Screensaver has encountered a problem...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Satellite Man
  • Start date Start date
S

Satellite Man

This popup is appearing so much I can't navigate. It says: Screensaver has
encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the
inconvenience. I don't use a screensaver. I'm a bit new to XP. Is this a
service that I can stop? Running XP Pro w/Svc Pack 1 and every update WUD
has to offer.

TIA,
DTV
 
Not sure if we are talking about the same thing. Windows Messenger Service
is not Windows Messenger the Instant Messaging program. It is a service
started by default in Windows XP that enables network admins to communicate
with other PCs on the network. If you were talking about the Instant
Messaging module, please see the article I posted as the service and module
are completely different.
 
I am working on a friends puter'. The first thing I do is unload the
messenger service along w/a few other network services that have no value to
a home user w/no network. So yes I do understand the difference between
messenger service and Instant Messenger. So now that we have that out of the
way...the title-bar of the pop-up does not say "Messenger Service" it says
"Screen Saver". Originally, it gave me the option to send or not send the
information to MS. Now, all I get is the notification that screensaver must
close. So I click close (the dialog box). Mind you, there is no screensaver
enabled or running. The dialog box returns...over and over and over. It
prevents some progs' from executing...like AV. I have done a boot scan and
find nothing there. The OS works fine otherwise. It is XP Home instead of
Pro. I have reinstalled Norton AV w/no reconciliation. When I attempt to
open Norton AV the screensaver pop-up is executed not the program. Safemode
is no different. Is there a different notification service that can be
disabled? One that possibly sends info to MS? Your thoughts.

TIA,
DTV
message Not sure if we are talking about the same thing. Windows Messenger Service
is not Windows Messenger the Instant Messaging program. It is a service
started by default in Windows XP that enables network admins to communicate
with other PCs on the network. If you were talking about the Instant
Messaging module, please see the article I posted as the service and module
are completely different.
 
I've never seen anything quite like this.

Perhaps it's some sort of malware or being triggered by malware. Download,
install and run Ad Aware and see if it turns up anything:
www.lavasoftusa.com.
 
I have run both Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D. No change. Maybe this info will
help: (hfxc.exe Ver: 5.0.0.2 Offset: 000051ad)

HTH,
DTV
message I've never seen anything quite like this.

Perhaps it's some sort of malware or being triggered by malware. Download,
install and run Ad Aware and see if it turns up anything:
www.lavasoftusa.com.
 
That's not an XP file and a search on Google came up with nothing.

Best I can offer short of blowing out the setup and starting over are
various repair options as follows:

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.


The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:



Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.
 
This box had boot issues when I began working on it. Indeed, the reason I
have it in the first place. I have no restore point to return to because I
have deleted them. I did so as well to disable system restore to enable me
to boot to Safe Mode and delete all current users and their files to attempt
to get rid of the corruption. I achieved a good boot through a brand new
ADMIN. I have no CD or restore disc. Which explains my methodology. System
Restore is now viable but the restore point is moot. I tried to restore as
the first line of defense but discovered corruption there as well...which
explains my path. I guess now my question is; should I delete this file in
Safe Mode or Command Prompt? I can't run Windows in it's current state so I
see it as one step away from a clean install. If you have any viable
comments please feel free!

TIA,
DTV
message That's not an XP file and a search on Google came up with nothing.

Best I can offer short of blowing out the setup and starting over are
various repair options as follows:

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.


The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:



Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.
 
The file in question (hfxc.exe-0746e6ed.pf) is located in
c:/windows/pchealth/prefetch. I searched my XP Pro box and no such file
found. So any advice on the method by which to delete this file without
disturbing the OS will be appreciated.

