strange 'white box' error message/no modem

For the last couple of weeks, I have periodically been getting strange error messages pertaining to my modem when trying to connect to my ISP. The box has a totally white background. It says it cannot dectect a modem--of course it is there. I have to reboot everytime....then I am able to log on. What is this white box? I've never seen it before except recently.

Do you think this is my ISP (NetZero), my OS (98) or Netscape 7.1? Maybe I shouldn't worry so much, since I am always able to reboot and eradicate the problem.....I'm just wondering where this is coming from.

I might add...I've been getting another strange error message (the usual red box with the x across it). It says problem with my Exec file. This is another new error message for me. Are these related? What is Exec file? Any help greatly appreciated!

LuckyFish

 

Do you have the latest Adaware or Spybot? I have a feeling it may be spyware.

Red X in the box? May need a Java update. Have you done your Windows Updates?
Which program do you see it in? (See PeteC's suggestion to start a new thread.)

Matt

 

PeteC and mattman,

Luckyfish left out an important detail in her post, and one which she conveyed to me in PM. Evidently she hasn't had time to add it, so in order for you to get the complete picture:

Luckyfish uninstalled Internet Explorer, using IEradicate, and therefore lies the problem. I'm hoping that she will get back to this thread and give you more details.

Ramona

 

Hey, Guys...it's true....I did remove IE using IEradicate I know I probably should not have done this....but I did. Truthfully, my system has been working faster since the uninstall. Do you think this is the problem as Ramona does? Please don't have me reinstall IE...maybe there is another way around this?? Fingers crossed....LuckyFish

 

Hi, PeteC...appreciate your suggestion. Just embarassed to say I'm not sure how to do this. I used Mozilla until recently, and don't have any experience with Device Manager. I looked in help...but still pretty unsure. Can you please detail exactly what I am to do? Many thanx! LuckyFish

 

Remove drivers:
First look in Add/Remove Programs (Control Panel). Highlight and remove anything related to the modem (or any other modem).
Go to Control Panel > System > Device Manager (tab); click on the "+" next to modem (N.B.: there may not be any modem if you removed it in Add/Remove Programs). Highlight any modem models you see and click Remove. It should then ask you to restart, say OK unless there are several modems, remove them then restart.
When you restart you can install the latest drivers you may have found.

(If exactly the same occurs after this then you may want to remove the drivers in Safe Mode, this should ensure they are completely removed)

Hope Pete doesn't mind me giving the procedure . May help things along.
And...
If I missed something guys pls let me know.

Matt

 

Hi PeteC and MattMan:
Thanks so much for the detailed description, MattMan--I'm going to print and try this afternoon. So....do you think my problem may not be the uninstall of IE, after all....or too early to tell?
I'll let you know this afternoon what happens. Thanx again!
LuckyFish

 

Okay, MattMan..holding my breath! Nothing to remove in Add/Remove on modems. Went to Device Manager...I have LT Win Modem. You said remove, then restart, then install latest driver you 'may have found'. If I remove this driver (dumb question)...will I be able to even get online??? What suggestions do you have to replace. I've had this driver a long, long time.....I think. Just want to be sure before I 'remove'. Anxiously awaiting your expert suggestion. Many, many thanx for stepping up to assist!
LuckyFish

 

Make note of the drivers currently in use, ie the model listed in Device Manager (or in Control Panel > Modems). In case an upgrade is unsuccessful.

Information here:
http://www.56k.com/reports/ltfaq.shtml#new

Assuming it is a 56K / V.90 see section "Where can I get new firmware/drivers/V.90 upgrades for my modem? "

They list all the manufacturers here:
http://www.56k.com/links/V90_Upgrades/

Look for installation procedures with the drivers. It may run as a program, the download may have a "readme" or the website may list the procedure.

Matt
Edit: See here: http://modemsite.com/56k/ltwin8.asp
Can use Lucent/Agere "generic" drivers or the manufacturers version. Lots of reading for you.
I'd try the generic ones (at the top of the page), they seem pretty simple to install, manufacturers drivers might be needed if you want to use something special like "voicemodem" (using a microphone).

 

Hi, Mattman! Okay...do i upgrade or remove and install....or duh....is that the same thing. I assume I do in like this:

1. Uninstall LT Win Modem (one I currently have)

2. Install new Modem with one of links you gave me (listed on top of last post)

But here's my dumbest question of all:
If I first uninstall LT Win Modem...will I be able to run to get the new one???? Or should I reverse the procedure above...install the new one, then remove LT Win Modem.

