Is there a way to make the Windows operating system more stable?

I have updated the operating system with all of the critical patches
and all of the other patches that did not deal with with a foreign
language.

My two major problems are:

1. The computer freezes and I have to hold down the "on" button to
force the PC to shut down. This happens about once every two hours.
Usually there no error code, it just stops responding.

2. Many times I must restart the PC when I am attempting to log on to
the internet using a dial up connection.

When I login, it apprears that a connection has been made, but when I
open Internet Explorer and request a webpage, nothing happens. The
received and sent bytes show 300-500 and do not change. After one to
three "Restarts" of the PC, I am usually able to logon to a website.

I would be interested in "tweaks", adjustments, removing services that
are not needed, software that would improve the stability of the
computer and any other suggestions.

I am using the Zone Alarm firewall and Norton Anti-Virus.


Some errors that have occurred during bootup:

"Explorer" has caused an error in ole32.dll

MSGSRV32 caused an error in KRNL386.EXE, MSGSV32 will now close

LOADGM has caused an error in <unknown>


I am using Win Me on a Sony Vaio C1VN laptop. 

I would prefer to keep this operating system.

---

Request for Question Clarification by aceresearcher-ga on 27 Jun 2004 07:47 PDT

Greetings, captkiwi!

Are you still having a problem with your computer? If so, please post
a Clarification here, and I'll be glad to help you troubleshoot the
problem.

Regards,

aceresearcher

Unfortunately, I don't believe the simple fix you are hoping for
exists.  There are multiple things going on here:

1: System hangs on "soft off".
2: Connection problems.
3: Startup errors.

#3 would concern me the most.  Many, many bad things could be going
on.  Kernel errors and IE errors are core operating system things
going wrong.  You may need to repair your Windows installation, or
reinstall.  Various hardware problems could cause errors such as
these, also.

#1 is also an operating system issue requiring reinstallation to cure it.

#2 could be an operating system issue, or have to do with your modem,
or your isp.  After you know it isn't your OS, then you can call up
your ISP for help.

Were I you, I would
a) BACKUP all my data.  Back up your data - documents, music, photos,
your email, internet favorites, address book, etc.  I would recommend
a portable USB flash drive for this, since your notebook is a bit
short on useful interfaces.  These are cheap and fantastically useful.
 Just "sneakernet" the data to another computer (and burn it to a cd
if it's important!)

b) Reinstall the operating system ("clean install", i.e. completely
wipe the disk).  You may also try to repair the installation of
Windows, from the installation disk.

Of all common operating systems, Windows ME has the *worst* reputation
for reliability.  Many, many programs are not even supported for ME,
as it is such a nightmare.

If you don't want to pay anything, you could put linux on it:
http://www.bastille-linux.org/jay/vaio.html
But somehow I don't see that being very feasible for you.

More than you ever wanted to know about your PictureBook:
http://www.stevebarr.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/barrst/goto.pl?c1vn


I sum up:
1) USB flash drive to back up your stuff easily.
2) Repair or reinstall from original OS CD.

Just wanted to thank "pwfisher-ga" for the very detailed comment. I
know that it took considerable time and it is much appreciated!!

pw is right--ME has the *worst* reputation (deservedly earned, in my
experience) of all the 32-bit Windows versions. I'd recommend
upgrading to w2k or XP. (Hopefully you've got 256 MB + RAM; 128 will
work but be on the slow side.) I'd imagine you've got lots of odd
hardware on the sony (odd-shaped screen, camera, etc.) so running the
"upgrade" rather than a "clean install" might be the way to go--that
should give you a new core OS but keep the drivers for the odd (I mean
that in a good way) sony hardware.

Also, if you've been online unprotected, you could have
adware/spyware/malware on there. Download and run AdAware and SpyBot
Search & Destroy.

I've had the same problem where my computer would simply just "freeze"
after a few hours of usage. I've eliminated this by buying a good
computer fan, and opening the case to provide a better cooling for the
system -- the problem has never bothered me again.

Hope this helps