Blue screen of death (Picture as requested now included in my last post)
~~Copied this message, which is my own, from a board. "Maple" means "MapleStory", which is an online game. I am not sure if the blue screens and Maple are related, although I suppose there could be some connection. I've had another blue screen two or three months ago, before I played Maple, too. Also, I'm new. Hi. ^_^ ~~
Alright, this is seriously starting to concern me. After reading numerous threads of people all with blue screen misery, I said to myself how glad I was that I had none of these problems. However, since the Maple patch, Maple seems more unstable and so is my pc.
{{{{This BSOD has been solved and removed from this post}}}}
So now, I just played Maple, for no more than 10 minutes, and I quit it, everything went fine. I surf to a site, and the music suddenly goes weird and there it comes again, a blue screen, this time far more detailed than the previous one:
- More bull****advice (I forgot what it all said, it included advice from switching hardware to disabling caching and shadowingoptions in the Bios to contacting the compagny I got the pc from) -
It also said it did a memorydump after having mentioned this: dump_wmimmc.sys, which is also the file that's supposed to be the problem
So I reboot my PC, completely forget to do the F8 procedure as I usually do after a crash, and upon booting the pc, it says, in Windows: "The PC has been restored from a major problem (or something). More information in the logbook".
I now see there have been more errors according to my log, although I remenber always having had these on my other pc, but maybe they're somehow related, so I thought I'd mention it anyway:
Type: Error | Source: DCOM | Category: None
Cannot start DCOM-server:
{72C2714F-4478-11D3-B537-00902771A435}. Errormessage:
"Access denied. "
has occured while carrying out the task
"C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~166666" -Embedding'
Please bear in mind that I translated almost everything from Dutch, so if it sound a bit weird, or not like the usual stuff Windows comes up with, that would be why. ^_^
More info about my pc:
I have a Dell Dimension 9100, 2,99 Ghz and 1 GB Ram memory - Windows XP Home Edition and the newest SPpack (2 I believe?), I run Norton Internet Security 2006 and I quite frequently run viruschecks, adchecks and the defragmentationstuff. I'm NOT happy with having Norton, but that's the way it is. Furthermore, I'm quite positive all drivers have been properly installed. I'm not sure if a driverlist is required, but I'll provide you with it if you want to. My pc is quite new and apart from those blue screens, it runs quite smoothly.
Also, about Norton - I frequently get a Windowsmessage saying Norton Protection Center has crashed or stopped or whatever, asking me if I want to send an Error Report. This is usually _during_ the game MapleStory. Norton Protection Center never really crashes, or perhaps it just restarts itself, in any case, I never saw it really close down or giving errors or whatever.
Any help or advice or suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks a lot!
Last edited by Charlotte_h; June 23rd, 2006 at 01:05 AM.
Having had a BSOD, it is sometimes very difficult to figure out what is actually causing the situation.
The first thing that I would do is I would uninstall Norton and everything with the Symantec on it. Norton is notorious for being both a resource hot and causing problems with other programs. There are two anti-virus programs, which I would recommend that you stay away from and they are McAfee and Norton.
As a temporary measure, download a free copy of AVG until you decide who you is going to be your new AV - firewall vendor.
Then spend several days and see if the BSOD go away. If they do, all to the good but if they don't then we will proceed forward.
Personally, I am against using the security suites, when I think there are better solutions. Here is what I use.
Panda Platinum version 7, includes AV and firewall -- I switched from Norton in Jan 2002.
Panda has a 2005 suite that includes anti-spyware and a bunch of other stuff but they attempted to make 3 major changes in less than 9 months and there were problems. So when I renewed (uninstalled and reinstalled a new version 7), I decided to stay with version 7. Now they have a version suite 2006 and I like the way both of my computers are running, so I stayed with version 7.
Panda versions 2005 and 2006 changes pertain to adding anti-spyware functionality, which I am already handling very effectively with freeware programs. While I don't know if this is true for Panda or not but in general when companies try to make too many major changes in too short a time period, then one of the consequences is spagetti code, which frequently makes the program a resource hog.
Anti-virus companies have incorporated the anti-spyware components, so that they can continue to charge full prices for their products to maintain their revenue streams. When there are excellent freeware options that run well with other programs, I do not see any reason to pay more for programs, which may or may not have issues.
