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Troubleshooting a Stop 0×24 Error Message

Stop 0×24 Error Messages

The Stop 0×24 Message, as it is referred to by Microsoft, means that there is a problems in your computer’s NTFS file system. This is a really important system driver file for your computer, which allows it to read and write to the NTFS drives. NTFS files are the file system that Windows has used on all of its operating systems since Windows 2000.

Boot into Safe Mode

The first step to try to get past this stop error message is by booting into Safe Mode. It is possible that this option won’t work, and a more advanced solution might be necessary, but this is a great place to start. Safe Mode allows the computer to start, without launching and running all the regular programs that open when the computer is turned on. In this way the computer can often get started, without re-encountering the error.

For a Windows XP operating system, follow these steps.

1. Power your computer down regularly, making sure to close all open applications and following the shut down procedure.
2. In a few seconds, turn the computer on, and press the F8 key repeatedly while the computer powers up.
3. An Advanced Options window will open if this process is successful. If you receive a keyboard error message, power down and try again, waiting slightly longer to start pressing F8.
4. Select the Safe Mode option and then Enter.
5. Once you are in Safe Mode, the computer will automatically reset to normal mode once you turn it off and on again, so there is no need to manually re-set the mode.

Using System Restore

Once you are booted in Safe Mode, you can try to use System Restore to return your computer to settings prior to the error message. System Restore is a Windows utility that takes complete pictures of the files, settings and contents of your computer periodically. You can also choose to take snapshots when you want to, and before you make any risky alterations. In your present case, if you remember when your error message began, you can reset the computer to earlier settings and avoid the problem. With a stop error message of this type there is a good chance that this won’t help, but is worth a try.

1. Click Start
2. Open All Programs
3. Open Accessories
4. Open System Tools
5. Select System Restore
6. Complete the instructions offered by the Wizard to reset the computer

Using Windows Recovery Console

If this stop error message is preventing you from booting up properly, or if System Restore doesn’t solve the problem, you can use the Windows Recovery Console to try to circumvent the issue. To install the Recovery Console, follow these steps.

1. Put the Windows CD into your CD ROM drive
2. Click the Start button, and then select Run
3. In the dialog box that opens, enter d:\i386\winnt32.exe/cmdcons
4. Another dialog box will open and offer the Recovery Console, press Yes
5. Now, restart your system and the Console will open.

Stop 24 Error

A ‘Stop 24′ error means that you have a problem with the driver for the file system on your hard drive. The ‘ntfs.sys’ portion of the error message shows that the issue is with the NTFS, which is the driver file so that the computer can read and write to NTFS partitions. This is the standard file system of Windows NT.

You can get the problem in many ways, but updates to the USB can definitely be one of the causes. There are a few things that the average computer user can do to try to fix the problem.

Run Chkdsk from Recovery

The first thing to try is to run chkdsk from the recovery console. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the CD and start the computer. Press Enter to boot directly from the CD drive.
2. Press R to enter the recovery console.
3. You will probably see only one chose to log into a windows installation.
4. You may have to enter an administrative password here. If you don’t have one, press Enter.
5. You will see a C: prompt. Type in chkdsk /r. Press Enter.
6. This scan may take several hours, so it is a good idea to run it overnight, or at a time when you won’t be bothered by the computer working on its own.

Disconnect NTFS Volumes

If you run chkdsk and you find that it did not identify and correct the problem, it gets a little more complicated. The system partition may be corrupted, so you need to disconnect all data disks that contain NTFS volumes. The directions for doing this are fairly involved, so rather than rewrite them in this answer, I’m going to have you click here to find Microsoft recommendations for disconnecting and identifying NTFS partition problems. This may be more complicated than you are comfortable with attempting, so if you are having problems with these directions, seek out someone who may have more experience working on computers.

Hopefully, chkdsk will solve your problem, but if it doesn’t, go to the Microsoft website for more detailed instructions. Please let us know if we can help you further.

Windows System Recovery

Without knowing more about the nature of the problems you are having, and what preceded the collapse of your system, it sounds as though you might benefit most from a clean operating system install. Before doing so, try using the “scan now” command which scans your computer for damaged Windows operating system files and replaces them with fresh copies off of your installation discs. First, insert your original Windows installation discs and then go to the Start button (if possible), click Run, and enter: sfc /scannow.

If that doesn’t work and you can access your files and folders, make backup copies of them and save them to either disks or a UBS flash drive. If your operating system is corrupted and you can’t access your system controls, you will have to format your computer.

Prepare your data, program files and drivers for reformatting

Before you format your hard drive, you should know that absolutely everything will be removed from your computer. This means all your files and folders of documents, photos, music and video. It also means all of your programs and applications will be removed, so you are going to need to have the original installation disks to re-install, or download the programs again from the Internet. If you have added external components to your system, or enhanced your computer with advanced graphic or sound cards, you might also need to reinstall the drivers to re-configure the compatibilities. So, before you go any further, look for your program and device disks, or look online at the manufacturers’ websites for downloads. Once you are sure that you have or can access the programs that you will need to re-install, you can format your hard drive.

Prepare to reformat your hard drive

Formatting your computer hard drive means wiping it clean of all its saved file directories and addresses, essentially deleting the material and preparing the disk for a clean install of the operating system. Make sure that you have your operating system registration code, in addition to the disk, because you will need it to activate the installation. Once you have saved all your data, organized your programs and disks, you are ready to go.

Access the specific process for your computer and operating system

The precise steps used to format hard disk drives vary by computer model and operating system and you should seek some more specific advice pertaining to the details of your system. Write again, and provide your computer make and model, and the operating system that you are installing for a step by step guide to format your computer. Or, if you prefer some more hands on advice, Filetonic recommends the remote technical support available here www.filetonic.com/support. These experts will discuss your particular situation, and walk you through the process of troubleshooting your system.

