I bought the parts myself for the PC I'm using now and had someone install everything (XP Pro). After about a month I had problems with slow scatching sound when playing music (ALC 850, Included in motherboard.) Then I formated the HD and installed a fresh XP Media Center Edition 2005, which I still use. I had several problems since then. Most of the times windows halt, or restart resulting in data loss in HD, and I have no choice but to format and install again the windows. Sometimes 3 times a week. Most of the times the problem is getting a "blue screen" with the error message:

OXOOOOOOF4

when I looked this error in the administrative tools it stated this error.

Details
Product: Windows Operating System
ID: 11
Source: Disk
Version: 5.2
Symbolic Name: IO_ERR_CONTROLLER_ERROR
Message: The driver detected a controller error on %1.

Explanation
This problem is typically caused by a failing cable that connects the drive to the computer.

User Action
Replace the cable.


Version: 5.0
Symbolic Name: IO_ERR_CONTROLLER_ERROR
Message: The driver detected a controller error on %1.

Explanation
This problem is typically caused by a failing cable that connects the drive to the computer.

User Action
Replace the cable


I don't know much about hardware installation, does this mean there is a defective part on my Hard Drive and I have to get a new one, or is it just a part not connected as it should be?

(Also windows do not recognize my floppy drive, resulting in no A: drive. What can I do about this?)

Frequently sound when playing music with iTunes is scratchy.

My hijackthis report:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:16:18 PM, on 3/29/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tcpsvcs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\snmp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\CounterSpy Client\sunasDTServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\CounterSpy Client\sunasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\iolo\Common\Task Agent\Task_Agent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wpabaln.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe
D:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\appz\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O2 - BHO: IEPlugin Class - {CF7C3CF0-4B15-11D1-ABED-709549C10000} - C:\Program Files\Advanced System Optimizer\IEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sunasDTServ] C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\CounterSpy Client\sunasDTServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sunasServ] C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\CounterSpy Client\sunasServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ptipbmf] rundll32.exe ptipbmf.dll,SetWriteCacheMode
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [iolo Task Agent] C:\Program Files\iolo\Common\Task Agent\Task_Agent.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Systweak Wallpaper Changer] wallpaper.exe -minimize
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: InterVideo WinCinema Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe



and another report about the system in general:


Computer Type: Intel Corporation 3200 MHz.
BIOS: AT/AT COMPATIBLE Date: 01/25/05
Memory: Total physical: 1023 MB. Used: 35%
Monitor: ViewSonic VP912b
Adapter: ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 SERIES
Mouse: Microsoft PS/2 Mouse
Keyboard: Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Drives: 127 GB free 186 GB total.

Windows name and version: Multiprocessor Free (5.1.2600)
IE version: 6.0.2900.2180
DirectX Version: 4.09.00.0904

*** Windows Information ***

Windows Name and Version: Multiprocessor Free (5.1.2600)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Default Email: C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
Product ID: 55034-365-2789583-22453
Software Count: 71 installed software.

Language (ID): Original/English: English (United States) / Englis...
Country (ID): United States USA (1)
TimeZone: Not specified
DVD-Zone: Not specified

*** Display Information ***

Display: ViewSonic VP912b
Max Resolution: 800 x 600 - 4 bit
Current Resolution: 1280 x 1024 - 32 bit
Adapter: ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 SERIES

Driver Version: 64.0
Technology: Raster Display
Color Bits: 32
Fonts Resolution: 96 dpi
Pixel width/heigth/diagonal: 36/36/51

*** System Devices ***

Manufactured: Intel Corporation
Name:
CodeName:
Frequency: 3200 MHz
L1 cache: 12 KB
L2 cache: 1024 KB
Socket: CPU 1

BIOS Manufactured: American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Date: 01/25/2005
BIOS Version: 1006.004
BIOS Size: 512 KB

*** MultiMedia Devices ***

Wave In: Realtek AC97 Audio v5.5
Wave Out: Realtek AC97 Audio v5.5
Midi Out: Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth v5.5
Mixer: Realtek AC97 Audio v5.5

*** Printers ***

Name: Microsoft Office Document Image Writer Port: Microsoft Document Imaging Writer Port:
Name: hp psc 1310 series Port: USB001

*** Ports ***

Name: Communications Port (COM1) Class: Ports (COM & LPT)
Name: Communications Port (COM2) Class: Ports (COM & LPT)
Name: ECP Printer Port (LPT1) Class: Ports (COM & LPT)
USB: {36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}\0004 Class: USB Port
USB: {36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}\0003 Class: USB Port
USB: {36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}\0002 Class: USB Port
USB: {36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}\0000 Class: USB Port
USB: {36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000}\0001 Class: USB Port

