Windows XP Problems - Troubleshoot & Fix

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shawn Garsed
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues with Windows XP, specifically regarding error messages that occur during various activities such as browsing websites, accessing program files, or gaming. Participants explore potential causes and solutions related to software updates, system maintenance, and malware concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Shawn reports experiencing error messages in Windows XP that require programs to close, seeking advice on potential causes.
  • One participant suggests that the issue is common and may stem from the programs themselves, recommending updates and a clean install of XP as potential solutions.
  • Another participant inquires whether Shawn has Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed, indicating it could be a crucial step in troubleshooting.
  • A different suggestion includes using a utility to update drivers and running Ad-aware to check for malware, citing personal experience with minimal issues on XP.
  • One participant expresses that they have not encountered such problems with XP, attributing this to proper maintenance and management practices, and requests more detailed information from Shawn to assist further.
  • Another participant asks about the timing of the issues, whether they followed any software changes, and if Shawn has conducted any scans for spyware or malware.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a range of perspectives on the issue, with no consensus on a single cause or solution. Various troubleshooting steps are suggested, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific nature of Shawn's problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of system updates and maintenance practices, but there is no agreement on the exact cause of the errors or the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The discussion reflects a variety of experiences and suggestions without definitive conclusions.

Shawn Garsed
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Hi everybody,

I've got a problem with WXP. Sometimes, when I'm browsing through a website or looking through my Program Files or even when I'm playing a game, WXP will give me a message saying: A mistake has occurred, this file/program has to be closed down (this was translated, so I don't know exactly what it says in the English version). Do any of you happen to know what causes this problem.

Thanks in advance,

Shawn Garsed
 
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It's a very common problem. Windows crashes many programs. However it may be the program itself. Just make sure you have XP and all your programs updated. Try a clean install of XP every few years. Nothing more can be done. Windows 7 might finally improve the series.
 
Shawn, do you have SP2 installed? If not, that's a good place to start.
 
One more thing - you might want to find some utility that finds and updates drivers. You can also try Ad-aware to see if there might be some mal-ware hijacking processes. I've been running XP for years, with very few lock-ups. Get Avast Home Edition too.
 
I can't say I've ever had these sorts of problems with XP, and I've been using it for years. If properly maintained, there really shouldn't be any reason for an XP setup to have problems like this, especially these days, with matured drivers and SP3.

Do you have good computer upkeep and management practices?

Also: if you want us to help you more effectively, provide as much detail as possible. You aren't giving us much to go on at all.
 
When did you notice the problem? Did it happen after installing or uninstalling any programs? Does it happen at regular intervals or is it random? Have you run any scans to see if maybe you could have been infected with any spyware or malware?
 

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