XP Pro will not shut down, and CPU often reeves

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I am a blind user, and to shut down, I hit the Windows key and "U" twice.
But, I cannot get the computer to ever shut down on its own, so I have to
manually shut it down 3 out of 4 times. I shut off Dragon first, and it seems
that ZoomText hangs. Also, my email (OE) is very slow at times, and the
message window often fades or closes. The CPU reeves after an an hour's use.
I'm operating with over 55% disc space available, and clear the Cookies in IE
daily.

I have NSW and its been a nightmare. It removed all of my Dragon recorded
files (for voice training) on 7/10 along with Windows, and 72 other files. I
found them last night in the Trash but, now they are not there--its set to
empty every 30 days because I have a Tech coming from the Comm. for the Blind
in late July.

Everytime I try to back up my files on Roxio, it reads that the CDRW is
full--and its not.

I have automatic updates from MS installed, and use my system tools, weekly,
and also run Trendmicro monthly. This last run was a horror.

Help someone, please.
 
Pappion said:
I am a blind user, and to shut down, I hit the Windows key and "U" twice.
But, I cannot get the computer to ever shut down on its own, so I have to
manually shut it down 3 out of 4 times. I shut off Dragon first, and it
seems that ZoomText hangs. Also, my email (OE) is very slow at times, and
the message window often fades or closes. The CPU reeves after an an
hour's use. I'm operating with over 55% disc space available, and clear
the Cookies in IE daily.

I have NSW and its been a nightmare. It removed all of my Dragon recorded
files (for voice training) on 7/10 along with Windows, and 72 other files.
I found them last night in the Trash but, now they are not there--its set
to empty every 30 days because I have a Tech coming from the Comm. for the
Blind in late July.

Everytime I try to back up my files on Roxio, it reads that the CDRW is
full--and its not.

I have automatic updates from MS installed, and use my system tools,
weekly, and also run Trendmicro monthly. This last run was a horror.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry for your difficulties. Unfortunately, from your description only a
professional who can actually see the computer is going to be able to
straighten this out. They should start by removing Norton System Works and
cleaning up any viruses/malware on the machine. They should also do some
basic hardware testing to address the optical drive issue.

I don't know what "Comm. for the Blind" is or why you need to wait for a
tech from them, but if you can't have a reputable local professional come
work on your computer immediately then the best thing to do will be to wait
for the scheduled tech.

Malke
 
Thank you very much. I have run Ad Awares, Trendomicro, and Spyblaster, and
checked my programs (Install/Uninstall), defragged, et al. The Commission for
the Blind is the full meaning of "Comm." I also think that Roxio is causing
problems with XP Pro (as I mentioned, every new CDRW I put in to back up my
machine returns a msg. that the CDRW is "full." He's coming the middle of
July. The State provides help to the blind through MS and IBM. Thank you very
much for your advice. I agree with you. Things are a bit more stable now, but
I still cannot get the computer to shut down w/o doing it manually.
 
Pappion said:
Thank you very much. I have run Ad Awares, Trendomicro, and Spyblaster,
and checked my programs (Install/Uninstall), defragged, et al. The
Commission for the Blind is the full meaning of "Comm." I also think that
Roxio is causing problems with XP Pro (as I mentioned, every new CDRW I
put in to back up my machine returns a msg. that the CDRW is "full." He's
coming the middle of July. The State provides help to the blind through MS
and IBM. Thank you very much for your advice. I agree with you. Things are
a bit more stable now, but I still cannot get the computer to shut down
w/o doing it manually.
Click to expand...

Here are a few things you can do in the meantime, but it is naturally
important to have a virus/malware-free machine when working with any other
software.

For the CD-RW problem, you can try (only make one change at a time and test
after each change):

1. Uninstall/reinstall the hardware from Device Manager
2. If you are trying to read disks that were already created on another
machine perhaps with packet-writing software see:

How to Troubleshoot Issues with Reading CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD Discs
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q321641

CD-ROM Drive May Not Be Able to Read a UDF-Formatted Disc in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q321640

3. I like to test hardware by booting with Knoppix, a Linux distro that runs
from cd. This tells me whether behavior is caused by hardware or software
(Windows). You may not be able to do this.

4. You can also swap the drive out for a known-working one. Again, you may
not be able to do this.

Here are some other links about troubleshooting optical drives:

HOW TO: Troubleshoot Issues That Occur When You Write Data to a CD-R or
CD-RW Optical Disc in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q324129

CD-R Drive or CD-RW Drive Is Not Recognized As a Recordable Device
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316529

CD-ROM Access Is Missing and Messages Cite Error Code 31, Code 32,
Code 19, or Code 39 After You Remove Easy CD Creator in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314060

5. If the hardware is good, try a different burning program. Here is a free
one: http://www.cdburnerxp.se/

For the shutdown error, here is an excellent troubleshooter:
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Again, I'm not sure how much of this you can do. Of course, you know I'm not
insulting you; just being practical.

