Computer Acting Strangely

Mickey, forget Sonic and the duplicate drive letter for now. We'll come back to it.

Still trying to get rid of the error message you get a boot time.

Let's see what is starting on your computer when you boot, maybe that will shed some light.

Download Startup List to a folder on your computer. Unzip it then run StartupList.exe, you don't install it, just run it. Once it finishes, click on File then Save as. This will save a startuplist.txt file. Upload that file here using the Browse and Upload buttons below the text input area. Once it is uploaded, click on the Manage Current Attachments button and and include it as an attachment in your post.

Problem: I could not run this. Do you have an alternative place to get the program? I downloaded it from 2 different mirror sites. It downloaded and extracted fine until I clicked to run it. I get the following message: "Component 'MSCOMC.OCX' or one of its dependencies is not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid." I tried a usa mirror and an australian one. Both give the same result.

Mickey, there is nothing wrong with the download as I downloaded and ran it before I posted the link for you.

You said the file was 'MSCOMC.OCX'. Is that a typo and it's really 'MSCOMCTL.OCX'?

If so, it should be in the C:\WINDOWS\system32 folder. Try re-registering it and see if that fixes this problem:

Click on Start then Run, type REGSVR32 MSCOMCTL.OCX and press Enter.
Also re-register REGSVR32 MSCOMCT2.OCX

Now try running startuplist.txt again.

Ok you were right I tried to run it again and it was the file you stated I posted a typo. When I tried to reregister the item via the method suggested, I receive yet another error. This one states: "LoadLibrary ("MSCOMCTL.OCX") failed– The specified module could not be found." The second item received the same message: "LoadLibrary ("MSCOMCTL2.OCX") failed– The specified module could not be found." Good grief, what else??????

Mickey, both of those files should be in C:\Windows\system32.

I'm starting to be very concerned about the integrity of your installation. Do you have a XP install CD? If so, please run System File Checker as follows:

Click on Start then Run, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

If any missing or damaged system files are found, it will prompt you to put your XP CD in the CD/DVD drive.

I do not have any disks. They my have been accidentally lost and mingled in with old cds when my old system was sent to the recycle center Is there an online way to do this? Can I copy the files from there or another computer? I do have 3 others in the house 2 vista and 1 xp. This is so weird, because if I didn't have that error message popping up and the sudden drive name changes, I probably never have known any of this (of course, I would have been piqued when I tried to defrag (I try to do that at least monthly) and could not). I don't have any other issues that would cause concern. Now I am curious – could my machine be heading for a crash?????

If the other XP computer is at the same service pack level then yes, you can copy them from there. Once you copy them, use REGSVR32 to register them. Try startuplist after that.

Stupid question, but how do I verify that? The other computer is a desktop gateway from 2001 with win 98 that was upgraded to xp. My laptop came with xp but also has media center installed. (pre vista). with me having media center would that have any compatibility issues with the other machine. What if after verification they are not the same service pack? Can I get the file from some place like driver.com?


Edit: Where was my brain? OK here are the specs on both computers:
My Laptop:
Microsoft Windows XP
Media Center Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 3

The Desktop:
Microsoft Windows XP
Home Version
Version 2002
Service Pack 3

Are they compatible and should I go ahead and copy the files?

Yes, they are compatible. Copy the files then see how it goes. Nice to have a source for files if they are needed.

Wow I am glad I didn't get rid of that old junker just yet. Worked like a charm. Anyway you can clear that up would greatly be appreciated. I am somewhat ok with messing with my msconfigsys start up list, but not 100% what I can and or should be rid of. Here is the requested file:

The first thing I've noticed is you appear to have two antivirus packages running, AVG and Symantec. Get rid of one of them, preferably Symantec.

Edit: I see you have Norton Ghost, I wonder if this is what I'm seeing as far as Symantec files?

You also seem to have a lot of stuff running out of temp directories. This is normally not a good thing and often indicates malware but since you've been cleared, lets try cleaning up your hard drive (again).

Follow directions here: http://forums.whatthetech.com/How_clean_up…OW_t100889.html

I'd like you to run CCLeaner, ATF Cleaner and TFC. That will scrub your drive.

Then reboot and post another startup list please.

Also, do you use Gear software? I see it has this active:

* DVD/CD-ROM drives *
- Upper filters
GEARAspiWDM.sys

I'm wondering if that may be causing the ghost drive letter?

Done and rebooted. Message is still there. I was wondering about Norton Ghost. I never use it and it expired years ago. It came back when I reimaged my machine. BTW is there a way to reclaim that back-up drive? But I digress, one thing at a time right? Ok then, what should be my next step? (Thanks again for all you patience through this)

Ok all of them are done. I have noticed that Firefox is now responding slow to open but once it does all's well. IE sometimes takes opening then close it and reopen it to load fully. Other than that same as above message. Attached please find your new listing.

Ok all of them are done. I have noticed that Firefox is now responding slow to open but once it does all's well. IE sometimes takes opening then close it and reopen it to load fully. Other than that same as above message. Attached please find your new listing.