BSOD when running CCleaner

CCleaner for Windows CCleaner Windows Bug Reporting
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You were all a great help to me here before and I am back hoping that you will answer these few questions for me, as we did discuss these particular issues (see above).

You may recall that I have a genuine ("sort of") copy of XP SP3 installed, but previously I didn't have an XP installation CD and I didn't know the Product Key.

mta - I managed to get the 25 digit Product Key - both Belarc and Magical Jelly Bean (!) Windows Key Finders gave me exactly the same code.

I have also managed to get a brand new genuine XP SP2 installation CD with COA + unused key - haven't seen any SP3 ones and Microsoft no longer distribute XP software. It says for distribution only with a new PC - is that ok?

Will a computer technician be able to reinstall XP SP3 using this and an update (although I'm not too bothered about the Service Pack, as it caused me problems before - I realise it's there for security reasons though). I'm wondering if the Service Pack is an optional choice when installing or if it's integrated and if it's integrated can it be updated to SP3?

Also, please confirm that this CD will enable me to carry out the sfc /scannow command (which was suggested here when I had the BSOD problem); when I previously tried to I was repeatedly asked for the XP installation CD.

This SP2 CD / SP3 computer difference is making me wonder.

A modern operating system would be better I know, but I am not able to get a new computer at present.

22

there will be system file differences between SP2 and SP3 so doing a SFC /SCANNOW you would need the XP version on the PC to match the version on the CD.

(it may work, and won't hurt if you do try but don't be surprised if it still says something along the lines of 'wrong CD, please insert correct XP CD')

as I may have said earlier, you can use any Product Key with any XP CD (it'll work on any SP).

so now you have an installation CD and hopefully your own valid Product Key you should be good to go.

23

Thank you very much for your helpful response mta. :)

So if a person had just Windows XP originally on their computer, once they had downloaded SP1, 2 or 3 that would leave them stuck when it came to the sfc /scannow command.......and in need of a new os installation CD. These additional Service Packs cause problems.......

I'll try, if no good I'll keep my eye out for an XP SP3 installation CD, even though it is now obsolete!

At least one of the problems I previously had should now be solved.

24

Not to butt in, but I can add some relevant info, maybe.

This won't help for a wrong product key number, but if that is good this may help.

Other members are welcome to chime in with a simpler method, this is just how I have reinstalled win xp before.

You can probably do all this stuff yourself, save a trip to the computer shop.

First, I am 99.9 percent sure that if you can get that win xp sp2 installation to boot and run then you can just install sp3 right into it. Then if it is a valid number, xp should go ahead and update for you, and you will have the folder called "C:\i386" mentioned by Derek891 up there in post #12.

Second, you should install sp3. Its safer and just better, imho.

Sp3 is a big file, about 316 mb. I downloaded and saved it because I anticipate reinstalling win xp from time to time, and it is easier than downloading the sp3 installer every time.

Third, once you get xp running like you want it, make and save a backup image.

DennisD uses Macrium Reflect, the free version, and has had great success reinstalling with it.

When I reset my win xp computer to factory original with the disks provided by the factory, it goes back to sp2.

I then simply install sp3 which I have saved on an external USB HDD.

Just copy the file, named WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe to C:\ drive & click on it. After it installs you can delete the installer file from C:\ (but be sure it is saved somewhere).

I have done this several times.

More in a minute. :)

More:

General info about sp3:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929

Things to check before installing sp3:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Download page for sp3:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

25

Thank you very much ISO-later for that useful information, which I will keep, and for taking the time to help me.

This is what I bought, it was one of two, it looks genuine - edge to edge finely detailed holographic disc, the disc / COA is in pristine condition.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OE-M-Microsoft-Windows-XP-Home-Edition-New-Genuine-Unused-includes-COA-key-RAM-/301171746941?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=m6AdQh6hCAsfIsSqRARd8kBymIg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

I purchased this in case there is ever a serious issue / for when reinstalling Windows is the only available option and also I was hoping to carry the sfc /scannow command. If this were a spare computer I would happily go ahead and attempt a fresh installation now, but I've never carried out one before, I wouldn't know where to start and I would be quite terrified that something would go wrong and I would be left with a black screen! I hate being without a computer. I'm quite keen to find out about installing Windows though, I should learn how to.

