Various Fatal, Stop and Exception Errors
A number of error messages you receive can be due to either a very temporary problem or a very serious one. Typically (but not always) these include "Stop" "Exception", "Fatal" and registry errors. These errors can occur from a number of causes including errors on the hard drive, heavily fragmented disk, faulty application install, failing physical memory or conflicts between drivers. Smetimes resetting the machine is all that is necessary to restore normal operation. Optimizing hard disk performance may also restore normal operation. If the problem is associated with only one application, uninstalling then reinstalling that application often corrects the problem. If this is happening frequently, however, the machine may need to be repaired or rebuilt. For a (partial) list of error messages, click here. Note: If your system is locking up (freezing) or blue screening when you use Internet Explorer see Eureka! document 19019 — System freezes when using Internet Explorer.
If you succeed in getting your machine operational take the time for a backup. For more information on backups see Eureka! document 11225 How to do a manual backup.
There are a few preliminary steps to take before deciding that the machine needs to be repaired, rebuilt or replaced. Do not skip any steps. Do each step in order. No fair claiming it didn't work or it won't work until you have tried it as instructed.
If resetting allows you to get into Windows, but the error re-occurs, try these steps.
Power off, disconnect any peripherals, select "Last Known Good" and try again.
Check Your Hard Disk for Errors (this step is a good idea,even if resetting restored normal operation)
Optimize the Hard Disk Performance (defragment) (this step is a good idea,even if resetting restored normal operation)
If resetting didn't allow you to get into Windows, or if the error reoccurs after taking the above steps then:
Although it is always tempting to just hit the reset button, please at least try more gentle methods of shutting down the machine first. That will give you the best opportunity not to cause further problems and program corruption. Do not push the reset button if you can shut down using the shut down menu.
For more information on resetting the machine please see the document 39013 — How to reset your computer.
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Power off, disconnect any peripherals, select "Last Known Good" and try again
Read the next set of instructions now because the screens move too fast to read them as you go .
- Start the bootup process.
- When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, OR the message Starting windows ...press the { F8} key.
- This will be white lettering on a black background. Press the F8 key for ANY white lettering on a black background. If you've taken the time to read it you will be too late.
- If you aren't catching that message try holding down the { Esc} key and tapping the { F8} key about once a second.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER.
- NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight an operating system, and then press ENTER.
- At the log on screen, press { Ctrl} + { Alt} + { Del} but instead of logging on select the Shut Down ...button. Then select Shutdown and Power Off.
- After the shutting off the machine wait 10 seconds. Reconnect only necessary peripherals such as dongle or port replicator bar (or modem ) and log into the network normally.
If that resolves the problem but the problem returns when a device is reattached then try uninstalling, then reinstalling the device.
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Check Your Hard Disk for Errors
Your operating system has a utility, Scan Disk, that can check the hard disk for bad sectors and other problems. If you continue to receive error messages after resetting, but can get to your programs menu, the utility can sometimes correct those errors. If the errors cannot be corrected the utility may be able to mark those areas as unavailable so that the operating system does not attempt to use them. Running the Scan Disk utility can often repair minor hard disk problems. For more information on checking your hard disk for errors please see the document 69029 — How to check your hard disk for bad sectors and other errors.
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Optimize the Hard Disk Performance
Disk optimization can improve performance by rearranging files on the hard disk, a process called "defragmentation". In some cases it will, at least temporarily, resolve errors generated by insufficient virtual memory. Optimizing the hard disk performance may also help detect and correct corrupt file problems, certain disk errors, and some memory problems. If you have received any of the above errors you should optimize even if it appears that the problem has been corrected. When you have completed the optimization a backup is strongly recommended.
For more information on optimizing the hard disk performance please see the document 10031 — How to defragment your drive.
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Uninstall the offending program
If you believe the error is related to a particular application you may wish to try uninstalling the program then reinstalling it. If you have recently installed new software then uninstalling that software is a reasonable step to take before rebuilding the entire machine. If the problem is with Internet Explorer see 19014 — How to restore or reload Internet Explorer or its components. If you are using Tuxedo the problem may be due to having multiple versions of Tuxedo (e.g. v6.5 and 8.0) Go to the services panel stop tux ipc helper & tlisten port, unnistall all versions of Tuxedo, reboot and manually delete all Tuxedo folders, then reinstall the Tuxedo version you need.
For more information on uninstalling and reinstalling software please see the document 69004 — Installing and Uninstalling Software.
Also see Eureka! document 19036 — Remove "rogue" software, parasites, spyware, adware etc.
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If the above steps did not correct the problem you will need open a NorthStar ticket to make an appointment for service. Be sure to include your contact number. Describe the problem in detail, especially the steps you took to try to correct the problem. You will be contacted by the appropriate party. For more information on creating the NorthStar ticket, see Eureka! document 39068 — How to submit a computer or peripheral for repair.
If resetting the machine restored normal operation please take the time to check your hard disk for errors, optimize the hard disk, and back up your data. Also, be sure to watch for unusual messages during start up. Contact Technical Support Operations with any questions.
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The error messages listed below are those for which we do not yet have a more specific solution. In most cases that is because there is no more specific solution (at least in the absence of special diagnostic tools). In addition to the error messages you may get a "blue screen." The "blue screen" is not diagnostic - you may get a "blue screen" with other kinds of error messages, and you may not get a "blue screen" with one of the error messages below.
Here are some of those error messages:
An invalid parameter was passed to a service or function as the third argument.
An I/O operation initiated by the Registry failed unrecoverably. The Registry could not read in, or write out, or flush, one of the files that contain the system's image of the Registry.
Registry is Corrupt
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Why does removing the power then pushing the power button help?
It helps because.
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Created by the PeopleSoft Knowledge Management Team.
Copyright © 2000, 2002, 2004
All rights reserved.
Created: db 03/10/1999
Revised: db 07/17/2004