System freezes after opening and closing multiple windows

I apologize for the length of this message in advance.

I have an old IBM thinkpad with a Pentium II processor, 128MB Ram, running Win98 and IE6 with SP1. It still runs just fine for my needs, except on the Internet, where I have recently started having problems.

I go to several bulletin boards that have pictures of craft items, and I Open them in New Windows. Initially, I can do so and can open 8 to 10 such windows, and view them, after which I close them, and open more windows. However, after doing this a few times, I can no longer open multiple windows, and have to resort to opening new windows only one at a time. And, occasionally, the system freezes completely with a kernel error, and I have to reboot the system, either with Ctl, Alt, Del, or by manually turning the system off and then on again.

It is almost as though the system does not release the memory from previously opened windows. I even have tried using a couple of shareware Ram Booster to recover the memory, but it does not help. I regularly clean out my Temp Internet Files, and run Disk Cleanup, Spybot and Registry First Aid. I have Norton AV and Internet Security.

Occasionally, after I have open windows for a while, and the system is still running, I will Ctl, Alt. Tab, and click on Explorer and then "End task". This will open the Shut Down window, and I click cancel. After a little while, this will lead to an error message, saying that Explorer is not responding, and I End Task that. This seems to help the system keep running a little longer.

Any suggestions on what to do?

Thanks.

 

You might want to try increasing your virtual memory settings, and maybe long term thinking about increasing RAM to 256Mb.

 

Thanks putasolution:

Unfortunately, there are only 2 memory slots, and I have them filled with 64mb chips. Neither IBM nor Kingston Tech make 128mb chips for my system---it is old!

I currently have WIndows managing my virtual memory, and have about 1GB available. What would you suggest doing?

Bearspa

 

In that case it might be worth finding out what you have running in your startup and running in the background. There may some superfluous programs that need not be there

Go to this page, and download 'Hijack This!'.

Unzip it, launch Hijack This, then press Scan, and press Save Log

This will generate a text file that will list all running processes, all applications that are loaded automatically when you start Windows, and more.

open that file
Go to Edit | Select all
Now click Edit | copy to copy it

Do not change anything just yet
Come back to the forum, Right Click and paste its contents here

 

Logfile of HijackThis v1.96.2
Scan saved at 12:51:38 PM, on 04/05/2004
Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.1998)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\NISSERV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCEVTMGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\NISUM.EXE
C:\LOGITECH\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\IAMAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCAPP.EXE
C:\REG 1ST AID\RFA\RFAGENT.EXE
C:\RAMIDLE\RAM IDLE LE\RAM_98.EXE
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\SYMPROXYSVC.EXE
C:\PILOT\DESKALARM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AT&T\WNCLIENT\PROGRAMS\WNCONNECT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AT&T\WNCLIENT\PROGRAMS\WNCSMSERVER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS\MSIMN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\HIJACK\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://by9fd.bay9.hotmail.msn.com/c...F000000001&a=024edab8f22df07db6924a191e884db4
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = In Crazy Indian Territory
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\TechInfo\Identify Unknown PCI Device_files\Blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page_bak = http://by9fd.bay9.hotmail.msn.com/c...F000000001&a=411eb2dc270d0f19f058901baf03b368
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - c:\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {724d43a9-0d85-11d4-9908-00400523e39a} - C:\FormFiller\RoboForm.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {08351227-6472-43BD-8A40-D9221FF1C4CE} - C:\WINDOWS\DOWNLOADED PROGRAM FILES\SBCIE027.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\ACROBAT\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: &RoboForm - {724d43a0-0d85-11d4-9908-00400523e39a} - C:\FormFiller\RoboForm.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - c:\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {62999427-33FC-4baf-9C9C-BCE6BD127F08} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Dogpile Toolbar - {5E92F538-B50B-46c5-9C5F-C6EECED3F6C6} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\DOGPILETOOLBAR\CONFLICT.1\ULTRABAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\Scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\LOGITECH\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] c:\Norton Internet Security\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rfagent] C:\REG 1ST AID\RFA\rfagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RAM Idle Professional] C:\Ramidle\RAM Idle LE\RAM_98.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [nisserv] c:\Norton Internet Security\NISSERV.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ccEvtMgr] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ScriptBlocking] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: DeskAlarm.lnk = C:\Pilot\DeskAlarm.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Customize Menu - file://C:\FormFiller\RoboFormComCustomizeIEMenu.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download with &DAP - C:\DOWNLO~2\dapextie.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download &all with DAP - C:\DOWNLO~2\dapextie2.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Dogpile Cursor Search - C:\WINDOWS\All Users\Application Data\Infospace\DogpileToolbar\contextsearch.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Launch Copernic Agent (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Copernic Agent (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Maximizer (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: IE New Window Maximizer (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: RoboForm (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: RF &Toolbar (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Fill Forms (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Fill Forms (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Save (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Save Forms (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: SideStep (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .mfg: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\npmirage.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {597C45C2-2D39-11D5-8D53-0050048383FE} (OPUCatalog Class) - http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/content/opuc.cab
O16 - DPF: {34805D32-AD89-469E-8503-A5666AEE4333} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.104/294c4fb2e5f0e59fa019/netzip/RdxIE.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security2.norton.com/SSC/SharedContent/sc/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://apple.speedera.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/borris/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/191f3e1f5a66bf5f5c06/netzip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37887.3167939815
O16 - DPF: {f760cb9e-c60f-4a89-890e-fae8b849493e} -
O16 - DPF: {E855A2D4-987E-4F3B-A51C-64D10A7E2479} (EPSImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/activex/EPSControl_v1-32.cab
O16 - DPF: {C72242D0-3AB5-453D-842C-8A3C9AC0838D} - http://download.sidestep.com/get/k00721/sb027.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash4/cabs/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {74FFE28D-2378-11D5-990C-006094235084} (IBM Access Support) - https://www.pc.ibm.com/egather/IbmEgath.cab

