Hi - I've been using my majicJack for a little over a week, and I've had four instances of Windows XP freezing, and I had to power down my computer. This wasn't a blue screen, but instead a freeze.
So, my questions are - has anyone else seen this behavior, and what are the right places to look for troubleshooting details?
More info on the "freezing": It's happened once during a phone call, once while an incoming call was ringing, and a couple unknown (possibly at hangup, or possibly while majicJack was running in the background)
System info: Windows XP, SP2, OS updates are current. Ethernet cable to the router. Four user profiles on the machine, I had to run the majicJack update under each profile for majicJack to appear and to start under each profile.
Opinions on likely suspects: a more recent majicJack update than June 21? USB drivers? Soundblaster drivers? (I really don't know if majicJack goes through the sound card) Java version? (I don't know if majicJack invokes java or not - seems like I saw it running though) Conflicts with any other known software, like AIM?
Opinions on places to look for clues: Event viewer? Windows mini dump? Does majicJack keep a log or error file somewhere?
I have not contacted majicJack technical support about this yet -- thinking maybe this forum is a better option.
Thanks! - Keith
I should add - when I say "freeze", I mean, no mouse activity, no keyboard response, nothing. I had to use the power button on the computer to turn off / on.
Windows XP SP2 freeze
Moderators: Bill Smith, Pilot
Windows XP SP2 freeze
Last edited by Keith on Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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lonestarmagic
- Dan isn't smart enough to hire me
- Posts: 234
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:16 pm
- Location: Dallas, TX
Sounds like your CPU is getting maxed out. Open your Task Manager and see what all is running. You may find that you've got another pgm running that is causing this issue.
If you have a firewall enabled, disable it. Some have been known to mess with how MJ functions.
If you find that your CPU is maxed, try to close/ end task of some other stuff you really don't need running.
If you have a firewall enabled, disable it. Some have been known to mess with how MJ functions.
If you find that your CPU is maxed, try to close/ end task of some other stuff you really don't need running.
Good point on the CPU -- I'll start the task manager and watch CPU utilization. My son does say that majicJack slows down his Internet gaming!
I should also add - I've run majicFix under two of the profiles on the machine, I should run it on all four to make sure none of the profiles are starting any known incompatible software.
I can't remember if that machine has firewall software running or not, I'll check.
Other ideas? Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, Keith
I should also add - I've run majicFix under two of the profiles on the machine, I should run it on all four to make sure none of the profiles are starting any known incompatible software.
I can't remember if that machine has firewall software running or not, I'll check.
Other ideas? Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, Keith
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lonestarmagic
- Dan isn't smart enough to hire me
- Posts: 234
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:16 pm
- Location: Dallas, TX
If it turns out that your CPU is maxing out and your using alot of memory, you prob have a bunch of junk on your system that isn't needed.
I have been running some software for several years now that keeps my system running like new....it's called System Mechanic Pro. the website is Click Here It comes with virus protection,firewall and a bunch of stuff that keeps your memory, reg, HD and files clear of junk. It runs and finds all the junk your system doesn't need and safely removes it. You can download a free trial of the s/w and use it to see if it's right for you.
If you see in the task mgr that your using alot of memory.....when windows runs, it puts junk out there on your memory even after it's through using it and it just ties up your available memory. SM also defrags your memory like it does your HD making more availabe for other processes.
Taken from System Mechanic website:
Frustrated by mysterious PC crashes, freezes and slowdowns?
Over 98% of PC problems are caused by clutter and faulty settings that are the result of everyday PC use.
System Mechanic Pro automatically finds and repairs errors and fragmentation and cleans out clutter -- so your PC operates smoothly, reliably, and up to 300% faster!
Don’t waste money on expensive “experts” to fix your PC. System Mechanic repairs, optimizes, and maintains your PC.
Enjoy that new PC feeling again.
Clear out clutter and errors for improved speed and reliability.
Improve your gaming experience.
Optimize your PC to play the latest high-performance games at maximum speeds.
Speed up internet access.
Accelerate download and web surfing speeds up to 300%.
I have been running some software for several years now that keeps my system running like new....it's called System Mechanic Pro. the website is Click Here It comes with virus protection,firewall and a bunch of stuff that keeps your memory, reg, HD and files clear of junk. It runs and finds all the junk your system doesn't need and safely removes it. You can download a free trial of the s/w and use it to see if it's right for you.
If you see in the task mgr that your using alot of memory.....when windows runs, it puts junk out there on your memory even after it's through using it and it just ties up your available memory. SM also defrags your memory like it does your HD making more availabe for other processes.
Taken from System Mechanic website:
Frustrated by mysterious PC crashes, freezes and slowdowns?
Over 98% of PC problems are caused by clutter and faulty settings that are the result of everyday PC use.
System Mechanic Pro automatically finds and repairs errors and fragmentation and cleans out clutter -- so your PC operates smoothly, reliably, and up to 300% faster!
