illegal operation on any program Internet related 1

[bErEsTh]

Helped someone try and install SBC yahoo DSL on their computer. Got it to connect finally. Then I open any program internet related and get an illegal operation in (unknown) module occurs. Window 98, 300MHz, 64 Megs of RAM. Nothing installed or uninstalled recently other than SBC Yahoo. Thanks.

 

[m1ckG]

Run Regedit from start run, then do following

+ HKey Local Machine
+ Software
+ Microsoft
+ Internet Explorer
+ Main

There will be a registry entry called source bar delete this entry and this should solve the problem.

Good Luck

 

[bErEsTh]

I understand what you said, but can you please explain the purpose of this process. Also what would cause this?

 

[m1ckG]

Basically it is a known problem with windows 98 and internet explorer, certain pages on the internet can cause an invalid error within the registry at this key.

I re-installed two workstations at work with this problem "illegal operation in internet explorer" not being able to find the cause, only to be told weeks later that the error was caused by this registry key.

It could be the yahoo page that caused this i dont know.

It will not harm your system in any way

Good Luck

Michael

 

[bErEsTh]

Thanks a bunch!

 

[m1ckG]

Glad to be of help.

 

[Cindy1]

Memory does that also. If you have an extra stick of memory you could test it out. That may be cheaper and 64 mb is not much for some of the online games out there. With all the graphics and all. It could be just pooped out. I suppose it depends on what you use it for.
Illegal Operation usually points to:
A) Software
B) Memory
C) CPU

That's how I have been taught in order of which was going to hurt me the most money wise.
Well have fun, keep us updated.
Cindy

 

[bErEsTh]

Hello, day 2

There was no registry entry labeled "source bar".

I can connec to internet just fine, so I dont think it is any file associated with Dialup Networking. Maybe winsock files?????

Uninstalled/reinstalled intenet programs other than Internet Explorer

I kept getting an illegal operation in iexplore. I thought that was the main problem. In add/remove programs I reverted to a previous configuration from IE6 to IE5.5. It also woudlnt repair. The problem remains.

I used Norton utilites, which removed 200 errors, problem remains.

Ran virus protection software, problem remains.

Programs other than those that use the internet, run fine, even some graphic intensive games run fine. This leads me to belive it probably isnt RAM.

Cleaned and optimized the registry, problem remains.

Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks.

 

[m1ckG]

The reason you found no entry labelled source bar was because i am a monkey it actually is located in

+ HKey Current User not (+ HKey Local Machine)
+ Software
+ Microsoft
+ Internet Explorer
+ Main
Although your error was "in module unknown" this is an actual fix for illegal operation shell32 within internet explorer


If this does not work, when system loads F8 and then run scanreg to revert system back to a previous state.

 

[m1ckG]

Try out these sites:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;172133

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302591

Also have you tried uninstalling "SBC Yahoo"

Good Luck

 

[bErEsTh]

I have uninstalled/ reinstalled SBC Yahoo DSL already.

 

[m1ckG]

Sorry couldn't resolve this issue, perhaps a re-install of operating system is the only way to go from here.

 

[bErEsTh]

I know it is probably best to reinstall OS, but it isnt my computer. I am real close to telling them I have to

Here is an update anyway

Tried to fix registry, problem remains
Tried to restore a previous registry (scanreg /, problem remains
Tried to rename and extract files winsock.dll, wsock32.dll, and ws2_32.dll, problem remains (files used for browsing)
Uninstall/ Reinstall dialup networking, problem remains
Uninstall/Reinstall TCP/IP and dial up adapter in Network control panel, problem remains

Any lastt suggestions

Thanks to everyone, especiially to m1ckG

 

[PeterGriff]

Have you tried temporarily turning off other start-up programs, including antivirus and firewalls (Start->Run-> msconfig->startup)?. Does it happen it safe mode? (I know you wont connect, but IE will still start).Might give some clues.

Also you could empty the IE cache and temp files, and remove any ActiveX controls /objects (tools->Intenet options->settings->view objects) in case there is something distastefull here. (probably wont help but nothing else has...)

Peter G

 

[bErEsTh]

I have already tried msconfig and use the bare essentials, but I havent tried it in safe mode. What is odd and it seems as if I havent mentioned it yet, when I am not connected and I open IExplorer or AIM or netscape, I dont get the invalid page fault.

My assumption is it has to be dial up networking, TCP/IP stack

 

[PeterGriff]

Have you tried checking for spyware especially Newdotnet and save/savenow (try adaware or spybot for removing after Add/remove from the control panel). Its best if you can update them first before scanning (your system allowing). Also check for multiple versions of things like MSN Messenger - it can cause problems in Outlook Express and with Hotmail.

Otherwise I think you have done a fairly comprehensive trouble shoot already - a reinstall will be quicker (You can reinstall by exiting to DOS, renaming the Windows and Progra~1 files to something else then installing Windows to C:\windows - all the old data is kept this way).

Peter G

 

[bErEsTh]

It is funny that you mention that, there is savenow, but I didnt know what it was and they were using Kaaza. I suggested that they I get rid of that program for them, epecially with all the headaches it can and appears it has caused.

Is adaware a spyware/ malware removal program? If it isnt can you suggest for a program that seeks those kind of things out and removes them? Thanks

 

[tviman]

Before you reinstall the OS, I'd try adding another 64mb of memory. 64mb is really not enough for DSL. I'm suprised that you were able to connect at all. I have Sprint DSL - one of my systems has 128mb of memory and when I installed the software I warned me that I was at the bare minimum. I have another PC with 64mb and it wouldn't install at all.

Increase the memory - like Cindy1 says, it's so cheap right now - I'd guess around $20.00, that you'd be nuts not to try it.

There's always a better way...

 

[rockerfellerz]

Definitly get addaware and run it (spyware/malware remover).
I've had good luck with that, others here recommend Spybot, better off to run both of them I think, As one may rid you of things the other won't(and vise versa).
You will want to read this link about savenow...

http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/SaveNow.html

If you're going through Hell...keep going... (Winston Churchill)
RocKeRFelLerZ

 

[bErEsTh]

Thanks. I will try the addaware tonight. It is funny I tried posting this issue at the microsoft forum. No one would answer. It seems as if they didnt know how or didnt care. That obviously isnt the case here at tek-tips.

Thanks for all of your help.