Good luck and let me know how it goes,

Malke
 
thank you, again. It seems the major problem is that I cannot shut down
without manually shutting it off at the CPU...it still keeps revving up as if
the CPU were going to blow up (what is that about?). This is a new computer
and all new hardware and software as of 1/06 (HP computer, printers, Epson
scanner with Kurzweil, MyReader (a CCTV), etc.

I can do quite a bit on my own but I'll leave the changes I question cannot
be easily changed back to the tech who comes out. Can I use the Windows
back-up program? Is it wise?

No offense taken, what so ever--where none is intended. I've been sighted,
but have a genetic vision disorder. Thanks so much. You're a welath of
information.
 
Pappion said:
thank you, again. It seems the major problem is that I cannot shut down
without manually shutting it off at the CPU...it still keeps revving up as
if the CPU were going to blow up (what is that about?). This is a new
computer and all new hardware and software as of 1/06 (HP computer,
printers, Epson scanner with Kurzweil, MyReader (a CCTV), etc.

I can do quite a bit on my own but I'll leave the changes I question
cannot be easily changed back to the tech who comes out. Can I use the
Windows back-up program? Is it wise?

No offense taken, what so ever--where none is intended. I've been sighted,
but have a genetic vision disorder. Thanks so much. You're a welath of
information.
Click to expand...
Shutdown problems are usually caused by programs or processes that refuse to
exit gracefully. Most often these are viruses and/or malware, although
other legitimate programs/processes can cause this. The newness of the
machine doesn't matter. For hardware (which isn't what this sounds like),
components will generally fail pretty soon after you get them or go for
years. For software, it only takes a few minutes for a Windows machine to
get infested if it isn't protected or you click on the wrong link, etc.

You may want to read through the information at Jim Eshelman's shutdown
troubleshooter and see if you're comfortable doing any of it. Even if
you're not, when the tech shows up you'll be able to provide him/her with a
wealth of detail about what's been going on. It is always easier to deal
with a client who can say "this has been happening and this is what I've
done and this is what I've learned" rather than just "it's broken". Here's
the link again: http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

You are smart to ask about backup because this is very important. You always
want to have your data backed up somewhere off the hard drive. Personally,
I don't like Windows Backup. It was designed for NT systems with tape
drives. I also don't like backup programs that put the backed up files into
a proprietary format. In that case, you need to have the same program
installed on the target computer in order to access the saved files.

For clients, I suggest a simple and inexpensive program called "Second Copy"
by www.centered.com. Depending on the client's situation and the computer,
I like to have Second Copy back up everything to one folder on a second
hard drive - either internal or external. Then the client can burn that
folder to a CD/DVD-R on a regular basis. This way the data exists in three
places - on the first hard drive, on the second hard drive, and on a CD or
DVD-R which should be taken off-site or put in a fireproof. There are other
backup programs and methods, too. Acronis True Image is extremely useful.

I hope this has helped. Please post back if you have any more questions. I'd
love it if you'd let me know how things go for you with this.

Take care,

Malke
 
Thank you, once again, Mike. Believe me, I'll let you know exactly what is
found when he finishes. I do have a question--why do I have to keep approving
this site before I can answer here? I received a bar under my IE bar and have
to Temporarily Allow....etc. Is that because of where I've set Security
Settings, or my controlling pop-ups? Its enough to drive one nuts. Thus, when
ever I leave a site I removed Cookies in IE/Tools, etc.
 
Opps, one other question--I just came online and my CPU is giving me that
revving sound aleady. Is there a reason for that? Will it harm my computer?
Will manually shutting down harm it? I'm getting suspicious of MS's Updates,
to be perfectly honest. I've had computers since 1980, and as compromised as
one became, I never experienced any of these problems, much less the "engine
gunning" sound.
 
Pappion said:
Opps, one other question--I just came online and my CPU is giving me that
revving sound aleady. Is there a reason for that? Will it harm my
computer? Will manually shutting down harm it? I'm getting suspicious of
MS's Updates, to be perfectly honest. I've had computers since 1980, and
as compromised as one became, I never experienced any of these problems,
much less the "engine gunning" sound.
Click to expand...

