computer

[RichB59]

Maybe someone out there can help me? I keep getting error messages on my screen and have to close the program. I don't know a thing about computers. This started about 2 weeks ago and is a great big pain in the a--. Is this a sign of a common problem that I can clear up myself? You guys are always a big help so I thought I would ask.



Rich

 

[KatDiesel]

List the specs of the PC and what operating system you have.



Need more info... ...

 

[RichB59]

Dell

Well my computer is a Dell Demension 350 Pentium 2 and it has windows 98 installed. The message I get says this program has performed an illigal function . Something like that I can't remember the exact word but the option is to close the program and get knocked of line. Like I said I don't know much about computers. I did defrag the system and clean out cookies.



Rich

 

[KatDiesel]

Do you use IE or Netscape? How much memory (RAM)?



What version of IE or Netscape?



This program has performed an illegal function and will be shut down? Is that what it says? Only when your using IE or netscape?

 

[Joe G.]

Rich,



Does this only happen with your browser? If so, which one are you using? IE, Netscape, or AOL? Are you running any other programs? If you are only running the browser what are you doing when it happens? If it only happens when you are shutting down, how are you doing that?

 

[RichB59]

It happens anytime I'm online. I get the message that an illegal function has been performed and it give the option to close or see details. the details are something I don't understand so I have to close the program which takes me offline. It can happen anytime. It's a pain, takes the fun out of using the computer.







Rich

 

[illflem]

Sounds exactly like what happened to me a couple of weeks ago. It only happened with Explorer, it was also the only thing on. Did it for a few days then stopped. Only thing I could figure out that was different was that I had preformed a Windows update a few days earlier and it threw a glitch into IE. Whatever it was it stopped, was a real PITA though. Had to restart the computer every time the illegal function screen came up. Illegal function, it makes you feel like you did something bad!!!

 

[Eventer]

Rich,



First things first. More often than not some software was recently installed is causing the problem. You may have added a plug-in, updated your browser to a later version or added some software that may seem to be totally unrelated to the problem at hand.



Win98 has a recovery feature that will allow you to roll-back to a previous (5 or so) login. However, you may be too late for this to help.



When you receive an illegal function call, look at the details of the error if you can. It may help you to determine what software actually blew up.



On the other hand, it is Windows and you could be in what is called DLL (for Dynamic Link Library) H E double toothpicks.



You might try uninstalling any plug-ins or software installed recently and reinstalling the software that was working. This might clear up the problem. If not, you may be looking at a reinstall of the operating system.



MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BACK-UPS OF ALL YOUR DATA!!!!!



This includes your e-mail files, bookmarks (or Favorites), and a copy of your autoexec file that has been modified to boot from a floppy and allow you to get to your CD. Without this, your computer is nothing more than a paper weight.



Not trying to scare you, but I do this and other computer related stuff for a living and I speak from experience.



Good luck.

 

[RichB59]

Thanks for the help. I think I'll call Dell or ATT and see if they can help me. This happened before and cleared up on it's own???? who knows maybe I'll get lucky



Rich