When I am using the internet, microsoft word or anything else a box
pops up which tells me "This program has performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down"  Once it said that it was not logging
on to the server, but usually just that illegal operation thing and
then it shuts down.  It also has told me to check fntldr.exe under
WIN.INI to see if it is listed but not used (something to that
effect)??  I have tried to locate this (WIN.INI) and delete it to see
if that works, I've also tried the obvious checking of the plugs etc. 
I've tried backing up my files and scanning the discs.  It will not
scandisk drive C for some reason.  It tries to 10 times and then tells
me I have another program running (I don't) and it can't do it.  It
can scan other drives though.  I am not very computer literate so I am
having trouble deciding what to do, the Help menu is not helping me. 
Basically, the computer just won't stay in anything for very long
before it gives me this "illegal operation" thing.  I had some
problems not long ago with homepage hijackers etc.  I bought Spyware
so it shoudn't be a virus or anything like that.  this is probably a
common and easy to solve, I just have no clue where to start.  This is
an older Gateway model, Windows 95, dsl connection, only computer
here, hand me down machine so I don't have the original disc.

Hi daniel76-ga-

It is very difficult to troubleshoot a problem like that when you're
not right in front of the computer, and a problem like the one you're
describing can be caused by many, many different things.

First off I should let you know there is a great spyware removal tool
that is absolutely free called Spybot Search and Destroy. You dont
have to pay for any spyware removal tools, they probably aren't half
as good as Spybot. Download it here: http://security.kolla.de

Rescan with Spybot just to be sure there is nothing on your system.

Also if you have installed/changed anything on your system recently
then try uninstalling the software or drivers or anything that you
have updated/changed recently.

Also run a virus scanner just to make sure there is nothing on your
system. If you are connected directly to a DSL modem (no router) then
download and install a firewall. A great free one is called zone
alarm. Download it here:
www.zonelabs.com

This will block outside intruders from having easy access to your
computer, not to mention a variety of viruses that can spread over the
net, without you having to download anything. If you don't have a
firewall, your system is very, very vulnerable. (If you have a router
don't worry it acts as a firewall and you're safe.)

Now you probably don't want to hear this but...Windows 95 is very
outdated and very insecure. In fact Microsoft has said that windows
95, 98 and me can and will never be completely secure. Also I can
imagine the system you are running it on is something like a 300mhz
with 64mb of ram. Now might be a nice time to upgrade....

Dell has a system with 2.6ghz (2666mhz) with 256mb of ram, 17"
monitor, cdrw/dvd drive and a much better operating system, windows xp
for $499.
If you are using that computer on a regular basis you should do
yourself a favor and upgrade your computer. A new system will make you
much more productive and Windows XP will make you much safer.
(Provided you still run a firewall and antivirus and run windows
update ;) )

Your best course of action, if at all possible get a new computer.
You'll really appreciate it and wonder how you ever got by on that old
slow piece of junk. ;)

Oh and don't forget a virus scanner.

A great free (I love free don't I) virus scanner is: AVG Anti Virus.

Download it:
http://www.grisoft.com/

You should always have an antivirus running.

I wish google would let you edit your comments....

Here is the address for the free AVG Anti Virus (it's a little difficult to find)

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

Good luck!

daniel76,

As stickman13 noted, it's often nearly impossible to troubleshoot
problems like this without being at the computer itself.  What you
might want to try, though, is running scandisk while in Safe Mode. 
Restart your computer, and before the Windows screen comes up, hold
down F12.  A menu will pop up, and you can start Windows in Safe Mode.
 Not being able to run Scandisk usually means there is another program
(or programs) running in the background that you don't know about, and
in Safe Mode, they shouldn't be a problem.  If you're still having
trouble, your version of Windows may have been corrupted (a distinct
possibility, since Windows 95 is a bit outdated, and you've probably
had this installation around for a while).  If this is the case, I'm
afraid I have to agree with stickman13, and point you toward a new
system.  After a certain point, software simply becomes so outdated
that trying to maintain it is more expensive and time-consuming than
upgrading to a new system, especially if you use the machine
frequently.

Before doing so, try everything stickman13 suggests, as it's very good
advice, but don't be TOO surprised if nothing works...

Good luck!

--bananarchy-ga

The file fntldr.exe is one of the many varients of cool web search
hijack which hijacks your internet explorer, causing searches you try
to do to be redirected to cool web's crappy site displaying "results"
mostly of adult nature, online gambling, etc.

Adware searchcounter is another hijacker ...does pretty much the same
thing besides adding crappy links in your favorites list, and causing
popups.


Go to this site: 
http://www.lurkhere.com/~nicefiles/ 

Download the version of CWShredder from there, and HijackThis,
Unzip Cwshredder and double click to run tool> close all open windows
except cwshredder> click "fix" not just scan. It will tell you what
was fixed.
Reboot and run the tool again just to make sure all was removed.
***note*** There is an update feature in the tool...I don't recommend
using it as the newer versions are causing all kinds of
problems...besides the site that normally hosts the tool is down right
now. The version I posted is safe...should be 1.44.08.

Unzip HijackThis to its own folder, double click hijackthis.exe, click
"scan", the scan button changes to "save log" button. Click save log,
save it to the same folder.
The log file will open up in notepad...hit ctrl+a to select all the
text, right click, select "copy", right click in reply here, select
paste.
We will read your log to see what else need doing (if anything)
Please do not fix anything yet....most things in the log are safe or essential.
I will check back in a bit...

Hi daniel76,

About the Scandisk problem, try disabling the screensaver before
running Scandisk. This has almost always worked for me.



===================

To turn off your screensaver do something like this:

1. Right-click on your desktop some place that there are no icons.
2. Click "Properties".
3. Click the "Screen Saver" tab.
4. Select "(None)" from the drop-down box.
5. Click "OK".
6. Try to run Scandisk.

Hope that works :)