Might as well make a running thread for when everyone has PC problems instead of new threads all the time.

I've been having lots of blue screen crashes lately, about 10 over the last 3 days. I've done all sorts of checks. Checked the RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic, did a chkdsk, updated every single driver in the system, applied some Vista hotfixes, nothing, still crashing. One file is causing it all according to WhoCrashed?, a crash dump analyzer. Here are the last three crash dumps:



They all point to this aksfridge.sys file, which is part of the HASP Management system, which is DRM management for hardware and software. Problem is, I have no idea what software is using it or installed it in the first place. HASP doesn't show up as a unique program in the Control Panel uninstall, nor do the files associate with any other files. I called Aladdin just now and they weren't much help, and said they can't be of much help because they don't know what version of their driver I'm using since I don't know what software it's associated with. But I don't know what software it's associated with! So I said, "What if I just remove the aksfridge.sys driver from my windows drivers folder, would that work? She said yeah, it might, but half seemed like she just wanted to get me off the phone since they don't really deal with end users, just vendors.

A pretty tricky problem. Any ideas, computer friends?

:sarcasm: Oh suuuuuuuuuuuuuure I make a suggestion for a Rick Sticky thread and everyone ignores meeeeeeee. Now Pete has a problem and all of a sudden there's another suggestion for a sticky.....hmmmmm :sarcasm off:

hehehehe

Sorry, I never saw it. If Hollywood ever wants to make a movie out out Rick91981: The Thread, I'll give you credit.

I'll have to get back to you in an hour or two, I have a client coming in shortly.

Ok client delayed on me so I have a few minutes. For starters, do you have any software programs that require a USB dongle to be plugged into the machine in order to work? That is typically what the file is associated with. Secondly, just because the file name matches, does not mean that it really is from Aladdin Systems. It could potentially be a virus disguising itself as a legit file. Upload a copy of the file to http://virusscan.jotti.org/ (the very top of the page is where you can upload the file) and it will scan it using several antivirus softwares to help determine if the file is indeed legit. Then we will see how to proceed.

Also, if you go into your control panel and then double click on System. On the left side, click on Device Manager. In device manager, click on View menu and then click "Show Hidden Devices." Scroll down to Non Plug and Play drivers and click the + next to it. Go through the list and see if you see anything related to either Aladdin or HASP. If so, right click it and choose properties. In the new window that comes up, click the driver tab at the top. Note what the startup type is and then change it to disabled and click ok. Reboot and see if you are still having problems.

Okay, I uploaded that aksfridge.sys file to that multiple virus checker and found nothing. So I went to the Device Manager like you said, enabled hidden devices and saw aksfridge listed as one of them. I have it set to disabled now. Nice stuff to know, thanks.

I had already taken the aksfridge.sys file out of my System32/Drivers folder yesterday and also saw a service on my machine called HASP License Manager (hasplm.exe) running, which I assume uses aksfridge.sys, so I also disabled that and set it not to autoload on bootup as well. So far, so good since I did that, but finding aksfridge running in the hidden devices probably really cleared the problem.

I'm not sure how this got on here. I bought one of those Zboard gaming keyboards last week (thing sucks!) and maybe that had some USB-dependent rights management. Or maybe it's just software related. I guess I'll find out if I try to play a game or use an app and it doesn't run. Far better than BSODs, though. I assume we've fixed this for now. Thanks again.

You might also check up on some of the games off those Download Services you might have gotten recently. Some games install their own DRM software ontop of the stuff that the download service, like Steam, provide. I think the Steam games that have extra DRM mention it in the game description in Steam, but I'm not sure about that.

Glad to help. I assumed the virus scan would come back clean but it is better to check and be sure. As far as how it got on there, its hard to say for sure. Like you said, when you run across something that doesn't work then you found the culprit.

Soooo...My computer started typing backwards last night. Most annoying thing ever. It was only happening in Firefox (not in Word or other programs). I did some hunting around and saw that it could be a spyware issue, so I did the spyware scan and deleted a few threats. Now it's fine. Or so I hope because this apparently can be taken care of with a restart and then it comes back (I restarted the computer twice because I did two scans).

Just want to make sure I did the right thing here and if there's anything else I should be doing.

By the way, suggestions on virus software?

AVG Free.

seconding this.

I started running AVG Free along with Avira Antivirus.

Yep. It works well for me. As for removing the spyware, what did you use? I recommend Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware.





Don't ever run two real time scanners at the same time. They can conflict an cause major stability issues.

You recommended that to me a long time ago

No kidding, I didn't know that. I was actually told that running 1 wasn't sufficient enough.

And you expect me to remember that? I barely remember yesterday.

Yeh, pick one and remove the other. Having one is all you need. Do a monthly scan with an antispy app, keep antivirus up to date, and practice safe browsing habits and you should never have a problem.

Verizon provided me with a new DSL modem and I hooked it up today. It's a Westell 6100F. I wanted to access the GUI and all online guides tell me to enter "http://192.168.1.1/". problem is that that is the IP address for my Linksys router.

I tried http://192.168.1.2/ but tha did nothing. Any ideas?

I'm sure there's a setting someplace in your Linksys router that lets you change the address you use. Then, hopefully, 192.168.1.1 will point to your modem. Or, you could just plug directly into the modem and do your business.

I saw the setting in my router GUI but was afraid that if I changed it the whole thing would blow up. Would it?

Browsing the internet without protection is more dangerous than unprotected sex these days.

But not using AV software doesn't feel SOO good.

It's the adrenaline rush that gets me going.

"Whew, I need to wake up, time to browse with IE!"

