Windows Stop Error screen

[JohnD]

I just got a Windows Stop Error Screen on one of my workstations. The error
line read:
0x0000007E (0xC0000005,0x804DA0F6,0xA3481A18,0xA3481714).
Is anyone able to interpret what this means for me?

Thanks.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

WinXP SP2 or SP3?

<QP>
0x0000007E: SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
A system thread generated an exception which the error handler did not
catch. There are numerous individual causes for this problem, including
hardware incompatibility, a faulty device driver or system service, or some
software issues. Check Event Viewer (EventVwr.msc) for additional
information.
</QP>
Source & more: http://aumha.org/a/stop.htm

Tip: A hijackware infection is another possibility here.

 

[JohnD]

Thank you for all that info. The System log tells me that "The following
boot-start or system-start driver(s) failed to load.
IDSxpx86.
What does this mean to me?

Also, I'm delighted that there is another *ware for me to worry about. I
use Norton for viruses and worms and AdAware for adware and spyware. What do
you suggest I use for hijackware?

Thanks again

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

IDSxpx86.sys is a Symatec (Norton) component. Assuming your Norton
(AntiVirus?) subscription is current, there is a very good chance that you
are seeing the effects of a hijackware infection!

NB: If you had no anti-virus application installed or the subscription had
expired *when the machine first got infected* and/or your subscription has
since expired and/or the machine's not been kept fully-patched at Windows
Update, don't waste your time with any of the below: Format & reinstall
Windows. A Repair Install will NOT help!

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

NB: Run the FULL scan, not the QUICK scan! You may need to download the
MSRT on a non-infected machine, then transfer MRT.EXE to the infected
machine and rename it to SCAN.EXE before running it.

2. Run the Windows Live Safety Center's 'Protection' scan (only!) in Safe
Mode with Networking, if need be:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting the requested
logs in an appropriate forum, not here.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4075
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

**Chances are you will need to seek expert assistance in
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5,
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup,
http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.php,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or other appropriate forums as well.**

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.