*** Hard Drives ***
ST3200822AS


*** Memory Information ***

Total Physical Memory: 1023 MB.
Total Windows Memory: 3485 MB.
Free Memory: 2831 MB.
Used Memory: 653 MB.
AllocGranularity: 65536 bytes
MinAppAddress: 00010000
MaxAppAddress: 7FFEFFFF
Page Size: 4096 bytes
Total threads: 476
Total processes: 49
PageFile Total Size: 2520640 KB (100%)
PageFile Used: 293204 KB (12%)
PageFile Free: 2227436 KB (88%)

*** Communication ***

Adapter: Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T Adapter, Co...
Address: 00:11:2F:82:C4:63
IP format: 192.168.1.100

Computer: doors-75f99c839.earthlink.net
Gateaway: 192.168.1.1
Mask: 255.255.255.0

Winsock Description: WinSock 2.0
Winsock Version: 2.2

*** Processes ***

Process Name (Path) * Threads Count * Usage

[system idle process] () 2 threads, 0%
system () 72 threads, 0%
smss.exe (c:\windows\system32\smss.exe) 3 threads, 0%
csrss.exe (c:\windows\system32\csrss.exe) 10 threads, 0%
winlogon.exe (c:\windows\system32\winlogon.exe) 25 threads, 0%
services.exe (c:\windows\system32\services.exe) 17 threads, 0%
lsass.exe (c:\windows\system32\lsass.exe) 20 threads, 0%
ati2evxx.exe (c:\windows\system32\ati2evxx.exe) 4 threads, 0%
svchost.exe (c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe) 17 threads, 0%
svchost.exe (c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe) 10 threads, 0%
svchost.exe (c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe) 76 threads, 0%
svchost.exe (c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe) 6 threads, 0%
svchost.exe (c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe) 15 threads, 0%
spoolsv.exe (c:\windows\system32\spoolsv.exe) 13 threads, 0%
cisvc.exe (c:\windows\system32\cisvc.exe) 8 threads, 0%
ehrecvr.exe () 3 threads, 0%
ehsched.exe () 12 threads, 0%
mdm.exe () 5 threads, 0%
tcpsvcs.exe (c:\windows\system32\tcpsvcs.exe) 2 threads, 0%
snmp.exe (c:\windows\system32\snmp.exe) 5 threads, 0%
svchost.exe (c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe) 6 threads, 0%
dllhost.exe (c:\windows\system32\dllhost.exe) 13 threads, 0%
alg.exe (c:\windows\system32\alg.exe) 6 threads, 0%
ati2evxx.exe (c:\windows\system32\ati2evxx.exe) 3 threads, 0%
explorer.exe (c:\windows\explorer.exe) 18 threads, 0%
ehtray.exe () 3 threads, 0%
hpcmpmgr.exe () 5 threads, 0%
sunasdtserv.exe () 4 threads, 0%
sunasserv.exe () 4 threads, 0%
hpwuschd2.exe () 1 threads, 0%
ituneshelper.exe () 4 threads, 0%
qttask.exe () 2 threads, 0%
atiptaxx.exe () 2 threads, 0%
soundman.exe (c:\windows\soundman.exe) 2 threads, 0%
msnmsgr.exe () 13 threads, 0%
wscntfy.exe (c:\windows\system32\wscntfy.exe) 1 threads, 0%
ipodservice.exe () 7 threads, 0%
task_agent.exe () 1 threads, 0%
ehmsas.exe () 3 threads, 0%
ctfmon.exe (c:\windows\system32\ctfmon.exe) 1 threads, 0%
hpqtra08.exe () 7 threads, 0%
wincinemamgr.exe () 1 threads, 0%
itunes.exe () 19 threads, 0%
wpabaln.exe (c:\windows\system32\wpabaln.exe) 1 threads, 0%
cidaemon.exe (c:\windows\system32\cidaemon.exe) 5 threads, 0%
wuauclt.exe (c:\windows\system32\wuauclt.exe) 7 threads, 0%
wmiadap.exe () 5 threads, 0%
aso.exe () 1 threads, 0%
sysinfo.exe () 6 threads, 0%

*** DirectX Information ***

Direct3D: Microsoft Direct3D Hardware acceleration through Direct3D HAL
Direct3D: Microsoft Direct3D Mono(Ramp) Software Emulation
Direct3D: Microsoft Direct3D RGB Software Emulation

DirectPlay: WinSock TCP Connection For DirectPlay
DirectPlay: WinSock IPX Connection For DirectPlay
DirectPlay: Modem Connection For DirectPlay

DirectMusic: Microsoft Software Synthesizer

**************************************************


I clean spyware often, and also use Advanced System Optimizer, System Mechanic 5 Professional and MindSoft Utilities XP, to keep registry running smoothly.

Thank you very much for your time.