Input Issues on Dell Inspiron 8200

[confus-ed]

Well it's not just a keyboard/mouse issue apparently...

In regards to P2P programs NooNoo, I have Kazaa Lite K++ (which I just uninstalled about a few days ago since I don't really use it), and I also have DC++...

I ran a spyware/adware check with SpyBot and Ad-Aware, and cleared all that crap out, and I defragged the system, but that really didn't help any. The only thing I haven't done yet is virus scanned the system (I did scan for viruses last month, but there was nothing, and this problem had not shown up). Could ZoneAlarm be causing these problems (I never had them before even with ZoneAlarm; do I even need ZoneAlarm since I'm behind a router which I think has a firewall built into it?)

Question to MobilePCPhysician: I'm confused on what you are trying to say, please clarify.

I'll answer the last bit first with my phsyic tech powers - he means Dell are 'pants' -I'm confus-ed ... not you ! ...

So lets try HijackThis 'the daddy' of malware removers - hard to use but much more effective than anything except Fdisk ! (if you are unsure post the very long log it generates)... & get Virus scanning with something up-to-date now !

Firewalls in routers don't work 'like' software firewalls - my recommendation unless you know how to correctly configure your router & have some application to do 'white-listing' (which you can't or you wouldn't be asking !) is to stick with both & figure out how to configure them correctly

So here I think I'd remove all p2p proggies, virus scan, clear all my zone alarm rules {which might currently let a p2p open non standard ports, which 'something else' might like} run hijackthis, clear all 'nasties' & then re-test ... or your windows install might just be FUBAR-ed from you continually trying stuff out which doesn't uninstall correctly as many 'free' things do ...

[PacoL250]

Well I uninstalled DC++, ran Symantic Virus Scan (which was the latest updated version; nothing bad was found), cleared all Zone Alarm rules (as in what programs got access and such), and ran HijackThis. I got a whole bunch of stuff and I wasn't sure which to remove so I'm going to post the log file (I did remove a couple of things, but I don't remember which; they didn't seem important at all anyhow). I also ran the various other programs made by the maker of HijackThis, and there wasn't anything showing up then either.

Anyhow, I reboot the comp after I ran HijackThis, and apparently, the problem seemed solved...no mouse skipping issues, no mp3s skipping in Winamp, and no keyboard typing issues. Now here's what got me confused: I've reboot the laptop a few times before when this problem came up previously, and that solved the problem...and all I had done was run SpyBot and Ad-Aware; DC++ was still on the comp, and I hadn't even done a virus scan...weird I say.

Anyway, here's the Hijack This log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 12:01:27 AM, on 3/23/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\AccessDirect\dadapp.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\1033\OLFSNT40.EXE
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
E:\Downloads\Programs\HijackThis v1.97.7.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = proxy.uconn.edu:80
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csea rchplugins%5CSBWeb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Raj K. Ghetia\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\idnzy8aw.slt\prefs.j s)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {83DE62E0-5805-11D8-9B25-00E04C60FAF2} - C:\WINDOWS\2_0_1browserhelper2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DadApp] C:\Program Files\Dell\AccessDirect\dadapp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DeadAIM] rundll32.exe "C:\Program Files\AOL Instant Messenger\\DeadAIM.ocm",ExportedCheckODLs
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Symantec Fax Starter Edition Port.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\1033\OLFSNT40.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download with &DAP - C:\PROGRA~1\DOWNLO~1\dapextie.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download &all with DAP - C:\PROGRA~1\DOWNLO~1\dapextie2.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .bcf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPBelv32.dll
O16 - DPF: {01A88BB1-1174-41EC-ACCB-963509EAE56B} (SysProWmi Class) - http://support.dell.com/systemprofiler/SysPro.CAB
O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} (QuickTime Object) - http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/swdir.cab
O16 - DPF: {49232000-16E4-426C-A231-62846947304B} (SysData Class) - http://ipgweb.cce.hp.com/rdq/downloads/sysinfo.cab
O16 - DPF: {75D1F3B2-2A21-11D7-97B9-0010DC2A6243} (SecureLogin.SecureControl) - http://secure2.comned.com/signuptemplates/ActiveSecurity.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?37879.3911574074
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {E7D2588A-7FB5-47DC-8830-832605661009} (Live Collaboration) - https://liveca06.custhelp.com/6006-b266h/rnl/java/RntX.cab
O16 - DPF: {F5131C24-E56D-11CF-B78A-444553540000} (Ikonic Menu Control) - http://activex.microsoft.com/controls/iptdweb/ikcntrls.cab