Please forgive my stupidity...I'm just a little nervous..
LuckyFish

 

Hi Luckyfish- I hope I'm not complicating the issue but I haven't seen any reference to running the Windows built-in modem diagnostics. You can test your modem through the Modems applet in the Control Panel. Open it and click the Diagnostic tab. Highlight your modem and click the "more info" button. The computer will run a diagnostic series on your modem and let you know if there's a problem. If nothing shows up, go with the Mattman. Good luck! Clydeo22.

 

Yes, you can try the diagnostics. See here:
http://www.56k.com/terminal/modemcp.shtml
Your diagnostics screen should look "similar" to the one in the screenshot.


I don't think you should worry to much about updating the drivers. If you find the new ones don't run then go to Control Panel > Modems and click Add... If Windows does not detect it correctly, then use the "list" to select the LT Win Modem. Failing that, it would probably be detected and automatically installed on the next restart. Also there are the procedures in the link:
http://modemsite.com/56k/ltwin8.asp
Save these or print them out.
(and if all that fails, then your ISP should have a help desk to call.)

When you go to Control Panel > Modems click on Properties and Dialing Properties and (under the diferent tabs) make a note of the settings there. You may have to set these for the new drivers.

And...
Though I don't think you should have problems. You may consider getting an external modem. Winmodems are very basic and sometimes not all that reliable....and do have trouble with drivers.

(You have used the new version of AdAware or Spybot?)

You should just have to run the Setup.exe file. Make sure the modem is not connected to the internet.
If you wanted to be extra careful, then run the setup program in Safe Mode.

 

Hi clydeo22 and mattman:
Thanks for all of your efforts. I did like you suggested, clydeo22...and I 'guess' I had no problems. Three of the lines listed on diagnostic said 'ok'....the others had other information. If there WAS a problem....would it have said 'problem'?
Mattman, I'm using version 5 of adaware....how's that sound? Should I look for a newer version and install?
It should be noted that I've not had my 'strange white box error message' since I started this thread...go figure! Maybe the problem all along was with my ISP?
Also...I haven't done any Windows Updates in a long, long time. I went to the site, and it listed a LOT of stuff. I thought this was diagnostic...if I remember correctly. Isn't it supposed to tell me what I need?
Thanx again, guys!
LuckyFish

 

Hi again Luckyfish- glad to hear that you ran the diagnostics. Run it again and this time look for the line, I think it's AT12 that will state whether or not your ROM checksum was verified. If all looks ok, then you're not dealing with a hardware issue but configuration or drivers. Modems can be so maddening. Regarding Windows Update, upon going to the site, before you start the scan, click on "personalize Windows Update." This will allow you to elect whether or not you really need the Chinese language versions of updates etc. After doing that, do the scan and install the critical updates, but only a few at a time so you can make sure that they don't have an adverse affect on your system. If they do, it narrows your search for the guilty update to uninstall. Run your computer for a bit both on and offline after updating each time to make sure it's ok before downloading the next batch. Good Luck and I'm sure that someone here can get you back on track. Clydeo22.

 

A little good news at least. (I've been wondering how you were going.)

Iwould strongly recommend getting the new version of adaware, version 6. I recently had to take a trojan spyware off my friends computer and could only do it with the new version. It was crippling his machine.

Would be best to uninstall old version first.

Version 6 here:
http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

Matt

PS You may have some registry damage from removing IE, spyware or "leftover" buildup. You should backup your data now in case the worst might happen and you need to install Windows again. You can backup all your drivers using a program called Windriversbackup.

 

Windows updates, I don't know how it will react if you don't have IE anymore.
Concentrate on the updates labelled "Critical ". One of them is probably going to be Internet Explorer 6.0.
Download the non-critical ones only if you think you need them. Avoid downloading suggested driver updates. Sometimes Updates get them wrong.

Like Clydeo22 said, download them in small batches (eg: if you want a few little ones click Remove on the big ones).

Matt

 

Hi, Mattman and clydeo22:
Okay....I've got the new Adaware (6.1), and ran the diagnostics again. AT12 said OK-----so guess I'm good now. Haven't done the Window Update. Kind of scared too, since you're not sure how my system will react since I removed IE. Is there a way I can NOT have the update put that back on my OS? Also--could you please provide the link that will lead me to 'personalize Windows Update'. Do you really think I need to do the update? Don't know when I LAST did one--but at least a couple of years.
Thanx again!
LuckyFish