Mouse Pointer Temporarily Stops Responding

The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
continues working normally.

An example of this problem follows.

Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do not
fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
mouse pointer is frozen.

Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a ZoneAlarm
dialog pops up.

Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
pointer, I did not reaplace the file.

What could be causing the pointer to freeze?

Thanks to all for responding.

"Not My Name" wrote in message
...
| The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
| dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
| continues working normally.
|
| An example of this problem follows.
|
| Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
| with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
| Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do not
| fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
| mouse pointer is frozen.
|
| Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a ZoneAlarm
| dialog pops up.
|
| Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
| C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
| Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
| pointer, I did not reaplace the file.
|
| What could be causing the pointer to freeze?
|
| Thanks to all for responding.

I doubt ampx.dll has anything to do with. I have none & DO get MULTIPLE
freezes-- 3 or 4, even-- AFTER clicking to connect to NetZero. It stops
shortly after the connection is finally made. While it is in the process
of connecting & opening it's IE window, anything clicked might seem to
cause the freeze, but it will freeze even w/o any click.

I'm thinking it's NORMAL for that to happen these days. I think it
started after taking one of the later MS critical updates. I especially
suspect the first of these...!...

KB891711 Registry (Machine Service)
c:\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
KB918547 Registry (Machine Service)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB918547\KB918547.EXE

...., but I guess it could have been one of the IE cumulatives too. So as
the freezing stops after the connection is mage, I guess we are fine.

"PCR" wrote in message
...
"Not My Name" wrote in message
...
| The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
| dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
| continues working normally.
|
| An example of this problem follows.
|
| Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
| with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
| Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do not
| fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
| mouse pointer is frozen.
|
| Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a ZoneAlarm
| dialog pops up.
|
| Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
| C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
| Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
| pointer, I did not reaplace the file.
|
| What could be causing the pointer to freeze?
|
| Thanks to all for responding.

I doubt ampx.dll has anything to do with. I have none & DO get MULTIPLE
freezes-- 3 or 4, even-- AFTER clicking to connect to NetZero. It stops
shortly after the connection is finally made. While it is in the process
of connecting & opening it's IE window, anything clicked might seem to
cause the freeze, but it will freeze even w/o any click.

I'm thinking it's NORMAL for that to happen these days. I think it
started after taking one of the later MS critical updates. I especially
suspect the first of these...!...

KB891711 Registry (Machine Service)
c:\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
KB918547 Registry (Machine Service)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB918547\KB918547.EXE

..., but I guess it could have been one of the IE cumulatives too. So as
the freezing stops after the connection is mage, I guess we are fine.



I'm thinking you are sharing resources between the dialup device and the
mouse (IRQ)

Have you run a full system virus scan and checked for any other spyware/adware
that may have compromised your machine?

Run a full system virus scan with fully up-to-date definitions.

**It is very important to run the update for each program before running the
app/s to be sure you have the latest definitions.**
Run the programs in Safe Mode after assuring you have shut down all running
tasks except explorer or systray and all apps are fully up to date.
Remove your Temp Internet files: Right click IE. Under the General tab click
Delete Files, put a check in Delete all Offline..., click OK and close when
finished.
Delete all files in c:\windows\temp.

Download/run Cool Web Shredder from:
http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html

For Info on Cool Web Search variants:
http://www.richardthelionhearted.com...hronicles.html

Download/install/run Ad-Aware SE to detect/rid of any other parasites/spyware
that may be installed. It can be obtained free from:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
After installing Ad-Aware, open it and click on the ref update to get the
latest up-to-date ref file, then run Ad-Aware and delete everything it finds.

Download/install/run Spybot - Search & Destroy:
http://security.kolla.de/index.php?l...&page=download
Run it at it's default settings until you learn an know more about it. Spybot
S&D is more of an advanced users tool and changing from the default settings can
be dangerous to the novice user. Items found in the default settings that are
RED can usually be safely removed. If you are unsure of a found item, do not
remove it and ask for help.

