, unless you want the "PLUS" version for $10. Lifetime upgrades are free. And the main database is online, so you don't have to be constantly updating anything much.

I paid the $10, as I want to support operations like this.

Ron Hirsch

 

[bcastner]

RBH,

I personally do not like the absolute-ism of your claim "Well, I found a solution other than using the MS BETA. I already have the solution in my install of WinPatrol."

Why would you only use one program? Who suggested this was an exclusive club where only one could be used?

WinPatrol is a decent program that scores middle-of-the-pack results.

It offers equivalent but different protection to such freeware tools as SypBot and AdaWare, Ewido, A2 and the rest.

My point is: use more than one. And bashing the Microsoft effort is pointless. It is free, works well, and is a credible part of anyone's arsenal.

 

[RBH]

BCastner

1. I'm not bashing MS. I just prefer to wait until the program is out of BETA, and the reports are fully in on the final version. I have read that the MS software has caused some hiccups with other similar programs

2. I also use SpyBot, Ad-Aware, and SpywareBlaster, plus of course WinPatrol.

I hope this convinces you that I'm not preaching any absolute-ism.

Ron Hirsch

 

[bcastner]

RBH,

I am convinced, thank you.

"1. I'm not bashing MS. I just prefer to wait until the program is out of BETA, and the reports are fully in on the final version. I have read that the MS software has caused some hiccups with other similar programs."

If you give me a specific example, I can likely help out.

I would not let the Beta status deter a single user or small LAN. (Enterprise level roll-out is a different issue, as it would be for WinPatrol).

Best,
Bill Castner