Application error - pctspk.exe

[aharrisreid]

When I boot-up my laptop (running XP pro) I get the following message just after the desktop icons are displayed... "pctvoice MFC Application". I am then invited to send an error report to MSFT. The error occurs on cold-boot only, not warm-boot. I can close the window with no apparent problems, but it would be nice to get rid of it permanently

Upon further investigation it appears the program in question is pctspk.exe, which I think is connected with the sound/speaker controller. I've checked-out the registry and found an entry under mycomputer\hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\curentversion\run, Namectvoice Type:REG_SZ Datactspk.exe. What does this program do? What would happen if I stopped this program running on boot-up? If it's ok to do so, how do I do it?

Does XP pro have a service pack yet? If so, could it solve my problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

Alan Harris-Reid

 

[rwise2112]

PCTSPK.EXE is part of the PCTel modem driver. If you get updated modem drivers, or reinstall the current modem driver the error message should go away.

Guessing from the name itself, it probably controls voice modem features, and if you do not use such features it can safely be disabled. Try it, and test the modem to make sure you can still connect.

 

[linney]

In answer to your question about the availability of a service pack. Microsoft are working on a release due out in August. Details of what will be in the release can be found at this site. As to if there is anything in it to fix your current problem, I don't know.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=/support/servicepacks/windows/xp/pre-sp1_hotfixes.asp

Note that, if you've been keeping up with the Windows Update patches, you should already have most or all of the listed Hotfixes. But still, it's nice to have an all-in-one reference.

 

[aharrisreid]

To all who have replied to this thread - many thanks for your advice.

Alan

 

[Squadcar7]

It's funny that you should expect Service Packs from Microsoft...