"OOOOH MAN, ILLEGAL SCRIPTS! RUN THEM! RUNNN THEMMM!"

/passes out

You would probably need to connect directly to the modem unless you have it set to bridge mode to enable the Linksys to have control of the network. The modem has a built in router to it. If you do not need to change any specific settings on the Westell then I would just leave it and not mess with it if all is working.

THANK YOU once again Rick..and RedHerring too!

This is a pretty simple one: been meaning to get a new machine for a while, and finally have the cash and motivation to do so. A while back, either Rick or Kusand posted a link to a few sites that had some good deals - anyone remember what I'm talking about? My needs are pretty simple - reasonable power, big monitor, low cost (under $1000, preferably in the $500-$800 range). About the most draining use I can imagine I'd need it for is ripping music and watching sports online.

The two people who I know that are most knowledgeable about this stuff other than Rick swear that I should get a Mac. Seems like PCs are overall a much cheaper option, though. I also really have no need for a laptop, which seems like what most Macs are. I suppose I could buy a big monitor and keyboard, but don't want to make this complicated.

Any links, suggestions on brands, etc. are welcome.

Ehh I find it hard to recommend a desktop computer company because it's so much better to build your own. Of course, if you're lacking in those skills that doesn't really help much. I hate Dell and HP. Macs are overpriced for their power. I dunno... maybe go to Newegg.com and look at their complete systems. Obviously, customer support beyond getting the whole thing replaced is not gonna happen.

To be honest, you can get a machine for WELL under $1000 that would serve the purposes you outlined. I can tell you that I've had an Acer LCD monitor for 4 years now and that thing is fucking solid. Back then it was $150-200 I think, which was ultra-cheap, and that thing is perfect to this day.

Something like this is more than enough for your uses at $439: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16883113078

Just need to buy a nice flat screen to go with it at $200-$300. I'd suggest you get one with 1920x1200 or 1920x1080 resolution. Better image quality and it will give you a nice huge desktop. Yes, everything will look tiny at first, but you'll get used to it.

PISSES ME OFF how cheap all this is now. Two summers ago I built a cutting edge machine for over $4,000 that I could probably put together today for $1500!!

Moore's Law, man

Yeah, that looks about right, thanks. What do you mean, "everything will look tiny"?

Red, people here have recommended building my own machine, but as you suggest, I have neither the talent nor time to do that. I'd rather get something that I can just plus in and use right out of the box.

I'd be leery of Gateway. Their company has gone downhill a lot. I'd still with either a Dell of preferably, and HP. Check techbargains.com and you can often find some really good deals. I would expect you can find a solid machine for about $600 give or take. As far as monitors, stay as far awa from Viewsonic as humanly possible.

Why that is the very thing that I am reading and typing this on right now (at work).

They're nice while they work. But they have a very bad habit of breaking far too often. 99% of the dead monitors that I deal with are Viewsonic. And then when they do break and you call up for warranty support, it takes about 6 weeks and multiple phone calls before you get a monitor back that probably still doesn't work.

I'm on my second ViewSonic monitor at home -- I had a 15'' way back in the day, and a couple of years ago, my wife bought me a 22'' widescreen, and both have been just fine for me. I've never had any problems with either one (knock on wood).

Older ones are rock solid. Its the ones in the last 3 or so years that have taken a dive on their quality control. As long as they keep working then that's great. I have just come across many many dead ones in my job. It seems the main cause is faulty power units in the monitor.

OK, how about this one? Same stuff as the one you recommended, with more RAM at the same price.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16883113094

And this monitor:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824009163

So how this work? You just plug one thing into the other thing and it all works, right? Instant high-def porn hockey?

Got an Amex?

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.ph...;highlight=dell

Yes, that is better. More RAM and a better video card. Good find. Monitor seems fine, too.

Since this is a computer thread, I'll post this here.

There are tons of old Macs that get excessed for public sale here at work. I would consider buying one of the old ones just for the case, and then putting parts for a hackintosh inside. That would be pretty cool, if I was any good at building stuff.

Here is a better use

Coupon codes should you decide to go with Dell or HP:

15% off Dell Inspiron Desktop Computers $599+ Coupon Code: KWNC$M1PMMR03M Expires: May 29

30% off HP Pavilion & HDX Laptops $999+ Coupon Code: NB3857 Expires: May 31

$350 off HP Desktops $999+ Coupon Code: DT3872 Expires: May 31

STACKABLE $30 off HP Laptops & Desktops Coupon Code: SV2132 Expires: Jul 31

Don't hate.

But it's so easy to do...

I'm considering building i7 core machine. Fuck is it expensive though. Mobo and processor alone are going to cost me around 500$. Maybe I should just stick with dual core's for now.

I'd kill for an i7 but simply cant afford it at the moment.

Yeah, in pricing out all the components I think I can build it for less than a thousand dollars but that is only if I skimp on the video card. I'm trying to get the cost down to around 700$ before I begin but its not looking too good right now.

Speaking of video cards, can you recommend any? I'm not looking for anything in the high end gaming area since I really don't use my pc for gaming anymore. Just need something that can handle good video playback.

I could easily do a build for $600-700 because I can re-use my case, psu, optical and hard drives. But I am in the process of buying a house so I have no money to spare at the moment.

As far as video cards, go cheap if you don't game anymore. Any modern videocard should handle video playback without much trouble. A good middle of the road card like this should be good. $40(after $10 rebate) and it will even handle most games fairly well.

Rick -

Is there a big difference between Gateway and Dell/HP in terms of quality? Seems like you can get a lot more for less with Gateway. I'll pay for quality, but if there isn't really a significant difference, I'd just as soon go with the lower cost option.