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Windows Protection Error

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7 replies

by lord foul

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I have just installed a USB PCI expansion card to my PC. I restarted my PC and it detected the new hardware and prompted me to install the drivers for the card. I did this and it said that there is a newer version of the file/s on the computer and it recommended that i keep the existing files. I did so, however when i now attempt to start the PC i receive the error message "Windows Protection Error - You must restart the computer". I do this and it prompts me to go into safe mode...blah, blah, blah...
I have tried a step by step startup and bypassed the autoexec.bat file as it says to in the "Windows Help - startup troubleshooter", still no luck.
What steps do i need to go through (please no URLS) to find my problem and fix it!

Cheers!

7 replies

by gigelul

Some suggestions:
-try to boot without USB card and remove any previous driver and reinstall original driver and overwrite all files.
-try to install USB card in other PCI slot.
-disable on board USB if you don't need it.
-check your Windows CD for some advanced pack/supplement for USB.
-if you can't bypass I think that the OS is compromised.

by lord foul

I tried all of your suggestions and i also took the machine apart, cleaned and reseated the components and reformatted the drive. Still did not like the card and gave me the protection error.
i have a new machine now and all is well.
Thanks for replying and sorry about the delay.
Pity I cant allocate a portion of the tech points to you.
Ghost

by thechas

Just a side comment;
What version of Windows are you running?
Most versions of 95 do not have "proper" USB support.

It must be version 2.5 "C" to have "supported" USB support.

If you are running 98 or newer, I would start by updating the drivers for the motherboard / chipset.

Chas

by thechas

Another possability, how much RAM do you have?
If 512MB or more, the add-in card may have caused you to run into the 9X/Me memory wall.
If you do have more than 511MB, try removing some RAM.

Chas

by lord foul

Florinel: i have removed the USB card and this has enabled me to log on and read your reply. I will go through your steps and get back to you soon! Cheers!!!! ghost

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