WinXP Help, "appcompat.txt"

[Kinetik*]

Hi guys. Here I am with another WinXP Problem, as I haven't had the time to go get a new computer or components... so... here goes...

For a while now I've been having problems with opening programs, like Internet Explorer, Kazaa-Lite, and AOL Instant Messenger. I've decided to come to you guys for help, or advice, because you always seem to come through most other times. I've been forced to download programs like Trillian, and Mozilla, which are both great, but they're not great for everything, like compatibility with some websites (Mozilla).

Anyways, I have the links to the "Process of the Error" as appears on my screen when I try to open the programs. I used AIM as my example.

The file that's sent to microsoft is "C:\DOCUME~1\Coldfyre\LOCALS~1\Temp\WER3A.tmp.dir00\appcompat.txt".

I've went into safemode, and deleted it, deleted the whole temp file, and it's still there. - If I log onto AIM as SOON as I start my computer it will work fine for maybe fifteen minutes, but then when I click in the window it will give me the error and close. I've also included an image of the processes running, in case you see anything abnormal there.

http://www.studio16.org/Misc/WINXPProblem1.JPG

http://www.studio16.org/Misc/WINXPProblem2.JPG

http://www.studio16.org/Misc/WINXPProblem3.JPG

http://www.studio16.org/Misc/WINXPProblem4.JPG

[Atmo]

System specs (including cpu/system temps and psu specs)?
Installed all service packs and updates?
Tried an in place re-install of windows?

I have a feeling this is a ram problem, but that's just a hunch. Download the memtest86 iso image, burn it to a cd, boot from it and let it run a few passes (an hour or two is ok) and see if there are any errors.

[Kinetik*]

I'd love to try the burning that to the CD, but, my CD burner doesn't work. Doesn't read CD's or any of that good stuff. My A drive died too.

Anyways, system specs....

OS: WinXP Pro

CPU: Intel Pentium 3, 1Gig

Ram: 288mb (I have a 256 Card that I can put in at any time, that hasn't been used, I just haven't put it in yet)

I don't know about the system temperature, but I leave the casing's side open.

PSU? Don't know what that is. Elaborate?


And unfortunately I can't re-format, because my WinXP Home disk is scratched and it won't read, and I can't reformat anyways, because my CD Drive is borked. So I'm stuck running a hacked copy of XP Pro that a friend had. :/

[Atmo]

The psu (power supply unit) is the box up the top you plug the power cable into. There should be a sticker on the side that lists the max load each rail can handle.

[edit]This is what you're looking for:

[/edit]

Then download, install and run motherboard monitor. Note the voltage readings, and the system and cpu temps.

While you're at it, try swapping ram sticks (dont just add the other one). If that doesnt help, go back to the one that's in there now.

Is there any way you can borrow/buy a new cdrw drive? If you could run memtest and/or do an in place reinstall of windows it would make diagnosing the problem a lot easier.

[Kinetik*]

I checked the Max Continuous Output Power, and that was 200 Watts.

As for the other stats, I didn't get those down, and it didn't have a "modeled for" portion anywhere on the box.

As for the memory sticks, I've got three in there now. I've had three in for a while. Not sure how it equals up to 288 though. I remember it being higher when I first got the two sticks a year ago. Maybe I'll restart in a while and check.

--

Also, as for the CD/RW, I also put it in another computer I have, that runs Win98, and it didn't work in that one either. The A drive and DVD drive on that one works, but doesn't burn.

What sucks, is that it opens like normal when I press in the open button, but it doesn't acknowledge that there's a disk in the drive... Also, when I go to burn a CD in a program like Nero, it doesn't have a write speed field....

...I am truly baffled as to the crappiness of my computer.

[corkhead0]

I get the feeling appcompat.txt is a log file. If it's plain text, would you mind attaching it? It could be helpful.

[Kinetik*]

I can't get to the file manually, because some of the folders don't show up, even when hidden folder viewing is enabled.

And when trying to open through the browser, it says it doesn't exist.

Though still, whenever i try to open those programs, I get the error.

[mark]

200 watts is rather low...

[ndspeed3]

I have this same problem with my computer and it is getting rather annoying! It happens with mozilla, firebird and several other programs that I can't think of off the top of my head.
XP Pro

[dylman]

Originally posted by Fazer

http://www.studio16.org/Misc/WINXPProblem4.JPG

You have comwix.exe and winnet.exe running. This is a virus , specifically W32/Randon-O.

Several other tasks don't appear in a google search, which is very suspicious if you ask me.

[ndspeed3]

I don't have either of those in my processes tab. The steps it said to take in order to remove the worm didn't work either. Kazaa and kazaa lite both don't work either.

[Kinetik*]

....Do I have to have the Sophos Software?