OK, to answer both questions from your last two posts:

1. You are having difficulties with the site because you are using the web
interface to these groups, which is awful. Here's my standard boilerplate
about it:

Since you are using the web interface, you may not realize that this is
really a newsgroup. You will get far more out of this resource if you learn
to use a newsreader (very easy to set up). There are many good newsreaders
for Windows, but you can use Outlook Express since you already have it.
Here are some links to information about newsgroups:

About Usenet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usenet
http://groups.google.com/support/bin/static.py?page=basics.html - Basics of
Usenet
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Usenet - a brief explanation
of newsgroups

Using Outlook Express as Newsreader:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
http://rickrogers.org/setupoe.htm

How to Post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

http://aumha.org/nntp.htm - list of MS newsgroups
microsoft.public.test.here - MS group to test if your newsreader is working
properly
http://www.mailmsg.com/SPAM_munging.htm - how to munge email address
http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm - multiposting vs. crossposting

2. Now I understand what you meant in your very first post. You had written
"reeve" when you meant "rev". It is important to determine from where the
sound is coming. Your description makes me think this is a fan and that the
computer is getting too hot.

Malke
 
Oh, wow...that is a new game for me. But, I have a friend online, and easily
accessible who can help me through this--so I don't have to use my IE for
responding, posting, et al. I am also saving your comments for the Tech when
he comes, so he'll see what I'm also experiencing daily.

The rev of the CPU sounds like the fan and it freezes any actions.
Additionally, none of my F prompt keys work. That may be because this was set
up for Dragon, and ZoomText, but Control/Alt/Delete does nothing either.
Thus, I'm manually shutting down each time. I did look at the power/maintence
et al, and there are several Warnings in there on days I had problems. All
are related to NSW, bless its little cotton gizzard. I always used AGV before
and ran TrendMicro weekly, for three years, and had two spyware/malwear
programs (now its Spyblaster and Ad Awares). I had SpyDoctor downloaded but
problems seem to start up at that point, so I uninstalled anything new--that
was the only program that was new. I'm not in the habit of picking up
Freeware, etc.

I have pulled my CPU out from under the adaptive desk I use
(www.computercomforts.com), its suspended on a slide out tray, so it gets
more circulation. Believe me, this is a whole new "game" for me. Thank you,
again, for your wonderful help.
 
Pappion said:
Oh, wow...that is a new game for me. But, I have a friend online, and
easily accessible who can help me through this--so I don't have to use my
IE for responding, posting, et al. I am also saving your comments for the
Tech when he comes, so he'll see what I'm also experiencing daily.

The rev of the CPU sounds like the fan and it freezes any actions.
Additionally, none of my F prompt keys work. That may be because this was
set up for Dragon, and ZoomText, but Control/Alt/Delete does nothing
either. Thus, I'm manually shutting down each time. I did look at the
power/maintence et al, and there are several Warnings in there on days I
had problems. All are related to NSW, bless its little cotton gizzard. I
always used AGV before and ran TrendMicro weekly, for three years, and had
two spyware/malwear programs (now its Spyblaster and Ad Awares). I had
SpyDoctor downloaded but problems seem to start up at that point, so I
uninstalled anything new--that was the only program that was new. I'm not
in the habit of picking up Freeware, etc.

I have pulled my CPU out from under the adaptive desk I use
(www.computercomforts.com), its suspended on a slide out tray, so it gets
more circulation. Believe me, this is a whole new "game" for me. Thank
you, again, for your wonderful help.
Click to expand...
OK, have the tech (or a sweet friend) open up the computer when it is
unplugged and blow out any dust bunnies. Have them use compressed air and
if this is new to them, they shouldn't be touching the components. I
usually clean my machines outside on the back porch, but then I live in
California. After cleaning out the case, run the machine open for a while
where someone can see it. They should be observing all the fans and if any
of the fans aren't working, they should be replaced. This is probably going
to be a job for the tech. Then if it is at all possible, keep the computer
out from under your desk where it can get good circulation. Heat and dust
are deadly enemies of computer components.

If you have time, let me know how things work for you.

Malke
 
I am in a virtually dust-proof home, and this is a new computer. I've never
encoutered a "dust" problem before. Is this a new hazard to CPUs, based on
new design, or something?

In going through IE to see what newsgroups I belong to, only one showed up,
that which I do use. I am trying to find out how to enter this one, though.

Believe me, I'll let you know how things turn out. No tech sent out will be
anything less than well-qualified. That is a relief. I failed to mention that
I do receive an Appl. Error titled on a window ZT.8exe (which I take means
ZoomText), and its Ox7c9106c3. I usually go to Google to find out what it
means. Believe me, ZoomText is not a user-friendly company nor is Scan Soft
(Dragon). And, they know 99% of us cannot see well, and if ZoomText isn't the
screen read, we cannot easily interpret their web sites. But, I've learned a
trick--shut it down, and use Kurzweil.

