Generic host process for win32 services

silverstar1

Ever since my ISP AOL has been bought by CPW I have reeived the above error message. It turns my system tray from Blue to White, freezes my computer and stops my internet connection although it does not disconnect it. I only got this error since aol stopped using their access number to connect on AOL V8 and sent me a migration CD not only to move me to the CPW system but also to upgrade me to AOL 9VR which uses TCP/IP to connect to the internet. The error report states the following svchost.exe.mdmp and appcompat.txt both of which are found in the temp local folder WER with a different Number each time e.g. 7B, 54 etc.

My OS is Windows XP pro with SP1 I have downloaded the following Windows update KB894391 (after I started getting this error) which was SUPPOSED to cure the problem but has failed to do so.

Can anyone help me with this problem

Thanks
Marilyn

rich010273

Your Windows XP SP level sounds low. Do you have automatic updates turned on?

What antivirus software do you have installed?

Are you using Broadband or dial-up?

silverstar1

I am using Windows XP pro with SP1 which was installed on my computer when I bought it. I am not using any anti virus software. I cannot understand why when I was using an access number to connect using AOL V8 I did not get this message. Why has it only appeared since I have been using the TCP/IP method with AOL 9VR what is the difference betwen an access number and the TCP/IP method?. I am using dial up. Why is it telling me in the errror report that it is in the local temp folder WER (not to be confused with temp internet folder) under the svchost.exe.mdmp and appcomp.txt. I know the 2nd one stands for application conflict but how can I find out what applications are conflicting? what does the 1st one refer to? (the svchost.exe) and why does it turn my system tray from Blue to White when this generic host message appears? I have windows updates turned off for the simple reason I don't understand what each update means and I am afraid that by installing them I might cause more problems The only update that I have installed is KB894391 which was supposed to cure this problem but has failed to do so (I wish microsoft would not give the description for the updates in tech language these updates are supposed to be for home users) and there is no hardware attached to my computer when this message appears.

I have Windows SP2 on a C.D but have not installed it for the following reasons.

1. When I first got the C.D I read that some companies internet sites could not cope with it

2. If I installed SP2 would I then have to reinstall the software that I have installed already e.g for my printer again?

espresso

silverstar1 wrote: »

I am using Windows XP pro with SP1 which was installed on my computer when I bought it. I am not using any anti virus software.

You should install Anti-virus and a Firewall ASAP. There is no excuse for not doing this see here You should not connect to the net without installing these!

silverstar1

How do I know that it is a virus causing my problem? as I stated before one of the errors state appcompat.txt that does not sound like a virus to me rather a conflict of applications which ones I don't know. I have tried downloading some free anti virus programs like regcure but although they will scan for problems they will not fix them unless you purchase the FULL version which is very annoying because it takes ages to downlaod these programs and as most are in the U.S that means in dollars no use to me.As for a firewall you have to know how to configure them otherwise they can cause problems.

That is my excuse for not using either anti virus or a firewall.

Now can anyone be more helpfull and solve my problem for me.

espresso

silverstar1 wrote: »

.
waffle
.

That is my excuse for not using either anti virus or a firewall.

Your excuse is pathetic! Regcure is not an anti-virus! There is no point trying to help you unless you install an anti-virus and a firewall to protect your system!

DatabaseError

not the best antivirus, but far better than nothing, is AVG Free
install and scan, also download ccleaner and run both the cleaner and registry modules
maybe some antispyware app would be a good idea...

and not forgetting, windows xp is up to SP3 now, microsoft think it's important enough to develop, download via windows update

RobertoMoir

silverstar1 wrote: »

I have Windows SP2 on a C.D but have not installed it for the following reasons.

1. When I first got the C.D I read that some companies internet sites could not cope with it

2. If I installed SP2 would I then have to reinstall the software that I have installed already e.g for my printer again?

1. You can also read that Elvis is alive if you go to the 'right' sites. Does that mean that Elvis is really alive?

2. No. SP2 should only be a problem for people who have already having problems with their computer (which does mean don't install it in the middle of trying to fix this problem, actually).

Actually, XP is now at SP3, which is what you should install instead of SP2.

Oh yes... and install some antivirus software and a firewall for gods sake. You can get both of those for free for home users, there really is no excuse.

Browntoa

go to

www.windowsupdate.com

and do SP3 as suggested , then when thats finished go back and check again for any outstanding express updates

then go back to it a third time and go into custom and install any hardware updates