Fatal Exception Error

I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The memory
was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB in the other
two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted the HD and
reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in the PC. I
then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and installed AVG
free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded
other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set up a Screen Saver
from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.

1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.

2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each time with
a different Error Number and Module Name.

3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.

I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really pertains to
"Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and install the
recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.

I shall be thankful for your advice
Capt K Ripendran

From that description, I would guess RAM errors. Get a good RAM diagnostic
program and run it for an extended period.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The memory
was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB in the
other
two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted the HD and
reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in the PC. I
then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and installed AVG
free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded
other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set up a Screen
Saver
from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.

1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.

2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each time
with
a different Error Number and Module Name.

3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.

I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really pertains
to
"Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and install the
recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.

I shall be thankful for your advice
Capt K Ripendran

Thank you. I had already done it. I ran the Windows Memory
Diagnostic(extended tests).
It reported that No Errors were found. Should I remove the most recent
memory added in the slot and run the tests again? Alternately, is there a
better way to check the memory?

I have one other query as to the memory. The type supported is a 100 MHz,
168-pin Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification, revision 1.0
compliant. No pairs required. What if inadvertently, a 133 MHz speed memory
had been used. Would it cause the Fatal Exception Errors?

Thanking you for your valuable comments
Capt K Ripendran



"Jeff Richards" wrote in message
...
From that description, I would guess RAM errors. Get a good RAM
diagnostic program and run it for an extended period.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The
memory
was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB in the
other
two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted the HD
and
reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in the PC. I
then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and installed AVG
free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded
other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set up a Screen
Saver
from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.

1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.

2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each time
with
a different Error Number and Module Name.

3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.

I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really pertains
to
"Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and install
the
recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.

I shall be thankful for your advice
Capt K Ripendran

"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
| Thank you. I had already done it. I ran the Windows Memory
| Diagnostic(extended tests).
| It reported that No Errors were found. Should I remove the most recent
| memory added in the slot and run the tests again? Alternately, is there a
| better way to check the memory?
|
| I have one other query as to the memory. The type supported is a 100 MHz,
| 168-pin Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification, revision 1.0
| compliant. No pairs required. What if inadvertently, a 133 MHz speed
memory
| had been used. Would it cause the Fatal Exception Errors?
|
| Thanking you for your valuable comments
| Capt K Ripendran
|

As has been repeatedly discussed in here, mixing memory is NOT a good idea.
Timings, controller chips, etc. in *newer* chips have been essentially
locked to specific speeds/FSB/RAS\CAS. Even specific controller chips do not
play well together. Also, the mother board MUST support the module
configuration, chip array, and size.
It was, at times, difficult in the old days to make differring
manufacturer's modules play well together; now it is a trial.

Potentially, yes, it could be the memory. It could also be many other
issues. Test the memory issue by removing the module.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________

|
|
| "Jeff Richards" wrote in message
| ...
| From that description, I would guess RAM errors. Get a good RAM
| diagnostic program and run it for an extended period.
| --
| Jeff Richards
| MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
| "Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
| ...
| I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The
| memory
| was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB in the
| other
| two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted the HD
| and
| reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in the PC.
I
| then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and installed
AVG
| free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded
| other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set up a Screen
| Saver
| from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
| occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.
|
| 1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.
|
| 2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each time
| with
| a different Error Number and Module Name.
|
| 3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.
|
| I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
| Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really
pertains
| to
| "Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and install
| the
| recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.
|
| I shall be thankful for your advice
| Capt K Ripendran
|
|
|
|
|

Capt K Ripendran wrote:
| I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The
| memory was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128
| MB in the other two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust,
| formatted the HD and reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old
| data remaining in the PC. I then removed the outdated McAfee anti
| virus, downloaded and installed AVG free edition and then upgraded
| the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded other software from CD's
| which I normally use. I also set up a Screen Saver from the list
| available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
| occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.
|
| 1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.
|
| 2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each
| time with a different Error Number and Module Name.
|
| 3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.
|
| I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
| Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really
| pertains to "Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to
| download and install the recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.
|
| I shall be thankful for your advice

I see you've already tested RAM. Maybe try another of these...

http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp RAM tester
http://www.memtest86.com/ RAM tester
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp RAM tester

Does it happen in Safe Mode?
(Hold F5 as you boot for Safe Mode or CTRL to get the Startup Menu.)
If you can discover that it doesn't happen in Safe Mode, then it may be
something in your Startup Group doing it, as seen at "START button, Run,
MSConfig, Startup tab". Do you know how to play with that or with
Terhune's clean boot ordeal...?...
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm

Here are possible software causes...

http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US MSKB
Search "Restarts" & Search "Reboot" & Search "Reboots";
Windows 98; Title Only; produces...

