In Windows 7 can I disable error popups for a specific app?

[jonno]

I'm using dictionary software that I've had since windows 3.1(!!!) Used it on 95, 98, and XP no problem. I installed and run it in an older compatibility mode just in case on W7Pro. Problem is, when it launches, a system error popup says 'Cannot read from drive H' which is my DVD burner. It offers two buttons, cancel or abort. I can click either and the program starts right up and works perfectly. Is there a way to stop it from seeking 'H' or at least disabling the error message? If I've used the app recently it comes right up. Otherwise it searches somewhere for 5-10 seconds before I get the error message. Thanks.

 

[bruceb]

Did you copy the data file it is looking for to the install folder of the program ? ?
Also, check in the registry for any keys created by the program maker to see where it is pointing to. The name of program would be a big help as well. You can also try the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility .. that works wonders, just be careful with it.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

 

[jonno]

Thanks for the reply. I can't tell what it's looking for; just that it seeks the CD drive. here are all the details I can find. I'll look at the registry and see if anything's there. BTW, it is The American Heritage Dictionary"C:\Program Files\AHDW\AHD3.EXE"

- System

- Provider

[ Name] Application Popup

- EventID 26

[ Qualifiers] 16384

Level 4

Task 0

Keywords 0x80000000000000

- TimeCreated

[ SystemTime] 2009-11-19T00:09:43.000000000Z

EventRecordID 14146

Channel System

Computer Jon-732

Security


- EventData

System Error
Cannot read from drive H.

 

[jonno]

I can only find 4 references in the registry (!); it's basically two keys repeated in different areas. one relates to sounds, the other compatibility helpers.

 

[bruceb]

To run that from the hard drive without a cd certain steps must be done.
Follow them as listed below and see if the issue is resolved.

Full Instructions for copying all data to hard drive


1. CD should be in CD drive.

2. Go to Windows Explorer.

3. The CD-ROM drive should show the Dictionary icon (maroon and blue with letters "A-Z"). Click once on the icon.

4. All folders and files contained on the CD should appear on the righthand side of the window. (If your computer is set up to hide certain files or file extensions, be sure to change these settings before installation. You should see 4 folders and 16 files.)

5. Select Edit from menu.

6. Select Select All from drop-down Edit menu.

7. All folders and files should be highlighted.

8. Hold down the Ctrl key and type C to copy all the files.

9. Select your hard drive. This is usually drive C.

10. Create a new folder on your hard drive by selecting File from the menu bar, New, and Folder. Enter a name for this folder.

11. Open newly created folder.

12. Type Ctrl-V to paste the previously copied files into the new folder.

13. Files will begin to transfer over (can take some time).

14. When complete, double-click the "setup.exe" file located in the newly created folder. The installation will begin again. Please read the rest of these instructions before clicking through the installation screens.

15. When you reach the "Choose Destination Location" window during the installation, you will see a small box called "Destination Directory."

16. Select the Browse button in this box.

17. In the list of Directories in the middle of the "Choose Directory" window, double-click on the folder you created in step 10. Click OK.

18. Continue with setup.

Website for your product, now up to V4 might want to upgrade it

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/eref/buy.jsp

Link to support section:

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/eref/support.jsp

There is a download update for versions prior to 2004

 

[jonno]

wow thanks for all that info. The thing is, I installed this first in 1994 and don't think I ever had a CD. Probably a number of floppies. But I've had no problem just clicking on the setup.exe file in its folder and installing it on all the versions of windows I have above. I'll see if I can't download an update, tho like alot of my stuff, it may be considered obsolete

 

[bruceb]

Since it is from 1994 you might want to purchase the newest one. It runs about $35 and it will include a whole slew of new words that did not exist in 1994.

 

[jonno]

this dictionary serves me well. I get all the new words I need from urban dictionary. I'm not really looking to buy anything. I'm trying to correct a computer glitch. But thanks anyway for the advice.

 

[bruceb]

The same procedures would apply as to copying files from floppys. Also, in Windows 7, you may need to set the program permissons to "Run as administrator" .. some programs will not run properly without this elevation of privleges.