Don’t waste money on expensive “experts” to fix your PC. System Mechanic repairs, optimizes, and maintains your PC.
Enjoy that new PC feeling again.
Clear out clutter and errors for improved speed and reliability.
Improve your gaming experience.
Optimize your PC to play the latest high-performance games at maximum speeds.
Speed up internet access.
Accelerate download and web surfing speeds up to 300%.
Errors in Event Log \Device\Harddisk2\D
Well, I finally got around to checking the Event Log today, and it is full of the following:
"The driver detected a controller error on \Device\Harddisk2\D."
I know, I know, the Event Log should have been the first thing I checked.
In the event log list, the "source" of this error is listed as "disk". I have a single drive in this system, it is letter "C:".
Anyone want to take a try at interpreting the message?
The error entries occur every 5 seconds, ending when the machine froze yesterday. The entries go back to the beginning of the log - probably the first ones have rolled off, the first ones left in the log start a couple of hours before the machine froze.
MS website says check cables - I'll do that in a few minutes. So, the "freeze" may or may not be related to majicJack, although the machine did not "freeze" before majicJack installation. *However* - the day I installed majicJack, I did take the covers off of the machine and blow out the accumulated dust with some canned air -- this possibly could have loosened a cable connection.
Here's the lineup of my drive letters:
Local Disk (C: )
CD-RW Drive (D: )
DVD Drive (E: )
majicJack (F: )
Removable Disk (G: ) (I think this is a memory card reader)
majicJack (H: )
Other troubleshooting - nothing in minidump, and I couldn't find any majicJack error logs.
Later I'll run a test of making a phone call, watching CPU during the call, and then also check the Event Viewer afterwards for any errors.
- Keith
"The driver detected a controller error on \Device\Harddisk2\D."
I know, I know, the Event Log should have been the first thing I checked.
In the event log list, the "source" of this error is listed as "disk". I have a single drive in this system, it is letter "C:".
Anyone want to take a try at interpreting the message?
The error entries occur every 5 seconds, ending when the machine froze yesterday. The entries go back to the beginning of the log - probably the first ones have rolled off, the first ones left in the log start a couple of hours before the machine froze.
MS website says check cables - I'll do that in a few minutes. So, the "freeze" may or may not be related to majicJack, although the machine did not "freeze" before majicJack installation. *However* - the day I installed majicJack, I did take the covers off of the machine and blow out the accumulated dust with some canned air -- this possibly could have loosened a cable connection.
Here's the lineup of my drive letters:
Local Disk (C: )
CD-RW Drive (D: )
DVD Drive (E: )
majicJack (F: )
Removable Disk (G: ) (I think this is a memory card reader)
majicJack (H: )
Other troubleshooting - nothing in minidump, and I couldn't find any majicJack error logs.
Later I'll run a test of making a phone call, watching CPU during the call, and then also check the Event Viewer afterwards for any errors.
- Keith
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lonestarmagic
- Dan isn't smart enough to hire me
- Posts: 234
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:16 pm
- Location: Dallas, TX
Your drive F is your MJ autorun drive and drive H is your MJ drive that contains various MJ files and where your contact info gets stored.
As far as that error, I did some diggin and there are some reports that it could be a cable issue and some saying that your HD could be getting ready to go bad. Also it can relate to a card reader on your printer where the driver is messed up.
You could also try doin a "safely Remove Hardware" on any device that your not using while trying to get MJ to work correctly. By stopping the device, you may find that you are no longer getting the errors. If that works, you'll know that it's one of the devices you stopped that is generating these errors.
I'd still give System Mech a shot just to see what all it finds messed up in your reg, drivers, etc.
I used to use Norton, McAfee, AVG........never again......SM has protected my system for years now and I've never had any driver or system issues. The product is a bit pricey, but has paid for itself many times over in keeping my system running like new. Plus, one license is good for up to three computers.
As far as that error, I did some diggin and there are some reports that it could be a cable issue and some saying that your HD could be getting ready to go bad. Also it can relate to a card reader on your printer where the driver is messed up.
You could also try doin a "safely Remove Hardware" on any device that your not using while trying to get MJ to work correctly. By stopping the device, you may find that you are no longer getting the errors. If that works, you'll know that it's one of the devices you stopped that is generating these errors.
I'd still give System Mech a shot just to see what all it finds messed up in your reg, drivers, etc.
I used to use Norton, McAfee, AVG........never again......SM has protected my system for years now and I've never had any driver or system issues. The product is a bit pricey, but has paid for itself many times over in keeping my system running like new. Plus, one license is good for up to three computers.
thanks for the replies... a little more info
I opened the case, all cables nice and tidy, connectors all seemed secure.
IDE 1 has only the hard drive connected to it,
IDE 2 has both the CDRW and the DVD connected to it.