It has also been widely reported that the malware creators are focusing less on virus on more on other forms of malware. Microsoft is slated to enter the AV marketplace in the near future and they will be providing a more cost effective solution. $50 for 3 computers. IMO, they are entering the marketplace, partially as a defense against the criminals, who send out spam, malware and practice extortion. Anyway, this is just more information about why I am making the decisions that I am.
Since 2002, I have not had a virus get near my computer. Once you get your BSOD problem resolved, I think that you should decide which vendor that you want to purchase your AV-firewall software from.
The other retail software that I use as part of my security process are:
Ad-Aware
SpyBot
SpywareBlaster -- started using in 2004
SpywareGuard -- started using in 2004
Defender -- started using in 2005
Since I started using SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard, nothing is being installed on my computer when I surf the web. I do practice safe computing. I run these freeware programs (and obtain latest updates if any) once a month. Most months they find nothing. Occasionally, they will find a tracking cookie.
Do not click on any sponsored links because these have become sources of malware. When Yahoo got infected with a worm, I got a pop-up warning, so I decided to say no to downloading and waited a couple of days and Yahoo got the problem resolved.
You might also want to do the following:
Do a Panda online scan.
Install and run Ad-Aware
Install and run SpyBot
Install SpywareBlaster
Install SpywareGuard
Install Microsoft Defender
Install Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
Install Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer version 2.0
Are you installing Windows Updates as they become available?
Cheers,
Linda
Last edited by LindaHewitt; June 22nd, 2006 at 09:00 AM.
Virtual DR has excellent search capabilities. I did a search on MapleStory here at VDR and didn't find anything. However, I also did a search on MapleStory Problems and found a bunch. Here is the URL.
I would still remove Norton to eliminate that as a posible cause for your BSOD. Then if the problem persists, do a google search as I have done on MapleStory Problems.
When I got my BSOD on a brand new Dell computer, Dell told me that my W2K operating system had become corrupted and needed to be re-installed. When I went to Microsoft to look up the error code, the information was less than helpful. Then an associate suggested that I do a Google search on the text for the name of the type of error.
I did this and I spent 2.5 days going through every link. Near the very end, I found a presentation that a Microsoft rep had given to MIT that finally explained BSODs. In my case, the problem turned out to be poor programming practices. One of the programs on my computer had not defined all of the possible error conditions, which could occur with this specific program.
As a result, when an error would occur, that error would go to a specific memory address to be recorded and processed. If there was no code to tell the computer how to process the error, then it would sit there. Then when the next error condition would occur, the BSOD would occur and my computer would automatically reboot itself, no matter what it was doing.
I upgraded that program and that solved my BSOD problem.
I'd love more than anything to remove Norton, I've always experienced nothing but trouble with it, and imo, Norton is not scanning for viruses thoroughly, missing all worms I had on my pc (had to remove them by hand), including some very well-known worms one would expect a virusscanner as Norton to find.
Even though I have much to say about the pc, my father is the one who has the final word. My friend and I have finally managed to convince him to get rid of Norton, but this will not be before October, when our subscription expires.
From there on, I suppose he will take McAfee. I'm already running free security software, because my faith in Norton is practically 0, seeing how it causes more problems than it actually solves. I'm currently regularly using Spybot S&D, AdAware and Hijack This. I will certainly look into the suggestions you gave, Linda. Thanks.
I have done several Googlesearches, but I somehow always fail to find good solutions with BSOD's, so I usually end up ignoring them if I get one. But, two BSOD's in a week is imo just not acceptable, not on a pc that is running fine and smoothly (apart from the BSOD's, of course), and not when on my own PC I never even got one in those three years I have Windows on it.
Thanks a lot for the Googlelink, I'm going through it right now. Since the patch MapleStory forced us to install, there have been numerous reports on BSOD's, fails to even start the game, or unexpected quits, random reboots, etc. etc. It's too bad, because I thoroughly enjoy the game. Thanks again for your help.
Edit: Do you think the problem with Norton can go as far as really messing up my pc, requiring reinstallation of Windows and more of that misery? (which could be problematic as this is a pre-build crapmachine.. Although I do seem to recall having made recovery disks at one point..)
I do not think you will need to reinstall windows if your BSOD problem is related to one of your software applications, which you have installed. However, if it is caused by malware, then you may or may not have to reinstall Windows. The experts here at VDR can help you with that.
