shut down problems after downloading MSN instant messaging update

1349 Views 16 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Rollin' Rog, Dec 8, 2001

whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · Dec 5, 2001

Howdy,
Recently I downloaded an updated version of MSN instant messaging and within the hour when I went to shut down (and even in shut down/restart) a dialog box pops up saying "this program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down". In the upper left corner of this dialog box is the word "Explorer". When I click "ok" the shutting down process will try to close, but then hangs up forcing a power shut off or "hard" shut down. What can I do to get my usual smooth shut down or restart? I have not had any problems with my pc for about 3 months... but the one download and everytime I try shut down I have the nightmare.
Thank you for your attention and I eagerly await your reply. Nik at Whiskeyecho Ranches

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Rollin' Rog

· #2 · Dec 5, 2001

Welcome to TSG Nik. If this problem is continuing, click on the "Details" tab of the message and note both the modules and the error address referenced...eg, Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module unknown or whatever.

And try this. Before finally shutting down, do a ctrl-alt-del and end-task one at a time each running task. Leave Explorer and systray in there and shut down. Does the error still occur?

Try doing a Disk Cleanup -- flushing your Temporary Internet and Temp folders -- Programs/accessories/system tools/Disk Cleanup

Also does the error occur only after you have been online?

Mosaic1

· #3 · Dec 5, 2001

In addition to Rog's suggestions, go to msconfig and look for LoadQM in the startup group & uncheck it.

whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 5, 2001

Howdy,
Thank you for your prompt reply, Rog.
I have printed out your suggestions and as soon as I disconnect from the net and attempt to shut down or restart, I will know if all works smoothly.
Thanks again.
Nik

whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 6, 2001

Howdy Rog and Mosaic 1,
I did proceed with the suggestions you both offered and without sucess, sorry to say. On shutdown and shutdown/restart my windows 98se still gives the dialog box saying "..illegal operation..." and it hangs up with freeze at the final phase of shut down forcing me to still do a hard shut down which I hate doing. The pc is a hp Pavilion 6648C series. Anything else you can suggest will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Nik at Whiskey Echo Ranches

Mosaic1

· #6 · Dec 6, 2001

whiskeyecho,
Sorry to hear it. Please post the exact error message you are receiving. That might provide a valuable clue. Without it, there's not much to go on.

Rollin' Rog

· #7 · Dec 7, 2001

Also as it's rather unusual to get an "illegal operation" message during shutdown (usually they are blue screens or just freezes), I'm wondering if you have an antivirus program configured to scan at that time?

Also do this so we can see what you have loading and running:

Go to start and run msinfo32

Click on "software environment" and "startup programs"

With "startup programs" highlighted, click Edit>Select All>Edit>Copy

Paste the copied text in your next reply by right clicking on the message box and selecting "paste"

whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 7, 2001

{duplicate edited for space} RR

~Candy~

· #9 · Dec 7, 2001

Hi Nik, I merged your new thread into this one, if you'll just keep posting back to the same thread, Rog and Mosaic will be advised of your postings......

whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 7, 2001

Originally posted by AcaCandy
Hi Nik, I merged your new thread into this one, if you'll just keep posting back to the same thread, Rog and Mosaic will be advised of your postings......

Howdy,
I'm very old, but very new to this business of cyber stuff... and I haven't figured out what button to click to respond to Rog and Mosaic... In your message you also mention I had a lot of "spy..." somethings... when I went back to your reply... that part was missing!!! what are spy whatevers??

telecom69

· #11 · Dec 7, 2001

Last summer I had this self same problem and it was caused by Msn Messenger somehow interacting with IE 5.5 I never found out the cause but I got rid of it by getting rid of messenger ....sorry for butting in maybe just a coincidence

whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 7, 2001

Originally posted by Rollin' Rog
Also as it's rather unusual to get an "illegal operation" message during shutdown (usually they are blue screens or just freezes), I'm wondering if you have an antivirus program configured to scan at that time?

Also do this so we can see what you have loading and running:

Go to start and run msinfo32

Click on "software environment" and "startup programs"

With "startup programs" highlighted, click Edit>Select All>Edit>Copy

Paste the copied text in your next reply by right clicking on the message box and selecting "paste"

Rog and Mosaic 1
Howdy,
Thank you for bearing with me. Yes, it is most unusual that the dialog box says "...illegal operation..." but that is what pops up when I go to start and begin shutdown and shutdown/restart.

