AOL9 Stop error

[Robert Tyler]

Greetings,

I have a client with a Dell (brand new) running Windows XP home and a
problem that we haven't been able to figure out yet. Also has McAfee
Security (Personal Firewall not installed).

The computer runs great! Until... AOL 9 is started, then BSOD with
Stop: 0x0000000A (0x018E4E00, 0x000000A2, 0x00000000, 0x804FosD3)
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.

We have tested the memory (256MB) and it shows as good. Checked all
connections are tight, no heat problems.

Also has McAfee Security (Personal Firewall not installed).

Tried running Windows Update (in safe mode) - machine shut down
although some updates got through and finished. This was done *not*
via AOL connection.

Tried installing AdAware 6.0, updating and running a full scan -
machine shut down (in safe mode!).

Tried removing video drivers and letting Windows re-install (Intel
on-board video).

Short of removing AOL, wiping the HD and starting over, any other
things we can try?

Next step is to go to recovery console and sfc /scannow - maybe even a
repair install.

Customer complained to Dell enough that it was a hard drive issue that
Dell sent them a new HD. This is what it is running on now.

<sigh> The things that make you go Hmmmmm...

Bob Tyler...
Tyler Systems

 

[Kenrick Fu]

This indicates there is hardware problem in your computer, please refer to
these KB articles for help:
- Troubleshooting a Stop 0x0000000A Error in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314063
- "STOP 0x000000D1 IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Kbdclass.sys" Error Message When
You Try to Shut Down the Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810980

 

[Cerridwen]

Robert Tyler wrote:

You all yourself a tech and you can't figure this out?! Tell your client to
do the following: -

1) Take the AOHELL CD

2) If you are old enough to drive, and have a licence, place it in the
middle of the drive and back over it several times.

3) If you are not old enough to drive - or don't have a licence - place
said CD in the microwave and cook on full power for a couple of minutes - it
really is fascinating, and most satisfying, to watch.

4) Place resulting mess in the rubbish

5) Pick up the phone, call AOHELL 'Customer Service' and tell them you
wish to cancel your account.

6) Ask people for recommendations for a proper ISP.

7) Call new ISP of choice and sign up.

There! Problem solved.

Unfortunately, removing AOHELL's trojanic software will, most likely,
require a complete format and reinstall.

I'm surprised you couldn't think of that!

 

[Robert Tyler]

Robert Tyler wrote:

You all yourself a tech and you can't figure this out?! Tell your client to
do the following: -

1) Take the AOHELL CD

2) If you are old enough to drive, and have a licence, place it in the
middle of the drive and back over it several times.

3) If you are not old enough to drive - or don't have a licence - place
said CD in the microwave and cook on full power for a couple of minutes - it
really is fascinating, and most satisfying, to watch.

4) Place resulting mess in the rubbish

5) Pick up the phone, call AOHELL 'Customer Service' and tell them you
wish to cancel your account.

6) Ask people for recommendations for a proper ISP.

7) Call new ISP of choice and sign up.

There! Problem solved.

Unfortunately, removing AOHELL's trojanic software will, most likely,
require a complete format and reinstall.

Well, Duh! I did think of that, as soon as I saw AOL. I suppose I
should turn away any paid work that involves AOL, since the answer is
always 'Just remove it' (which I would do if it were my choice).
However, I am being paid to try and resolve the problem and retain AOL
as well.

I'll save the removal as a last resort.

Thanks

 

[Malke]

(snip all the anti-AOL stuff because we know, but that doesn't solve the
problem)

Well, Duh! I did think of that, as soon as I saw AOL. I suppose I
should turn away any paid work that involves AOL, since the answer is
always 'Just remove it' (which I would do if it were my choice).
However, I am being paid to try and resolve the problem and retain AOL
as well.

Robert - you didn't mention how the client is getting to the Internet;
i.e., dial-up or modem. Depending on which, I'd look at the hardware
involved; i.e., nic or modem. Try updating the drivers. AOL does
install its own networking drivers and maybe there's a conflict with
the ones that came preinstalled. Or maybe there's a hardware problem.
Try a different nic or modem. I have plenty of clients who have new
Dells and use AOL, so it may be a hardware issue. BTW, I have no idea
if this will help, but I always uninstall two Dell preinstalled
programs immediately when I set up a new Dell: the Dell Media
Experience and Dell Support (to kill NotifyAlert.exe for good).

Good luck,

Malke

 

[Robert Tyler]

(snip all the anti-AOL stuff because we know, but that doesn't solve the
problem)

Robert - you didn't mention how the client is getting to the Internet;
i.e., dial-up or modem. Depending on which, I'd look at the hardware
involved; i.e., nic or modem. Try updating the drivers. AOL does
install its own networking drivers and maybe there's a conflict with
the ones that came preinstalled. Or maybe there's a hardware problem.
Try a different nic or modem. I have plenty of clients who have new
Dells and use AOL, so it may be a hardware issue. BTW, I have no idea
if this will help, but I always uninstall two Dell preinstalled
programs immediately when I set up a new Dell: the Dell Media
Experience and Dell Support (to kill NotifyAlert.exe for good).

Good luck,

Malke

Malke,

Thanks for the info. I will try the Dell uninstalls.

We resolved the stop error by downloading and installing the latest
Intel video drivers. Looks like there is a lot more to it than we
thought. Booted to 'Last Known Good Configuration'. Machine rebooted
in the middle of action. Ran 'sfc.exe /scannow'. Looks like that
worked! <Whew!>

We were able to install all Windows critical and security updates.
AOL9 works fine now. Happy customer. Happy me.

Much appreciated.

Bob Tyler...
Tyler Systems

 

[Malke]

Thanks for the info. I will try the Dell uninstalls.

We resolved the stop error by downloading and installing the latest
Intel video drivers. Looks like there is a lot more to it than we
thought. Booted to 'Last Known Good Configuration'. Machine rebooted
in the middle of action. Ran 'sfc.exe /scannow'. Looks like that
worked! <Whew!>

We were able to install all Windows critical and security updates.
AOL9 works fine now. Happy customer. Happy me.

Glad it all worked out for you, Robert. Thanks for letting me know the
outcome.

Malke