This is one of Microsoft’s less helpful error messages, faults mentioned include overheating of the CPU, bad memory, corrupt video card drivers and the file “mfc42.dll”, etc.
It is a case of narrowing down things as much as possible:
If you have more than one RAM module, remove one and see if the errors reappear. If they do, take that one out and put the other one back. If the errors still reappear, it’s not the RAM.
Are there any yellow question marks in Device Manager? Right click on the My Computer icon on your Desktop and select Properties | Hardware | Device Manager. If yes, what is the Device Error code?
You could try Start, Run, type "sfc /scannow" without quotes and hit Enter – have you XP CD to hand this will repair any system files that might be corrupt.
A version of the Stop Error should still be in the System log in Event Viewer. You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start | Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. When researching the meaning of the error, information regarding Event ID, Source and Description are important.
Go to the Dell download site and download and install the latest drivers for your video/graphics card.
And finally search for mfc42.dll; see how many copies you have. If you have more than one, check that they are the same version (right click the file and choose “Properties”). Replace all the older ones with the newest one.
Thanks for the info but I can't get passed the blue screen. I do not have the option of selecting my computer, etc. I will try removing the ram and see what happens. More suggestions would be appreciated.
Hmmm... Sorry about that, I must read more carefully next time.
Can you boot to windows using the XP CD? Failing that, and I'm assuming that you have an internet connection, download a Windows 98 boot disk floppy and use that and its option, "with CD".
At this point, put in your XP CD.
In view of the sevarity of your problem, I would suggest at this stage that you take either the restore to an earlier (much earlier) point if you have that option, or repair XP.
I think there is more to this issue. I have seen alot of BSoD issues with the same problems you are experience. My laptop included. I spent an entire night trying to fix my laptop and then spent 3 hours on the phone with Dell, having them tell me to do the same things I already tried. We finally tried reinstalling the OS and got a BSoD message during reformatting. Dell is sending me a new HD, hopefully that will work. If not I have to send them my laptop.
Looking at the message boards it seems like there are quiet a few people with the same problem and all within the last week or so. I'm thinking its more of a virus/software issue over a hardware issue now.
Interesting that Tazdev18 mentions the upsurge in problems over the last few weeks. Could this problem be related to a Windows update around that time?
Have a look back on Windows to see if anything was installed, and if possible remove it.
Delierious
414 Posts
0
February 8th, 2007 20:00
It is a case of narrowing down things as much as possible:
If you have more than one RAM module, remove one and see if the errors reappear. If they do, take that one out and put the other one back. If the errors still reappear, it’s not the RAM.
Are there any yellow question marks in Device Manager? Right click on the My Computer icon on your Desktop and select Properties | Hardware | Device Manager. If yes, what is the Device Error code?
You could try Start, Run, type "sfc /scannow" without quotes and hit Enter – have you XP CD to hand this will repair any system files that might be corrupt.
A version of the Stop Error should still be in the System log in Event Viewer. You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start | Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. When researching the meaning of the error, information regarding Event ID, Source and Description are important.
Go to the Dell download site and download and install the latest drivers for your video/graphics card.
And finally search for mfc42.dll; see how many copies you have. If you have more than one, check that they are the same version (right click the file and choose “Properties”). Replace all the older ones with the newest one.
rhhano
2 Posts
0
February 8th, 2007 22:00
Delierious
414 Posts
0
February 9th, 2007 09:00
Can you boot to windows using the XP CD? Failing that, and I'm assuming that you have an internet connection, download a Windows 98 boot disk floppy and use that and its option, "with CD".
At this point, put in your XP CD.
In view of the sevarity of your problem, I would suggest at this stage that you take either the restore to an earlier (much earlier) point if you have that option, or repair XP.
tazdev18
7 Posts
0
February 12th, 2007 06:00
Delierious
414 Posts
0
February 12th, 2007 12:00
Have a look back on Windows to see if anything was installed, and if possible remove it.