DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum computer screensaver issue+no sound=fail

I have a powerspec--generic MicroCenter brand. Over the past few weeks, it had been booting slowly, and then an error "Generic WinHost Process has encountered an error and needs to close" pops up on the screen.

Several things happened and still do:

1) no sound from youtube/speakers unless I rebooted.
2) IE 8 turned into Classic Win 98 mode from normal XP.
3) Black toolbar.
4) Dragon NaturallySpeaking did not work unless I rebooted.

Should I just buy a new computer or try to fix it as is?

After this happened for a month, I went online and got a Microsoft Hotfix and it diagnosed/repaired the sound problems automatically--for a few days. then the error would pop up again, and then the sound would go, and then I'd have to get my hotfix and run the diagnostic.cab file.

Long story short, I took it to a computer store in Chardon. they reformatted the HD and reinstalled windows. I had to reinstall my software, but that's another story. They did a clean sweep of the entire OS and reinstalled it.

Well, everything was working for awhile since I got the "new" updated computer. But i left it on yesterday for 30 mins--went to screensaver--then when I awoke the computer the message was there and I had to reboot to get my sound back.

what should I do, short of uninstalling/reinstalling windows again? Is there a way to repair sound problems without changing the registry? I use NIVIDIA drivers and that's what comes with the computer.

How old is it?

Let me be the first to say, I'm no computer guru, okay?

But, asian, it looks like it's 4th and long for you and that computer.

Initial guess is you had a virus and got it back by doing again whatever got you the virus in the first place. Possible web page you visit.

Try running Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes

Need more information.

Example - reboot seems to solve the non-functioning hardware problem. Does the error message about "generic Winhost process" ALWAYS, or nearly always, precede the sound failing to work? Does it EVER occur and the sound is still working?

What type of sound card, and is it built-in to the mobo or a seperate card? Nvidia does not make sound cards or hardware, most likely Realtek.

Roughly how frequently does the error occur? This is necessary in order to know how long to run certain diagnostic procedures.

Can you force or cause the error to occur? EXTREMELY important diagnostic tool. Take some time and experiment, this can save a LOT of time and troubleshooting.

Many of your errors seem to concern sound hardware or drivers. Try disabling the sound card completely, uninstall drivers, test for extended period of time - how long is dependent on the frequency of the error.

My guess would be a failing sound card or hardware. Easily replaceable, relatively cheap and simple. First must determine positively that this is the problem.

I do this for a living, 20 + years experience.

It always fails after the message comes up. then I have to reboot it or use Microsoft Fix IT-ATS program.

The computer is new--an XP machine bought in 2009. 500 GB HD, 2 GB DDR3 RAM, it's fast. No viruses--we use ESET NOD 32 AV protection.

Thanks for good responses, esp. Nelson37. I think it's the sound drivers and am not savvy with messing with them.

I can't get the error to replicate. It comes on randomly. I tried getting it to come on by using the screensaver but when I came back it was fine.

the idiots at the computer store just did a clean uninstall of Windows XP OS and re-installed it instead of trying to find the files/registry/drivers that went bad. they took the easy way out and I had to re-install the software (dragon naturally speaking, medisoft billing program) myself basically.

Lesson learned.

Does your error log show anything?

Here's how to access the error logs

Have you done any updates to your system and/or programs recently?

Quote:

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the idiots at the computer store

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They're idiots but you went to them for help. Then to a football message board.

I...uhhh...don't know what to say.......

i would run malwarebytes like rogue suggested....

then as nelson pointed out, you might have issues with the sound card. I would be willing to bet that its integrated into the motherboard. you can pick up a pci sound card for real cheap from a place like micro center, or new egg.com. Then all you would have to do is disable the onboard one and install the new.

as ytown pointed out, you should check the error logs, as they sometimes will point you to a solution. Another thing to check is if there is a bios update for that motherboard. sometimes there are problems that are fixed by these. Honestly i would speak to micro center. they would know right off the bat since the computer came from them if there are any issues.

malwarebytes is free...a new sound card is probably 20 bucks for a basic one, maybe even less. You should post the model number of the pc, as that might point out some problems.

Well, in all fairness 'otto he didn't find out they were idiots until he went there. Much the same as the football message board.

Definitely run Malwarebytes. Keep it, run it regularly, it is the BEST removal program out there, bar none.

Now, in the BIOS setup program, there will be an item to disable the sound card. Real easy, won't harm anything. At worst some programs like Dragon Dictate might need to be re-installed. After doing this, run for an extended period of time, roughly double the longest period that the PC has run with no error, if feasible.

Example : the error occurs roughly once a day, run for two days. If error occurs once every 2-3 hours, run for six. If it's once a month, that's a little harder.

Then, Enable the sound card in the BIOS and run again.

If you get no error with sound card disabled, and you get the error with the card turned on, that pretty much nails it.

Putting in a new sound card is a piece of cake. You have already re-installed software, it's really no different, other than inserting the card, which is easy. Hopefully the installed hardware will Comletely disable, sometimes they can conflict with the replacement hardware. No problem, this is easily resolved.

Actually, having worked in field service in one form or another for over 30 years I always chuckle when someone who has a problem thinks we're idiots because we can't fix a problem that, in all likelihood, they created in 30 seconds or less.

I'm also continually surprised when people come on here with all manner of questions for people they don't know, haven't met and quite possibly are lying about themselves or experiences. Obviously, not everyone or even a majority of the people on here are being devious or untruthful. But it happens enough that I'm always fairly skeptical about anything I read that doesn't have the smell of truth.

Now back to our regularly scheduled computer problem......

well, that makes me the biggest one of all

Did you get it solved or did the crazy man scare you away?