I did the start, run, msinfo32, copy and here is the paste:

Updates from HP Startup Group "C:\Program Files\BackWeb\BackWeb\Program\backweb.exe"
Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe"
Microsoft Office Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE" -b -l
Internet Answering Machine Startup Group "C:\Program Files\CallWave\IAMSETUP.EXE" -start
Refresh Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Iomega\Tools\REFRESH.EXE"
Iomega Disk Icons Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Iomega\Tools\IMGICON.EXE"
Iomega Startup Options Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Iomega\Tools\IMGSTART.EXE"
RealDownload Startup Group C:\RealDownload\REALDOWNLOAD.EXE -hidden
run Win.ini hpfsched
MSMSGS Registry (Per-User Run) "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
MoneyAgent Registry (Per-User Run) "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe"
Total Internet Registry (Per-User Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\NEMONT COMMUNICATIONS\FPTOOL.EXE
Registry (Per-User Run)
ScanRegistry Registry (Machine Run) c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
TaskMonitor Registry (Machine Run) c:\windows\taskmon.exe
SystemTray Registry (Machine Run) SysTray.Exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Run) Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
HPScanPatch Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPScanFix.exe
hpsysdrv Registry (Machine Run) c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
StillImageMonitor Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
HPHA1MON Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPHA1MON.EXE
Keyboard Manager Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Netropa\One-touch Multimedia Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
VsecomrEXE Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSEcomR.EXE
Vshwin32EXE Registry (Machine Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
VsStatEXE Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSSTAT.EXE /SHOWWARNING
RealTray Registry (Machine Run) c:\download\realplay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
Tweak UI Registry (Machine Run) RUNDLL32.EXE TWEAKUI.CPL,TweakMeUp
TimeSink Ad Client Registry (Machine Run) "C:\Program Files\TimeSink\AdGateway\TSADBOT.EXE"
McAfeeWebScanX Registry (Machine Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\WebScanX.Exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Service) Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
SchedulingAgent Registry (Machine Service) mstask.exe
Encompass_ENCMONTR Registry (Machine Service) C:\Program Files\Easy Internet\ENCMONTR.EXE
Vshwin32EXE Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
McAfeeWebScanX Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\WebScanX.Exe /RUNSERVICES

I suddenly feel very vunerable... but hope this will help you help me solve this strange, but frustrating problem.
Nik at Whiskey Echo Ranches Out in Montana

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whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 7, 2001

Originally posted by telecom69
Last summer I had this self same problem and it was caused by Msn Messenger somehow interacting with IE 5.5 I never found out the cause but I got rid of it by getting rid of messenger ....sorry for butting in maybe just a coincidence

No problem with butting in... any help at this point is welcome. I would really hate to eliminate messenger as I use it for instant messaging (using voice) to stay in contact with my younger brother in Cheyenne Wyoming. He is blind and cannot see the screen, but once his wife has him set up, we can talk.

You are on to something tho, because this all started the moment I downloaded the updated version MSN messenger offered. One of the names that sits to the left top band on the "...illegal operation..." dialog box that pops up is EXPLORER.

~Candy~

· #14 · Dec 7, 2001

Well, I was going to suggest that you download a program to get rid of spyware, but I think it'll be best to leave you in the hands of Mosaic and Rog, as they may want you to do things in a specific order.....sit tight, Rog more than likely will be along soon.

Rollin' Rog

· #15 · Dec 7, 2001

Whew, there is a daunting array of stuff there, some of it apparently dated and irrelevant. I hardly know how to begin. This is going to take a while to sort out so I hope you have patience and your frustration level isn't too low. There is some spyware there, but I'm going to leave it's removal for last.
============

Let's start by trimming down the number of programs loading at startup. Some may turn out to be desirable options which you may want to re-enable, but lets test things first. I am going to intentionally leave msmsgs IN the startup group just to see if the problem is due to something independent of it.