Internet Explorer Error Messages versus Warning Messages

Error messages are designed to alert users that a problem exists. On the other hand, warning messages alert users that a problem might occur in the near future. Once the error message appears, the user knows that something is wrong. Internet Explorer problems can occur for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it is necessary to do a bit of troubleshooting to figure out a solution for the problem.

Internet Explorer: Unexpected Error

Problems with Internet Explorer often arise due to the presence of spyware and viruses. I know that you have run an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, but you might want to run another version. Some anti-spyware/anti-virus applications are not as reliable as others and running a secondary application is often useful. Consider checking out ParetoLogic Anti-Virus Plus at Anti-virus Plus. You can run a free scan before purchasing this software in order to see if any undesirable applications are on your computer.

Internet Explorer and Updates

Performance issues can also occur if you haven’t updated to the newest version of the application. Make sure that you have Internet Explorer 7, which you can get by visiting this link: Internet Explorer Upgrade.

Utilizing Support Offered through Microsoft

One of the options that you have when problems occur with your Internet Explorer is to take advantage of technical support offered through Microsoft. You’ll be taken through a series of questions that are used to help narrow down the problem. You can access this at:

Support Microsoft IE.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error

You can also try a number of other solutions to help fix the problem.

• If you have recently installed any new software, try uninstalling it to see if that resolves the issue
• Clear the temporary Internet cache and browser history.
• Defrag your computer to clean up broken files.
• Use System Restore to return your operating system to an earlier date when your Internet Explorer did work.
• Delete all unnecessary files, folders, and applications.
• Empty the recycle bin.
• Make sure that you have the latest update for your operating system.

Acroread.msi is the installation file for Adobe Reader, and it looks like that file is either missing or corrupted. You’re right, the Adobe Reader didn’t install properly, and now you can’t remove it the regular way because the cached msi in C:\Windows\Installer is corrupted. Any attempt to download the new version (which is Adobe Reader 9) will see that you have some of the Adobe files already on your computer.

You need to use the program that Microsoft has developed for just this situation. The

Microsoft Windows Installer Cleanup Utility is perfect for partially installed programs that use the Windows Installer. It doesn’t remove the actual program, but it does remove the installation files so that you can download a new version of Adobe Reader.

Click on the link above to go to the Microsoft website. Once you scroll down and click on the Cleanup Utility, you will see a security warning. Click Run. Once the Cleanup has been downloaded, go to Start and then Programs on your computer. Look for the Windows Install Cleanup and open it. Look for the Adobe Reader file in that window. Click on it to select. Make sure that you have ONLY selected the Adobe Reader files you want to delete. Choose Remove.

After Adobe Reader has been removed, you can check in Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs. See if the Adobe Reader is gone.

Once you’ve removed the installed program, go to the Adobe website and download Adobe Reader 9 by clicking on the link. Now that you’ve uninstalled the corrupted version completely, you should have no trouble downloading the new version.

You mentioned Gateway - are you running an eMachine? If so, this is a common problem with eMachines. If you have another computer, most of this information will apply - just search for the specifics of your system.

A computer will shut off randomly for three basic reasons: a faulty power supply, an overheating problem or a bad motherboard. Unfortunately, eMachines are notorious for having all three problems, and it can be difficult to diagnose which issue is causing your problem.

Faulty Power Supply

Newer computers often have power supplies that don’t last all that long, and frequent rebooting is a symptom of this problem. Replacing the power supply is a relatively easy fix and will cost somewhere around $50. You can get a power supply tester for under $20, or have it tested at a repair shop. If you have an eMachine you can find eMachine Power Supply lists by clicking the link.

If you have another computer, look on the manufacturer’s website for their particulars. Replacing the power supply requires opening the machine and replacing the components - if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, you should get a tech savvy friend or take it to a local repair shop. Since you are out of warranty, you may want to tackle it yourself. There is a good step-by-step set of directions on Wikihow.

Overheating

Computers have fans inside that keep the temperature low - if they get dirty or dusty or just wear out, the temperature in your computer can cause power and shutdown problems. You can check the temperature by using a freeware download such as Everest or get into the BIOs by starting your machine and immediately pressing DEL. When you see the blue screen, go to Power at the bottom and then to Hardware Monitor. You will see the computer’s temperature listed. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 55 C is probably running hot. If your computer feels hot or you can hear the fan making a loud whirring noise, that could be an indicator that it is overheating. You can try to place it in a cooler location or putting an extra fan on the back, but if it is internal, you’re going to have to get help.

Bad Motherboard

Many eMachines have problems that eventually cause the motherboard to fail. You can get a new compatible motherboard and drop it into your machine, but it is probably something you don’t want to tackle if you are squeamish about opening your machine. Fonerbooks has a good illustrated example of how to remove and replace a motherboard if you want to try it yourself.

DLL Errors

The DLL errors you’re getting probably don’t have anything to do with the shutdown problem. They are remnants of the component file of MyWebSearch that were probably left behind when you cleaned up your machine. You need to uninstall anything related to the program by going to:

1. Start, then Settings and then Control Panel. Click on Add/Remove Programs.
2. Find MyWebSearch in programs and then click on Change/Remove Programs to uninstall. Uninstall anything that is related to it including MyWay and SmileyCentral.

You can also try a different Adware or SpyBot program and use a registry cleaner such as RegCure.

Since you’ve already tackled the spyware question and restored your system, I think it comes down to one of these three issues. Fix the one that is causing the problem and your shutdown issues should disappear.