Referenced memory could not be 'read' error

Question

I have a problem with my computer. Once in a while it gives me an error like:

The instruction at "0x000000000" referenced memory at "0x00000000". The memory could not be "read". Click OK to terminate program

except replace the 0000000 with actual numbers, that differentiate with different errors. (the numbers could be all zeroes).

It "usually" happens when I have a lot of applications open. Once or twice it just popped up out of no where. Usually when it happens is when I am opening Internet Explorer (IE) links a lot, so many windows open. Let's say it happened with IE, then I won't be able to open IE for a while, but other applications still work. I have had the error with Adobe Reader (opening PDF files) and even Explorer, the "core" program of Windows XP (I think).

I run Windows XP Home Edition. 1152mb RAM. Inspiron 8200 model.

I have ran memtest86 for over 9x passes without error.

If anyone is interested and think they could help me I can give more details. I have had no luck asking friends / searching online really. So I'd thought I'd ask here.

This error IS reproducible if that matters.

Thanks!

P.S. If this is not the correct area to ask this, please direct me to the correct forum.

robman_rob · Answer

Graphics display adapter: Dell 8200 Chip Type:   Geforce4 440 Go DAC Type:   Integrated RAMDAC Memory Size:   32 MB Adapter String:   GeForce4 440 Go Bios Information :    Version 4.17.00.55.C1     Driver:     Nvidia Date:       2/10/2003 Version:  4.2.5.8    I hope this is the information your looking for... Message Edited by robman_rob on 03-09-2006 09:38 AM

Dockland · Answer

Yes! Thats right.

Dockland · Answer

Try download new drivers for Your display adapter www.nvidia.com

robman_rob · Answer

I'm so bad at computers,   From this page http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp   do I go to Graphics drivers -> GeForce -> windows XP ?

Dockland · Answer

What Graphics display adapter do You use and witch driver?

robman_rob · Answer

I am 90% done downloading, I'll give installing them a shot and try to recreate the error.

robman_rob · Answer

Those drivers I downloaded will not install onto my computer... Gives me the error:   The NVIDIA setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with your current hardware. Setup will now exit.   What do I do?

sparkenh · Answer

Have you tried the LSP_Fix ?

robman_rob · Answer

sparkenh

I read what LSP_FIX was but It doesn't seem like the errors I am getting,

1. LSP seems to happen upon the closing of programs, mine is opening or during.

2. My error does cause system instability.

But Thanks for the suggestion though!

AlphaB · Answer

Hi, this probably won't help you but it was a rather odd coincidence. I have been getting those same type of error messages - tho usually at shut down. After I read this I just happened to run Check Now and it told me I needed to update my graphic display driver to avoid computer crashes. I clicked the 'get it' button and it took me to the site where I could download the driver. I do not have the same type of Dell you have,tho.

robman_rob · Answer

What is check now?

AlphaB · Answer

Oh, Check Now is a tool Dell put out awhile back that will run a check on your computer for maintenance and security. You click on it when you want to run a check. You can probably get it at http://support.dell.com/support.

AlphaB · Answer

http://pccheckup.dellfix.com/rel/?randseed=0.22512166348757817       Check this out. Just discovered it.

AlphaB · Answer

Not sure how well this works. See 'Pccheckup-- junk' post in WindowsXP

Windows General

Referenced memory could not be "read" error

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