93 replies to this topic

[jnulu]

At home, I'm using a PC that has Windows XP Professional with SP2, an Intel P4 with 1GB Ram.
Nod 32 Antivirus program & Windows Firewall are installed.
I am the owner and have Admin privileges on the PC, which incidentally, is Networked.
I do have a Guest account, but it is not used.

Here’s my problem:
On starting the PC, the motherboard manufacturer's splash screen comes up,
followed by the BIOS screen, Microsofts XP screen and then a Blank window.
Not always, but most of the time. Here is the picture of the blank window:

http://tinyurl.com/d9ydo

The only way I can close this window, is to click the OK button that appears on the screen.
Clicking on the red X button doesn't help close it.
The window which is approx 5”x4” appears in the middle of my 15” CRT monitor, and can
be moved around.
Once the window is closed, the screen with the single word - Welcome, appears followed
by the Desktop with my icons, folders, shortcuts etc. and all is well with the PC thereafter.

Most of the time the window is blank, except for the OK button in the middle.
On some occasions, a single file path (anyone from the list below) can be seen on the window:
(These file paths are sometimes preceded by tiny blank squares)
C:\Windows\System32\inetsrv\lonsint.dll
C:\Windows\System32\mui\0c0a\xpsp1res.dll
C:\Windows\System32\mui\040d\xpsp2res.dll
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mskssrv.sys
Six tiny squares followed by ij then another small square followed by w840nd.sys
On one occasion, there were a series of tiny squares followed by r1033tta.lxa
On another, just I-map.sys was present. And on another, just cmd.exe
There are many others, but have not made a note of all of them.

With the help of Mike Lin's excellent startup utility, I have ensured that besides
the AV program there is nothing else that starts when the computer is booted up.

The PC works just fine and I have had no issues otherwise.

Sooo, what could be causing this?
I'm not very familiar with the workings of a computer. So please provide detailed
instructions to enable me to carry them out and post the results.
By the way, I have sought help for this issue on two other forums where I was given a lot of help.
Unfortunately, the problem still remains unresolved.
Grateful for any help from the members. Thanks in advance.

Jay

Edited by jnulu, 05 August 2006 - 10:04 AM.

[Doug]

I wonder if you turned off "too much". In MSCONFIG - Services take notes (write down on paper) the items that you've disabled In MSCONFIG - StartUP take notes (write down on paper) the items that you've disabled Now click on "Enable All" in both Services and StartUP. Reboot. Do you still get the "annoying" blank screen? If not or if the symptoms change please reply with the result. You can always disable the Services and StartUp items that you had previously removed. Or disable items individually, rebooting each time to assure that you get a Normal boot without the item. Best Regards EDIT: Since you've "received alot of help" from two other Forums, it might be useful to Members at TomCoyote to know "what didn't work", so we don't waiste your time repeating things you've already tried.

Edited by dough, 05 August 2006 - 02:58 PM.

[jnulu]

Appreciate your quick reply!

I had thought of including the links to the other forums where I had sought help earlier but then thought
"Would I be biasing the replies of the good folks down here, by doing so?" and then decided to wait until asked.
Now that I have your request, here are the links to the forums where I had received help earlier:

http://www.tech-reci...a...opic&t=2237

http://forums.techgu...ng Blank Window

Since last posting on the above forums, I have removed Pest Patrol, an anti spyware program and also AdMuncher,
a superb ad/pop up blocker from my PC.
These were the only two other programs, that used to start up along with NOD32, the antivirus program

As you may have noticed, I have been living with this problem for more than a year now!

Regards

Jay

Edited by jnulu, 05 August 2006 - 03:36 PM.

[Doug]

I also considered "bias" before I asked, but now that the threads are available, I will inform myself to avoid already explored avenues and to glean additional information. Hope we can come up with something for you. Best Regards

[jnulu]

Thank you!
Shall eagerly look forward to receiving your help.
I forgot to incude another forum thread which is given below:

http://www.theelderg...amp;#entry76049

Regards

Jay

Edited by jnulu, 05 August 2006 - 04:03 PM.

[Doug]

I'm only on the first page of the first link, and noticed your reply. I know it is "obvious" and very simple, and probably done before, but it can't hurt. Run System File Checker. Start - Run - (type) sfc /scannow This will scan for and replace any missing or corrupt operating system files. Have you Windows installation CD available in case SFC calls for it to copy and replace any missing or corrupt operating system files. Should you do it again, if you already have? It's safe. It's quick. It can't hurt. Doug

[jnulu]

I do not recall having tried sfc /scannow. Anyway to answer your question, yes, I do have the original CD that was given to by my friend who built the PC for me about two years ago but it has only Service Pack 1a on it. Is it OK to use it, given that I now have service Pack 2 thru updates? I did what you asked me to do nevertheless. I was asked to insert the CD so that "Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL cache" Below that was " Insert your Windows XOP Professional Service Pack 2 CD now" Tho the CD has only service Pack 1a I did go ahead and insert the CD. I was next asked to choose from four options: Instal Windows XP, Install optional Window components, Perform additional tasks and lastly, Check System compatibility. Grateful for further instructions. Regards Jay

Edited by jnulu, 05 August 2006 - 06:28 PM.