Right now, I think that the cause is most likely either Norton or MapleStory. If your father is making the decisions about AV, then maybe you need to get him to come to VDR and do a search on Norton problems and another search on McAfee. There are over 80,000 registered members here and probably 90% of the regular posters say Nyet, Nyet to both McAfee and Norton. There are many other AV software, which do a good job and play nice with other programs. The problem with all Symnatec programs is that they do not follow development standards and frequently take shortcuts, which cause users many problems. Then when you call Symantec's tech support, they are worthless. As a result of these and other issues, I do not allow any Symantec product on any of my computers. This is also what I recommend to my clients, associates, friends and family.
If your father will not let you uninstall Norton, then you might consider uninstalling MapleStory to see if the BSOD disappears. I know that you like the game but there is always the possibility that this problem could become so severe that you have to do an f-disk and reinstall everything. I have you have your XP CD available and the CDs for all of the software. You might start collecting them together, just in case this becomes necessary.
Some how I think you will eventually be successful in persuading your father that Norton and McAfee are crash systems, which are better at creating problems than protecting your computer from malware.
Do run a Panda online scan. I spent 9 months evaluating AV software before I decided on Panda because Norton made me so nervous. In 2002, it was typically only doing updates once or twice a week, where Panda made updates multiple times during the day.
Run the other freeware to see what they discover as well. If you discover something that cannot be removed, then VDR has HijackThis experts here at VDR, who will work with you step by step. VDR even has a special area for members to post their hijackthis logs but hopefully, the resolution of your problem will not require that.
You do need to validate at least on a weekly basis that your sytem is clean.
That particular Stop error is almost always caused by a faulty driver. If it happens again, please can you note all the information on the Blue Screen (or take a photo if you have a digital camera and post that), as it will often say which file caused the problem, and that will help us track down the culprit.
The blue screen happened again today, so I suppose it'll be back soon.
But I wrote down all important information, unless I really missed something, it didn't give me any more important stuff than what I gave you in my first post.
That, and the blue screen is in Dutch. I suppose you can try, but I think it'll be very confusing for people who do not understand the language, I mean, the whole screen filled with Dutch... I'll take a pic for you though as soon as it occurs again. (I hope it won't).
Although I'm more and more positive that it has something to do with MapleStory, I mean, all the misery comes during or after I played Maple, on days where I don't play it, everything is just fine. But it could be stupid coincidence though, I suppose..
Linda, thanks for your reply. The last time I used Mcafee, which is, erm, I think about 6 years ago, I was pretty happy with it, but if McAfee is now reported to be as bad as Norton, I don't think I'll have that either (and this time I'll make sure to persuade my father - in any case, I'm probably moving out somewhere in september - october, but it'd be good to let him have a good pc).
Uninstalling Maple - erm, I'm not too enthousiastic about the idea. If I receive that BSOD a few more times, then I'll do it, though. I suppose I don't have much choice.
Thanks for the links, Train, I'll make sure to check them all out. ALthough I'm already familiar with Housecall.
Oh, and I also made a typo in my first post. It was not "dump_wmimc", but "dump_wmimmc". I changed it in my first post as well.
I'll post my HijackThis log, I needed to run a HijackThis anyway and I usually do it very quickly with a friend, but I suppose a good look by different people with more experience is a good idea under these circumstances.
Last edited by Charlotte_h; June 22nd, 2006 at 03:19 PM.
It happened AGAIN, right after closing MapleStory down. *murderous*
This time I made a picture, as requested. You can find it here.
I've also decided to stop using Norton on my account, if that is possible. I'll just throw it out of the boot-list on my useraccount and use something else. >_> I'm going to do that after I gathered my patience and calmth again.
Last edited by Charlotte_h; June 22nd, 2006 at 05:53 PM.
That's OK, the general wording of Stop errors is much the same in any language (actually Mrs SuperSparks does speak fairly fluent Dutch, unfortunately she cannot do technical ).
The info that I was after is "dump_wmimmc.sys". However after doing some digging, I think that may be a red herring, and is a symptom of the problem in this case, which is a buggy driver almost certainly. Please could you have a look in the Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Event Viewer System and Application logs and see if they shed any light on what might be causing the problem?
I checked (or I think I did, because I could find no such thing as Administrative Tools under my Control Panel.. So I clicked under the logs under "Systeembeheer", and checked there. I'll assume it's the same.
