Someone save me from an early grave.
I have a problem flagging up on my PC saying " Please contact Microsoft Product Support Services to report this error. "
Product Support actually gives some hotfix info on-line vaguely relating to my problem. BUT. It says contact Microsoft Product Support Services to get this hotfix. instead of the normal download option.
Product Support has no way of being contacted except by giving them my credit card number.
Should I:
a) down a bottle of scotch and swear a lot.
b) pack my PC up and send it to B.Gates labelled explosive.
c) find out B.Gates credit card number and use that.
OK. I need this sorted. It's stopping my firewall working properly. It's a known MS issue which manifests in a variety of guises. Mine is specific and a variant. They need to know about it. I need it resolved.
SO How Do I TRANSMIT It To Them? (without spending hours on the phone arguing) ????
Yes, I have tried googling "how do I do what MS tells me to do without paying them to do what they say they need me to do"
-------------------------
The error:
The COM+ Event System raised an unexpected access violation at address 0x005D3DE7, attempting to access address 0x00000000. Please contact Microsoft Product Support Services to report this error.
MsnMsgr+0x1d3de7
MsnMsgr+0x1ce862
MsnMsgr+0x1cedfe
MsnMsgr+0x1cf555
MsnMsgr+0x1cf39e
USER32!GetTopWindow+0x47bc
USER32!DefWindowProcW+0x6a
USER32!GetWindowDC+0x4a
ntdll!KiUserCallbackDispatcher+0x13
USER32!PeekMessageW+0xe5
ole32!OleSetClipboard+0x11fb
ole32!OleSetClipboard+0x1408
ole32!OleSetClipboard+0x14b9
ole32!OleSetClipboard+0x1268
ole32!CoGetPSClsid+0xde0
ole32!UpdateDCOMSettings+0x7b15
ole32!DllDebugObjectRPCHook+0xd3
ole32!WdtpInterfacePointer_UserSize+0x1b7e
ole32!StgGetIFillLockBytesOnFile+0x1ad3f
ole32!CoGetPSClsid+0xc1a
ole32!UpdateDCOMSettings+0xb410
RPCRT4!NdrProxySendReceive+0x4c
RPCRT4!NdrClientCall2+0x4f5
RPCRT4+0x66f9c
RPCRT4!NdrServerMarshall+0x1810
ole32!CoWaitForMultipleHandles+0x1027
ole32!CoInstall+0x46fa
ole32!StgGetIFillLockBytesOnFile+0x81dc
ole32!CoRegisterSurrogate+0xc8
ole32!CoGetClassObject+0x19
es!DllUnregisterServer+0x4a0c
es!Ordinal3+0x22a0
es!DllUnregisterServer+0x4c40
(just in case anyone feels like solving it; it's to do with subscriber not being released (or recognised) - in this case it is Symantec Liveupdate - it only happens with this process - repeatedly whenever it signs off - Symantec say its MS problem and for once I agree with them - another clue - it's quite likely to be permissions issues on a w2k (NT) folder or file(s)).
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Sorry to hear about your issues with Microsoft. It would be much better if they made the fixes for their faulty products all readily available, wouldn't it? I don't really have any pearls of wisdom on that issue other than "Microsoft can suck sometimes".
But back to your original problem, I suspect that a "hotfix" with a hammer will stop all of your error messages. ;D
Edit: FWIW, if you have a contact number for them, I know on this side of the pond, usually some combination of 0,9,* and # will take you to a live operator. If it's a critical problem (and you have a spare afternoon), you can try punching in *9, #9, ##9, 99#, **0, etc., etc... until you get through to a person you can explain your situation to.
Actually I am perfectly adept at getting through to them on the phone. I have a number of "methods". But I resent the time when it's their crap.
Crisis over. Much ferriting has revealed a little MS tool named "User Profile Hive Cleanup Service". Vernacular - it's a mop.
Not only does it resolve the particular issue it has also cleared up a whole host of other ones that are too tedious to describe but have nearly driven me to jump off a high bridge.
MS should give this away with every installation.
Technical : it releases left-over-should-have-already-been-released handles. Especially useful for avoiding having to remove battery to force CD disk to be released and other similar joys.
I have Unbuntu in my DVD drive. I'll never buy another Microsoft OS, especially Vista.
It's outrageously priced over here; the Sterling price is almost double the US Dollar price. Means it usually makes sense to replace the hardware too and get an OEM bundled version of the OS.
Mind you, I'm working with Solaris as well at the moment which makes Vista look like a bargain. Surely Sun can design a disk filing system that doesn't require half an hour with fsck each time there's a power glitch.
Why do you think it's called fsck? ;)
Sweet Solaris. I miss it.
Struth !! Why don't Microsoft market a brain fix for running out of patience.
I decided to do one last belt and braces back up - an additional one to existing ones. I can't use the tape drive as once I upgrade to XP the tape drive is dust {unless I buy new software and track down new drivers but that's all a waste of time}. So I am backing up to a separate hard disk. Using Win98 MS Backup so it's in handy MS format. Primary reason to have a sure fire way of restoring Win98 if it all goes pear shaped upgrading to XP and it won't recognise my other backups and copies or they are missing anything (despite endless checking).
