posted on October 3, 2000 09:11:13 AM new
Bought a marble mouse to cut down on wear on my wrist. Plugged it into the PS2 port where the old mouse had been. Then turned on the computer and ran the installation CD. After that it asked me to restart which I did. Now after the Windows screen it keeps saying "Windows Protection Error - Restart computer". I do this and keep getting the same thing. I plugged the old mouse back in but that didn't work. Any suggestions? I am thinking I should have turned off my ZoneAlarm before doing all of this. Also I am on DSL connection and my network light hasn't been on, so could this just be a network problem? Thanks!
posted on October 3, 2000 10:43:39 AM new
your DLS/modem/mouse/etc should have absolutely nothing to do with each other. So, I would safely rule out it being a network problem. Installing trackball software, should have nothing to do with this problem either. (sorry, don't know anything about ZoneAlarm or whatever firewall program you're using)
However, it does sound as though there's a conflict between programs somewhere along the line. Can you get to a DOS prompt? Or SafeMode? Do you have a windows startup disk?
If you can get to at least a DOS prompt, then you can bipass the newer registry files and restore it to a time that the computer was working properly *such as two days ago or something like that*
posted on October 3, 2000 10:50:28 AM new
What version of Windows are you using and what kind of mouse is it? Most makers offer free support. Do you have an emergency boot disk and have you tried that? It sounds like you got stuck in a loop somewhere. I'd somehow try and get to my DOS prompt and back up files.
This has to do with a conflict in your start up files--.ini or registry files. Hopefully you won't have to go back and start from scratch.
posted on October 3, 2000 10:59:20 AM new
FYI: It is extremely important to remember that if you are adding or removing a PS/2 mouse, you must turn off your computer first. If you plug in a PS/2 mouse while your computer is on, you can fry the components.
posted on October 3, 2000 11:15:16 AM new
Nonsense! I plug/un-plug stuff from the back of my computers on almost a daily basis. The only thing "fried" at the end of the day is my brain...
Sounds like an "old wives tale"*
SK
*-no offense to any "old wives" who may be listening...
posted on October 3, 2000 11:21:46 AM new
Thanks for the help. I did find some tech support online and when I get home I will try to figure out what is conflicting. I appreciate the help in ruling things out. I DID follow the directions and plug it in before turning on the machine. I don't know if it matters either, but it only takes a short amount of time so why not do it just in case? Are computers old enough now that there can be old wives tales about them? I am a wife but I'm not old - compared to a tree!
posted on October 3, 2000 12:13:33 PM new
Just so there is no misuderstanding about "wife's tales": since a PS/2 mouse keeps a constant current to the mother board, it is strongly urged that you turn your computer OFF before attaching or removing the mouse. To fail to do so can cause a "spark" like any electrical appliance you plug in and a "spark" can permanently damage the mother board.
I know NOTHING about all of this personally, but I have a son who makes his living with this stuff and HE told me that although it is not a common occurance (he personally has never seen it happen) he MOST definetly follows proper procedure and encourages others to do the same!
posted on October 3, 2000 08:12:17 PM new
I wish you a lot of luck. I had upgraded/installed lots of stuff on my old computer (hard drives, sound cards, internal modems - you name it, I had added it) The only thing I could never get to work was - yup - a new mouse. I ended up going to the store where I had originally bought the computer and buying a mouse exactly like the one I had.
Sorry I can't help (but at least you know it's not just you (grin)).