There's nothing there really worth of mentioning, except some warning 'userens', but I doubt very highly that has to do with any drivers.
Windows heeft het register van gebruiker **Computername**\Charlotte opgeslagen hoewel een toepassing of service tijdens de afmelding van het register gebruikmaakte. Het geheugen voor het register is niet volledig beschikbaar. Het register wordt uit het register verwijderd wanneer het niet langer in gebruik is.
Dit wordt mogelijk veroorzaakt door services die als een gebruikersaccount actief zijn. Probeer om de services zodanig te configureren dat deze als LocalService- of NetworkService-account worden gestart.
Also, erm, I got another BSOD last night, I did reboot the pc after that and everything worked fine, but now I just turned it on and the harddisk is making very strange noises, one buzzing noise as if a fat fly is trapped inside, and another noise that gives me the impression something is falling apart. My harddisk is fine, I know it's perfectly ok because I did a defragmentation yesterday in an attempt to make things better. I'm not needing a solution, merely wondering if the BSOD's and this could be related (just to save myself from my father's fury for "having messed up the pc again").
Also, why is it I cannot find that file dump_wmimmc.sys? It's nowhere on my pc, least of all at the spot where it should be (system32/drivers).
I'm also very sorry for not mentioning the file properly in my first post, I thought I had but upon re-reading it, I see I haven't..
Last edited by Charlotte_h; June 23rd, 2006 at 01:09 AM.
Noises from hard drives are always very bad news, and it is certainly possible that it could be related to your Blue Screen problems. You'll be able to download a diagnostic utility from the hard drive makers website which you can run from floppy. See what that has to say. Here are the most common utilities:
A BSOD can be caused by virtually anything on your computer from hardware, drivers the operating system or software applications. However, more than 95% of BSODs are caused by application software.
I determined what was causing my BSOD by eliminating all of the hardware components, and then started on application software starting with freeware first. As it happens the cause was a freeware program.
I think that I would uninstall MapleStory first. With all of the reports on bad behavior, this program could be in some sort of loop, which is making your hard drive do constant searches (or whatever), and this is creating the noise situation.
Anyway, if that solves your hard drive noise problem, then go ahead and proceed with uninstalling Norton.
The hardware noise problem was caused by Ewizo, I made sure it doesn't start when I boot the pc, and now the noise is gone.
Linda, I just checked to make sure, and administrative tools is indeed called "Systeembeheer" in Dutch. ^_^ So I was at the right place.
Is there any way to check what driver might be causing the problem?
Thanks for all the help. I haven't had any BSOD even though I was on the pc all day doing all kind of demanding stuff for the pc, one'd think he would have given me a BSOD, but he didn't, just like it didn't yesterday. I didn't play MapleStory yesterday and today. I will do some more tests with MapleStory to see if that's the problem (which is probably unfortunately is), and I will send an e-mail to Wizet and deinstall the thing (I will also check if I can play it safely on an other useraccount). What I don't understand is why it suddenly gives me this problem, everything was working fine, even after the patch that caused so much trouble, this is just out of the blue..
Anyway, I can only hope it's a driver that's going wrong somewhere..
Hi, I have the same exact problem. After looking through my logs, I also thought that the several BSOD's were because of Maple. I have never gotten a BSOD before and I am very safe about my downloading habits. I recieved a Stop Error the first time while I was playing mapleStory. Later on, I recieved another BSOD while I wasn't playing MS. Now, they keep on occurring at random times. I think it may be caused by a new nProtect Patch or something, but I am not sure. My computer is now very unstable. Anyone know how to solve this?
Do NOT click on sponsored links. Typically, these companies are companies that you never heard of and their chief objective is to plant malware on your computer.
I also do not believe that there is a software program out there, which can fix a BSOD. Why? Because the causes of BSODs are too varied. Just think that a BSOD can be caused by malfunctioning hardware, hardware drivers, operating systems or one of thousands of application software. Within each individual application program, there are thousands of potential causes for a BSOD.
They say that the new Vista contains 50 million lines of code. If only 10% of the lines of code could cause a BSOD that is still 5 million lines of code. Now multiply that times all of the application software, operating systems, drivers and nope a BSOD program does not exist.
Typically, the problem can only be solved by uninstalling the offending program. I fixed by my BSOD problem by uninstalling the program and re-installing a later version of the program, which did not have the problem.
I ran my computer for weeks to confirm that the removal of that program was the cause. Then I did a search for a later version.
