Strange things in XP

[joepalm]

I have been running XP Pro on a new Computer for about 6 weeks with no problems. I have Norton 2003 and it is always up to date. 2 days ago I opened one of my Excel file which I having been using on and off for a year and the computer froze. I could not get on the net and runnother applications. I used the restore option to restore to the day before and it work fine again.

I checked for viruses, none found. But now again I am having application problems, can anyone suggest what could be causing this?

Thanks

 

[MA5]

Hi Tvale
What do error logs say?

 

[XPisfree]

You said it all with the "N" word... Norton was once great, but now it gradually destroys every XP i installed it on. Eventually file cross-linked allocation will become unrecoverable and formast inevitable. I could only guess it's too aggressive in "cleaning" and is damaging some of the many thousands of internal dependancies. Run SFC /scannow from command line (c:\ prompt) then run checkdisk /R, then defrag. After uninstalling Symantec, you'll find it leaves dozens of hard to find/dangerously powerful files and reg settings throughout in sensitive areas.. only can be excised by search and delete.. one by one. search for NAV,SYM,NAI,NV,etc,.. etc... cancel your weekend..

 

[denzilla]

XPisfree,

What Norton product are we talking about here? Norton System Works or Norton Antivirus? Just wondering because I have Norton system works 2002 installed on my XP home PC. Granted, I got it stripped down to just the antivirus and one button checkup, but installed no less. What problems are you having? I can't seem to get SP1 to install on my system without screwing everything up. Wondering if Norton might be the cause. Thanks

 

[joepalm]

I am running Norton Antivirus 2003!

 

[TheZeDD]

I give a big nod to Denzilla's method

I am just curious as to why you are labeling this so dependent upon Norton? Have you seen this problem over and over on different installs and with your copy? Have you tried installing this on other known good machines?

I am really curious if it was installed via an original (retail cd) or other =) [i am not the pirate policia but i am curious, borrowed from a friend works for me =]

I have seen pirated copied create havoc on systems due to poor file transfer or cd replication and that goes for ANY replicated or crappy warez too!

I have been using Norton [NAV only!] non-stop since either 99/2000 with only a couple glitches but NONE permanent. In fact, all were a simple reboot =)

If you are using the System Works disk cleaner or other I would strongly recommend that unless you seriously know what you are doing or looking at when it comes time to "Clean House" you look elsewhere and in fact just leave it up to windows (unfortunately) to do the maintaining except unless you feel or have no other choice.

I have repaired and re-installed MANY systems since Norton's Systems works has been around because it WILL at times fix\remove\repair files Windows still needs. In fact, most often, reinstalling the program in question once or twice and then uninstalling seems a better approach.

This word comes from not only my experience but that of others as well.

I think too I remember reading about problems with this before but i do not remember what the cure was =( Maybe reinstall Office after a good sys check and/or trying to repair the document in question along with Office if that should not work? It may just be the file and nothing else!?

Tvale, Drop us a line back and let us know if your using the AV portion only or the entire Sys Works was installed and also try some of what I posted.

- Z

 

[joepalm]

I am not using System Works, I have 3 identical computers running Windows XP and they have had no problems, I have been using Norton AV for around 3 years and have had no major problems. I have legally purchased the Norton AV CD's.

I am sure Nortons is not causing the problem but maybe I have a Trojan lurking is this particular computer!

Tony

 

[TheZeDD]

tvale, not sure there much more to offer you at this point. If you lick this problem, drop a line back.

- Cheers and Have A Great Turkey Day!

 

[MA5]

As you have identical systems, swap to test RAM, CPU and PSU of the PC in question.

 

[Marcs41]

tvale

You make a very funny statement:
"I am sure Nortons is not causing the problem but maybe I have a Trojan lurking is this particular computer!"
Correct me if I am wrong but if you are so sure Norton is working fine, why would there be a trojan? .. hum hum NOrton...

But, back to the problem.
Disable Norton to see a difference or just uninstall it for a while.
If the problem stays way, there was the bad guy.
Make sure you test the apps in an identical manner, with the same XLS or so.
If that does not work, start with the Repair function in Office and repair Excel, unless you have other non-office apps crashing or freezing as well?

If it also just freezes when not doing anything, make double sure to check the RAM, swap it as suggested by Ma5.

 

[denzilla]

This more than likely isn't your problem, but worth checking. Last time my computer was freezing up my HDD was going bad. Noticed any weird noises coming from the computer lately? I know you said it was a new PC, but strange things can happen.

 

[joepalm]

I have had no problems for a around 5 days now, the system seems stable and I have no errors in event log. I have swapped mem, CPU etc. If is do get the strange behaviour again I will remove Norton AV.

Thanks

 

[MA5]

Hi tvale
Now that you may have narrowed down the problem,
test the iffy RAM to make sure.
Download memtest86 from:

http://www.memtest86.com

and test the RAM.

Regards