A strange problem.....

[Guest]

Just recently, I have had an intermittent error that causes some programs to
cause "Serious Errors" but when I look to see what they are it just says
Unspecified. I hadn't changed anything on my system at the time the errors
began happening, but since then I have added a Linksys WRT54GR Wireless
router. Thatis the only major change to my system configuration for the past
several months before this problem appeared.

These errors are often accompanied by a strange occurrence wherein I start
an application and nothing appears to happen, if I look under the
applications tap of the task manager the program is not there, but if I look
under the processes tab the process is there.

I'll give an example. Earlier today I sat down at my computer and attempted
to open IE7.0 at which point it gave me the "Serious" but "Unknown" error
message. I used Mozilla to check the web for possible solutions, and one
suggested that a DirectX update might be in order. I went to the DX site and
proceeded through the download checks. When it came to the Validation Step,
it had me download a program, "Genuine Check", upon trying to run it my
computer apparently did nothing other than a short "Busy in Background" mouse
icon. With further investigation I found that it was not listed under the
Applications Tab in the Task Manager, but it's .exe file could be found under
the Processes Tab, using 3.5K of memory and taking up no CPU time or
resources.

The last time this type of problem came up I fixed it by disabling Active
Desktop, but its done it again today and Active Desktop is still disabled.

Does anybody have any idea what could be causing this problem? I am deeply
confused by it, I can't even find a utility to try to diagnose this problem.
If anyone has any insights I would greatly appreciate it.


Confused and Frustrated,

Damon M

 

[NewScience]

The Applications Tab in Task Manager only shows process that have a window
associated with it.
GenuineCheck.exe does not have a window associated with it, it is just a
windows executable application process, no user interaction. That is why it
shows in Processes but not in Applications.

For intermittent errors, first check Event Viewer log and see what is
causing the error. If all the problems are associated in some way with
interaction with IE 7.0, then either the application is not compatible in
someway with IE 7.0, or IE 7.0 is not setup correctly (e.g. Security
settings), or IE 7.0 has bugs.

When you get the Serious Error box, what application does it state caused
the problem? Have you tried looking at the report it is trying to send?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Just recently, I have had an intermittent error that causes some
programs to cause "Serious Errors" but when I look to see what they
are it just says Unspecified. I hadn't changed anything on my
system at the time the errors began happening, but since then I
have added a Linksys WRT54GR Wireless router. Thatis the only major
change to my system configuration for the past several months
before this problem appeared.

A 'router' (particularly the WRT54GR) would not be something you *need* any
software for - or any changes to your system (other than settings to connect
to said device using your wireless card) would be ncessary for.

Did you have to install a new wireless card for your machine to connect to
said router?
Update drivers for your current wireless card?

These errors are often accompanied by a strange occurrence wherein
I start an application and nothing appears to happen, if I look
under the applications tap of the task manager the program is not
there, but if I look under the processes tab the process is there.

Sounds like they are not fully loading.. okay.

I'll give an example. Earlier today I sat down at my computer and
attempted to open IE7.0 at which point it gave me the "Serious" but
"Unknown" error message.

Wait wait... You stated (about the router):
'... That is the only major change to my system configuration for the past
several months before this problem appeared ...'

But now you mention Internet Explorer 7? That;'s a major change and would
have had to happen in the last several months. =)

I used Mozilla to check the web for
possible solutions, and one suggested that a DirectX update might
be in order. I went to the DX site and proceeded through the
download checks. When it came to the Validation Step, it had me
download a program, "Genuine Check", upon trying to run it my
computer apparently did nothing other than a short "Busy in
Background" mouse icon. With further investigation I found that it
was not listed under the Applications Tab in the Task Manager, but
it's .exe file could be found under the Processes Tab, using 3.5K
of memory and taking up no CPU time or resources.

The last time this type of problem came up I fixed it by disabling
Active Desktop, but its done it again today and Active Desktop is
still disabled.

Does anybody have any idea what could be causing this problem? I am
deeply confused by it, I can't even find a utility to try to
diagnose this problem. If anyone has any insights I would greatly
appreciate it.

Tried System Restore to go back to a time before the 'issue' started?

Made sure all your hardware drivers are current?
(From each individual manufacturer's web page - not Microsoft's..)
(Since you mentioned it - try updating the chipset, video and network card
drivers..)

All other patches up to date (Windows XP, other applications?)

Anything at all in the Event Log?

 

[Guest]

The Applications Tab in Task Manager only shows process that have a window
associated with it.
GenuineCheck.exe does not have a window associated with it, it is just a
windows executable application process, no user interaction. That is why it
shows in Processes but not in Applications.

For intermittent errors, first check Event Viewer log and see what is
causing the error. If all the problems are associated in some way with
interaction with IE 7.0, then either the application is not compatible in
someway with IE 7.0, or IE 7.0 is not setup correctly (e.g. Security
settings), or IE 7.0 has bugs.

When you get the Serious Error box, what application does it state caused
the problem? Have you tried looking at the report it is trying to send?

Well, the Serious error is always caused by either "Unknown" or the program
I am trying to start.

Also the Program I used in my example was just that, it is doing the same
thing with my E-mail program half the time, World of Warcraft about half the
time (the other half it throws the error). It just throws the error every
time with IE7, or it hangs, and gives the Hung Program error (at least I can
look that one up).

Mostly I want to find out why this "Hidden" application problem is
occurring. As I mentioned before I had this problem once before and fixed it
by disabling Active Desktop. However it is now back, with exactly the same
behavior and Active Desktop is turned off.

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[Guest]

:

Sounds like they are not fully loading.. okay.

Wait wait... You stated (about the router):
'... That is the only major change to my system configuration for the past
several months before this problem appeared ...'

But now you mention Internet Explorer 7? That;'s a major change and would
have had to happen in the last several months. =)

I didn't mention IE7 because I tried rolling it back to a much older version
of IE that I had on disk and it did exactly the same thing. So I doubt that
IE is the source so much as an effect of the problem.

Tried System Restore to go back to a time before the 'issue' started?
System restore didn't work.

Made sure all your hardware drivers are current?
(From each individual manufacturer's web page - not Microsoft's..)
(Since you mentioned it - try updating the chipset, video and network card
drivers..)

I guess that is my next step, if that doesnt' wrk I'm going to be at
something of a loss.

All other patches up to date (Windows XP, other applications?)

Anything at all in the Event Log?

The event log is filled with about a page and a half of notes about what
programs were running at the time I believe, I can post it if anyone thinks
it will help.