If you still have problems, download/run HijackThis from:
http://www.richardthelionhearted.com...downloads.html
http://majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html

Copy HJT to it's own folder, this is where the log files will be saved. Run
HJT in Normal Mode.
Do not remove anything with it until you get advice on what to remove, HJThis
will list many apps that are needed along with the bad ones. Removing items
listed hap-hazardly without knowing what they are can/will create a royal mess.
Read the quick start here on how to create a log file that can be copied/pasted
into a forum that can provide assistance on removal of unwanted pests.
http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/#quick

Then post the logs to an appropriate forum where they specialize in
spyware/hijacker removal. Please read any sticky notes for proper posting which
are most commonly posted first at the top in each specific forum. Read any
information under each forum category name for information on what that
particular one is used for, look for the proper one that you post logs to.
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/
http://aumha.net/
http://forum.aumha.org/

After running the above and assuring you have a clean machine:
It's also a good idea to have a HOSTS file to block bad sites, scroll to HOSTS
File Manager he
http://www.mvps.org/PracticallyNerded/Software.htm

Download/install/run SpywareBlaster which stops the badboys before they even get
a chance to install:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


BudV wrote:
My system came from a commercial LAN (a network named "Bluegrass" geared
toward mechanical contractors), and calls for a password at system startup.
I bypass it by pressing Enter, so it's a minor inconvenience, but I would
like to remove it altogether.

If I run "control password2", the option to request a password at startup is
already unchecked. Any other ideas?


--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


Not My Name wrote:
The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
continues working normally.

An example of this problem follows.

Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do not
fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
mouse pointer is frozen.

Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a ZoneAlarm
dialog pops up.

Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
pointer, I did not reaplace the file.

What could be causing the pointer to freeze?

Thanks to all for responding.

On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 21:49:36 -0300, "Haggis"
wrote:


"PCR" wrote in message
...
"Not My Name" wrote in message
...
| The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
| dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
| continues working normally.
|
| An example of this problem follows.
|
| Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
| with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
| Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do not
| fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
| mouse pointer is frozen.
|
| Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a ZoneAlarm
| dialog pops up.
|
| Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
| C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
| Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
| pointer, I did not reaplace the file.
|
| What could be causing the pointer to freeze?
|
| Thanks to all for responding.

I doubt ampx.dll has anything to do with. I have none & DO get MULTIPLE
freezes-- 3 or 4, even-- AFTER clicking to connect to NetZero. It stops
shortly after the connection is finally made. While it is in the process
of connecting & opening it's IE window, anything clicked might seem to
cause the freeze, but it will freeze even w/o any click.

I'm thinking it's NORMAL for that to happen these days. I think it
started after taking one of the later MS critical updates. I especially
suspect the first of these...!...

KB891711 Registry (Machine Service)
c:\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
KB918547 Registry (Machine Service)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB918547\KB918547.EXE

..., but I guess it could have been one of the IE cumulatives too. So as
the freezing stops after the connection is mage, I guess we are fine.



I'm thinking you are sharing resources between the dialup device and the
mouse (IRQ)


I
Checked in Device Manager.

The Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse is IRQ 12 with no conflicts and not
being shared by any other device.

Where do I find the dialup IRQ?

However, I did find the following peculiar and don't know what to make
of them:

1)C-Media AC97 Audio Device --- IRQ 10 (no conflict)
SiS 7001PCI to USB Open Host Controller --- IRQ 10 (no conflict)

2)Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller --- IRQ 11 (no
conflict)
SiS661FX_760_741_M661Fx_... --- IRQ 11 (no conflict)

3)SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller --- IRQ14 & IRQ15 (no conflict)
Primary IDE Controller (dual fifo) --- IRQ 14 (no conflict)
Secondary IDE Controller (dual fifo) --- IRQ 15 (no conflict)

Are any of the above in conflict?

Thanks.

"Not My Name" wrote in message
...
| On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 21:49:36 -0300, "Haggis"
| wrote:
|
|
| "PCR" wrote in message
| ...
| "Not My Name" wrote in message
| ...
| | The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever
a
| | dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
| | continues working normally.
| |
| | An example of this problem follows.

....snip...
| I doubt ampx.dll has anything to do with. I have none & DO get
MULTIPLE
| freezes-- 3 or 4, even-- AFTER clicking to connect to NetZero. It
stops
| shortly after the connection is finally made.

