Could SP2 wipe out 1/2 of system memory?

[Guest]

Discovered 256 of 512mb memory 'missing' from Dell Dim8300. Can't 'reinstall'
or add memory; system won't boot (in normal mode). Can only run 256mb (any
one module in any one slot). However, safe mode boot recognizes all memory I
try to install. Diagnostics show everything OK. Discovered that 'event log'
showed memory change (from 512 to 256) day after SP2 install several years
ago!! BIOS upgrade didn't help. Can you???

 

[Poprivet]

Discovered 256 of 512mb memory 'missing' from Dell Dim8300. Can't
'reinstall' or add memory; system won't boot (in normal mode). Can
only run 256mb (any one module in any one slot). However, safe mode
boot recognizes all memory I try to install. Diagnostics show
everything OK. Discovered that 'event log' showed memory change (from
512 to 256) day after SP2 install several years ago!! BIOS upgrade
didn't help. Can you???

lol, no, but it wasn't SP2 from what you've said!

 

[Guest]

Discovered 256 of 512mb memory 'missing' from Dell Dim8300. Can't 'reinstall'
or add memory; system won't boot (in normal mode). Can only run 256mb (any
one module in any one slot). However, safe mode boot recognizes all memory I
try to install. Diagnostics show everything OK. Discovered that 'event log'
showed memory change (from 512 to 256) day after SP2 install several years
ago!! BIOS upgrade didn't help. Can you???

Try to reset the Memory cards in their slots and clean the dust there with
Anti-static Air compressed can or blow it gently from the case and Reboot
your machine.
Look in the Event Viewer and see if there is a record error that can shed
some light on the memory killer and make sure the machine is clean from
malwares and virus.
Run Disk Cleanup and Defrag in safe mode
Check the BIOS are they recognised there as 512MB.
HTH.
nass
===
www.nasstec.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Gee, I hope "LOL" means 'lots of luck', not 'lots of laughs'! Anyway, since
I installed SP2 on 9/16/04 and my Dell's BIOS event log said my memory
decreased on 9/17/04 (the subsequent boot, I guess), I'm curious about why
you said it wasn't SP2 that caused the problem.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your thoughts. I've done all you've suggested - unfortunately, to
no avail. BIOS / settings acknowledges all memory installed (512 when I add
the 2nd module). However, as I said, with a second module the PC won't boot
(except in safe mode). Note: There is a slight 'clunk' sound coming from my
hard drive when the boot fails. I assume that's to be expected.

So far as my event logs are concerned, here's what I have:

System Errors (since March 7; that's all the hsitory I have) - most every
day two errors appear: 1) service control manager (7001) "the service cannot
be started", 2) DCOM (10005) "the service cannot be started"

Application Errors (since April 28) - VSS and event system, both probably
related to safe mode starting

BIOS System event log on 9/17/2004 (the day after SP2 installation) -
"memory size different; memory decreased". No other significant message here.

Any new thoughts? If no simple solution comes to mind, what about an SP2
uninstall / memory reinstall / SP2 reinstall sequence?

 

[Guest]

You are welcome, first try to run this command:
Open a run command and type in:
sfc /scannow click [OK]

Reboot and see if the issue will reoccur.

Read these links:
Computer Is Slow to Start and Event ID 7001 Messages Are Logged in the
System Event Log

Event ID 7001 Is Logged in the System Event Log
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278658

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312945

---
A Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) update-2 package is available
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/887827/

FIX: Event ID 20 "Volume Shadow Copy Service error" is logged when you back
up the System State on a Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition-based computer that
is running SQL Server 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904418

The security update that is documented in Microsoft Security Bulletin
MS04-015 does not install correctly if the Help and Support service is
disabled
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/841996

CDOSYS Tries to Start the IIS Admin Service
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329269

You cannot manually start the Automatic Updates service and you receive an
"Error 1058" error message on a computer that is running Windows XP or
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896224

How to troubleshoot an SMS 2003 management point installation that does not
create the required virtual directory
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917675

I will make sure this machine is clean and up2ddate with security updates.
P.S tell us about any extra application than the ordinary ( SQL, IIS,
Netmetting.etc..)
HTH.
nass
===
www.nasstec.co.uk

 

[Guest]

