registry problems?

[jvarsity]

This is probably an older computer because I' ve  been out of the mix for awhile as to computing anyways.  I have recently installed windows xp on a freshly formated c drive.  When this computer begins it kicks open the main cd rom drive.  You can push it closed and the lights blink and then it opens right  back up. any idear?  Also I have been reinstalling the old programs and was putting word on and trying to get thesaurus working it keeps telling me windows cant open mssth3am.lex file.  After a lil investigation everything on this world wide web is trying to tell me its a registry problem.  The old system on here was all bootlegged and im wondering if something is still out of whack possibly?  Any help on this probably easy issue for all of you?

[Broni]

That CD drive opening happened to me, when the drive was about to die.

Are you sure about spelling: mssth3am.lex?

Is CD drive made by Matsushita?

[jvarsity]

Error 1305 reading from file
E:\PFiles\COMMON\MSSHARED\PROOF\MSTH3AM.LEX\ 

[jvarsity]

COMPAQ 140S CD ROM

[Broni]

That's different spelling, and yes it's part of MS Office.
After Windows reinstall, did you get all Windows/Office updates.
I can see in Google, there was some Office update addressing MSTH3AM.LEX file.
What Office version?
What Windows version?

[jvarsity]

WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL

OFFICE 2000 UPDATED OFFICE 2000-SR1 PREMIUM

[Broni]

Try Office repair.

[EntityX]

The problem with your CD drive is very likely a power supply problem. If there is some AC on the DC lines or the DC isn't stable or low it can give you problems like you're describing. If you have a multimeter you can test the 5 VDC and other lines and see if they are stable or low. You can also put the meter on AC and see if there is any AC voltage on the DC lines.

 You can get a cheapo multimeter for around $ 10. Auto parts stores sell them and RadioShack or the internet.

A bad power supply could cause problems all over the place so it would be good to check it. Even if it checks out OK if you have a multimeter you'd be prepared to check it in the future. None of the voltages that a computer power supply puts out will hurt you. There's 5 volts DC + and -. 12 volts DC + and - and 3.3 volts DC typically. You can put the negative lead to the frame and use the connector that goes into the back of your CD-ROM drive to check for the voltages. A multimeter may not be able to see an irregularity in the voltage that is causing some problem though. An oscilloscope could but I wouldn't recommend that you go out and get an oscilloscope.

They make computer power supply testers

http://www.911forpcs.com/atxposutefrs1.html

 
And if you need a new power supply for your computer the best deals are on the internet. The same site has quite a selection and very good deals.
http://www.911forpcs.com/powersuppliesb.html

But then maybe your power supply is doing just great. The door opening and closing like you describe sounds like a typical power supply problem though.