....snip
| I'm thinking you are sharing resources between the dialup device and
the
| mouse (IRQ)

It doesn't seem to be so, Haggis.

| I
| Checked in Device Manager.
|
| The Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse is IRQ 12 with no conflicts and not
| being shared by any other device.

Yea, me too. Nothing is shared with 12, & 12 is standard for the Mouse.

| Where do I find the dialup IRQ?

Probably, your Communications Port & Modem (IRQs 4 & 10 for me) would be
"involved" with the ISP.

| However, I did find the following peculiar and don't know what to make
| of them:
|
| 1)C-Media AC97 Audio Device --- IRQ 10 (no conflict)
| SiS 7001PCI to USB Open Host Controller --- IRQ 10 (no conflict)

It's normal & OK for some devices to share an IRQ.

| 2)Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller --- IRQ 11 (no
| conflict)
| SiS661FX_760_741_M661Fx_... --- IRQ 11 (no conflict)
|
| 3)SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller --- IRQ14 & IRQ15 (no conflict)
| Primary IDE Controller (dual fifo) --- IRQ 14 (no conflict)
| Secondary IDE Controller (dual fifo) --- IRQ 15 (no conflict)
|
| Are any of the above in conflict?

I think we are fine with that, so long as there are no complaints in
Device Manager.

| Thanks.

You may post your IRQs this way...
"START button, Run, MSInfo32, Hardware Resources, IRQs"
...., & use the Edit menu. Here are mine...

0 System timer
1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
2 Programmable interrupt controller
3 Trident Blade3D/MVP4 (63)
3 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
4 Communications Port (COM1)
5 ESS Allegro-1 PCI AudioDrive
5 ESS Allegro-1 Device Manager
5 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
6 Standard Floppy Disk Controller
7 ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
8 System CMOS/real time clock
9 SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus
10 PCTEL Platinum V.90 Modem
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
11 VIA Tech 3038 PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
11 VIA Tech 3038 PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
11 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
12 WheelMouse1 (PS/2)
13 Numeric data processor
14 Primary IDE controller (dual fifo)
14 VIA Bus Master PCI IDE Controller
15 Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)
15 VIA Bus Master PCI IDE Controller

In my case, looks like IRQs 4 & 10 are involved with my ISP, BUT my
mouse is 12.

On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:25:07 -0400, "PCR" wrote:

I think we are fine with that, so long as there are no complaints in
Device Manager.

No complaints or conflicts in Device Manager. I will check on that
again to make sure.

Below are my IRQs. Notice "ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering" both
sharing 10 and 11.

0 System timer
1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
2 Programmable interrupt controller
3 Infrared PnP Serial Port (*PNP0510)
4 Communications Port (COM1)
5 MPU-401 Compatible
6 Standard Floppy Disk Controller
7 ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
8 System CMOS/real time clock
9 SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
10 Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem
10 SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller
10 SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller
10 C-Media AC97 Audio Device
11 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
11 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
11 Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
11 SiS 661FX_760_741_M661FX_M760_M741
12 Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse
13 Numeric data processor
14 Primary IDE controller (dual fifo)
14 SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller
15 Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)
15 SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller

SideNote: Monitor is almost gone. So, sorry for spelling and other
errors. Brought to the shop and was told need a new one. It's an old
refurbished monitor I purchased in Sep 2001. It has served me well for
the $75 I paid for it. Ordered another one (I think it was an LCD)
from Staples and the next day they call me to tell me it's out of
stock. Arghh!!

Thanks for all the help through the years.

John

PS: just finished updating virus/spyware signatures as suggested by
Brian A. and will run them asap.