I wasn't able to gain a solution from your new suggestion. Here's a little
more info, that I didn't consider before. In addition to the memory and boot
problems documented, I've had an issue with blue screens on startup for some
time. I know that some were due to McAfee crap, but probably not all. In
addition, I often must use Task Manager to shut down apps (I assume because
of a memory deficiency). Also, there are always a couple of obscure processes
that stop after I go to turn off / restart. I reviewed my event logs again
and offer the following specifics: DCOM 1005, Service Control Manager 7001
and Service Control Manager 7026 (which I didn't mention before), VSS 8193
and Event System 4609 appear frequently. After looking at your links re:
events I mentioned earlier, at one time I used a Lexmark printer so a few
residual files remain on my system (although Lexmark's site didn't give me a
clue) and I have a Logitech mouse (EventID.NET made a reference to a
potential driver issue). I'm afraid I'm going too far out on tangents, but I
must confess that I seem to getting in way over my head. I've assumed a
problem with SP2 installation - but maybe that's wrong?

Would you recommend continued digging, an uninstall of SP2 / memory
reinstall / SP2 reinstall, or an XP reinstall? (Some comedian on a Dell forum
said I should just buy a new PC.)

You are welcome, first try to run this command:
Open a run command and type in:
sfc /scannow click [OK]

Reboot and see if the issue will reoccur.

Read these links:
Computer Is Slow to Start and Event ID 7001 Messages Are Logged in the
System Event Log

Event ID 7001 Is Logged in the System Event Log
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278658

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312945

---
A Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) update-2 package is available
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/887827/

FIX: Event ID 20 "Volume Shadow Copy Service error" is logged when you back
up the System State on a Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition-based computer that
is running SQL Server 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904418

The security update that is documented in Microsoft Security Bulletin
MS04-015 does not install correctly if the Help and Support service is
disabled
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/841996

CDOSYS Tries to Start the IIS Admin Service
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329269

You cannot manually start the Automatic Updates service and you receive an
"Error 1058" error message on a computer that is running Windows XP or
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896224

How to troubleshoot an SMS 2003 management point installation that does not
create the required virtual directory
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917675

I will make sure this machine is clean and up2ddate with security updates.
P.S tell us about any extra application than the ordinary ( SQL, IIS,
Netmetting.etc..)
HTH.
nass
===
www.nasstec.co.uk

Thanks for your thoughts. I've done all you've suggested - unfortunately, to
no avail. BIOS / settings acknowledges all memory installed (512 when I add
the 2nd module). However, as I said, with a second module the PC won't boot
(except in safe mode). Note: There is a slight 'clunk' sound coming from my
hard drive when the boot fails. I assume that's to be expected.

So far as my event logs are concerned, here's what I have:

System Errors (since March 7; that's all the hsitory I have) - most every
day two errors appear: 1) service control manager (7001) "the service cannot
be started", 2) DCOM (10005) "the service cannot be started"

Application Errors (since April 28) - VSS and event system, both probably
related to safe mode starting

BIOS System event log on 9/17/2004 (the day after SP2 installation) -
"memory size different; memory decreased". No other significant message here.

Any new thoughts? If no simple solution comes to mind, what about an SP2
uninstall / memory reinstall / SP2 reinstall sequence?

 

[Guest]

No, I don't think uninstall SP2 will solve the problem, you have legecy
corrupted drivers from old uninstalled programs/Hardware that still doing
some damage.
First BackUp your Important Data on a removable Storage and try to clean up
these programs:
Download these tools:
"Process Explorer for Windows v10.21"
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/processexplorer.mspx

"AutoRuns for Windows v8.61 By Mark Russinovich and Bryce Cogswell"
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx
You cann use the tool above to remove orphans Files/folders left from
unclean uninstall and take them out/remove them from start Up, read the help
file comes with it.
Or this:
http://www.ccleaner.com

If still no joy, my advise to you clean install best option and nothing
better than a clean install!.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
HTH.
nass
===
www.nasstec.co.uk

I wasn't able to gain a solution from your new suggestion. Here's a little
more info, that I didn't consider before. In addition to the memory and boot
problems documented, I've had an issue with blue screens on startup for some
time. I know that some were due to McAfee crap, but probably not all. In
addition, I often must use Task Manager to shut down apps (I assume because
of a memory deficiency). Also, there are always a couple of obscure processes
that stop after I go to turn off / restart. I reviewed my event logs again
and offer the following specifics: DCOM 1005, Service Control Manager 7001
and Service Control Manager 7026 (which I didn't mention before), VSS 8193
and Event System 4609 appear frequently. After looking at your links re:
events I mentioned earlier, at one time I used a Lexmark printer so a few
residual files remain on my system (although Lexmark's site didn't give me a
clue) and I have a Logitech mouse (EventID.NET made a reference to a
potential driver issue). I'm afraid I'm going too far out on tangents, but I
must confess that I seem to getting in way over my head. I've assumed a
problem with SP2 installation - but maybe that's wrong?