TIA,
DTV
This box had boot issues when I began working on it. Indeed, the reason I
have it in the first place. I have no restore point to return to because I
have deleted them. I did so as well to disable system restore to enable me
to boot to Safe Mode and delete all current users and their files to attempt
to get rid of the corruption. I achieved a good boot through a brand new
ADMIN. I have no CD or restore disc. Which explains my methodology. System
Restore is now viable but the restore point is moot. I tried to restore as
the first line of defense but discovered corruption there as well...which
explains my path. I guess now my question is; should I delete this file in
Safe Mode or Command Prompt? I can't run Windows in it's current state so I
see it as one step away from a clean install. If you have any viable
comments please feel free!

TIA,
DTV
message That's not an XP file and a search on Google came up with nothing.

Best I can offer short of blowing out the setup and starting over are
various repair options as follows:

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.


The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:



Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.
 
You can delete the prefetch, it will rebuild on its own. I'd do it from
Safe Mode.
 
OK Michael, I deleted the prefetch and it is back in the prefetch folder. I
emptied the bin and rebooted and it is back.

TIA
DTV
message You can delete the prefetch, it will rebuild on its own. I'd do it from
Safe Mode.
 
Well, it's picking it up from something on your system, heck, it may even be
an entry in the Registry but if you're going to go up there and look for it
be sure you're well backed up including the registry; I think regmon can do
it; check www.sysinternals.com.

Beyond that, you may have to format and start over to get rid of it, I just
don't know where it's coming from, I'm unfamiliar with the file and can't
find anything on it.
 
I found 2 registry entries for the file name. I deleted them and that
destroyed the integrity of the OS. I can still boot but that's about it. I'm
crying here...I find it hard to believe this issue attracted only one
source. I'm hanging by a thread here. Does no one recognize this executable?
Anyway, thanks for your assistance Michael.

TIA,
DTV
message Well, it's picking it up from something on your system, heck, it may even be
an entry in the Registry but if you're going to go up there and look for it
be sure you're well backed up including the registry; I think regmon can do
it; check www.sysinternals.com.

Beyond that, you may have to format and start over to get rid of it, I just
don't know where it's coming from, I'm unfamiliar with the file and can't
find anything on it.
 
Below are instructions for a repair install, this might get things back in
working order though I don't know about that particular entry. If you have
an HP machine, it might be a reference to something proprietary in their
setup.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive and you have an
actual XP CD as opposed to a recovery CD, boot with the XP
CD in the drive and perform a repair install as outlined below. If the
system isn't set to boot from the CD or you are not sure, you need to enter
the system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter set press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, if
something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to start
over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your data backed up,
you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

If you only have a recovery CD, your options are quite limited. You can
either purchase a retail version of XP will allow you to perform the above
among other tools and options it has or you can run your system recovery
routine with the Recovery CD which will likely wipe your drive, deleting all
files but will restore your setup to factory fresh condition.
 
Michael,
The whole problem is I don't have the original CD. Otherwise I would have
done a repair install long ago! I'm assuming it must be the original copy
that was used for the install in order to do a repair? The owner has no
documentation or software...it is a 3rd party machine. Oh well, how much is
XP?


TIA,
DTV
message Below are instructions for a repair install, this might get things back in
working order though I don't know about that particular entry. If you have
an HP machine, it might be a reference to something proprietary in their
setup.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive and you have an
actual XP CD as opposed to a recovery CD, boot with the XP
CD in the drive and perform a repair install as outlined below. If the
system isn't set to boot from the CD or you are not sure, you need to enter
the system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter set press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, if
something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to start
over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your data backed up,
you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

If you only have a recovery CD, your options are quite limited. You can
either purchase a retail version of XP will allow you to perform the above
among other tools and options it has or you can run your system recovery
routine with the Recovery CD which will likely wipe your drive, deleting all
files but will restore your setup to factory fresh condition.
 
If the user has media from a previous version of Windows, that's a retail CD
of 95, 98 or ME, he can use XP upgrade version which is under $100. He can
use it for a clean install of XP and just use one of the above CDs when
asked to inert proof of a previous OS.
 
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