"Not My Name" wrote in message
...
| On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 20:02:54 -0400, "PCR" wrote:
|
| "Not My Name" wrote in message
| .. .
| | The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
| | dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
| | continues working normally.
| |
| | An example of this problem follows.
| |
| | Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
| | with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
| | Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do
not
| | fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
| | mouse pointer is frozen.
| |
| | Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a
ZoneAlarm
| | dialog pops up.
| |
| | Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
| | C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
| | Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
| | pointer, I did not reaplace the file.
| |
| | What could be causing the pointer to freeze?
| |
| | Thanks to all for responding.
|
| I doubt ampx.dll has anything to do with. I have none & DO get
MULTIPLE
| freezes-- 3 or 4, even-- AFTER clicking to connect to NetZero. It
stops
| shortly after the connection is finally made. While it is in the
process
| of connecting & opening it's IE window, anything clicked might seem
to
| cause the freeze, but it will freeze even w/o any click.
|
| I'm thinking it's NORMAL for that to happen these days. I think it
| started after taking one of the later MS critical updates. I
especially
| suspect the first of these...!...
|
| KB891711 Registry (Machine Service)
| c:\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
| KB918547 Registry (Machine Service)
| C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB918547\KB918547.EXE
|
| ..., but I guess it could have been one of the IE cumulatives too. So
as
| the freezing stops after the connection is mage, I guess we are fine.
|
|
| Thanks, PCR.
|
| I forgot to mention that this problem started about a month and a half
| ago and that immediately before the problem I had an error message
| about a dialog box waiting for a response from something. The system
| froze and and had to restart with the system. It's an error message
| that I have seen before, but did not tkae not of it as I usual do.

You must undergo hypnosis to remember that error message. Terhune can do
it! In the meantime, yea, do the virus/spy checking Brian A. posted.
Also, perhaps do a Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing) & a
Defrag-- JUST don't let them constantly restart!

| I don't think my problem is similar to yours.
|
| If I click on my Earthlink dialer, the dialer appears with empty
| fields (profile, password, location, tel number) and freezes. After 30
| seconds the default profile appears and I'm able to change the profile
| and connect.

I DO get a similar effect clicking my NetZero. But there are additional
freezes afterwards. Well, NetZero does put up a little TV screen with
ads. I guess that could be involved. But, even after the screen is gone,
there is one/two more freezes before it's all over. I GUESS that is
different from your situation. Also, I'm not really sure what's doing it
to me, anyhow.

Also, if yours began LONG after you took those critical updates as I
think you've said, I GUESS it wasn't them, too. The other thing I
suspect is that these apps are placing a "hook" on the mouse &/or
keyboard. NetZero does two of these! You can see them at...

"START button, Run, MSInfo32, Software Environment, System Hooks"
Here are mine...

Keyboard Wbhook32.dll WEBSCANX.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\Wbhook32.dll C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\WEBSCANX.EXE

GetMessage Hook.dll EXEC.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\Hook.dll
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\EXEC.EXE

Window Procedure Hook.dll EXEC.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\Hook.dll
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\EXEC.EXE

Mouse Wbhook32.dll WEBSCANX.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\Wbhook32.dll C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\WEBSCANX.EXE

Mouse Lgmoushk.dll EM_EXEC.EXE C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\Lgmoushk.dll
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE

My final suspicion is that NetZero did a stealth update (as I know it
sometimes will do) to cause this problem.

| The same with some ZoneAlarm dialog boxe. A dialog box
| pops up asking if I want to "allow connect" or "allow server." As soon
| as the dialog box appears the mouse pointer freezes for 30 seconds.
| Thirty seconds later the pointer unfreezes and am able to respond with
| a YES or NO. At all other times, either locally or on the Internet, I
| have no problems.

Still that sounds like possible NET involvement. Does it set a hook? Can
it be ZoneAlarm is interfering with EarthLink?

I guess...

(a) Do as Brian A. said.
(b) Maybe try a Scandisk/Defrag.
(c) Test EarthLink with ZoneAlarm off.
(d) Un/re-install EarthLink &/or ZoneAlarm, if easy enough.
(e) Ignore it all, if it just happens only once at first click.

| I'm up to date with the critical updates and haven't made any since
| this past Summer. The problem started months after the last update.
|
| Thanks for the response. Much appreciated.

