Memory Problem? Not using computer for 8 weeks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a user's memory-related issues with their computer, specifically experiencing BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors while using Windows XP. Participants explore potential causes, including software conflicts, particularly with Firefox, and suggest various diagnostic tools and antivirus software. The user also mentions plans to be away from their computer for eight weeks, prompting questions about maintenance during that period.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster suspects a memory issue due to frequent BSOD errors, particularly when using Firefox and Winamp simultaneously.
  • Some participants suggest downloading an older version of Firefox (1.5) as a potential solution to memory problems associated with newer versions.
  • Recommendations for free antivirus software include Avast, noted for its low resource usage.
  • Participants mention the utility of memory diagnostic tools, such as Memtest, to check for hardware issues.
  • There are reports of Firefox 2.0 having memory issues, particularly when using Java and Flash, leading to crashes rather than BSODs.
  • One participant shares their experience of memory issues only becoming apparent when attempting to run different operating systems, suggesting that Windows XP may not always indicate memory problems clearly.
  • There are discussions about the functionality of tab management in Firefox, with some users expressing a preference for features available in older versions.
  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about running memory tests due to issues with their CD burner but is encouraged to consider alternative methods, such as using a bootable USB drive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Firefox may have memory-related issues, particularly in its newer versions, but there is no consensus on the exact cause of the original poster's BSOD errors. Multiple suggestions for troubleshooting and software alternatives are presented, indicating a variety of approaches without a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various software and hardware issues without resolving the underlying causes of the BSOD errors. There are mentions of specific software versions and personal experiences that may not apply universally. The discussion includes potential limitations related to the original poster's hardware and the effectiveness of suggested solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users experiencing similar memory issues with older versions of Windows, particularly those using Firefox and seeking troubleshooting advice or software recommendations.

mattmns
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Recently I have been having a problem with my memory, at least that is what I think it is. I am using Windows XP home (SP 2) [1 gb memory], and in the past week or so I have been having an almost daily problem of getting a BSOD with a memory dump error. I often hear people complain about Firefox having memory problems, and that could be it. It seems common that I have this problem when I am using Firefox and Winamp at the same time, which I do often and am currently doing right now :smile: I am not sure if I got a virus or some other bad thing or not, but I just ran ad-aware and had 5 "critical objects" none of which seemed to be really critical (just browser cache/cookie stuff). I will do a virus scan in a minute and see if I get anything. Any other ideas about what to do here? Thanks.

edit... I just realized that I don't have a virus scanner, any recommendations here? Something free of course.

Also, I will be moving out for 8 weeks on Friday and not using my desktop computer for that entire period. Is there anything I should do here? Thanks!
 
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Download an older version of Firefox if you'd like. I'm still using 1.5, because it's a tank. Also, download one of the many free memory tester programs and run them.

- Warren
 
Avast home edition is a very competent and free virus scanner. It also uses very little system resources.

You can also get a memory diagnostic tool to check your memory.
http://www.memtest.org/
In my experience I've found Windows not very picky with memory issues (only in extreme conditions does it give the BSoD). For instance I've had a laptop where I only had windows xp on it; it worked fine. However, once I attempted to install GNU Linux on it, I was getting all sorts of kernel errors and panics. Running memtest revealed the obvious.
 
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I'll attest to the issues with Firefox. I wish I still had my older version. I love the program, but 2.0 has some issues.

Thanks for the link Ranger. I wish I had known about Avast sooner. I just re-upped my subscription to Norton.
 
Yup, 2.0 has some memory problems., I notice them even more when I use Java and flash based applets. Although its never been that extreme to cause a BSoD; just merely crashes. I guess that's why the developers put in that recovery feature :) Then there's that issue with it using too much memory space. I use it to browse the net for about 15 mins, and I run top on Linux and omg, it eats up +60MB of memory!. Its even worse if you have add-ons and themes.

I'd go back to 1.5 but I like individual close buttons for tabs :)
 
ranger said:
I'd go back to 1.5 but I like individual close buttons for tabs :)

I use Tab Mix Plus on 1.5
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122
 
Thanks, robphy. I'll give it a whirl.
 
Thanks for the responses. I ran the virus software and I think I had nothing (I was away from the computer when it was running). I did not run the memory test because my cd burner is always iffy and seems to rarely work. I will look at trying it and Firefox 1.5 when I get back.
 
  • #11
mattmns said:
Thanks for the responses. I ran the virus software and I think I had nothing (I was away from the computer when it was running). I did not run the memory test because my cd burner is always iffy and seems to rarely work. I will look at trying it and Firefox 1.5 when I get back.

You can run memtest from a bootable USB drive or floppy disk.
 

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