Malevolence42,
I did a Google search on "MapleStory problems" and it had numerous links about problems with MS, so I would suggest uninstalling MS.
I didn't see this error before the last update of Game Guard and now I just got it the second time.
I also had the Norton Protected files problem but it seems to have stopped.
My best guess is (if you don't want to un-install MapleStory) is wait for the next patch and hope it stops the problem. E-mailing them the error might help with that.
I have been experiencing random Norton shutdowns for about 1 to 2 months from today, and it is rather strange, and I did not suspect that MapleStory had anything to do with it. However, the BSOD problem surfaced for me, starting from last week. Gameguard, as I recall, has release about 2 updates within the last 2 weeks. The first one was obviously very intrusive and was a bad patch, because I use ProcessGaurd--I have a plethora of undetected bugs and viruses in my computer--and it reported that gamegaurd.des (the GameGuard file responsible for scanning for cheat programs) was basically modifying every single active program I was running. Naturally, ProcessGaurd protected my programs from this strange behavior from GameGuard (why should it modify when it should be reading???), and it caused GameGuard to fail to initilize. INCA seems to have noticed, and GameGuard was patched withing 24 hours.
Now, the dilema is, as mentioned, the BSOD problems. It began after the latest and concurrent patch for GameGuard. Yes, I am very sure that it has something to do with MapleStory (and GameGuard as well). The BSOD happens for sure after random disconnecting from the server, saying that GameGuard has failed (while you are still playing). Also, if no problems arose and you quit MapleStory, it will still give you a BSOD eventually, even though GameGuard and MapleStory are no longer active processes.
GameGuard should be working on a new patch that cures this problem because it is mentally devastating to those who love Maple (I know I do)
Maybe a detail of MapleStory's actions may help the doc diagnose the underlying problems
maplestory.exe starts
gameguard.des starts
nProtect GameGuard Launcher is trying to change your network settings by modifying the file: WINDRVDIR\etc\hosts
gameguard.des accesses the internet (to check for updates and patches)
gamemon.des starts
nProtect Game Monitor (gamemon.des) is trying to communicate with C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE by opening its process
maplestory.exe accesses the internet (to start the game)
This may not be the entire startup sequence, but I am highly skeptical of the part where gameguard launcher actually changes my network settings. Do you think anything here would cause the driver to be unloaded prematurely?
IMO, no program should be changing your network settings or anthing else on your computer without your knowledge and agreement to the changes.
This sounds very similar to a company running amonk and going to EXTREME lengths to protect their intellectual property. Anyone remember fiasco that Sony created with its rootkit. The only remedy for that was to do an f-disk. This was another case of changes being made to a customer's computer without the customer's knowledge.
Cheers,
Linda
Last edited by LindaHewitt; June 26th, 2006 at 01:07 AM.
I just did a Google search of MapleStory problems and got a total of 5,380,000 links. When I first started posting about the Sony rootkit problems, and I did a Google search on Sony Rootkit Problems, I got 4 million plus links. Getting these links in a search is indicative that there are real problems here, which are being widely reported. It also sounds like there are multiple problems, so there is not a single fix. I wonder where the MS vendor is in all of this. On the Google first page, I did not see any link to the MapleStory vendor. However, it seems that MS is having lots of problems, including problems with hackers... (from Google search)
"MapleStory for PC Reviews - PC MapleStory ReviewsFor quite some time MapleStory has had problems with hackers. Generally vacuum hacks will suck all the monsters to a certain location where the abuser can ... "
"If you are able to play MS from the few patches be4 and only unable to play it after the release of 0.24 onwards continue reading below...
"Update your graphic card driver to the latest one as stated in maple global faq section and make sure its version is actually the updated one... it seems the new patches made changes with the graphic of the game and it requires u to update ur driver to the most current one....
"For Nvidia graphic driver user:
"Go here for downloading the most updated driver and update DirectX to version 9.0c. This installation makes full use of the capabilities in 9.0c so dun waste it...
gameguard released another patch within the last 24 hours, and luckily, my zonealarm pro firewall detected that "Automatic LiveUpdate Module is trying to remove a driver or service: DMP_WMIMMC\ENVM".