With regards the C:\i386 folder - I do have that, but if I remember rightly when I last attempted the sfc /scannow command some time ago it wasn't accepted and I still kept being prompted for the XP installation CD.

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You're very welcome. Can't blame you for being hesitant to avoid reinstalling xp. Lack of a backup computer makes it intimidating.

Moreover, when you reinstall windows you might have to reinstall the drivers for your hardware. I have only done that 2 or 3 times. There was a bewildering selection of drivers available for each hardware component, it was not easy to know which to use. Still not sure I selected the "best" drivers, just ones that work.

In any case, you should still make a backup image of your system as it is right now. There are a couple of good free applications that will do that. I would try Macrium first simply because DennisD, one of the moderators here, knows all about it. There is also DriveImage XML which I think Andavari uses.

A good AV is important (mentioned above), and maybe a firewall. If you have been on the 'net for any length of time without one, you can get a checkup from one of the sites listed here: http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showannouncement=15&f=5

Keep that new CD out of direct sunlight, one of mine was destroyed in short order by sunlight.

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There are a couple of good free applications that will do that. I would try Macrium first simply because DennisD, one of the moderators here, knows all about it. There is also DriveImage XML which I think Andavari uses.

I use Macrium Reflect (an older version) simply because it has always worked and has saved my system several times.

28

Thank you ISO-later and Andavan for your useful advice.

“Moreover when you reinstall windows you might have to reinstall the drivers for your hardware.” I would be way out of my depth, would love to learn with a computer technician beside me though.

The recent BSODs made me realise that it was time to get my act together and prepare for a major incident.

I don’t have any of my important documents backed up. Regarding Macrium, which sounds great, where is the back up image of my system stored?

I was without an anti-virus for a short time, but used McAfee Site Advisor before clicking on any unknown links. I did run scans afterwards: Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, McAfee Stinger and TDSS Killer - all clear. I have an anti-virus now and use Windows Firewall.

29

As far as the driver installations, it is just difficult. Techs who do it all the time have shortcuts and an existing knowledge framework that helps.

As far as the backing up stuff, what you do is back up the system to the state it is in right then. If something goes wrong you can install the backup image and start again.

You can save backups to DVD's, but that is slow and not necessarily cheaper in the long run.

Some folks save the backups right on their hard drive and use a rescue disk, created by the backup software, to access them. This will fail if the hard drive fails.

Best way, imho, is to purchase an external USB hard drive and save the backups there. Those USB hard drives are getting cheaper all the time, and you don't need a really big one. I have a 500 gb external USB drive that I have been loading up with free software for years, and it is only about half full. You could probably get by with a 100 gb drive for 3 or 4 backups.

Fwiw I have 6 saved backups that amount to about 95 gb of data, and a rescue disk to use to restore them. If I used the 500 gb external for backups, I could save probably 25 or 30 backups, far more than needed. You only need 2 or 3. Make one as soon as win xp is installed and updated. Make another when you get all your desired software installed and running properly. Make the third at intervals like 2 weeks (your choice). You can replace the last one from time to time if you need to free up the space.

30

As far as the driver installations, it is just difficult.

I know from having two Dell PC's back to back that theirs isn't difficult because they give a CD with all of them on it, which is also possible via their website to get updated versions.

I'd imagine more PC manufacturers would have something along the lines of Dell such as on their websites where you punch in your ID and then you get a list of compatible drivers tailored specifically for your system.

31

Thank you very much for your detailed and helpful responses, oh I've been calling you the wrong username, sorry login123.....and I've only just seen your last post Andavan, had to come back to edit my response.

So now I know what I need to do - since posting the original question I've acquired my current os Product Key and an installation CD, neither of which I had before, when I have backed up my system too I'll have peace of mind.