"Not My Name" wrote in message
...
| On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:25:07 -0400, "PCR" wrote:
|
| I think we are fine with that, so long as there are no complaints in
| Device Manager.
|
| No complaints or conflicts in Device Manager. I will check on that
| again to make sure.
|
| Below are my IRQs. Notice "ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering" both
| sharing 10 and 11.
|
| 0 System timer
| 1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
| 2 Programmable interrupt controller
| 3 Infrared PnP Serial Port (*PNP0510)
| 4 Communications Port (COM1)
| 5 MPU-401 Compatible
| 6 Standard Floppy Disk Controller
| 7 ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
| 8 System CMOS/real time clock
| 9 SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus
| 10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
| 10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
| 10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
| 10 Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem
| 10 SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller
| 10 SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller
| 10 C-Media AC97 Audio Device
| 11 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
| 11 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
| 11 Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
| 11 SiS 661FX_760_741_M661FX_M760_M741
| 12 Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse
| 13 Numeric data processor
| 14 Primary IDE controller (dual fifo)
| 14 SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller
| 15 Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)
| 15 SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller

All right. Uhhh... I know it's OK for IRQ Holder to be all over the
place, even multiple ones in one IRQ. I know it's OK for IRQs to be
shared. I think that is so, even if the devices concerned can sometimes
be used at the same time. Looks to me all the standard IRQs are OK in
yours & mine. Only your IRQ 10 looks a tad busy, BUT I believe such has
been shown at this NG before-- & no MVP has really complained.

Although I'm no real expert in that, I see nothing of great concern.
IRQs are really tough to deal with in any event. You'd have to do rare
things in Device Manager &/or physically disconnect devices & install
them one at a time. Also, there may a little switch on them to get a
different IRQ. Don't fool with it unless you have to!

| SideNote: Monitor is almost gone. So, sorry for spelling and other
| errors. Brought to the shop and was told need a new one. It's an old
| refurbished monitor I purchased in Sep 2001. It has served me well for
| the $75 I paid for it. Ordered another one (I think it was an LCD)
| from Staples and the next day they call me to tell me it's out of
| stock. Arghh!!
|
| Thanks for all the help through the years.
|
| John
|
| PS: just finished updating virus/spyware signatures as suggested by
| Brian A. and will run them asap.

On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:13:17 -0400, "PCR" wrote:

"Not My Name" wrote in message
.. .
| On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 20:02:54 -0400, "PCR" wrote:
|
| "Not My Name" wrote in message
| .. .
| | The mouse pointer stops responding for about 30 seconds whenever a
| | dialog box pops up on the Desktop. After the 30-seconds pause it
| | continues working normally.
| |
| | An example of this problem follows.
| |
| | Whenever I click on my Earthlink dialer, the fields should fill up
| | with the default settings immediately after the dialog opens up.
| | Instead, now the dialog appears on the Desktop, but the fields do
not
| | fill up until after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds interval the
| | mouse pointer is frozen.
| |
| | Another example of the mouse pointer freezing is whenever a
ZoneAlarm
| | dialog pops up.
| |
| | Ran SFC and found the following file corrupt:
| | C:\Programs Files\Common Files\Nullsoft\Activex\ampx.dll.
| | Since I wasn't sure this file as the culprit for the freezing mouse
| | pointer, I did not reaplace the file.
| |
| | What could be causing the pointer to freeze?
| |
| | Thanks to all for responding.
|
| I doubt ampx.dll has anything to do with. I have none & DO get
MULTIPLE
| freezes-- 3 or 4, even-- AFTER clicking to connect to NetZero. It
stops
| shortly after the connection is finally made. While it is in the
process
| of connecting & opening it's IE window, anything clicked might seem
to
| cause the freeze, but it will freeze even w/o any click.
|
| I'm thinking it's NORMAL for that to happen these days. I think it
| started after taking one of the later MS critical updates. I
especially
| suspect the first of these...!...
|
| KB891711 Registry (Machine Service)
| c:\windows\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
| KB918547 Registry (Machine Service)
| C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB918547\KB918547.EXE
|
| ..., but I guess it could have been one of the IE cumulatives too. So
as
| the freezing stops after the connection is mage, I guess we are fine.
|
|
| Thanks, PCR.
|
| I forgot to mention that this problem started about a month and a half
| ago and that immediately before the problem I had an error message
| about a dialog box waiting for a response from something. The system
| froze and and had to restart with the system. It's an error message
| that I have seen before, but did not tkae not of it as I usual do.