Three hours in (four to go) it says xxxx.dll file already backed up to file being used for backup, put in fresh media. Ok or cancel.
Clicking OK simply gives the same message again.
Like..... if one is backing up to a file on a disk - not a tape - .... why the hell doesn't it allow one to put in a new file name - ie. effectively "new media".
RHETORICAL RANT.
How many people does it take to upgrade a lamp bulb?
Try inserting large amounts of money into your CD drive. That might help!
I found the answer to the above problem (but no cure). It's when the backup file gets above a certain size. Not because of space on the drive, but because some insane MS person decided there should be a limit on file size. A feature. Just can't win.
Files bigger than 1Gb? You will have limitations once you get there, AFAIK the only way around is with a 64 bit version (of XP, please save yourself the trouble and don't do Vista, it is the worse thing that you can possibly do).
Quote from: Sibling Zono (anon1mat0) on August 31, 2007, 12:26:10 AM
AFAIK the only way around is with a 64 bit version (of XP, ...
Insane loop; I was only trying to do the back up as an additional safety measure
BEFORE upgrading to XP, LOL.
(I've given up with this particular backup idea. Moved onto better things.).
SH*T SH*T SH*T
Used N.Systm.((Works NOT)) to delete redundant active X controls prior to upgrade.
It's wiped me out. I am getting the dreaded setup windows 98 message on boot asking for the product key.
I have the product disc but not the key. I do actually own it - but it's one that was bulk bought on licence and the key is long gone dust.
I know there's a work around, but I guess I'd be better to try a restore - with no backup.
Why was I so stupid as to try a clean up. DONT ANSWER.
EDIT EDIT EDIT scanreg /restore worked. Panic over. Roll on the next one.
Let me get this: you have only one computer? Didn't you have a laptop too? Are you networked? Can you move your backup files to the laptop (via network)? Are you trying to *upgrade* (as opposed to a clean install, which BTW is recommended)? Is it because you bought the upgrade instead of the *full version*?
The easy way to do the thing is to backup and install new with a full format (to NTFS unless you want to be able to write from Linux in which case keep FAT32). Forget about old SW versions on the 98 box, BTW, I believe it will allow you to do a dual boot with the old 98 on one side and the new XP in other (at least that works going from 2K to XP).
I am doing an upgrade. The cheapest version to buy is an upgrade !
All installed applications I need to keep will work on XP.
There's not really any need to do the extra work of a format/install and the upgrade should be fine. There's very little that needs cleaning up. It's all in fairly good shape.
I have backups - on other external hard discs.
I just thought I'd do an additional MS backup. That was a silly idea as I found out.
Quote from: Alpaca on August 30, 2007, 09:48:27 PM
Try inserting large amounts of money into your CD drive. That might help!
:ROFL:
my tech support consists of yelling/screaming
"Bill! The #$%^ computer is broken again."
(our tech guy at work :mrgreen:-- he hates me, I can't even explain what is wrong coherently)
I just discovered what the nice looking Tune-Up feature does in windows XP.
It takes over your machine for ever.
Insanity again, putting defrag and scan in a tune-up, with no option to deselect them and the tune-up preset to run by default. Although I note that it is auto-set to run at night. So I assume that most people either never get it run as their machine is off or never notice it running as they are asleep.
Once again, I am snarking at a side effect of being in a minority.
And remembering the advice to turn off everything that isn't absolutely necessary.
Goodness, if my kettle had all these built-in processes I'd use a saucepan.
I'm trying to decide which is more troubling:
- the fact that a worksheet in Excel is limited to ~65,000 x 256 cells, or
- the fact that I find this limiting.
I'm also wondering how stable Excel is with spreadsheet files in the >100 MB range... I'm starting to get that "skirting the edge of disaster" feeling like when the fuel gauge needle is resting on the pin below the "E", but you keep driving anyway. :o
The Inbox in Outlook Express dies at around 2,000 messages. Excel sounds much superior :mrgreen:
Quote from: Griffin NoName on October 25, 2007, 07:17:31 PM
The Inbox in Outlook Express dies at around 2,000 messages. Excel sounds much superior :mrgreen:
Don't count your chickens:
Quote from: The Demon-Posessed MachineExcel cannot complete this task with available resources. Choose less data or close other applications.
Looks like I'm going to have to go for a long walk with a jerry can...
Yargh. Did it. Excel does not like having half a gig of files open at once (the experience is a lot like pushing on a rope), but I did what I had to do.
I am now looking forward to a relaxing weekend with no numbers at all. I just hope I don't have to phone anyone or tell time. ;D
Quote from: Sibling Lambicus the Toluous on October 25, 2007, 07:08:12 PM
I'm trying to decide which is more troubling:
- the fact that a worksheet in Excel is limited to ~65,000 x 256 cells, or
- the fact that I find this limiting.
