BleepingComputer.com: Lots of "This program has stopped working" errors on startup

Hi

On Thursday, after installing some Windows Updates, when I turned the computer back on I got loads of errors saying so and so program had stopped working. I tried system restore, the first few restore points made no difference but then after one restore, the computer wouldn't get past the login screen. It wouldn't work in safe mode either: it wouldn't get past the login screen. System restore on the Vista CD wouldn't work either. I did a memory check on the RAM (two sticks, 1GB each) with the Ubuntu live CD and that popped up loads of errors. I eventually pinpointed the errors to one of the sticks of RAM by taking one stick out at a time.

Using the working stick of RAM, I used system restore to restore to a few days before the problems started. This worked, and enabled me to log in. However, I still get the error boxes on startup. I also got a Norton Error (0x000003E8 and 3035,6 are the error codes) but I've since fixed that with a fix from their website. I've attached a screenshot of all the error boxes that appear. Windows Live Messenger is one of the programs that crashes, and the same error box comes up if I try to open Messenger from the start menu.

Also, when I was trying to run the Norton fix, it said to disable user account control. I did this, but then when I tried to open Internet Explorer (so I could run the fix, Norton says you have to use IE, not Firefox), it immediately came up with "Internet Explorer has stopped working", and it wouldn't open. Enabling user account control fixed this, and I managed to run the Norton fix by running IE as "Run as administrator".

I've since used the Memory Diagnostics tool in Vista, and that's confirmed that one of the RAM sticks and not the other, but it took the extended check to spot the error.

Any help to get rid of these errors and to get my PC running smoothly again would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil

I would suggest uninstalling the applications that are giving errors, then reinstalling them. I'd suspect that the corrupt memory caused a corrupt installation of them.

Here's what I found:
- Windows Live Messenger
- NSWRTPROC usually belongs to products from this company: http://www.newsoftinc.com/
- CTHelper usually belongs to Creative SoundBlaster products
- Norton Security - I'd ditch the whole thing, but if you're determined to keep it, use the Norton Removal Tool to remove all traces and then reinstall it.
- Asus DH Remote software - uninstall it from the Control Panel and visit the Asus website for an updated version
- CTXFIREG - SoundBlaster again
- CTXFIHlp MFC - SoundBlaster again
- NSWRTMON - same as NSWRTPROC

computeruser1234, on Oct 21 2008, 10:07 AM, said:

Hi Neil,

This is Mike from the Norton Authorized Support Team.

Are you using Norton Internet Security version 2007 or 2008? The 2007 version did require some patches to be Vista compatible. Either way, as long as you have a valid subscription to Norton Internet Security 2007 or 2008, you are eligible for a free update to the 2009 version.

I would suggest that you first follow usasma's instructions and remove the other programs that are causing problems at startup.

As far as Norton goes, your best bet is to follow the instructions below to properly remove and then reinstall (update) to the 2009 version which is highly encouraged. Please make note of your Activation key and Norton Account credentials first. You will need this information for the installation of Norton Internet Security 2009.


1. Click on the following link to download the Norton Removal Tool:

Norton Removal Tool and instructions

2. After you run the tool, restart your computer. Log in to Windows again and run the removal tool again. Restart your computer after it is finished running the second time as well.

3. Follow the instructions on the following page to re-download the latest installer for Norton Internet Security.

Re-download Norton Installer

4. After the installation is complete, launch Norton Internet Security 2009 and select "Run LiveUpdate." When that process is finished, perform a "Full System Scan" with Norton Internet Security to check for infections.

Let me know if you experience any issues.

Thank you,
Mike