[Doug]

You can attempt to use the SP1 CD, but SFC may argue that a particular file is "older" than the one it's trying to replace. I've been meaning to ask you why you haven't upgraded to SP2. You may be able to download the upgrade via Windows Update, but Microsoft adopted a "minimum of SP2" a few months ago. I don't know if that will always interfere, so give it a try. If you are unable to get SP2 via Windows Update, even after completing the Windows Genuine Advantage Validation process, then you can Order an SP2 CD to be sent to you in the US mail. They say it takes 4 to 6 weeks, but I've found the delivery to be much quicker...... within a week. Installing from the SP2 disk will likely replace the same files that SFC would have found. (SFC "did" find at least one "missing or corrupt" operating system file, or it wouldn't have called for the CD) I'd recommend that you go ahead and install the SP2 upgrade. (hopefully via download today, then Order the CD as Backup in case you have future need to run SFC) Best Regards

[Doug]

Ooops! I see that you just told me that you have SP2 installed. Sorry. That should enable you to "Download" SP2 to a folder on your Hard Drive. Then you can direct SFC to go to that folder for the copy/replace files information it needs. You can also direct SFC to consult C:\Windows\i386 where the installation information of SP2 should already be resident without having to make another download of SP2. I doubt that C:\Windows\i386 has been corrupted, but it is possible. Let us know what you decide to do. Getting that SP2 CD is handy though, for just this kind of situation. Best Regards

[jnulu]

Sorry, couldn't respond until now, as I had stepped out and got back a few minutes ago. After inserting the installation CD, I am asked to pick one out of the four options: Instal Windows XP, Install optional Window components, Perform additional tasks and lastly, Check System compatibility, which one do I choose? Will there be an option to "direct SFC to consult C:\Windows\i386"? Time to hit the sack, so will follow up with you tomorrow. Thanks again Jay

Edited by jnulu, 06 August 2006 - 12:27 AM.

[Doug]

Hi jnulu,

Sorry about my delay in responding to your straightforward question.

After inserting the installation CD, I am asked to pick one
out of the four options:
Instal Windows XP,
Install optional Window components,
Perform additional tasks
and lastly,
Check System compatibility,
which one do I choose?

Those are options provided by the MS Windows XP Installation CD.
When you pop the CD into your CD ROM those options will likely appear on your screen as the Installation Disk awaits your instruction.

***System File Checker is not a function of the Installation Disk. It is a function of the already installed Windows Operating System and is part of what is known as "Windows File Protection"

With the XP CD still in the CD ROM unit, use the RED X in the upper right hand corner of the options Welcome screen to Close That Screen.

Next (XP install CD still in the CD ROM) go to:
Start - Run -(type) sfc /scannow - Enter

A DOS-like screen will rapidly appear and disappear, followed by a small "progress bar" type screen.
The TEXT of the progress bar will read as follows:

Windows File Protection
Please wait while Windows verifies that all protected Windows files are intact and in their original versions.

I just ran SFC on a Dell laptop P4 1.8mhz 512MB RAM 60gb Hard Drive.
It took about 30 minutes to complete the scan.

If SFC identifies a missing or corrupt operating system file that it needs to replace it will alert with directions to place the XP CD into a CD ROM or specify another location to locate the needed file.

Best Regards

[jnulu]

It's no use!
I did exactly like you instructed - Popped the installation CD and then closed the Welcome screen.
From Start>Run, typed sfc /scannow and after hitting Enter,
I get the screen with the progress bar and after a few seconds, I am asked to
insert the CD with the Service Pack 2.
Nothing about asking to be directed to the Service pack 2 file that's in
C:/Windows/Driver Cache/i386 folder on my hard drive.
When I click on 'More Information' tab,
I get a message (see second and third picture) in the following screenshot:



Could you please tell me how to order the CD from Microsoft?
Looks like I can't proceed without it!
Thank you

Jay

[Doug]

http://www.microsoft...p2/default.mspx

Instructions to Order are in the blue frame at the lower right hand corner of the page.

Did you click on Retry?
That should have done it, unless it is detecting that your CD is older than files needing to be replaced.

EDIT: Since Windows File Protection (SFC) is calling for the CD, that means it has detected a missing or corrupted system file that needs to be replaced.
Bummer. But that means you are on the right track for potentially getting this problem solved.

Best Regards

Edited by dough, 06 August 2006 - 06:30 PM.

[jnulu]

I did try the 'Retry' tab but all I get is the message "The CD you provided is the wrong CD Please insert the Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD in the CD-ROM" So, I just ordered the CD but will have to wait at least a week or ten days if not the stipulated four to six weeks! I guess you did go thru all the posts in the URL's I provided. Any further ideas? Thanks, Dough! Regards Jay

Edited by jnulu, 06 August 2006 - 07:06 PM.

[Doug]

No. Haven't completed reading as yet, due to other activities and time. I will. And I'll post back to this thread if I notice something to follow up on. However, I'd sure like to get those "missing and corrupt" Operating System files replaced before moving on to other changes. Sorry about the delay. I have two others waiting for their SP2 disks at this time. I encourage anyone who is running XP to go ahead and order the SP2 CD, whether or not they need it at this time. There probably will come a time, and I'd rather not be hit with the inconvenience that you are presently experiencing. By the way........ "ANY" Microsoft XP installation CD that includes the SP2 upgrade can be used. So if a friend has one to be borrowed, it can be used for the purposes of System File Checker. Best Regards