Wierd Win XP pro/browser problem.

[mdnblaster]

I just got a new computer and installed my Windows XP pro on it. Most things seem to work except it may take a few times to get a working browser. FireFox 1.0.1 and IE 6 crash to the desktop 1-3 times before I can view the internet. I also had issues with Norton 2004 being unable to update so I deleted that program since nothing fixed that. I see errors that involve mshtml.dll, quantization tables/Huffman code errors (Firefox) but nothing discernable. I have a new AMD 64 3500+ on a Asus A8V-E Deluxe with XP pro SP1 (I cannot get updates to work either). I did a reinstall of Win XP to no avail and I have all the latest drivers I can think of.
Any ideas?

 

[mechBgon]

1) download the full-file Service Pack 2 installer and save it to CD, or go out to Best Buy, Office Depot, CompUSA, Frys or another place that has free giveaway SP2 CDs.

2) download the latest Norton daily updater and save that to CD also.

3) unplug the network cable or power down your wireless access point.

4) Reformat and begin reinstalling Windows. Keep the network connections down until you have Service Pack 2 installed, the Windows Firewall active, and your antivirus software installed, configured and updated. how to go about that. I also have some ongoing prevention tips there, it would be good to fully enable DEP and set strong passwords on your Admin-class accounts. There's notes on antivirus configuration too.

5) Once you connect to the Internet, update Norton Antivirus, reboot, update it again, reboot, and update it again, until it's got all the components updated. Remember to configure your antivirus software, especially scanning within compressed files and maxing out your heuristics.

6) Obviously, run the system through Windows Update, and also Office Update if you have Office 2000 or later (or a component of it, such as Word or Excel).


Edit: if you don't have any router to provide a perimeter firewall, get one. Netgear RP614, Linksys BEFSR-series... $30-40 online.


Hope that helps Also, if you have fancy RAM, boost your memory voltage to 2.7 volts to start with.

 

[mdnblaster]

I do have a DLink Firewall/Router.

The RAM is just standard ol' Kingston DDR400/PC3200.

I will give all that a shot. Thanks.

 

[mdnblaster]

Well it seems I still have a problem.

Of course now I cannot even connect to the internet AT ALL to verify but programs are still crashing to the desktop it seems...

AGH!

 

[Savarak]

go and turn off DEP under the advanced tab in system manager

 

[mechBgon]

I don't think you can turn off core DEP there. My next question is, what brand and model of power supply is towing the boat there?

 

[mdnblaster]

Enermax 480 Watt PS.

 

[mechBgon]

Next thing I'd do is bump the memory voltage up to 2.7 volts and see how it likes that.