I'm really wondering what the problem might be since as of me posting this, it's apparently solved. I had left the computer off for a day or two before I read confus-ed's latest post, and the problem was still there. After I ran all this, no problems. I'm going to re-install DC++, and see what happens; when I used it, I had to manually open a port in my router in order to download/upload anything at all, so who knows if that was the problem.

I'd appreciate it if anybody could maybe expand upon this whackiness. In the meantime, thanks so far.

[confus-ed]

My Hijack this log has 7 entries in it ! so that's the 'ideal' situation

No bloomin' wonder you can't fathom whats up !

So Direct Connect looks to be the issue as

..and apparently, the problem seemed solved...no mouse skipping issues, no mp3s skipping in Winamp, and no keyboard typing issues. Now here's what got me confused: I've reboot the laptop a few times before when this problem came up previously, and that solved the problem...and all I had done was run SpyBot and Ad-Aware; DC++ was still on the comp, and I hadn't even done a virus scan...weird I say.

Predictable I say ! ..

All those flipping apps have got to interact & load sucessfully, or else they won't work 'good' .. I ain't even gone through them for 'nasties' yet (you can get googling or wait for some kind hearted soul to wade through all that lot & explain it ! .. when I have a spare 'while' I'll endeavour to return .. hopefully you'll get 'lucky' with someone else - & save me a job ..)

[PacoL250]

Well, I've done all I could in terms of using spyware and adware checkers (I've used SpyBot, Ad-Aware, and Spy Sweeper), and I've done virus scanning with the latest definitions, etc. The only thing I can now think of, in terms of software issues, is a possible registry issue. Could there be something wrong with the registry? I haven't used a registry cleaner, etc. yet, but I want somebody else to take a look at the Hijack This log I've posted above before I continue on.

I'm also wondering if it's a hardware issue all of a sudden. I'm thinking faulty RAM or a ready-to-die HDD. Neither of those should be the case since this laptop worked like clockwork before. I'd be pissed if that's the case; I'm now been out of warranty for only a month and a half, and I expect this laptop to last longer than one freakin' year.

Then again, could it be an issue with the PC cards I have in the comp? I have a Belkin USB 2.0 card and Linksys Wireless G card in both slots, respectively. They seem to be configured properly, so I'm not sure if they could be the issue...

I hate stupid problems...

EDIT: I didn't reinstall the Linksys software for the wireless card, but I don't think I really have to, since one, it works fine without it, and two, Windows Update just found an updated driver for me for the card; the newer driver, strangely, doesn't appear on Linksys' website...weird but eh, who knows?

[confus-ed]

I hate stupid problems...

We all do & the more complicated you make them the worse it gets , I think we sussed it already didn't we ? you made 'it' go away when you un-installed direct connect ?

I'm still very 'reluctant' (& busy) with that list ... help me out & tell me the software you want installed as many of those entries will relate - its the ones we never asked for that are the issues with 'malware' .

[PacoL250]

We all do & the more complicated you make them the worse it gets , I think we sussed it already didn't we ? you made 'it' go away when you un-installed direct connect ?

I'm still very 'reluctant' (& busy) with that list ... help me out & tell me the software you want installed as many of those entries will relate - its the ones we never asked for that are the issues with 'malware' .

The problem went away after I rebooted a couple of times and DC++ was still on the system the last time I solved the problem. I dunno why, but I keep thinking it's a physical hardware problem; jza734 mentioned a keyboard issue a few posts ago, so I'm going to try out the suggestion that was given then (I didn't try it yet since this problem really hadn't come up previously even when I had all the various software I used installed, and I don't see any possible issue with the keyboard).

The software that the HijackThis log refers to are all items I use one time or another. I'm sure I can maybe tweak my startup to see what can happen, but I'm going to run that Dell Diagnostic test first.

[PacoL250]

Still nothing solved yet. I'm ready to heave this thing out the window...

I used the Dell diagnostics program, but everything seemed fine (I couldn't find a drift test for the mouse; maybe I downloaded the wrong one? I'm not sure, but if jza734 could send me a link or the program with that test, that would really help).

There's nothing else I can think of; I've uninstalled my anti-virus, removed my wireless lan card, uninstalled Zone Alarm, and then started up, but the problem would not go away...

Even a few reboots don't help anymore, and I really don't want to reinstall windows especially if it's a damned hardware problem that needs to be solved...

Any more suggestions?

[confus-ed]

So you are still complaining of the original symptoms ? Slight pause with keystrokes or mouse ?

If so then with all that stuff active at one time what do you expect ? (which is pretty much what I keep saying)

Tell me what you have installed that you want, & this time I promise to go through the log .. I only google every entry I don't recognise ! & figure it out from there .. These hijackthis logs are hard work ! hint , hint, hint !

[PacoL250]

So you are still complaining of the original symptoms ? Slight pause with keystrokes or mouse ?

If so then with all that stuff active at one time what do you expect ? (which is pretty much what I keep saying)

Tell me what you have installed that you want, & this time I promise to go through the log .. I only google every entry I don't recognise ! & figure it out from there .. These hijackthis logs are hard work ! hint , hint, hint !

Well the original symptoms are still there, but I've had more crap in startup, etc. before without a single hitch, so I'm kinda weirded out on that one. The other symptoms included skipping sound while I was playing mp3s and such (slight pauses in that too).

I'm tempted to just backup, format, and reinstall windows with stuff that I only really use now (which honestly isn't a lot). I'm sure it's probable that my WinXP installation is just now FUBAR-ED a bit, so who knows...

Suggestions before I wipe my slate clean?

EDIT: Thanks so much for the help so far!

[NooNoo]

Lot of dell people are complaining that mp3's skip or sound distorted with the dell drivers.

[PacoL250]

Lot of dell people are complaining that mp3's skip or sound distorted with the dell drivers.

Yeah I noticed that problem after a few months of use also. The main problem that I have been describing seems to have been alleviated apparently...

I uninstalled Symantic AV and went down to version 7.6 from 8.0 (v7.6 was still called Norton; I'm able to get these since UCONN provides a corporate edition to students/professors for free), and after uninstalling Symantic AV 8.0, problem of major skipping of the mouse/sound/keyboard typing was gone. I then installed Norton AV 7.6 for the sake of needing to have an AV program. Problem hasn't showed up so far, but I will post if it does.

I am also spyware/adware/malware free and really always have been, so that really didn't seems as if it was the issue.

Sound slightly skips/distorts like you said NooNoo, but I think that's a Dell issue; any new drivers for the sound card that may not be on Dell's site (I know it's Crystal sound)?

EDIT: I did not format my HDD or anything at all; I just did the AV procedure I mentioned above. I also haven't installed ZoneAlarm again, but I will and see what happens.

[Carpel]

I've had a Dell Inspiron 8200 from almost the week they were introduced and have had no issue other than the one pixel line that now runs vertically in the screen. (Hardware issue in the screen itself.) The lap is now our of warranty and im sure they would hammer me good for a screen. The issue isn't from abuse, the lap is only used in one place and not abused at all.

I've had some mousestick creep if I mess with it sometimes, but only for a minute. I usually don't use the mousestick and use the touchpad anyway.

No issues as far as sound or display, mp3s or anything else.

XP Pro OS.

Anyone know how common the screen glitch is and if theres any policy about it? It's clearly a defect & not user abuse. But again, the lap is no longer under warranty.

Carpel

[Carpel]

I have noticed some delays occasionally, but that is only when Norton Pro 2004 A/V is updating. Soon as it's done, no delays. But that's just heavy CPU & I/O use. Not something faulty on the Inspiron.

Carpel

[castle]

I had a drifting mouse problem. I've tried and so far succeeded in solving the problem by disabling the touchpad and stickmouse. If your machine isn't recently purchased, you may need to download a new driver from Dell in order to get these options in your control panel.

[Bigtimbre]

Have you updated the drivers/firmware? I had a similar issue about a year ago on my 8200 and there were update drivers, and BIOS, which resolved the issue.

I've never had major issues with Dell, and when things do fail they've always been very responsive in getting me replacement parts.