 

restart Hijack this and put a check mark against the following:

O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O16 - DPF: {34805D32-AD89-469E-8503-A5666AEE4333} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.104/294c4fb2e5f0e5...etzip/RdxIE.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/191f3e1f5a66bf...ip/RdxIE601.cab

Click Fix Checked

 

I did what you suggestedm putasolution, and will report back as to whether it has solved the problem.

However, when I restarted IE, I got a message that said something about "Inflating popalist (popalist.txt?)"

Just in case you need it, I reran Hijack, and here is the new log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.96.2
Scan saved at 6:12:16 AM, on 04/06/2004
Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.1998)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\NISSERV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCEVTMGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\NISUM.EXE
C:\LOGITECH\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\IAMAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCAPP.EXE
C:\REG 1ST AID\RFA\RFAGENT.EXE
C:\RAMIDLE\RAM IDLE LE\RAM_98.EXE
C:\NORTON INTERNET SECURITY\SYMPROXYSVC.EXE
C:\PILOT\DESKALARM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AT&T\WNCLIENT\PROGRAMS\WNCONNECT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AT&T\WNCLIENT\PROGRAMS\WNCSMSERVER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS\MSIMN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\HIJACK\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://by9fd.bay9.hotmail.msn.com/c...F000000001&a=024edab8f22df07db6924a191e884db4
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = In Crazy Indian Territory
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\TechInfo\Identify Unknown PCI Device_files\Blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page_bak = http://by9fd.bay9.hotmail.msn.com/c...F000000001&a=411eb2dc270d0f19f058901baf03b368
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - c:\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {724d43a9-0d85-11d4-9908-00400523e39a} - C:\FormFiller\RoboForm.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {08351227-6472-43BD-8A40-D9221FF1C4CE} - C:\WINDOWS\DOWNLOADED PROGRAM FILES\SBCIE027.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\ACROBAT\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: &RoboForm - {724d43a0-0d85-11d4-9908-00400523e39a} - C:\FormFiller\RoboForm.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - c:\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {62999427-33FC-4baf-9C9C-BCE6BD127F08} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Dogpile Toolbar - {5E92F538-B50B-46c5-9C5F-C6EECED3F6C6} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\DOGPILETOOLBAR\CONFLICT.1\ULTRABAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\Scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\LOGITECH\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] c:\Norton Internet Security\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rfagent] C:\REG 1ST AID\RFA\rfagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RAM Idle Professional] C:\Ramidle\RAM Idle LE\RAM_98.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [nisserv] c:\Norton Internet Security\NISSERV.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ccEvtMgr] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ScriptBlocking] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
O4 - Startup: DeskAlarm.lnk = C:\Pilot\DeskAlarm.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Customize Menu - file://C:\FormFiller\RoboFormComCustomizeIEMenu.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download with &DAP - C:\DOWNLO~2\dapextie.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download &all with DAP - C:\DOWNLO~2\dapextie2.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Dogpile Cursor Search - C:\WINDOWS\All Users\Application Data\Infospace\DogpileToolbar\contextsearch.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Launch Copernic Agent (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Copernic Agent (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Maximizer (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: IE New Window Maximizer (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: RoboForm (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: RF &Toolbar (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Fill Forms (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Fill Forms (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Save (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Save Forms (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: SideStep (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .mfg: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\npmirage.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {597C45C2-2D39-11D5-8D53-0050048383FE} (OPUCatalog Class) - http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/content/opuc.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security2.norton.com/SSC/SharedContent/sc/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://apple.speedera.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/borris/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37887.3167939815
O16 - DPF: {f760cb9e-c60f-4a89-890e-fae8b849493e} -
O16 - DPF: {E855A2D4-987E-4F3B-A51C-64D10A7E2479} (EPSImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/activex/EPSControl_v1-32.cab
O16 - DPF: {C72242D0-3AB5-453D-842C-8A3C9AC0838D} - http://download.sidestep.com/get/k00721/sb027.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash4/cabs/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {74FFE28D-2378-11D5-990C-006094235084} (IBM Access Support) - https://www.pc.ibm.com/egather/IbmEgath.cab


Thanks.

Bearspa

 

Can't see anything, but you might want to remove these:

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\TechInfo\Identify Unknown PCI Device_files\Blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {62999427-33FC-4baf-9C9C-BCE6BD127F08} - (no file)

Close all your browser windows first, then click fix checked for the above

Restart internet explorer

 

Thanks, Putasolution.

I've been using my browser and it seems to be working fine. Whatever you told me to fix seems to have worked.

Bearspa