*Automatic LiveUpdate Module is a part of Norton AntiVirus
So I happily clicked deny, and it seems to be working fine! I haven't experienced any problems yet for 2 hours of playing MapleStory, so I hope this post helps =)
I know exactly what you are talking about. I frequently have the same error message as you. And i also play maplestory. i have searched my computer for this error message but couldnt find it. the way i found this site was searching up "dump_wmimmc.sys". i live in the new york so i have an english computer. if i ever have a chance to take a picture of this message i can and will post it as soon as possible. another thing is, is there anything you can recommend for me or a way you can guide me through this process to cure the problem? i thank you a lot and i hope this error can be solved immediately.
p.s i also have zone alarm. but i have never seen how or if my zone alarm has deleted that file. please help
Last edited by DR.CAL; June 26th, 2006 at 10:47 PM.
Hi, I'm new here.
I also encountered this problem several times quite frequently. This is almost guaranteed to happen in a few minutes after I played and closed MS (haven't seen it happen WHILE playing MS). It does NOT happen if I do not open MS. This problem occurs ever since the last last update of Game Guard. I've just recently had an update, but that did NOT help; the problem still exists. I've had Norton 2004 pro for about a year, and never encounted this problem. I've had MS for quite a few months, but this never happened before I got this update not too long ago. I have taken the picture of this error screen...it's in English... Click Here
Well I updated my display driver and game guard was updated and so far there have been no BSOD.
However it seems that the Norton Protected status error is back, if it ever really went away.
Generally it seems I can avoid that error if I quickly purge my protected files right after closing MapleStory. But this time it looks like I was too late.
I have Norton System Works 2005. My Nephew has 2006 and it never had any of these problems. I'd bet it just has these problems with 2005. =(
Hi. I, too am new here. (But I have a feeling, due to the nature of my computer and computing habits, I'll probably be here quite a bit.) I have been having the exact same problems as everyone else seems to be suffering from; I just purchased a new machine, a Dell XPS 200. It seems to run smoothly and all is well until I put Maple on the machine. I love Maplestory, and have been playing it during spare time for almost two years now, so I really must ignore the obvious option of removing it from my system. GameGuard was not always such a hassle; in the Beta versions and (I believe, if my memory serves correct) the early Global versions, GameGuard did not exist.
I have Norton on my machine. It was one of two options for the default antivirus protection program that Dell offers (unfortunately). The two options were Mcaffee(sp?) and Norton. There was no third "No protection" option. Otherwise I would have simply put AV on; I had it on my old machine and it works just fine.
Anyway, today Maplestory released a patch (Global Version .25) and with it a GameGuard update. After the GameGuard initilizes, the patch window would come up and Norton would pop up saying "This program is trying to access the internet...etc" and then, about two seconds later, the BSOD would appear with the same driver error. Upon reboot it would inform me that my computer had recovered from a serious error. I tried two more times but the same thing happened again (so nope, not coincidence). I removed Maple from my computer and am reinstalling it as I am typing this.
It's a relief to know other people are having this error, and their system setup corresponds to mine, so I am not alone. I guess Norton and Maple/GameGuard just aren't good for each other, but my Norton subscription doesn't go away for a while. (I'm sure I can remove it sometime this fall, while I am at University, but for now I must use it.)
This is only the second time I have seen the BSOD; the other time was a couple days back, and I'm not sure what caused it. (It wasn't a patch this time.) I'd disable Norton while I played if Norton would let me access it and if GameGuard wasn't so suseptable to problems. It really, really lowers the PC's protection capabilities.
Anyway, I'll be keeping an eye on this site to see if there are any other solutions. So far I've seen one (the denying Norton access to the dump_wmimm) and LiveUpdate does this to me, I will certainly try that.
Thank you so much for this. I've gotten like 10 BSODs over the last week. Finally, a solution. And first time I've come to this forum, too. Looks like a very friendly place. I think I may stick around here. =P
I want to welcome both of you to Virtual DR aka VDR.
Right now you have two programs on your new computer, which are known for causing problems, Norton & MapleStory. Here is one way to eliminate one of your problem-causing programs.
Uninstall Norton.
Purchase Panda Platinum version 7 -- includes AV and firewall -- Cost $25.88
Version 7 does not include their spyware components but you are still getting the latest AV and firewall updates. There are a number of excellent freeware programs, which you can download to provide protection from spyware, and other forms of malware. Here is my list of recommendations:
In 2002, when I bought a new computer from Dell, I also encountered a series of BSOD. One of my first decision was to get rid of Norton 2002 and I installed Panda Platinum. None of my computers have become infected with any form of malware. A couple of years ago, I installed SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard and this provides excellent protection against malware from being installed on my computer, while I am surfing the web. It goes without saying that I also practice safe computing.
