Can't terminate some processes

[Guest]

If I run several random applications, they just don't appear. In de list of
Running Processes, the application is displayed. If I click the process of
that application, it won't dissapear from the list of running processes. Then
I click several more times on the End Process button, but still nothing
happens. Those not responding applications are kind of 'stuck' into the
memory. I have this with Arcobat Reader, Mozilla Firefox, microsoft word and
more other applications. Sometimes they work normally, and other times they
won't work.

Even shut down and rebot doesn't work. Some tray icons dissapear, but then
it won't continue. Anyone got any solution for this?

 

[Malke]

If I run several random applications, they just don't appear. In de
list of Running Processes, the application is displayed. If I click
the process of that application, it won't dissapear from the list of
running processes. Then I click several more times on the End Process
button, but still nothing happens. Those not responding applications
are kind of 'stuck' into the memory. I have this with Arcobat Reader,
Mozilla Firefox, microsoft word and more other applications. Sometimes
they work normally, and other times they won't work.

Even shut down and rebot doesn't work. Some tray icons dissapear, but
then it won't continue. Anyone got any solution for this?

The First Question Of Troubleshooting: what changed between the time
things worked and the time they didn't?

The Second Question of Windows Troubleshooting: what is the
malware/virus status of the machine? If you think it is clean, what
programs (and versions) did you use to determine this?

Be sure the computer is clean:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Malke

 

[Guest]

The problems started about 2 days after I installed a clean copy of windows.
And my pc is malware free.

 

[Malke]

The problems started about 2 days after I installed a clean copy of
windows. And my pc is malware free.

I'm sorry, but I just don't have enough information to tell you what's
wrong. Since this is not normal behavior, you have to do methodical
troubleshooting. Since things apparently worked for the first two days,
you have to figure out what changed. Only you can do that. Here are a
few general troubleshooting suggestions:

Try clean-boot troubleshooting:

Clean boot in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
Clean-boot advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434
and How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

Make sure the hardware is sound:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Troubleshooting

Look in Event Viewer for clues:
Start>Run>eventvwr.msc [enter]

Something you have is misbehaving. If you are basing your opinion that
the machine is virus/malware-free on the fact that the install is only
two days old, consider that on average an unprotected Windows machine
that goes online can become infected in under 20 minutes.

Uninstall programs methodically, testing after each change. If the
machine goes back to normal behavior after uninstalling an application,
research that application starting with its tech support website and/or
any user forums.

Malke

 

[Guest]

I tried all the steps you mentioned. Didn't work either. I uninstalled all my
applications too, but still the same result

The problems started about 2 days after I installed a clean copy of
windows. And my pc is malware free.

I'm sorry, but I just don't have enough information to tell you what's
wrong. Since this is not normal behavior, you have to do methodical
troubleshooting. Since things apparently worked for the first two days,
you have to figure out what changed. Only you can do that. Here are a
few general troubleshooting suggestions:

Try clean-boot troubleshooting:

Clean boot in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
Clean-boot advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434
and How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

Make sure the hardware is sound:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Troubleshooting

Look in Event Viewer for clues:
Start>Run>eventvwr.msc [enter]

Something you have is misbehaving. If you are basing your opinion that
the machine is virus/malware-free on the fact that the install is only
two days old, consider that on average an unprotected Windows machine
that goes online can become infected in under 20 minutes.

Uninstall programs methodically, testing after each change. If the
machine goes back to normal behavior after uninstalling an application,
research that application starting with its tech support website and/or
any user forums.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

 

[Malke]

I tried all the steps you mentioned. Didn't work either. I uninstalled
all my applications too, but still the same result

I'm sorry that I was unable to help you then. Test your hardware and if
it is all healthy, do a clean install of Windows. Do not put the
machine on the Internet until it has SP2 (if your XP install is
pre-SP2) and the Windows Firewall is active. Install drivers one at a
time, testing after each install. Use drivers from only a trusted
source. Go to Windows Update and install updates one at a time, testing
after each install. Install programs one at a time, testing after each
install. Use program install executables only from a trusted source.
Install a current version (not earlier than 2005) antivirus and update
its definitions. Scan your data backups before copying data to the hard
drive.

Or take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your
local version of BigStoreUSA). There is no shame in doing this.

Good luck,

Malke

 

[Guest]

Okay thanks for the help and advice.

I'm sorry that I was unable to help you then. Test your hardware and if
it is all healthy, do a clean install of Windows. Do not put the
machine on the Internet until it has SP2 (if your XP install is
pre-SP2) and the Windows Firewall is active. Install drivers one at a
time, testing after each install. Use drivers from only a trusted
source. Go to Windows Update and install updates one at a time, testing
after each install. Install programs one at a time, testing after each
install. Use program install executables only from a trusted source.
Install a current version (not earlier than 2005) antivirus and update
its definitions. Scan your data backups before copying data to the hard
drive.

Or take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your
local version of BigStoreUSA). There is no shame in doing this.

Good luck,

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User