Mysterious pop-up

[vicbee]

I can work for several hours on my pc without any problems, yet every once in a while I get a hardware start-up pop up in the middle of my screen asking me to validate the action. Clicking on yes or shutting the pop-up only brings it back,and prevents anything else from working (goes in a loop). The only solution I have found is to pull the plug on the pc as the pop-up blocks all other actions.
At first it was my old scanner, which I unplugged and uninstalled the software. I am now running it again using XP Pro's scanner utility.
But now I'm getting the pop-up again for a camera viewer...
Does anyone have an explanation for this and a solution? thanks!

 

[Spent]

In most cases this is not an actual problem just an Ad-Aware or small virus. Scan your PC with the latest updates of your anti-virus program and try also some Ad-Aware removing tool.
Also in Control Panel-> Add Remove Programs, look for a program that you did not install.
It's not only an Ad-Aware causing this,if it is a camera viewer then there is a possibility for a hardware issue.

Good Luck

 

[vicbee]

I noticed one thing the very last time this problem occured...a brief noise coming from the mouse, like an electric malfunction. Then a second later the pop up came up.
Would that help anyone for a solution? Could my mouse be amlfunctioning and creating this thing? Seems unlikely though...

 

[vicbee]

By the way, it isn't a virus nor a Ad-Aware (I don't think). I run NOD32 and Spybot and neither have detected anything.

 

[linney]

What is the exact message?

Is it the New Hardware Wizard or similar you are seeing?

Are you at SP2? Is the Messenger Service enabled in Services, it should be Disabled?

Is it a Wireless Mouse?

 

[vicbee]

I'm running SP2 and it is not a wireless mouse (basic Logitech). The pop-up says: "Camera Window is already running Start aborted" with an OK button.
When clicking on it the pop un just comes right back.
When I try to shut it off through the Task Mgr I can see the appl is Cameralauncher.exe
When I try to delete it through the Task Mgr another pop up appear saying "Cannot detect camera, check connection to camera" then the original pop-up reappears.
I am able to close all my open windows except I cannot shut Windows down.

Does that help? Thanks again.

 

[linney]

This program may fix things if AutoPlay is faulty -

Autoplay Repair Wizard - Autofix.exe

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...B6-E8FA-45C4-A171-1B389CFACDAD&displaylang=en

This program will let you see what programs. drivers and services are loading at startup.

DiamondCS Autostart Viewer v1.0

http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=asviewer

Some general things to try.

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

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

 

[vicbee]

Thanks Linney. I can't get the MS link because I have an unregistered copy of XP Pro.
I've followed your other links and downloaded or checked all other info. Although nothing appeared abnormal, I'll see if the problem is fixed in the coming days and will report back.

 

[linney]

You'll possibly need the "full retail version" of Windows XP Pro to perform a "repair install" of your current install to then become legal.

OEM's only go in as a clean install normally.

Should you purchase an OEM license version of XP?
faq779-4004

To be honest I'm not sure what would happen if you tried a repair install using an OEM on a separate , different version of Windows?

http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_legalize_my_windows_xp_installation.html

This mentions a program to just swap Product Keys.
Undo Upgrade?
thread779-934075

Changing your Product ID after installation
faq779-4300

HOW TO: Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You could try Microsoft Suport and see what they say is the best option?