"RobertVA" wrote:
> Peter T wrote:
> > I am using XP Home Edition, Build 2600 SP2, fully updated, on an Intel P4
> > 3.2Ghz, with 1Gb of memory. ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics. Paging File is
> > system-managed.
> > When playing Spider Solitaire from the integral games pack, with an
> > otherwise blank taskbar, and ONLY when playing Spider, I have been getting
> > BSOD's, and crashes. Monitoring Task Manager whilst playing, I have found
> > that at any point while playing the game, CPU usage will suddenly shoot up
> > from between 0%-20%, up to 40%-55%. Even if at this point I exit the game
> > completely, CPU usage continues at this level for a while until it climbs
> > briefly to 100%, at which point Windows shuts down and I get the dreaded
> > BSOD; DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. I have also seen this behaviour
> > commence AFTER exiting Spider. The only escape is to reboot before CPU usage
> > climbs to 100%. (Or of course to refrain from playing Spider, but I do not
> > consider that a fair workaround!)
> > I have tried copying and renaming Spider, configuring it to work in
> > compatibility mode for Win 2000, with no improvement.
> > Short of uninstalling Spider, any ideas, anyone?
>
> Scan for various malware including viruses, trojans, worms, adware and
> spyware. These scans normally require multiple utilities. Typical
> Antivirus applications don't scan for adware or spyware. Search for
> "Spybot Search and Destroy", "Ad Aware", and the Microsoft Anti-Spyware
> Beta. Remove any malware the utilities detect.
>
> Make sure a firewall is running whenever you are online, even on dialup.
> Firewalls are usually built into routers some use for cable or DSL
> access, but you have to make sure you have a seperate router OR
> combination router/broadband modem. If you are using a broadband modem
> that does not include a firewall you need to use a software firewall.
>
> Open the "Processes" tab on the Windows XP task manager and watch to see
> what process is using so many CPU cycles.
>
> Make sure your CPU and video accelerator aren't overheating. Some
> computer, motherboard and video accelerator manufacturers either include
> tempreture monitoring software with their product or offer the utility
> as a download on their web site. Tempreture monitoring functions are
> also available from third parties includeing Everest Home Edition from
> http://www.lavalys.com/products/over...ng=en&pageid=1 . If
> you are able to check inside your computer case you can also verify that
> the power supply, CPU and any other fans in your computer are spinning.
>
> Run the video and sound accelerator tests in the DirectX Diagnostic
> (DXDIAG). Post the test results, DirectX version and driver versions
> (sound and video) reported by the diagnostic. After you have run the
> tests in the diagnostic you can click the "Save All Information..."
> button to creat a log file from which you can use the Windows cut and
> paste functions to add the information to future posts. Others with
> similar hardware can then compare their driver versions to yours.
>
Thanks for that RobertVA.
My computer is, as far as my fully-updated security software can report,
free of all known malware, and all unknown malware it can detect
heuristically. My firewall is operating.
When this behaviour commences, Task Manager shows 41 processes. After
quitting Spider, with no applications running, the System Idle Process is the
one using all the CPU cycles - between 97 and 99% - as would be normal, I
think, except for the high total CPU usage.
I have downloaded the Everest program you recommended - thank you.
Something odd here. The Everest software reports that it does not fully
support my ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics chip. Perhaps that is why the
temperatures it reports are all over the place. It tells me that the
motherboard temperature is at a fairly constant 76-77C (171F), but the CPU
temp is shown as varying wildly and very frequently, on a timescale of only
seconds, at values anywhere between 3C - 41C. There are 3 fans in the
computer case; power supply, the case itself, and of course the CPU. On
inspection, all are spinning at constant and satisfactory speed, so far as I
can tell from the sound. Certainly the air being expelled at each vent seems
fairly cool.
DirectX is ver.9.0c (4.09.0000.0904), all tests reported no problems.
Video card;
Card name: ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series (0x5A41)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5A41&SUBSYS_0A55174B&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6583 (English)
Sound card;
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4370&SUBSYS_5215174B&REV_01
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5750 (English)
I hope this includes all the information you need for now. Thanks.