What a great team you are here. To everyone who has helped me, I appreciate you taking the time to do so. I'll have to remind myself that this is a CCleaner Forum otherwise I'll be coming here with ALL my computer problems. ;)

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I'll have to remind myself that this is a CCleaner Forum otherwise I'll be coming here with ALL my computer problems

I always feel guilty coming into a topic late, after the other guys have done all the work, but I just want to say eloise that this is a "Community Forum" which means you can come here for anything.

Advice or help with anything computer related, or simply chat about general stuff in the "Lounge" area of the forum.

You don't even have to have a problem. Come here to learn stuff or simply say hello and you'll be more than welcome.

You can even let us know when it's your birthday and you'll get congrats from all corners of the globe in the "Birthday Place" topic. That's cool. :)

I'll butt out now. :)

33

Hey Eloise...I got distracted, meant to pop back in and say that when I had to install drivers, it was for an oddball win xp installation onto hardware that wasn't really intended to run it anyway.

You might have an easier time of it, especially w/ help from here if you want to try. I wouldn't be much help, probably just got lucky that it worked at all for me, but somebody here knows how.

But as you have a custom built computer, I suspect that you would have to identify the hardware components then find the drivers, maybe not as easy as a standard factory built rig, but do-able.

34

Oh really, how nice, I thought I might have been overstepping the mark.

It's very good to know that DennisD, thank you.

:)

login123 I have a standard factory built Dell computer. I'm not going to reinstall Windows until there's a major problem, if I knew how to I would do so now, but it's not vital for me to, as my computer is running reasonably ok.

35

I misunderstood, thought that since a tech had installed your OS it was probably a custom build.

Being a Dell might make the drivers easier to find.

Probably the CD for that computer will have ME drivers, but the xp ones should be available from Dell also.

And you can still make a backup image.

I think you can use Macrium to save the image right there on your HDD if you don't want purchase an external HDD just yet.

Not sure of that, never used macrium.

I could do the google search and check, but I hate to recommend anything that i have not done myself. Only way to know it works is when it works. :P

36

I always go to a computer technician when there are major problems.

"I think you can use Macrium to save the image right there on your HDD if you don't want purchase an external HDD just yet."

I'm not familiar with the term HDD, I'd need to find out.

I'd also like to save my documents on a memory stick, not done that before.

37

By HDD i meant hard drive. :)

Meaning that if you have enough unused space you could save backup images on your computer, although it is a bit safer to save them to an external HDD incase your system HDD crashes.

Saving to a memory stick is a good idea, very easy,

Open windows explorer, find the items you want to save, drag & drop them to your memory stick.

(Easiest way to open windows explorer is just simultaneously press the windows logo key and the letter E.)

Then double check the memory stick to make sure they got there, and wallah !! they're saved.

38

Thank you so much, will follow your instructions. :)

Yes I have plenty of space.

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Thank you so much, will follow your instructions. :)

Yes I have plenty of space.

Space is ABSOLUTELY USELESS for backups unless it is the "right sort of space".

Space on an external device should survive any disaster to your main internal drive,

and be available when you need a backup of something that was on the internal drive before the disaster.

Space in a separate partition on the main internal drive should survive any disasters to your main Windows System partition C:\,

and is better than no backup at all,

but if the main drive suffers physical or electrical damage then the future is less rosy.

You can shrink C:\ to release space for creating a backup partition on the main drive.

If I have a backup of C:\ then I am happy to shrink C:\

Without a backup then I find that a bit of a gamble and a "catch 22" situation :rolleyes:

No ransom malware can encrypt/destroy your backups whilst you keep them on an external drive that is disconnected.

40

Thank you Alan_B.......mmmm so creating a backup to the main internal drive wouldn't be without risk and would be too complicated for me. Clearly saving to an external drive is by far the best option, I was told it would be best earlier.

For now at least, once carried out, I will have my documents backed up onto a memory stick.

:)