PC crashing

Hello,

My PC crashes every few days when I'm on-line, even though I may have happily surfed for hours prior. Sometimes I get the blue screen of death, but mostly it just goes black and restarts *poof* - just like that. Sometimes the graphics go all loopy just prior.

I'm connecting using Tescos and have tried not using their installed dialler and just creating my own manual connection to no avail. I've used Firefox and IE with no change. I'm using Avast anti-virus and Outpost firewall, although I've tried disabling both these and it makes no odds.

I'm thinking maybe I'm just too short on RAM?

My PC specs are:
500MHz AMD processor
64RAM
Windows 98 SE

Many Thanks for your help
Laurie

 

Hello LaurieO,
How long has this been happening? Also, how old is your computer?
Did you add any new programs or update any drivers before this started happening? Some more info would be helpful.

 

Hi LBMEST,

It's been happening for about 2 or 3 weeks. The PC is about 5 years old, but I've only just inherited it from my Mum so installed a load of new stuff at the same time, so it's difficult to know what is causing problems. I installed Firefox, Avast antiVirus, Outpost firewall, not to mention various non-web related stuff, like Microsoft office. I updated Windows....etc, etc...I also installed a slave drive and a new CD-ROM.

It has never crashed when I'm NOT on-line so I think it must be some of those programs. Do you think it could just be the general antiquity of my PC? - even though I do meet with the minimum specs for each program.
Cheers
Laurie

 

It's possible it could be hardware or software. Adding new hardware could be stressing the power supply.
Are all the drivers updated for all the hardware you have on the comp - old and new - especially the video?
Are you getting any type of error messages on the BSOD?
As to software, I'm not up on what conflicts could be happening. Someone else needs to step in on that.
Hope that helps.

 

There were BSOD messages, but I can't remember what they were. I'll take note and post again here when they appear.

Many thanks for your ideas, it gives me a few more things to look into - there can be many reasons it seems.
Laurie

 

A couple other ideas.
Did you clean out the comp when you put in the new hardware? Canned air & make sure you are grounded.
If you have a video card, you might want to reseat that in the slot.
Maybe the RAM also if you are getting back into the case.
These buggers can be finicky sometimes.
Post back if you still have problems.

 

OK, it just did it, the BSOD, so I've got some more specific info.

The message was:
exception OE at 0028:727070441 in VxD---- called from 0028:C183DBC4 in VxD----

Also, I manage to get back to Windows to restart normally and on restarting it was unable to process registry, tried to find drivers (unsucessfully) and said 'SURegCreatekey failed', then 'display adaptor not configured'. Then Windows Regisry Checker reported an 'error in system files'. It restored back-up and restarted - and here I am again - posting on borrowed time!

Do you think i don't have the right drivers installed for my graphics card?
many thanks
Laurie

 

You might try to get some updated drivers for your vid card and see if that helps. I did a quick search in the MS 98 Knowledge Base and did not get any hits. This is where someone else needs to step in.
Hope you get it solved and sorry I could not do more.

 

Did some more checking and found an article in MS support.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q305668

Also, googled on "SURegCreateKey Failed" and on one forum they were discussing conflicts with antivirus program and hardware issues but with a specific brand of comp but they are getting over my head.

http://www.anetforums.com/posts.aspx?ThreadIndex=6640

Don't know if this will help or not.

 

Thanks again. I've done loads of fiddling about with hardware and reinstalling windows - not sure if i've made it better worse yet!

 

64 mb of Ram ? I would definatley invest in a 256 or better yet 512. Staying online for hours on end will ultimatley max out your memory. This can sometimes cause fatal errors. But if your going to spend the time & money to upgrade. I strongly advise you to just buy a new PC. upgrading a computer thats too old just isn't worth it.