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=148919
(148919) - When you start your computer, Windows may restart
continuously

http://support.microsoft.com/default...26&Product=w98
Packard Bell Computer Restarts Continuously
(229126) - After you enable Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
(ACPI) support on a Packard Bell Multimedia 4350 computer, your computer
may restart continuously.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...43&Product=w98
Computer May Reboot Continuously with More Than 1.5 GB of RAM
(304943) - If your computer has more than 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of memory
(RAM), the computer may reboot continuously when you try to start
Windows Millennium Edition (Me) or Windows 98. Or, when you try to
install Windows Me or Windows 98 with more than 1.5 GB of...

http://support.microsoft.com/default...18&Product=w98
Computer Caught in Reboot Loop After Using DriveSpace
(130018) - When you are using DriveSpace to compress a drive, your
computer may become stuck in a reboot (or restart) loop. If you press
the F8 key when your computer restarts and then choose Command Prompt
Only, your computer enters the reboot loop again. If...

http://support.microsoft.com/default...24&Product=w98
FIX: Windows 98: Reenumerating PCI Device Can Cause Reboot
(222824) - On a Windows 98 ACPI system, reenumerating a Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI) device may cause the system to crash. For
example, if a user employs Device Manager to remove a PCI device and
then refreshes, the system can unexpectedly reboot....

http://support.microsoft.com/default...33&Product=w98
Toshiba 4500 Reboots After Resuming
(132333) - When you are using a Toshiba 4500 laptop computer, if you
shut down Windows in Suspend mode or close the lid, Windows appears to
shut down successfully. However, when you resume Windows, the computer
reboots after a short time.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...76&Product=w98
Computer Hangs or Reboots at Shutdown with NetWare Client
(132776) - With Novell NetWare Client version 4.10 (VLM.EXE) installed,
your computer stops responding (hangs) or restarts when you shut down
your computer.

| Capt K Ripendran

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

In that case, look for similar hardware issues, like a power supply glitch,
faulty mainboard capacitors, marginal voltage levels, poor connections or
overheating.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
Thank you. I had already done it. I ran the Windows Memory
Diagnostic(extended tests).
It reported that No Errors were found. Should I remove the most recent
memory added in the slot and run the tests again? Alternately, is there a
better way to check the memory?

I have one other query as to the memory. The type supported is a 100 MHz,
168-pin Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification, revision 1.0
compliant. No pairs required. What if inadvertently, a 133 MHz speed
memory
had been used. Would it cause the Fatal Exception Errors?

Thanking you for your valuable comments
Capt K Ripendran



"Jeff Richards" wrote in message
...
From that description, I would guess RAM errors. Get a good RAM
diagnostic program and run it for an extended period.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The
memory
was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB in the
other
two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted the HD
and
reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in the PC. I
then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and installed
AVG
free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded
other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set up a Screen
Saver
from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.

1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.

2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each time
with
a different Error Number and Module Name.

3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.

I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really pertains
to
"Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and install
the
recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.

I shall be thankful for your advice
Capt K Ripendran

Thank you ALL. As suggested by MEB, I opened the PC and noticed that one
memory module was of 128MB PC133MHz. I removed it. Even after that,
occasionally it restarts by itself with the screen staying on at "Hewlett
Packard -Expanding Possibilities"! The only difference is that Num Lock
functions and so I am able to restart by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + Delete. After two or three attempts the screen opens with the
Startup Menu , but when I try to start in Safe Mode, it has the following on
the screen:

While initializing device IOS:
Windows protection error.You need to restart your computer.

Could it then be any one of the causes that you have listed below? In this
case, would it be beyond me to check the below listed issues and I would
have to give it for service? Is there some way, I could check them all by
myself!

Thanking you
Capt K Ripendran


"Jeff Richards" wrote in message
...
In that case, look for similar hardware issues, like a power supply
glitch, faulty mainboard capacitors, marginal voltage levels, poor
connections or overheating.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)


"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
Thank you. I had already done it. I ran the Windows Memory
Diagnostic(extended tests).
It reported that No Errors were found. Should I remove the most recent
memory added in the slot and run the tests again? Alternately, is there a
better way to check the memory?

I have one other query as to the memory. The type supported is a 100
MHz,
168-pin Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification, revision 1.0
compliant. No pairs required. What if inadvertently, a 133 MHz speed
memory
had been used. Would it cause the Fatal Exception Errors?

Thanking you for your valuable comments
Capt K Ripendran



"Jeff Richards" wrote in message
...
From that description, I would guess RAM errors. Get a good RAM
diagnostic program and run it for an extended period.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
...
I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend. The
memory
was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB in the
other
two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted the HD
and
reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in the PC.
I
then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and installed
AVG
free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also loaded
other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set up a Screen
Saver
from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works well but
occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.

