Corrupted MS File

[ZX80]

Hi, I am a new member here and I hope I may find an answer to a longstanding problem. OS is Win XP.

I have used AVG for some years, present version AVG 2012. When I run a scan it always stalls when scanning Registry; BSOD, and computer restarts. AVG were helpful to the point of identifying the cause from a memory dump I sent to them. A MS Update, KB950759, is corrupted. They suggested I contact MS, but of course there is no longer support for Win XP. I mention that the problem is longstanding, this is because everything else runs normally and I have not made a lot of effort to put this one thing right. However, it is annoying that I pay for a good (in my opinion) AV program and cannot use it for full scans. My research shows that the Update is relevant to IE 7 which I have used for some time. Recently I upgraded to IE 8, but the fault is still there. Lots of the Updates for IE 7 are still shown, and my first question is can everything related to IE 7 be removed, or does IE 8 use much of the existing underlying structure in its operation? My desktop machine is ancient (much like me) but I have upgraded it extensively over the years and it still does everything I need. I can live with this fault, but am relatively knowledgeable on these things and would like to put it right. I never use Registry cleaners or "fixers", that area is hallowed ground, but I have run scans only​ with other other products and they all trip up on the same Update. Thanks for any help, and nice to join a forum which looks good so far. Brian.

[KenB]

Hi Brian and welcome to ExTS

 

A MS Update, KB950759, is corrupted

If this is the case - have you looked in Add/Remove to see if it is there ?

If so - delete it and see if this fixes your problem.

[Plastic Nev]

Just to add to Kens advice, when you open the Add/Remove window, at the top there is a box for "Show Updates", you will need to put a tick in that box, you should then see that corrupted file in the list.

 

Nev.

[ZX80]

Thanks for the welcome and advice. I had deleted the update from Control panel after changing to IE 8, on the basis that it can always be reinstated from the recycle bin. This didn't correct the problem but on thinking this further I realize that the file is still present in IE 7, and therefore is still in the registry. I opened IE 7 and the update is present in four of the 900+ files. IE 7 is a Windows application, so does not appear in "Add / Remove" programs. That was the reason for my first question - can IE 7 be removed? Simply deleteing things is not always a good idea unless one knows exactly what everything does, e.g. there may well be .dll s which are shared by other functions. Also the registry entries would need to be removed manually, which calls for more knowledge than I have. (I have made changes in registry back when I was running Win 98, but that was just following full instructions to the letter). I have run a selective scan of just the MS Updates, and can pretty well pinpoint the place in the file where it shuts down. (Page fault in non paged area). This quest is perhaps a bit geeky, after all it doesn't seem to affect anything else. I posed the question last year on another forum, and the reply was "if it aint broke don't fix it", so I have ignored it since. Perhaps you can give me more technical help than that! Thanks, Brian.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, a lot depends on the age of the computer as to whether IE7 can be removed which would normally revert back to IE6, but that is a very early version. If your computer came pre loaded with IE7 along with the Windows XP, then no earlier version will be present, hence why it cannot be removed.

 

At this stage I am thinking of a full XP System Repair, however to do one does need a full normal retail version of XP SP3 installation disk, not a manufacturers restore disk. If you have a disk or can borrow one we can explain how to perform that repair. If done correctly no data will be lost but is still a good idea to back it up just in case.

A XP system repair basically re-installs the entire windows XP operating system, overwriting all previous updates as well, so beware all XP updates will need to be downloaded and installed again. (Usually automatic if updates are set to automatic)

I will add it is best to obtain or borrow an up to date disk that is complete with service pack 3 (SP3) on it.

 

Nev.

[ZX80]

Hi Nev, Thanks for this advice. My computer is VERY old - 1999 vintage in fact. (LOL). ( It is a Mesh, and cost near on a grand for what, these days, would be very basic rubbish. (It actually ran under BASIC). How technology has moved on since my Sinclair beginings. 8K of RAM, which I doubled to a staggering 16 KB!!) I did a major rebuild somewhwere around 2004, new MB (Asus Rock), CPU (Athlon XP 2000+), PSU, Graphics Card, Sound Card, RAM (now 2GB), Hard Drive (40 GB), USB 2.0 Hub. At that time I installed Win XP, but only upgrade vers from Win 98 SE. I have since installed SP2 and SP3. Hence, I have no complete disc to carry out a repair, though I do have a Win XP Pro disc which I picked up very cheap, it is a Dell original and I have the Key for it. My thoughts were to install a second Hard Drive of the largest capacity my old set up could handle then run both XP versions. A lot of effort to achieve not a lot, and my real aim is to build a new machine entirely, or even, if my tiny pension ever goes into surplus, buy a new one! Meanwhile I have ordered a LCD monitor to replace my original 200 kg CRT Mitsubishi, on which the RGB drive is failing. Computing at the cutting edge eh?......... For the corrupted file problem my original question still stands, - as I have upgraded to IE8, can I get rid of IE7? That would remove the problem file and I would at least be able to run a full AV scan from time to time. Finally a supplimentary question: on this website (freepchelp) I get a message that "An add-on for this website failed to run. Check security settings in Internet Options for potential conflicts". This I have done and find no problem. ?? Thank you for the help. Brian.

[Plastic Nev]

I think we can say that the question of removing IE7 is a definite no now as it looks like that was the original installed version, if IE6 was the original, it would allow you to remove 7 and revert to 6, however it won't.

So, considering you have that XP pro disk, why not save to external source such as disks or external hard drive all your data, then reformat the drive and install that version of XP Pro. It is the way I would go rather than trying to resolve that duff update issue. Even entering the registry and fooling around in there just might make things worse and is not a risk I would take.

 

Nev.

[ZX80]

Thanks Nev for sound advice, I have been some time with this reply as I have now done exactly as you suggest and installed XP Pro, which comes with IE 8. No problems with the installation, and apart from some frustration getting driver updates, and a complete failure of my rubbish sound card (for which I paid £4.50 when my Philips Ultimate Edge stopped working) all is running well. I don't do games, but I do listen to a lot of music and have a decent 5.1 speaker set up. I have another Philips card which I bought some time ago, and will install that until I can afford a new one. I wonder if you have any advice on what to buy? My tastes are just about every form of music (though perhaps I would not collect too much Rap) and will buy the best that my ageing system (computer that is) can handle. Thanks again, Brian.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Brian, first I am glad the install of the new XP Pro disk has turned out OK for you.

Next is a reasonable sound card, though for just playing music, what you have may be good enough already.

 

However Creative's more basic cards are reasonably cheap for good quality output. The more advanced cards are better of course, though aimed at the gamer market, or folk like me, music creators using suitable software etc.(When I pull meself together and actually write something that is)

 

Have a look at this card, not bad at just short of £30.

 

http://uk.store.creative.com/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-audigy-se/1-14257.aspx

 

Though there are other sound card companies, Asus and M Audio come to mind, as well as Philips which you did have. Have a look round, just put "Sound Cards" into Google and check out some other dealers and prices.

Find what you think is OK at a price you can afford and let us know.

 

Nev.

 

Nev.