The majicJack was "slightly" loose in the USB port, I pushed it in to make it snug.
I booted up and, given the nature of the error messages, I figured it was a good time for a backup. I ran the backup (actually robocopy) to an external USB connected drive, that went fine, and no additional errors in Event Viewer.
Here's something interesting - in the Control Panel, in System...Device Manager...disk drives", there's now an entry called:
YMAX MajicJack USB device
If XP sees this as a disk drive, then I suppose it could throw errors that end up in the Event Viewer looking like hard drive or drive controller errors. Thoughts?
And, I am going to check out System Mech.
Specs -- this is an admittedly older machine. Driver for the hard drive shows to be Microsoft, 7/01/2001, Driver version 5.1.2535.0.
Same driver used for YMAX MajicJack USB device.
The machine has an AMD 2800 Sempron CPU, 1 GB RAM, and an MSI (Micro Star International) system board.
Also, I'll soon run a call test, looking at CPU and watching for any errors in the Event Viewer.
Thanks again for your continuing suggestions!
- Keith
IDE 1 has only the hard drive connected to it,
IDE 2 has both the CDRW and the DVD connected to it.
The majicJack was "slightly" loose in the USB port, I pushed it in to make it snug.
I booted up and, given the nature of the error messages, I figured it was a good time for a backup. I ran the backup (actually robocopy) to an external USB connected drive, that went fine, and no additional errors in Event Viewer.
Here's something interesting - in the Control Panel, in System...Device Manager...disk drives", there's now an entry called:
YMAX MajicJack USB device
If XP sees this as a disk drive, then I suppose it could throw errors that end up in the Event Viewer looking like hard drive or drive controller errors. Thoughts?
And, I am going to check out System Mech.
Specs -- this is an admittedly older machine. Driver for the hard drive shows to be Microsoft, 7/01/2001, Driver version 5.1.2535.0.
Same driver used for YMAX MajicJack USB device.
The machine has an AMD 2800 Sempron CPU, 1 GB RAM, and an MSI (Micro Star International) system board.
Also, I'll soon run a call test, looking at CPU and watching for any errors in the Event Viewer.
Thanks again for your continuing suggestions!
- Keith
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lonestarmagic
- Dan isn't smart enough to hire me
- Posts: 234
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:16 pm
- Location: Dallas, TX
In your "My Computer" screen, when you do have MJ plugged in, the system does see the device as two disk drives. Maybe since it wasn't seated all the way, it might be possible your system was generating errors from the device. Hard to say.
I think once you let SM check your entire system, you'll find it runs alot better. Since I've been using that program for several years, if you have any questions on any of it's functions etc, you can PM me and I can answer your questions about it. It really does it all as you will find out when you install and run it. When I installed it on my new laptop 5 years ago, it found all sorts of junk that was installed from the factory.
I use the USB extension cable that came with MJ. The USB ports on my laptop are sort of embedded in the case, so it's easier to plug my MJ in with using the cable. I know I would prob have issues if I plugged it directly into my USB ports for this reason....
Anyway, keep us posted on how things go.
I think once you let SM check your entire system, you'll find it runs alot better. Since I've been using that program for several years, if you have any questions on any of it's functions etc, you can PM me and I can answer your questions about it. It really does it all as you will find out when you install and run it. When I installed it on my new laptop 5 years ago, it found all sorts of junk that was installed from the factory.
I use the USB extension cable that came with MJ. The USB ports on my laptop are sort of embedded in the case, so it's easier to plug my MJ in with using the cable. I know I would prob have issues if I plugged it directly into my USB ports for this reason....
Anyway, keep us posted on how things go.
call test
Quick update - I did run a call test a little while ago.
CPU utilization averaged around 20%, a little higher than I expected.
Memory usage for majicjack.exe was around 22 MB, a little lower than I expected.
Made three or four calls, both incoming and outgoing, experienced no problems and checked Event Viewer after the test, no new entries.
- Keith
CPU utilization averaged around 20%, a little higher than I expected.
Memory usage for majicjack.exe was around 22 MB, a little lower than I expected.
Made three or four calls, both incoming and outgoing, experienced no problems and checked Event Viewer after the test, no new entries.
- Keith
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lonestarmagic
- Dan isn't smart enough to hire me
- Posts: 234
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:16 pm
- Location: Dallas, TX
Re: call test
Congrats.....Keith wrote:Quick update - I did run a call test a little while ago.
CPU utilization averaged around 20%, a little higher than I expected.
Memory usage for majicjack.exe was around 22 MB, a little lower than I expected.
Made three or four calls, both incoming and outgoing, experienced no problems and checked Event Viewer after the test, no new entries.
- Keith
I'm running 33 Processes and my CPU is at about 5% with MJ running minimized and my memory is around 276MB.
You might have some Reg stuff thats running that doesn't need to be....SM will take care of that for you
