Applications crashing: Help

[Mave]

Hi everyone,

Windows XP
Pentium 4
2.4 GHz, 960 MB RAM

I've been having a whole bunch of "[insert application] has encountered a problem and needs to close," including Firefox, MSN messenger....many more.

The first problem I tend to encounter is this GCC MFC Application.

Does anyone have an idea what's going on with my poor computer? Thanks in advance!

[Valkaiser]

ooog, when was the last time you reformatted?

[Mave]

(0__0);; 2 years ago, maybe?

[Valkaiser]

When multiple applications start crashing randomly, then the problem is usually that over time the accumulation of system changes and software additions grows into a mass of system faults waiting to happen. Or it could be a more specific problem, a virus could cause that behavior, or perhaps a problem with the system registry. I can't really diagnose the exact problem from that description, but with that much time for little errors to accrue, it's really difficult to keep a system running well. A reformat would fix everything, however; it might be a bit drastic depending on your setup.

[Mave]

The problem started with MSN messenger so I'm wondering whether this program started the whole mess.

I say this because while other applications may run smoothly for a while, MSN messenger will crash the moment I run it. If I attempt to run MSN messenger a few more times, eventually all the other applications start to go down. (<.<);;

[Mithrandir]

1. I would do a thorough virus scan - Adaware is your friend.
2. Next step, do a full hard drive scan. I would wake sure I don't have any bad sectors.

If those are iffy, backup all data and do a reinstall.

That's just me, but I've done it a fair number of times. YMMV.

[Mave]

Ack, I forgot to update!

OldMith, I've done as you've advised: No problems with AdAware and hard drive scan. Phew....

I did notice that once I stop using MSN messenger (including the web version), most of my problems seem to disappear. Maybe every now and then, Firefox would shut down on me but I barely seen that dreaded "application error" popup window anymore as a whole.

Nonetheless, I'm taking the precautions and backing up with a newly acquired drive as well as making the preparation for an unexpected reformatting.

Thanks!

[Mithrandir]

No viruses or drive problems? That's wonderful! That means your data is likely going to be just fine. YEAH!!! Once you've got stuff backed up, do the reinstall and see if the MSN still causes the crashes. If so, you might look for an alternate IM program - there are many that will let you login to different clients.

Thanks for the update, and good luck!

[Mave]

(0___0)

That's right! Why haven't I thought to use Trillian yet? *dashes off to test*

OldMith, thanks once again!

[Mithrandir]

n/p HIH, and MC!