Would you recommend continued digging, an uninstall of SP2 / memory
reinstall / SP2 reinstall, or an XP reinstall? (Some comedian on a Dell forum
said I should just buy a new PC.)

You are welcome, first try to run this command:
Open a run command and type in:
sfc /scannow click [OK]

Reboot and see if the issue will reoccur.

Read these links:
Computer Is Slow to Start and Event ID 7001 Messages Are Logged in the
System Event Log

Event ID 7001 Is Logged in the System Event Log
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278658

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312945

---
A Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) update-2 package is available
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/887827/

FIX: Event ID 20 "Volume Shadow Copy Service error" is logged when you back
up the System State on a Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition-based computer that
is running SQL Server 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904418

The security update that is documented in Microsoft Security Bulletin
MS04-015 does not install correctly if the Help and Support service is
disabled
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/841996

CDOSYS Tries to Start the IIS Admin Service
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329269

You cannot manually start the Automatic Updates service and you receive an
"Error 1058" error message on a computer that is running Windows XP or
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896224

How to troubleshoot an SMS 2003 management point installation that does not
create the required virtual directory
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917675

I will make sure this machine is clean and up2ddate with security updates.
P.S tell us about any extra application than the ordinary ( SQL, IIS,
Netmetting.etc..)
HTH.
nass
===
www.nasstec.co.uk

Thanks for your thoughts. I've done all you've suggested - unfortunately, to
no avail. BIOS / settings acknowledges all memory installed (512 when I add
the 2nd module). However, as I said, with a second module the PC won't boot
(except in safe mode). Note: There is a slight 'clunk' sound coming from my
hard drive when the boot fails. I assume that's to be expected.

So far as my event logs are concerned, here's what I have:

System Errors (since March 7; that's all the hsitory I have) - most every
day two errors appear: 1) service control manager (7001) "the service cannot
be started", 2) DCOM (10005) "the service cannot be started"

Application Errors (since April 28) - VSS and event system, both probably
related to safe mode starting

BIOS System event log on 9/17/2004 (the day after SP2 installation) -
"memory size different; memory decreased". No other significant message here.

Any new thoughts? If no simple solution comes to mind, what about an SP2
uninstall / memory reinstall / SP2 reinstall sequence?








:



:

Discovered 256 of 512mb memory 'missing' from Dell Dim8300. Can't 'reinstall'
or add memory; system won't boot (in normal mode). Can only run 256mb (any
one module in any one slot). However, safe mode boot recognizes all memory I
try to install. Diagnostics show everything OK. Discovered that 'event log'
showed memory change (from 512 to 256) day after SP2 install several years
ago!! BIOS upgrade didn't help. Can you???

Try to reset the Memory cards in their slots and clean the dust there with
Anti-static Air compressed can or blow it gently from the case and Reboot
your machine.
Look in the Event Viewer and see if there is a record error that can shed
some light on the memory killer and make sure the machine is clean from
malwares and virus.
Run Disk Cleanup and Defrag in safe mode
Check the BIOS are they recognised there as 512MB.
HTH.
nass
===
www.nasstec.co.uk

 

[Guest]

I have the same problem. Got blue screened several times. Errors suggested
device driver or other software. Nothing new and have kept bitdefender UTD
with regular scans. No apparent viruses or malware. Tried to repair XP Pro
with pre sp1 OEM disk and suddenly I went from 512 to 256. She was running
slow so I assumed I had a bad board (SDRAM) and replaced it with fresh
memory. Now showing 512 but having problems updating to sp2. I downloaded the
program to my root drive extracted but it hangs on the install. I can't get
to windows update site or anywhere that requires me to accept active x dipite
changing my IE6 settings. I'm about fed up and ready to do a reformmat and
clean install. I'm convinced the problem is some file or residual crap from
one of the million prior updates or hot fixes. Would love to fix this without
reinstalling tons of software and their updates. Any ideas?
Doc