Windows XP Home Edition Serious Error

[katydid0317]

I just purchased this computer one month ago and am having issues with it already. The problem started about two weeks ago. The computer will randomly reboot and when I run disk checks it will give me this message "Windows have recovered from a serious error" When sending Microsoft an error message, they trace the trouble to a driver. Problem is I have removed everything that wasn't already installed when I bought the computer. Windows can't locate which specific driver is causing the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My computer specifics are Compaq Presario 2.53 Ghz, 248 MB RAM.

 

[sggaunt]

If your computer is only one mth old, why dont you take it back to where you bought it? This sort of thing shouldnt be your problem, if the machine is so new.


Steve, Cough, wheeze
Two things are infinite
The Universe and Human stupidity: Einstein.
(He wasn't too sure about the Universe)

 

[gpalmer711]

I agree with sggaunt, you should speak to your manufacturer about this.

However it sounds like a Video Driver problem, you can try removing all devices from Device Manager, Start > Control Panel > System > Hardware Tab > Device Manager.

Once you have removed the devices windows will be forced to reinstall all drivers upon reboot.

You may need the manufacturers driver CD.

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[linney]

316424 - Error Message: The System Has Recovered from a Serious Problem

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316424&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

326688 - Windows XP Problems if Your Profile Is Damaged

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326688&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

To get further information about any error look in your Event viewer.

Look in the System or Application folder. You can get to the Event Viewer via right click My Computer icon and select Manage.

Any errors logged in the Event Viewer can be expanded by double clicking on the error line.

Take any event error I.D. number and search for it on these sites.

http://www.eventid.net/events.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/ee/search.aspx

Also check any "Information" line that mentions "savedump" and you should find reference to "recovered from a bug check". This is the Stop Error that caused your problem.

You can also turn off "automatically restart after an error" so it will just halt at the fault and display the full Stop Error and blue screen.

Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties .
On the Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery .
Click to clear the Automatically restart check box under System failure , and then click OK . The error message on a blue screen should remain on the screen so you can record the error information.


Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

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

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

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates (no problem if you substitute them with SP2) but your files and programs 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

 

[katydid0317]

Thanks for the suggestions. I spent two hours last night online with the tech support people trying to find the reason for the problems. I can't just take the computer back because I knew I would void any and all warranties by opening the case. I had to install a wireless internet card and was advised I couldn't bring the computer back at that point. I checked and verified the internet card is not the problem.

The tech support people keep saying they think it is a internet virus but I have an up to date virus scan. I have narrowed the problem to a few programs...one of which being WinMx. I am still working on finding the real culprit. Thanks.