I check for updates and run my anti-spyware detection programs once a month and nothing has been found on my computer, not even tracking cookies; which is exactly what I want.
Recently when Yahoo got infected with a worm, and I went to check my email, I got a warning dialog box indicating that Yahoo was trying to download something to my computer. I said No and waited a couple of days before I visited Yahoo again.
If you don't want to purchase Panda Platinum, version 7; then you could also download and install the freeware version of AVG and the Kerio firewall. Personally, I don't want to take any chances with AV, so I believe in purchasing retail products.
IMO, there are two anti-virus vendors to avoid at all costs and they are McAfee and Norton. It is no surprise that these are the only products that you can select with a new computer. I have read that this is how these two vendors are surviving in terms of AV software sales, then they advertise that they are the leader and many unsuspecting consumers think if they are the top seller, then they must be good. Somewhere I read that Norton pays Dell to install Norton.
<Offtopic> There is a big campaign going on against all of the crippled or junkware software, which is installed on a new computer. This campaign is being waged against all of the hardware vendors including Dell, HP and others. To find out more about this, then you will want to read Dwight Silverman's blog at http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/. Once you are there, then do a search on junkware.
</Offtopic>
Obviously, these are just suggestions but if you decide to go this route, then if you get any future BSODs, you will know that the source is MS and not some interaction between Norton and MS or other software applications on your computer.
Keep us posted as to what you decide to do.
Cheers,
Linda
Last edited by LindaHewitt; June 28th, 2006 at 11:05 AM.
Good morning, thanks for the warm welcome. Indeed, it looks like Norton is more trouble than it's worth. I think I will uninstall norton and get that Panda Platinum version 7 you're talking about. But I'm wandering what would be better, ZoneAlarm or Panda Platinum V7? I've heard a lot about ZoneAlarm and this is my first time hearing about Panda. Then again, I don't pretend to be up to date with these things. I just saw Norton on the shelves a few years back and got it because I heard a lot about it. <_<;;
Panda Platinum includes a firewall, which is what ZoneAlarm is. IMO, there is a great deal of benefit in getting your anti-virus and firewall from the same vendor. However, I do not think that security suites are the way to go. One of the biggest problems with security suites, Norton and McAfee products is that they are resource hogs, so that when the online update process is taking place, all other work on your computer comes to a screeching halt.
Unlike most vendors, Norton is not even capable of writing a clean uninstall program and all elements of Norton have to be removed before you install another AV program. I don't know if Norton has improved their uninstall utility or not but there are VDR posters here, which can walk you through the process for removing all traces of Norton. So just post back here if you have any problems.
Wow, I did a Google search on "dump_wmimmc.sys" and this was the first link that came up. So far it's been very helpful, as my situation is also being caused by MapleStory.
Just for the record, I do NOT use Norton. My antivirus is BitDefender 9 Standard. This is a Compaq laptop, but I doubt that's relevant in this situation.
The installation of the new patch (this morning) went through smoothly, and I spent the next few hours playing MapleStory. As soon as I closed the game, I received the BSOD. I've booted the game up 3 times, closing it immediately upon reaching the log-in screen. Each time, the BSOD shows up immediately after I hit the "quit" button. My computer was restarting automatically, so I had to disable that before I could get any information from it.
"Stop: 0x000000CE" "dump_wmimmc.sys", just like everyone else is getting. I plan on updating my video card first, and reinstalling the game if that doesn't work.
The drivers are not on the ATI site, so if you post back your Toshiba model number we may be able to track some down, although they may be on a CD you received with the laptop??
Hehe, it's not a Toshiba (wish I could afford one of those). Here's the model: Presario M2000. And thanks for the welcome, this seems like a really nice forum.
EDIT: I'll check the CD, but it seems strange that there would be updates on it. (Why would they include a CD when they could just install the 'updates' beforehand?)
You might also do a Google search on "ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M driver update" or you could do a search on "ATI Radeon XPress driver update"; without the quote marks, of course.
Cheers,
Linda
Last edited by LindaHewitt; June 28th, 2006 at 01:02 PM.
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Originally Posted by Anonymous
