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Desktop Instability

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by johnnytech486

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I'm running a Dell Dimension 8100 1.3 GHz P-4 w/ 640 RDRAM. My system came with WinMe and in April `02, I upgraded with a clean install of WinXP. Twice since then, I've experienced so much system instability that I had to reinstall my OS. The second time, I realized/discovered the cause was an ACPI problem caused by not having updated my BIOS (A06 was only meant for pre-XP sytems) and so updated my BIOS from A06 to XP2. The ACPI problem that caused system instability was eliminated but I still seem to have some instability. Quite often (sometimes as often as every 30-60 minutes), when I click on an icon on my Desktop, everything except my wallpaper momentarily disappears (blinks out and back in). When everything reappears, things work fine but I'd like to get to the bottom of it.

Does this ring a bell with anyone? Do I need to clean install WinXP again? If so, will the Files & Settings Transfer utility enable me to avoid having to redo all my Windows updates and Virus Definition File updates?

Thank you anyone who can help!

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by pierrejamme

I am responsible for 100 plus Dell's, two are dim8100s and they were problematic until I did all the patches I could find.
Check Dell for the latest video drives and/or Windows Update. they also have Patchs & Fixes for XP that have an Audigy sound Card.
The do a File Run "SFC /ScanNow", have your XP CD handy as you may need it. This will check all your Protected windows file for correct version and replace those that aren't. The biggest problem I have with this process, is it doesn't tell you if fixed anything.
good luck,
Peter

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