Phyllis wrote:
> I am getting "OXC0000142 program failed to initialize properly" error at
> shutdown. What can I do to get rid of this? Thanks
You need to determine what program or process is running in the background
and not exiting gracefully.
The program and/or process can be from malware or can be legitimate (such as
an invasive antivirus like Norton or McAfee). If you are using a Norton or
McAfee product, uninstall it and replace with a better program such as
NOD32, Kasperksy, or Avast (free). The Windows Firewall is adequate for most
people. With Vista, shutdown issues can also be caused by old/poorly written
drivers so make sure all drivers are updated. See Step B. below for general
driver directions.
A.The first step is always to make sure your computer is virus/malware free.
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
B. Drivers - The First Law of Driver Updates is "if it ain't broke, don't fix
it". Normally if everything is working you want to leave things as they are.
The exception is that heavy-duty gamers will usually want to update their
video and sound drivers to squeeze every last bit of performance out of the
hardware to get the fastest frame rates. If you're not one of those people,
you don't need to update your drivers if there are no problems you are
trying to solve.
Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:
1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM computer
(HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).
Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers.
To find out what hardware is in your computer:
1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific model
machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor or System Information for Windows.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.gtopala.com/ - System Information for Windows
C. If the computer is virus/malware-free, drivers are current, and no Norton
or McAfee programs are installed, then do clean-boot troubleshooting to see
which program/process is the culprit:
How to perform a clean boot in Vista and XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796
D. If you need more information, here is an excellent shutdown
troubleshooter:
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm
Standard caveat: If troubleshooting the issue is too difficult - and there is
absolutely no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the
machine to a computer repair shop. This will not be your local
BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type of place. Get recommendations from family,
friends, colleagues.
Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