Attack of the Blue Screens

[Orius]

Hello,
I recently reinstalled windows 1998 SE on my computer after have some major problems with software conflicts. Since reinstalling I have decided not to install several of the programs I was running previously so as to avoid any conflicts. However, I am still getting lots and lots of "blue screen" error messages, and also have been having a problem with windows freezing after loading 2 of the start up programs (or only 2 items appear in the system tray then it freezes).
The blue screens have occured less often now that I have turned yahoo messenger's startup connect feature off.
Another file that was giving errors was APXproxysomething (part of Panda Titanium Antivirus). I am still using the antivirus.
Zone alarm firewall also caused several startup lockups as well as I suspect "blue screen" problems. I would like to use this software but cannot get a functional computer while running it. Any ideas on what I need to do.
I have tried using some programs to clean up the registry, could those have done some damage? (Regmechanic, Spybot Search&Destroy, Ace Utilities, and Ad-Aware).
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Zack

 

[wolluf]

do the problems only start after you've installed some software - or do you have problems almost immediately after a clean install? (because you may have a hardware problem which is manifesting as a number of software problems). RAM is a common culprit (but any hardware component can cause these sort of problems).

If you think hardware is ok, I can only suggest another clean install than a monitoring period while you install things one at a time. If you're on the internet you'll obviously need an anti-virus - suggest using AVG, free for personal use (at least for a while), which I've had no problems with on any windows platform. Then install one app at a time, give each a good workout (10-15 mins). Keep earlier ones open while running later ones, and see where/when problems occur.

PS. What sort of connection do you have - eg, if you connect to broadband through a router you don't need a firewall.

 

[Orius]

The problems begin after software is installed. How would I check to see if I have bad RAM?? Connection is DSL, and I do not have a router, maybe I should invest in, but I would really rather try to use zonealarm since its free.

Zack

 

[ski]

If you did not reformat the HD when you reinstalled Windows, then recommend that you do this.

If the BSOD's continue, then run memtest-86 to check the memory.
And if your system has multiple sticks of RAM, then test them one at a time by installing only 1 stick.