You must undergo hypnosis to remember that error message. Terhune can do
it! In the meantime, yea, do the virus/spy checking Brian A. posted.
Also, perhaps do a Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing) & a
Defrag-- JUST don't let them constantly restart!

| I don't think my problem is similar to yours.
|
| If I click on my Earthlink dialer, the dialer appears with empty
| fields (profile, password, location, tel number) and freezes. After 30
| seconds the default profile appears and I'm able to change the profile
| and connect.

I DO get a similar effect clicking my NetZero. But there are additional
freezes afterwards. Well, NetZero does put up a little TV screen with
ads. I guess that could be involved. But, even after the screen is gone,
there is one/two more freezes before it's all over. I GUESS that is
different from your situation. Also, I'm not really sure what's doing it
to me, anyhow.

Also, if yours began LONG after you took those critical updates as I
think you've said, I GUESS it wasn't them, too. The other thing I
suspect is that these apps are placing a "hook" on the mouse &/or
keyboard. NetZero does two of these! You can see them at...

"START button, Run, MSInfo32, Software Environment, System Hooks"
Here are mine...

Keyboard Wbhook32.dll WEBSCANX.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\Wbhook32.dll C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\WEBSCANX.EXE

GetMessage Hook.dll EXEC.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\Hook.dll
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\EXEC.EXE

Window Procedure Hook.dll EXEC.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\Hook.dll
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETZERO\EXEC.EXE

Mouse Wbhook32.dll WEBSCANX.EXE C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\Wbhook32.dll C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE
VIRUSSCAN\WEBSCANX.EXE

Mouse Lgmoushk.dll EM_EXEC.EXE C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\Lgmoushk.dll
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE

My final suspicion is that NetZero did a stealth update (as I know it
sometimes will do) to cause this problem.

| The same with some ZoneAlarm dialog boxe. A dialog box
| pops up asking if I want to "allow connect" or "allow server." As soon
| as the dialog box appears the mouse pointer freezes for 30 seconds.
| Thirty seconds later the pointer unfreezes and am able to respond with
| a YES or NO. At all other times, either locally or on the Internet, I
| have no problems.

Still that sounds like possible NET involvement. Does it set a hook? Can
it be ZoneAlarm is interfering with EarthLink?

I guess...

(a) Do as Brian A. said.
(b) Maybe try a Scandisk/Defrag.
(c) Test EarthLink with ZoneAlarm off.
(d) Un/re-install EarthLink &/or ZoneAlarm, if easy enough.
(e) Ignore it all, if it just happens only once at first click.

| I'm up to date with the critical updates and haven't made any since
| this past Summer. The problem started months after the last update.
|
| Thanks for the response. Much appreciated.


Hi PCR,

Problem is gone!

This is what I did (per Brian A.):

1. Cleaned TIF
2. Cleaned c:\windows\temp; except for some installation logs and
other text files.
3. Cleaned cookies with System Mechanic
4. Rebooted to Safe Mode
5. Ran Free AVG with today's Priority Update
AVG, however, reports reading error of Partition table (MBR) AND
of Boot Sector of disk C:
6. Ran Spybot S&D; found Alexa. I'm aware of Alexa and did not remove
it.
7. Ran free Avast!. However, was not able to search for viruses in
Safe Mode as the dialog box was to big and overlapped at the bottom of
the screen.
8. Restarted computer normal mode (?) in attempt to run Avast, then
decided to come online and conyinue later tonight.
9. Opened Earthlink dialog box and problem was gone.

I had run Scandisk and Defragged a few days ago without a problem.
Will continue scanning with Avast!, Ad-Aware, Stinger and F-Prot later
tonight as now I have to take care of Dad.

What is this Distributed Com Services that shows on my ZA progams?
It's listening to port: TC: 1025

Will report later tonight or tomorrow morning.

Dad is paralized and needs me.

Take care y'all and thanks for all the help.

John