1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.

2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but each time
with
a different Error Number and Module Name.

3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power button.

I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as well as
Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR really
pertains
to
"Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and install
the
recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.

I shall be thankful for your advice
Capt K Ripendran

Capt K Ripendran wrote:
| Thank you ALL. As suggested by MEB, I opened the PC and noticed that
| one memory module was of 128MB PC133MHz. I removed it. Even after
| that, occasionally it restarts by itself with the screen staying on
| at "Hewlett Packard -Expanding Possibilities"! The only difference is
| that Num Lock functions and so I am able to restart by pressing
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete. After two or three attempts the screen opens
| with the Startup Menu , but when I try to start in Safe Mode, it has
| the following on the screen:
|
| While initializing device IOS:
| Windows protection error.You need to restart your computer.

That could be a tough one! Here are articles from...
http://search.support.microsoft.com/...SD=GN&LN=EN-US MSKB
Search "While Initializing Device IOS"; Windows 98; Exact Phrase; Full
Text.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...66&Product=w98
Error Message: Initializing Device IOS Windows Protection Error
(263466) - When you start your computer, you may receive the following
error message: Initializing Device IOS: Windows Protection Error When
you try to restart your computer in Safe mode, you may receive the same
error message.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...08&Product=w98
Error Message: While Initializing Device IOS an I/O Subsystem Driver
Failed to Load...
(311108) - When you attempt to start Windows, you may receive the
following error message: While initializing device IOS, an I/O subsystem
driver failed to load. Either a file in the IOSubsys subdirectory is
corrupt or the system is low on memory.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...84&Product=w98
Error Message When You Start with More Than 2 Floppy Disk Drives
(268084) - When you try to start your computer, Windows may stop
responding (hang), and you may receive the following error message:
While initializing device IOS: Windows protection error. You need to
restart your computer.

http://www.colba.net/~hlebo49/
Henri Leboeuf's IOS articles.

| Could it then be any one of the causes that you have listed below? In
| this case, would it be beyond me to check the below listed issues and
| I would have to give it for service? Is there some way, I could check
| them all by myself!
|
| Thanking you
| Capt K Ripendran
|
|
| "Jeff Richards" wrote in message
| ...
| In that case, look for similar hardware issues, like a power supply
| glitch, faulty mainboard capacitors, marginal voltage levels, poor
| connections or overheating.
| --
| Jeff Richards
| MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
|
|
| "Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
| ...
| Thank you. I had already done it. I ran the Windows Memory
| Diagnostic(extended tests).
| It reported that No Errors were found. Should I remove the most
| recent memory added in the slot and run the tests again?
| Alternately, is there a better way to check the memory?
|
| I have one other query as to the memory. The type supported is a
| 100 MHz,
| 168-pin Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification, revision 1.0
| compliant. No pairs required. What if inadvertently, a 133 MHz speed
| memory
| had been used. Would it cause the Fatal Exception Errors?
|
| Thanking you for your valuable comments
| Capt K Ripendran
|
|
|
| "Jeff Richards" wrote in message
| ...
| From that description, I would guess RAM errors. Get a good RAM
| diagnostic program and run it for an extended period.
| --
| Jeff Richards
| MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
| "Capt K Ripendran" wrote in message
| ...
|I bought a used HP Pavilion 6511 with OEM Win98SE from a friend.
|The memory
| was upgraded from the original 64 MB in one slot + 128 + 128 MB
| in the other
| two vacant slots. I cleaned the interior of all dust, formatted
| the HD and
| reinstalled the OS as I did not want the old data remaining in
| the PC. I
| then removed the outdated McAfee anti virus, downloaded and
| installed AVG
| free edition and then upgraded the IE & OE from 5 to 6.1. I also
| loaded other software from CD's which I normally use. I also set
| up a Screen Saver
| from the list available under Display Properties. The PC works
| well but occasionally it "shuts down" in the following sequence.
|
| 1. It restarts by itself - once, twice and sometimes thrice.
|
| 2. It then goes into a blue screen with fatal 0E errors - but
| each time with
| a different Error Number and Module Name.
|
| 3. It then Hangs! I have to switch it off by holding the power
| button.
|
| I have read both the articles - HP Pavilion Lockups & Hangs as
| well as Microsoft's KB 256015, but I am NOT certain if the ERROR
| really pertains
| to
| "Multiple MS-DOS Device Names in Path" - so as to download and
| install the
| recommended FIX viz., 256015usa8.exe.
|
| I shall be thankful for your advice
| Capt K Ripendran

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR