Windows 7 Various programs not booting up

[nickb623]

Recently rebuild this PC installed faster processor, more ram and a new Solid State HD as well as SATA HD and Windows 7. The main OS runs from SSHD and most of the data files are stored on the SATA drive.

When I first installed various programs they ran fine. I installed some to run from the programs(x86) folder and those that are 32bit from the program files folder. Other software I installed to run from the SATA drive to save on memory.

What is now happening is some programs won't load up at all. You can click on the short cut and they start to boot up but just hang. I have tried running them as Admin - same problem. On checking the Win Task Manager they appear in the processes list and show as running. The really odd thing is this is an intermittent fault - sometimes they will start up. I have tried re-installing and rebooting and neither makes a difference - there does not seem to be a reason why they won't run. Some of the software that won't boot up are Second Life viewer, Emerald Viewer (linked to SL), Football Manager Live, Steam.

I have also had a problem with a printer that no longer prints. The documents simply queue up in the printer memory and nothing prints. When the printer was first connected it worked - now it does not. I have checked HP for latest drivers and they say the Win7 system has a generic driver pre-installed for this type of printer.

The system itself runs fine, there is a fast boot up of the PC and so far the OS has not hung once. (touches some wood!) However its a little frustrating if I can't play my favored games.

Any help or advice - or should I just go back to Win 95!


Nick

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you've made some significant upgrades to your PC and are experiencing various issues with program loading and printing after the upgrades. Here are some troubleshooting steps and suggestions to address the problems you're facing:

Troubleshooting Programs Not Loading:​

1. Compatibility Mode: Try running the problematic programs in compatibility mode. Right-click on the program shortcut, go to Properties > Compatibility tab, and select an older version of Windows the program is known to work with.
2. Check Dependencies: Ensure that all necessary dependencies of the programs are installed and up to date. This includes DirectX, Visual C++ Redistributables, and other runtime libraries required by the software.
3. Check Anti-virus/Firewall: Sometimes security software interferes with program execution. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and see if the programs load successfully.
4. Event Viewer: Check the Windows Event Viewer for any error messages related to the problematic programs. This can provide clues about what might be causing the issue.
5. Check Disk Health: Confirm that both your SSD and SATA drives are functioning properly. Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check the health of your drives.
6. Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with certain applications.
7. RAM Test: Since you've upgraded your RAM, it's worth running a memory test to check for any issues. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to perform a thorough memory test.

   Troubleshooting Printer Issue:​

8. Printer Troubleshooter: Run the built-in printer troubleshooter in Windows. This tool can diagnose and fix common printer problems automatically.
9. Check Print Queue: Clear the print queue to remove any stuck print jobs. Sometimes old print jobs can prevent new ones from being processed.
10. Uninstall and Reinstall Printer: Remove the printer from Devices and Printers, then reinstall it. Make sure to use the correct drivers from the manufacturer's website.
11. Print Spooler Restart: Restart the Print Spooler service. Open Services (services.msc), find Print Spooler, right-click, and choose Restart.
12. Printer Firmware Update: Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer. Updating the firmware can sometimes resolve printing issues.

    Additional Suggestions:​

    • System Update: Ensure Windows 7 is fully updated with all the latest patches and updates from Microsoft.
    • Hardware Connections: Double-check all hardware connections to ensure everything is properly connected.
    • System Restore: Consider performing a system restore to a point before the issues started occurring.
    • Consider Windows 10: Since Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, upgrading to Windows 10 might help resolve compatibility issues with newer software.
    These steps should help you troubleshoot and resolve the issues you are facing with program loading and printing. If problems persist, feel free to provide more details for further assistance!