Umm...HELP 0E error

[shymiko]

Hi I’m getting a 0E error when I try to start windows ME and when it tells me to press any key to continue I get a blank screen after I do. It took me awhile to figure out how to get passed it (Which I have know idea how I did it.) just so I could go online and find someone to help little old me. If there is someone out there that can help me I would greatly appreciate it cuz I’m afraid to shutdown my computer!!

[GaryRouth]

Hi shymiko

. . . and Welcome to the PC Mechanic forums.

We'd need a bit more information for an exact repair, but for a quick fix try:
1) Click on "Help & Support" in your Start menus
2) Look for an item that says "System Restore" (there should be lots of information in there on how to proceed for a restore).
3) Use the System Restore program to restore the system files to a point before this error occured. (You choose a "restore point" with a date earlier than the first time the error happened).

If the Restore doesn't work - write down any error messages word-for-word, and post that info here (you may need to use another computer while you repair that one).

Best of luck!
. . . Gary

[P.S. --and if the System Restore DOES work, go straight to http://housecall.trendmicro.com & run a full system online antivirus/antispyware scan, to make sure that it wasn't uninvited guests mucking up the system files - and also run your usual antivirus program from Safe Mode as soon as you can (to enter Safe Mode, tap the F8 key during system startup)]

[shymiko]

Ha finally this is what the 0E error said 0E has occurred at 0028:C00096BA in VxD VMM(01) + 000086BA and called from 0028:Co127578 in VxD(01) + 00000640. I have know clue what this means but I hope someone does.

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

Sorry for the late reply - I've been away on vacation.

Some things:
1) Can you get into Safe Mode? (by tapping the F8 key while your computer powers on)
2) If no - do you receive the same error?
3) If you can't get into Safe Mode, and still receive the same error, try:
. . . a) with Windows shutdown, the PC powered off, and unplugged: open your case
. . . b) look for signs of dust buildup around the cpu, heatsink, and it's fan - also check this for other case fans (if any) and vents that let fresh air enter the case.
. . . c) with a can of compressed air, blow the dust entirely out of the case [you can do this outside, if it's not raining ]
. . . d) reboot the computer with the case still open
. . . e) enter your Bios Setup screens by pressing the key mentioned in the "splash screen" that displays as your computer starts (it may say to press the F1, F2, F10, or DEL key "to Enter Setup")
. . . f) since the case is still open, look to see if the fan on the cpu is spinning OK - if not, shutdown immediately. -- if the fan doesn't spin at all, you'll likely need to replace it (but first check that it's plugged in OK). Of course, you'll have to have the power completely off and unplugged before touching anything inside the case (avoid static shocks to the mainbboard, by grounding yourself each time before your reach inside the case, or by wearing an anti-static wrist band).
. . . g) if the fans are spinning OK, look for a menu in the Bios Settings that refers to system temperatures: it might be called "Hardware Monitor", "PC Health", or something like this. See if the temps look OK (over 60 degrees Centigrade would be much too high for a computer idling in Bios Setup) If the temps look high, consider replacing the cpu fan for this scenario, too.
. . . h) if you are unfamiliar with Bios Settings, try "Set Settings to Default and Exit" (an item like this should be available on the Bios menu). If you are familiar with Bios Settings, make sure that the cpu is not accidentally overclocked, and that the Plug-n-Play Operating System? item is set to "NO" - when done, choose "Save Settings & Exit"
. . . i) try to reach Safe Mode again, and see if you can run a simple ScanDisk - post any errors here.
. . . j) if you still get the same error - post that info here too.

4) If you can enter Safe Mode - run a full system antivirus check with the settings set to "thorough" and "scan within compressed files" (if your antivirus programs allows those settings). If a virus is found, post your results here. If you have an "anti-spyware" program, run that after the virus check. Post any malware found here.
5) If the virus & spyware-checks run clean, try using your System Restore tool to restore the system to a restore point prior to your error.

Let us know if you need more help -
. . . Gary