Software problem!

[Reece]

Hi, I have 2 almost identicle systems with same ram, HDD's, Video, sound, processor etc with XP pro SP3. On one machine I can run 3DMark05 with no problems, on the other it just sit's there & hitting ALt-Ctrl-Del shows application not responding, if I set the compatability mode to Win98/me then it runs, anyone have any idea what gives?
Thanks.

[CaptainHaplo]

Go into the task manager and look under properties - see what is running on one machine that isnt on the other. There are some process viewer/explore apps out there that are better than taskmgr as well.

I don't ever mess with that program so I can only give generalized advice.

Compare everything - for example - same graphix card? Check the version of drivers - do they match? Etc etc.

[Reece]

One machine is my Sons, the other mine, we purchased at the same time & installed at the samer time, one of the first things I did was to check running services, I have quite a few more than his as I have a G15 keyboard that has 3 processors running, if anything mine should have the problems, I highlighted most non essential services & hit "End Task" but still no go! BTW I use msconfig.exe, went through the services & unticked most of the useless & redundant services on both machines till identicle.
Most wierd, tried with 3DMark07 (could have been 06), exactly the same!!
Both machines have the same drivers except keyboard & internet router.

[Thomen]

Originally Posted by Reece

One machine is my Sons, the other mine, we purchased at the same time & installed at the samer time, one of the first things I did was to check running services, I have quite a few more than his as I have a G15 keyboard that has 3 processors running, if anything mine should have the problems, I highlighted most non essential services & hit "End Task" but still no go! BTW I use msconfig.exe, went through the services & unticked most of the useless & redundant services on both machines till identicle.
Most wierd, tried with 3DMark07 (could have been 06), exactly the same!!
Both machines have the same drivers except keyboard & internet router.

I assume you went through and checked for virus and spy ware?
Drivers are all updated/the same on either machine?
OS updates installed?

I would run a full blown diagnostic on it.

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

http://www.fullandfree.info/software...4800-analyzer/

[Reece]

Both have Ad-Aware & Avira!

[Thomen]

Originally Posted by Reece

Both have Ad-Aware & Avira!

Those are nice to have, but still, I would check with a free online scanner regardless, just to make sure.

Also:
Check and get rid of temp files,
Make sure the HDD's are defraged and OK,
Check if all drivers are installed correct,
Look for possible problems with DRM if he uses his PC for games, or has to use dongles or other proprietary DRM hard/software.

What kind of software is installed?


Just for kicks and giggles, I would make a back up of his files and just format:c the thing and reinstall the OS.

[Reece]

Just for kicks and giggles, I would make a back up of his files and just format:c the thing and reinstall the OS.

I wouldn't!!
Will go through checking some of the installed software as you say, has to be something that's been installed!

[Reece]

Isn't it typical, I just got the new system up and running with new PSU & box, ran for several hours then the PSU died!! Twas only a Vantec ION2+ 600w but thought it'd be better than a generic one!
Isn't it amazing, I updated my system only to find my original box didn't have enough fans/ventilation, so I wanted a new box but the Vantec Nine Hundred I ordered wasn't available so I got a Thermaltake V9, turned out to be rather flimsy & none of the fans were 3 pin, all 2 so I had to get 2 new fans, as it turned out the PSU unit is located at the bottom now & cables far too short so I purchased a new PSU, and as stated above died! so now I have to get that replaced!!