Here's how we want to proceed:

>> go to Start and run msconfig

>> click on the "Startup" tab and remove the checks for the following components:

> update from HP...backweb.exe (outdated, does nothing)
> OSA9.exe ... (speeds launch of Office programs...not req)
> MoneyAgent Registry
> VSEcom.exe .... an old McAfee registration reminder
> Refresh Startup ... (Iomega desktop icons ... optional)
> imigicon.exe ... (also Iomega ... optional)
> RealDownload.exe (disable for test purposes, doubtful necesisty)

> hpsfsched .... (another "reminder")
> FPTool.exe ... (?? disable for test purposes)
> Realtray ... (probably not a problem, just uses resources for nothing)

> Timesink...Tsadbot (here is your "spyware")
> Encompass_Encomontr ....(annoying disconnect prompt, not needed)

>>Note: You have TWO instances of McAfee Webscan, each loading from a different place. One or both of these could be a problem with the shutdown. I would disable BOTH temporarily, and re-enable only one after testing

See what happens in this configuration and report back. Probably best not to download anything with WebScan disabled.

Most of the items I have selected are discussed in this link covering startup programs. It is a valuable resource to review for any questions you may have concerning them.

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm#Select

Also, I have left McAfee's basic scan engine (Vshwin32EXE) enabled. Check your user interface to see if it is configured to scan at shutdown.

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whiskeyecho

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 8, 2001

Originally posted by Rollin' Rog
Whew, there is a daunting array of stuff there, some of it apparently dated and irrelevant. I hardly know how to begin. This is going to take a while to sort out so I hope you have patience and your frustration level isn't too low. There is some spyware there, but I'm going to leave it's removal for last.
============

Let's start by trimming down the number of programs loading at startup. Some may turn out to be desirable options which you may want to re-enable, but lets test things first. I am going to intentionally leave msmsgs IN the startup group just to see if the problem is due to something independent of it.

Here's how we want to proceed:

>> go to Start and run msconfig

>> click on the "Startup" tab and remove the checks for the following components:

> update from HP...backweb.exe (outdated, does nothing)
> OSA9.exe ... (speeds launch of Office programs...not req)
> MoneyAgent Registry
> VSEcom.exe .... an old McAfee registration reminder
> Refresh Startup ... (Iomega desktop icons ... optional)
> imigicon.exe ... (also Iomega ... optional)
> RealDownload.exe (disable for test purposes, doubtful necesisty)

> hpsfsched .... (another "reminder")
> FPTool.exe ... (?? disable for test purposes)
> Realtray ... (probably not a problem, just uses resources for nothing)

> Timesink...Tsadbot (here is your "spyware")
> Encompass_Encomontr ....(annoying disconnect prompt, not needed)

>>Note: You have TWO instances of McAfee Webscan, each loading from a different place. One or both of these could be a problem with the shutdown. I would disable BOTH temporarily, and re-enable only one after testing

See what happens in this configuration and report back. Probably best not to download anything with WebScan disabled.

Most of the items I have selected are discussed in this link covering startup programs. It is a valuable resource to review for any questions you may have concerning them.

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm#Select

Also, I have left McAfee's basic scan engine (Vshwin32EXE) enabled. Check your user interface to see if it is configured to scan at shutdown.

Howdy,
I systematically disabled the items from the startup menu you suggested be "trimmed". I hit "apply" and ok, machine said a restart must take place. I allowed shutdown/restart without incident. I added back McAfee programs, RealDownload.exe,and FPTool.exe. I left all the others in the line up disabled. As I added back each, one by one, I would apply,ok,restart and go to next seeing what effect, if any, that particular program would have on shutdown and startup. The shutdown time was cut in half at least, and there was no dialog box popping up.

I had to trust that your selection of programs to trim would be the best ones to disable, and as it turns out... it worked. I hope I haven't disabled anything that is critical to pc performance, but at this time all seems good.
Thank you so very much for your assistance, and please thank Mosaic 1 for input as well!!
Nik at Whiskey Echo Ranch

Rollin' Rog

· #17 · Dec 8, 2001

That's great Nik'

. Just remember msconfig is meant for just that kind of troubleshooting. Think of those programs like so many bails of hay, and Windows is the camel... you get my point. You can evaluate the performance "hit" anyone of them makes and re-enable it if you think it is worth its weight. It's possible that the problem was caused by one of the programs actions while you were online for a while, so you may need to do some further tinkering if it comes back. Good luck

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