The second one. If you have 65k rows you shouldn't be working on a spreadsheet but on a database even if it is a toy one like MS Access. Not only is going to be quicker but the limitations will come far later.
Export & forget.
Quote from: LambiI just hope I don't have to phone anyone or tell time.
So, what time is it?
(you saw that one coming, didn't you?)
Quote from: Sibling Zono (anon1mat0) on October 26, 2007, 10:29:36 PM
The second one. If you have 65k rows you shouldn't be working on a spreadsheet but on a database even if it is a toy one like MS Access. Not only is going to be quicker but the limitations will come far later.
Hmm.
I hadn't thought of Access, mainly because once all the data is in, I had to do a fair bit of calculation and number-wrangling with it.
But that is an idea. Maybe I should give Access a closer look next time.
The data wasn't really 65,000 rows long. It was a ~2000 x 2000 matrix, but the file that's output from the software that generates it only gives four or five cells per row of text. I could get around the column limitation with a bit of chicanery, but it involved spreading the matrix over 3 worksheets at ~40,000 lines per sheet.
Quote from: Kiyoodle the Gambrinous on October 26, 2007, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: LambiI just hope I don't have to phone anyone or tell time.
So, what time is it?
(you saw that one coming, didn't you?)
I have no idea!!! ;D
Seriously, if you really need to know, I can call you in a bit.
... wait ... ???
Microsoft have a new method of torture.
Onecare message: trojan/{name}: unable to quarantine.
Searching their support site informs one that this means : we have blocked the trojan but we haven't written the software modules to tell you what file is infected or where it is.
Seems Onecare is a bit like a weather report. It can (hmm may?) tell you the cyclone is on the way but not how to avoid it.
Aren't Spybot S&D and AdAware working for you?
---
I trust Microsoft security measures/tools as I trust (and like) Vista. ::) ::) ::)
Onecare was a line of least resistance when I upgraded to XP - let MS run the whole bl**dy show. It's the occasional use machine not the one I use all the time, so I was prepared to prove to myself it was a mistake ;)
I think Onecare is like using selophane to mop up blood spills. ie. only suitable for the Pirate Insult thread. Compared to Norton, it does run without me noticing it, but I think that's mainly because it's not yet bloated with code that actually attempts to do the job one wants done - like telling you which file is infected :mrgreen:
There should be a balance between:
MS (useless) <-------|-------> Norton (partly useless, bloated & buggy)
I use the typical free tools: Firefox (with the AdBlock (http://adblockplus.org/en/) plugin), AVG, Spybot S&D, AdAware, and sometimes ZoneAlarm, but I am aware that certain infections are the end of the system (ie: delete system folder and re-install).
If you don't want all that hassle try ubuntu. Seriously, it does most of the things you may need and it is usually a painless install that can be done as dual boot (win & lin).
I endorse Adaware, Spybot S&D, and would add Spyware Blaster.
For Virus Protection and Firewall, I have been trying Kaspersky (on the recommendation of those I trust). It immediately detected 3 intrusions that both Symantec Corporate and PC-cillin had failed to stop, and is much faster and less of a hog than either (much less of a hog than PC-Cillin). It is also more configurable than anything else I've used.
I'm about to pay for it, I can get either of the others for free, so that might tell you something...
www.kaspersky.com
Mero,
Is that the Home and Home Office version that's configurable? Or just the server versions?
How configurable is it - like ports<->IP<-> etc all definable?
And how about the logs - extensive info ?
I tend to like Lavasoft. CCleaner is lavasoft, I think and does an amazing job of cleaning cookies up.
Symantec is also awesome.
Quote from: Griffin NoName on November 01, 2007, 09:24:25 PM
Mero,
Is that the Home and Home Office version that's configurable? Or just the server versions?
How configurable is it - like ports<->IP<-> etc all definable?
HHM!, that's configurable as understood by someone who doesn't really understand these damned newfangled PC's ::)
You can get a months free trial at that site, so you can answer the questions that are above my head for yourself....
LOL. I always thought your head was pretty high up. ;)
I do not understand Vista.
I've had it for a while, and my internal wireless thingy is weird. I'm about 10-15 miles from a wireless source it thinks it's picking up (the one at school).
It periodically decides it's not going to stay connected to anyone of the eight (!) wireless sources it's currently got registered (the one from Starbucks, the one from another coffee shop, and three from school and one of my neighbor's).
I suspect anytime the connection strength changes, it drops the connection.
Op, I spoke too soon. It's now picking up one. And only one.
Check whether there's a newer driver available for the wireless card in your machine. These problems are almost always that in my experience, not the operating system.
It's best to try and get it from the computer manufacturer's site rather than Intel (or whoever makes the card). e.g. if you've got a Dell portable with an Intel wireless card try the Dell site before the Intel one, in case they've customised the driver.
Someone at work couldn't see a base station 3 feet away until we downloaded the latest driver. You'd (probably) be surprised how buggy some of them are.