Illegal op message in module MACX4.DRV

[pandamm]

Started with version 2.73 and have now installed 2.75. It hasn't helped. Very rarely can I use Winamp without getting the following message:

"This program has performed an illegal operation.
Winamp caused an invalid page fault in module MACX4.DRV."

Of course, that isn't the full text of the message, but that's the gist of it. It happens almost every time I have Alto MP3 Maker open, which is the program I use to convert CD tracks to MP3's. I usually also have Windows Explorer open. The illegal operation occurs when I double click on an MP3 file to play it.

Sometimes when I reinstall Winamp it works for a short time, but inevitably I end up with the same message. I'd hate to think I couldn't have three programs running at the same time (along with being connected to my ISP).

I am running Win 98SE on a Pentium 333 processor with 128 megs of RAM. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Marilyn Milbrandt

[DJ Egg]

Sounds like a 3rd party plugin related problem.
Ever installed any?
Monkeys Audio plugin maybe?

Never used it myself, but if you have installed it previously & want to uninstall it, check for an entry in Add/Remove Programs Control Panel first.

Further instructions on removing 3rd party plugins:
Check this thread from Tech Support Greatest Hits & follow the links from there.
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=36850

If this isn't the problem, then could you please provide some more info:
Whereabouts is this driver situated on your HDD?
(Winamp\plugins dir, or Windows\System)
When you click the "Properties" for MACX4.DRV, is there a "Details" tab?
If so, what's the file description?

[DJ Egg]

Further research:

Are you sure that the file isn't actually called: MACXW4.DRV

If it is, then this is an ATI Videocard related issue, and to resolve it you'll need to download & install the latest drivers.

More info:
http://support.microsoft.com/support.../Q242/5/12.ASP

Workaround: System CPL -> Performance tab : Reduce "Hardware Acceleration" slider to Basic setting (one notch to left)

[pandamm]

Thank you for your two replies. I apologize for not having answered after your first reponse, but wouldn't you know (just like visiting a doctor!) I can't get the error to repeat. I was getting it almost every time I double clicked an MP3 file for two or three days in a row - now, since I've written and asked for help, I don't get the error message.

You may very well be right about the name of the file because I can't find MACX4.DRV anywhere on the computer. Have been waiting to get the message again so I could double check. I have written down the entire text of it twice now, though, and both times I noted the file name as in the subject above.

Will post again if I once again get the illegal op message.

BTW, don't know of any third-party plug-in's installed.

Thanks again.

Marilyn Milbrandt