Posted: 2/3/2003 7:11:12 AM EDT
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Many of us at work are having persistent problems with our Dell (Optipelx, forget the model #) computers. Plenty of RAM & processor, running the NT 4.0 client. Innoculan's anti-virus realmon.exe will unpredictably disappear from the systray. At the same time, the computer bogs down terribly, taking a long time to close programs (e-mail especially. Even such a basic task as unlocking the workstation can take 2-3 minutes. Dragging windows, you leave a trail. Then there are multiple error messages when you shut down (or try to) basically saying that "you can't shut down because some basic task like wowexec, olewnd, etc. won't let it, do you want to end that process?" Often the only solution is to cut the power. Seems to be independent of your BIOS version. Scans clean, using the latest engine & signature versions. For me, the problem started about the time that somebody sent me a Word2000-format (didn't know it was at the time) document. Most of us have Word 97, & can't handle a file in that format, so we have to remind the outsiders to use '97 format. But at the time the problem first manifested for me, opening such a document (coincidentally or not) is what I was trying to do. Anybody got info on this problem? Had the computer 8 months with relaitvely few problems prior to this. Also, has nothing to do with the SLAMMER worm. The technicians are working on it, but the problem's been around about 4-6 weeks, and we're all groaning..... |
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nt 4.0? Hmm only like 10 years old now..... get 2000 or XP if you have the same type of pc's then make one good setup and ghost it to the others (all data will be lost on the pc's) get Norton corporate or 2003 for anti-virus from our experience- word 2000 and 97 dont jive well (either way). upgrade to 2000 or xp. |
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Perhaps a bit OT, but I will *NEVER* buy a Dell because of those stupid ads we are bombarded with. They might be decent machines, but I've had it with merchandisers plugging thier products with contemptious pitchmen like the dude guy, Rosie O' Donnell, William Shatner, nor other washed up actors selling their reputations for a buck. Locally, I will *Never* buy a car from Cal Worthington ("and his dog Spot"), and I don't want to buy furniture from Sadlers. I protest long and loud, sometimes to the right people, about this nonsense too. Disclaimer: Typed on a pre-dude Dell. |
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If its a Word problem start by renaming normal.dot to normal.bak. Opening Word will create a new normal.dot. If your PC is still messed up than you'll need to delete normal.dot and a reg entry. You'll have to find out on Microsoft.com what reg entry is hosed. If its not a Word problem than your PC may be trying to mount a network drive that is unavailable. It will try forever to mount the nonexistant drive and all other processes are slowed way down. I've seen this and it sounds like what your experiencing. Shok |
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OK, some interesting ideas, here. Thanks! I have no power to buy software or decide which machines to buy. However the techs at the company that installs & services the computers (not Dell people) are pretty anxious to be the hero that finds a solution. So at least they will listen. I wonder if that PestPatrol trial version will run from a diskette? I'll look it up. I'll also check for more specific info on the OS version & SP |
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I take it that the stations are networked. What type of network? What protocol is being used? How old are the drivers for the NICs? I have run into the problem here and there and the following seems to work: update the network client update the NIC drivers (saw a massive increase updating one machine's 3Com drivers from a 1998 to a 2002 version) make sure that the protocol used is the default turn off the ability for computer browsing (will not stop machines from mapping a drive) anything in the start up menus (two of them under NT, all users and local profile) that brings up a networked program, delete and manually start it only when it is needed. Findfast and Office startup must go, they suck....resources and give little in return Update the BIOS, even if it is just one version Make sure that you have the last SP (6a for NT) unless it breaks third party software and apply the latest patches. Uninstall anything not needed for work Uninstall any useless items in the network setup (found some computers with a dial up adapter listed, but no modem in the machine) Have fun! |
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look at how many network adapters are installed. More than 4 is a no-no. On slow machines Verify your speed and duplex are correct- and not hardcoded to something different than your systems. Look at both ends- the nic and the switch should both be set the same. Re: dell laptop- make sure the screws on the bottom are all tight. No kidding- its a problem for them.. a little locktite will go a long way. I also agree with the comments on BIOS and driver updates, as well as OS. XP smokes NT4. |