Thank you, again and again...I'll keep working on getting this newsreader
set us. I guess I just need to know what its titled.
 
Pappion said:
I am in a virtually dust-proof home, and this is a new computer. I've
never encoutered a "dust" problem before. Is this a new hazard to CPUs,
based on new design, or something?

In going through IE to see what newsgroups I belong to, only one showed
up, that which I do use. I am trying to find out how to enter this one,
though.

Believe me, I'll let you know how things turn out. No tech sent out will
be anything less than well-qualified. That is a relief. I failed to
mention that I do receive an Appl. Error titled on a window ZT.8exe (which
I take means ZoomText), and its Ox7c9106c3. I usually go to Google to find
out what it means. Believe me, ZoomText is not a user-friendly company nor
is Scan Soft (Dragon). And, they know 99% of us cannot see well, and if
ZoomText isn't the screen read, we cannot easily interpret their web
sites. But, I've learned a trick--shut it down, and use Kurzweil.

Thank you, again and again...I'll keep working on getting this newsreader
set us. I guess I just need to know what its titled.
Click to expand...

Computers attract dust and dirt. This is not a new hazard. Things have
always been that way. If you computer is clean and is overheating, then you
have hardware problems. The tech should check for this.

I'm not sure what you mean by "what its titled". Setting up a newsreader is
really easy. Follow the links I gave you about setting up Outlook Express.
The server for the MS groups is msnews.microsoft.com and you don't need a
username or password.

Good luck, and let me know what the tech finds out.

Malke
 
Got that...but there's a lot of links to go through, and I'm not through them
yet. I did download all the news groups, and have my DSL address to enter,
but that's as far as I've gotten. There was no msnews.microsoft.com among
them.

I am trying to copy this exchange for the Tech when s/he comes out, but I
noticed copying to Word, it cuts off 1/4th of each line. Is this exchange
something I can obtain w/o that happening, due to the frames?

I know you must be very busy, so take you time. I am just dealing with the
usual IE freeze ups, and ZoomText freezing (there are no options but to
manually shut down when ZT8.ext windows pop up), and I'm going through your
links. Hopefully, I can stop using this interface, soon.
 
Pappion said:
Got that...but there's a lot of links to go through, and I'm not through
them yet. I did download all the news groups, and have my DSL address to
enter, but that's as far as I've gotten. There was no msnews.microsoft.com
among them.

I am trying to copy this exchange for the Tech when s/he comes out, but I
noticed copying to Word, it cuts off 1/4th of each line. Is this exchange
something I can obtain w/o that happening, due to the frames?

I know you must be very busy, so take you time. I am just dealing with the
usual IE freeze ups, and ZoomText freezing (there are no options but to
manually shut down when ZT8.ext windows pop up), and I'm going through
your links. Hopefully, I can stop using this interface, soon.
Click to expand...

I honestly don't know how you would copy information from the web interface.
Perhaps just the same way you would copy anything from any webpage? I would
not bother with Word. I would open up a text editor like Notepad, highlight
the bits to be copied, right-click/Copy or Edit>Copy and then Paste into
Notepad. I use Firefox for my browser and there is a very useful extension
called "Copy Plain Text" which strips out the html from webpages.

Just use Michael's instructions to set up OE. They take you through it
step-by-step. Take your time; the fate of worlds doesn't depend on it. ;-)

http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

Malke
 
Great Scott! What a lot to learn, and I'm also in a Braille labeling course.
LOL The OE info took me to hushmail--I used to use PGP for pt.
communications, so I just noticed how much easier everything is now...and I
began using NotePad, thank you. Is Firefox much more difficult to use than
IE?

Everytime I went to Accessories/System Tools to Degfrag, there was a notice
my computer didn't need to be defragged, so last night I did it anyway, and
found about 23% more space. Darn it. I don't believe any thing any more,
since I cannot interpret the system/power activity. I'm fearing MS is all
hogwash, unless one is a programmer.

Again, kudos to you for all you are doing. Thank you very much. Be well.
 
=?Utf-8?B?UGFwcGlvbg==?= said:
I am in a virtually dust-proof home, and this is a new computer. I've never
encoutered a "dust" problem before. Is this a new hazard to CPUs, based on
new design, or something?
Click to expand...

No. Dust has always been a hazard. Even in a "dust free" home.
 
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