computer problems

[Batman]

Over the past, week I've had a lot of trouble with my old pc. Its a p200, with 96mb or ram, 2mb video card (I know its shocking), and a 30 gb harddrive.

Recently, I "randomly", sorry I can't be more specific, receive a weird "rectangular" error message box, that is white, with black text, when I open any application or do something, and I only have the option to "ignore" or "close", well the error stays there no matter what, if I'm lucky I don't have to do a hard reboot, but that's what I usually have to do.

This is frusturating, any ideas as to why this is happening. Could it be overheating?

Thanks in advance
Batman

[Enchanter]

Can you post the picture of the error message? It could be due to various reasons, one of them overheating too. Probably the error is generated by Windows trying to find something that is not there anymore and that makes it go "mad." A reformat and reinstallation of Windows is usually the best way to cure problems, but if you're not ready to take this rather radical step, we'll need to find out what the problem is.

p.s. What are the changes that you made to the system prior to you getting the error message?

[Batman]

thanks Enchanter I can't pinpoint any particular application. It occurs randomly, hasn't happened today (Today is rather cool). It could be a "rouge app" or something else, I'd reformat, but dad doesn't want me too

It could be the weather, it just started a week ago (when temperatures were high).

I'll try to post that error message. I haven't made any configuration changes, for some months.

[Enchanter]

Try running the command regclean (I think that's the way it's spelt). Alternatively, check this site out. It has important and interesting information you should read before trying out the program.

[Batman]

I sure will check out regclean. If this is the cause of overheating, do you think it would have damaged the hardware of my system or does windows have some mechanism or something to prevent this?

[Enchanter]

Usually, when the hardware (CPU, RAM and any other heat-susceptible components) is overheated, the system becomes unstable and is likely to crash. If the condition persists for an extended period of time, the component(s) will fail permanently.

However, in your case, I doubt a P200 can generate that much heat, unless the chassis fan in your system (or power supply) has failed and hence no cooling on the components inside the case. Check that the fans in the box are still working and, if possible, vacuum clean the inside of the case to get rid of the dust that has accumulated. Also, I don't think a P200-era system has any heat-security features built into the motherboard, but you can check it out in the BIOS.

[Batman]

I think my p200 has two fans. One seems to be operating rather slowly, the other seems fine. Speaking of fans, new PC's have fans that roar, some PC's sound so much like motors. I did clean out the PC a little while ago.

I really appreciate your help Enchanter This has been occuring quite a few times, I just hope my system isn't permenately damaged, well in any case I will have to get a new one soon. This is just too old.

[Enchanter]

When your new system arrives, do a reinstallation of Windows and hopefully the problem does not persist. Your dad won't mind you tinkering with the, by then, old computer, right?

I can't agree any less on the roaring fans of current fans. Just get a normal one (low-rpm) and don't overclock. You'll remain in the world of stability, which I value above performance (What's the use of going faster, if you crash in the middle, or worse, near the end of encoding?).

[Batman]

I've discussed this with my parents, namely by dad, mom's just not into pc's , and we're preparing for a new system. i'm just holding out for a better deal, what I want is a 128 mb tvintvout graphics card (I want to see things clearly) and if possible a 19" monitor or 15" lcd.

I remember my dad's pIII 733 at his office, great machine but it was loud, I thought I was driving a sports car But his new server (which is awesome dual p2ghz xeon and 2 gb of ram etc...) doesn't make much noise surprisingly.

One thing I 'm worried about in current pc's is the amount of heat, maybe I need one with two fans? I want a fast pc, that will last .

I think my p200 has been good enough to me, I've used it for six years, and I think it's time I caught up with the rest of the world, and let this pc go.

[Batman]

Enchanter here's the exact error

Hi Enchanter, I am attaching as a bmp document a "graphical" representation of the error. This most recent error occured after I burned 5 cd's. This error occurs in applications such as "Rundll23", "IExplorer", and "Ypager"

Any ideas on what could be causing this?

In the picture, originally saved as a bitmap but too large in file size to post here the "close" and "ignore" boxes aren't green but actually a dull grey.

Thanks

[Enchanter]

I looks to me like a software error. I'd wager you're running Win95 (A P200 should not be running anything higher than 95. It's just not fast enough). As I said, do a reinstallation of Windows, download and use the latest driver (however old it may be for now) for each of your components and use the most stable BIOS settings.

[Batman]

I'm running Windows 98 SE. I was running Windows NT 4.0 before this, however i had to revert back to 98 so I could use a 30 gb harddrive I purchased (due to the fact my previous hard drive crashed). I had to upgrade my bios to allow for the installation of this 30 gb drive.

It could be my system is getting old. I haven't changed anything much. This problem only started occuring when summer began, it could be a dying fan? A re-install is probably best

[Enchanter]

Yes. Do a reinstallation of Windows and see whether the same problem persists.

[techno]

contact Technical PC's......

tpc@technosoft2000.co.uk

for free and professional advice

[Batman]

If I have any problems I'll give your company an e-mail