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Windows ME re install problem

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7 replies

by rmodd99

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I have a PC that had WINME installed on it, I started getting error messages on the msgsrv file, spool 32 file etc. I assumed virus. I fdisked, formatted the hard drives, and I saw that the CPU fan was disconnected, which I reconnected, works. But when I try to install the OEM ME I have, it only installs to the hardware detect and then locks. I get a variety of error messages, all DLL errors. DLL's with msgsrv causing some of the error DLL's etc. Asks for reboot, and had one with low resources error, which there is not. Questions are has the processor burned up a little? It still wants to boot. Is the OS CD corrupt, or has the bios been damaged by a virus. What do you think gang.

7 replies

by sixfourtykilo

Well lets put some things into perspective. Although it would be nice to be able to blame mishaps, problems, etc on a "failed" CD, it would not be likely unless the CD was damaged physically. If you had had a virus, fdisk and formatting and whatever else you can think of won't get rid of most if any viruses. Smart virus engineers give their virus a home in the BIOS, so in the case of you having a virus, it may still be there without something to clean it up. Last, the specific hardware crashing and the noticing of the fan disconnected from the cpu can only indicate one thing. If you are still using a pentium or pentium II, you may be ok and it may be something else (it is May isn't it [pun]), but any other processor and you can prettymuch bet that its toast without a proper cooling method. Even with some of the top of the line heatsinks out today, processors reach in excess of 110 degrees (imagine what it would get to without a heatsink)! Check to make sure nothing else is loose in your case, sounds like it was jolted in some manner.

Good Luck!
640k

by shanghai sam

Thanks 640K. I'm aware of everything you mentioned. The processor was my first inkling, it's an AMD K6-2 500mhz. only a few months old. But, the system still boots up. If the processor was burned up I don't think it would want to boot, right. This problem is on my wifes PC, and I assumed the processor but what was happening were the errors and lockups prior to my formatting the drives while she was using the PC. Hence thinking the virus, because of the error messages I was getting about the system files, specifically the msgsrv32.exe and DLL files, saying they may be corrupt etc. I even transferred the files off of my PC,(same OS) to hers, no difference. I'm stumped. Getting another processor is no problem, but hate spend the money if thats not it. Why does the windows ME start to install except when it first reboots for the hardware detect, then it locks or stops the setup because (it says) the msgsrv32 has caused an error in system files SETUPX, AND OTHER DLL system files. I know the CD is good, because I recently installed an 30gb drive in my system with no problems. Thats why It may (yes it is May{GOLF}lol)be a bios virus. That would bring me to another question, where can I get or flash the bios to get rid of or check for a virus. Like I said I'm stumped. But workin on it.

rmod

by sixfourtykilo

You can download any virus detection utility for free (trial basis) that will allow you to create a boot-up disk which is key in detecting and cleaning viruses. I have problems with winME installing myself, but thats because the install is flaky. Another cause may be issues like a modem or NIC that is not supported by winME. Try removing non-essential hardware to test this.

A thing about the BIOS: Flashing the bios won't get rid of that virus. When you flash the bios, it usually keeps the settings that you had from before (not always). That is why it is imperitive to get a virus scanner on a clean boot-disk.

I think your best bet at this point is to remove things that you know you don't need to get the install done; ie., sound cards, NICs, modems, and any third party IDE controllers. WinME is known to have problems with things like the promise chipset, so if you have drives connected to a second set of IDE channels or a third party card installed, you may want to wait until ME works.

640k

by rmodd99

Thanks 640K, I determined it is the processor, based on the time period the wife left the PC running for a long period of time and the fan being disconnected. I spoke to the board Manufacturer, and they agreed. Because of the processor in question. They were even still willing to replace board, nice huh? Anyway, since the AMD is only 6 mos old, now I have to fight with the reseller about replacing it. AMD will not replace it because it was not purchased from them dirctly- warranty policy. Again thanks for the help, enjoy the points and have a good week.

Modder

by paul majestic

It definatley sounds like a problem with the CPU especially since it's an AMD. AMD's specificially 500MHz run very hot and if they are not adequately cooled then you will get random illegal operations and dll messages. If you're pretty confident that it is not the CPU then I would try changing the RAM and see whats happens. All in all it most likely is not a virus and more along the lines of a harware issue.

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