Data Execution Prevention Error - After SP3 Upgrade

[jtmann]

I have searched everywhere on google for solution on this and hoping forum can help

I just upgraded to XP SP3. My box was virus free and running fine before the upgrade. Now after the upgrade many times after I boot up (or within 30 mins thereafter) I get a popup "Data Execution Prevention". It says Windows Explorer. Close the message then shortly after the desktop crashes. BTW, I have XP Home Edition.

I have had people suggest to configure DEP to ignore the error (ie add an exception in DEP config box) but I am hesitant to start adding exceptions in DEP becase doesnt that leave those programs unprotected? I'd rather fix the root cause. Does anyone have any inisght into what would be causing this to suddenly happen on SP3 but not before when I was on SP2? I'd like to identify and fix root cause.

Whats is causing this and what is the fix? Many thanks!!

[-pops-]

Have you seen http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875351

The DEP error usually occurs with SP2 but this may help.

[jtmann]

Thanks pops. I have seen that article before. Again, it just seems to say add an exception. But won't that cause even more DEP errors because in order to add an exception you needs to switch from "essential windows programs and services only" to "ALL programs and services except...."

ALL programs and services?? Thats got to be thousands vs "essential windows".... aaarrggh!! Why can't I find anything that explains the root cause of this due to the SP3 upgrade! Frustrating.

Have you seen http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875351

The DEP error usually occurs with SP2 but this may help.

[MANEMAN]

aaarrggh!! Why can't I find anything that explains the root cause of this due to the SP3 upgrade! Frustrating.

Hi there. I have installed SP3 close on to a hundred times or more, and never had a problem.

IE8 I have had problems with. - Are you sure that this is not the problem ?

Failing that. Re-install both system, and SP3 at a more leisurely rate, or slipstream SP3 into the install disk. (Service Pack Integration) ** nLite **

SP3 is a little bit "Yesterday" and am suprised to hear that you are only just installing it.

For my money SP3 slipstreaming is the way to go and seems to result in fewer problems when done as a joint fresh/clean XP install.

(Dont count out Internet Explorer 8 as a culprit though. )

John.

[Dencandy]

You write that this problem doesn't always occur, only sometimes. It maybe that you actually have some sort of malware infection. A couple of weeks ago there was a flurry of worms and trojans infecting computers due to a security flaw in Java Runtime. Most antiviruses were not detecting them at first.

If you have iJava, but don't have the latest version, uninstall the old Java Runtime from Add/Remove Programs, then download the latest version from their site. Then, if you can, I suggest you download Malwarebyte's malware scanner and do a deep scan (Malwarebytes). If your laptop is not stable enough to run a full scan with this or any other anti-malware program, and if the suggestions from other members have not solved the problem, I don't see any other option except a complete re-install of the Operating System.