I previously posted in the Computing/general software section regarding what appeared to be a registry key causing my computer to crash. I followed Gandalf's instructions for pre-work but system always crashes when AVG scan (in SAFE MODE) or any other scanner software is executed. (Instruction #5 in the pre-work list). Unchecking the" NTFS Alternate data streams" has no effect.
Would seriously appreciate some help on this.

BTW: Is there any way to change the screen resolution for SAFE mode. Most menus are cropped to the extent that I cannot read / select all the options.

Heya Bad Bob,

Try downloading and running Memtest 86 (click my link). It is a free memory diagnostic tool. It is possible you have some errors in your memory.

Another thing you can try is running chkdsk. In safe or regular mode, click start, run, then type chkdsk /r /f and hit enter. A popup window will come up saying "can not lock the current drive, blah blah blah." Type Y then hit enter and reboot your computer. When your Windows splash screen comes up, it should run chkdsk.

See what happens from there

Hi Bob welcome to the forum Have you tried running msconfig and disabling all startup items to see if one of them is the cause? COuld very well be somthing in startup stopping it.

How to use MSCONFIG in Windows XP

Here is how to use MSCONFIG in Windows XP to disable some of the unnecessary programs that automatically load on start-up. Disabling these programs will help your computer boot faster and crash less. [For step-by-step instructions on how to use MSCONFIG in other versions of Windows, please visit my main How to Use MSCONFIG page.]

1. In Windows XP, go to Start > Run

2. Type MSCONFIG in the "Open:" box and then either press enter on your keyboard or click on the OK button.

3. This launches Microsoft's System Configuration Utility. Click on the Startup tab (the tab at the far right).

4. This takes you to a page with a list of "startup items." Startup items are programs that are automatically loaded every time you turn on your computer. Some startup programs are absolutely necessary, others are simply a waste of RAM. Disable all and click ok the PC will reboot


Will the scan run now?

Wadd and madmatt2006 thankyou both for responding to my problem.
Wadd: The memory scan showed no errors so I assume all is well there.
madmatt2006: I don't think the problem is related to anything in the startup menu. The (any) registry / Adware scan is manually initiated and not an automatic startup item.
Checkdisc and the likes show no errors either. A quick version of checkdisc runs every time the computer crashes and cannot be bypassed.
The nasty is still there in the registry though and at the moment is only preventing me from running Paint Shop Pro (IX) despite several attempts to remove and re-install.
What can cause the computer to crash so badly when it is only scanned rather than executed?
Any help appreciated.

Hi Bad Bob you refer to the registry and a key that seems to cause the problem. Where in the registry are you talking about. Is it possible to delete the registry entry that causes the problem. What error do you get when you run Paint Shop Pro?

Hi Madmatt, the offending file is/was in HKEY_CURRENT_USER / software / jasc / PSP9, one of about 100 or so entries under PSP9. Any attempt to delete or rename this folder (using regedit) causes the computer to immediately crash just like the power switch was given a flick. After restarting the windows "recovered from serious error" blurb comes up with a BCC Code 51 and other unknown data.
Also, any attempt to scan the registry using Adaware (or similar programs) causes a crash just after "Preparing GUID scanning" message appears.
I'm beginning to think that an OS re-install is necessary to get rid of this but any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.