XP Runtime 21 ERROR

[NickBurns]

I have Windows XP installed on my PC.  Whenever it boots up and I choose my profile, immediately I recieve 2 "Runtime 21 Error" popups.  If I do nothing, I can do nothing, if I click OK on one of them I can move around.  If I close the second one the box goes away and the screen flickers and they both pop up.  One thing I did notice is the floppy drive does light up just before the error pops up.  Any suggestions? 

Thanks guys for all your help you can provide.

[drmsucks]

1) Do a complete virus scan.

2) Try a Restore Point from before this problem started.

[NickBurns]

ok..I will try and advise of the results. Thanks.

[NickBurns]

I'm back.  I ran a full system scan, no virus found.  I also went to Admin..tasks in CP and looked at my App Even logs and nothing suspicous came up.   Please provide more assistance.  Thanks for your help.

[drmsucks]

I also went to Admin..tasks in CP and looked at my App Even logs and nothing suspicous came up. 

Not sure what this means?

Try a System Restore to a date before this problem.

[NickBurns]

Unfortunately there is no system restore point to fall back on.   I will need an alternate method, if you have one.

[NickBurns]

When you goto control panel, you can choose administrative tools, from there you can choose Event Viewer and select Applications.  This allows you to view each log recorded, a good way to track programs running in the background.  Basically informative is all.

[drmsucks]

When you goto control panel, you can choose administrative tools, from there you can choose Event Viewer and select Applications.  This allows you to view each log recorded, a good way to track programs running in the background.  Basically informative is all.

Too bad about the Restore Point - or lack thereof!

I'm familiar with Event Viewer, thanks, I just wasn't able to pull it out of: "I also went to Admin..tasks in CP and looked at my App Even logs."

The other cases like yours that I've read about hint at a malware infection causing the problem, so, let's eliminate that. Go here, follow the instructions, post the logs and a malware expert will take a look.

[NickBurns]

Too funny, sorry about the unclear description.   Thanks for looking into my problem, I really appreciate your assistance.  I did not recieve the link you provided for Malware protection.  Please re-post.  Thanks again drmsucks!

[patio]

Go to Start/Run and type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter...
Have your XP CD handy as it will ask for it.
Let it run to completion.
Remove the XP CD and re-boot...

[NickBurns]

Ok, thanks patio.  I will give that a run.  It will be 3hrs before my next post.  I have to run an errand.  Thanks for your help guys.

[patio]

Remember there is a space between sfc and the /switch...

[drmsucks]

If scannow doesn't work, here's the missing link: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html.

[NickBurns]

Great! I will try that method, first I will need to back everything up, and prepare for the worst.  So just a recap:

Runtime 21 Error:

1.) Checked for Appl errors in EVENT VIEWER: no errors found. [NO CHANGE]

2.)  Virus scan  using  NORTON ANTIVIRUS: no viruses found. [NO CHANGE]

Thank you, will repost after this method.

[NickBurns]

I ran sfc /scannow .  It did run, however nothing came of it.  I am following drmsucks link provided.  There are alot of usefule tips in his link.  I will hope for the best.  Thanks patio and drmsucks.