Member Avatar for MidiMagic

Ever since Microsoft downloaded its latest upgrade, Netscape won't work right.

About once every two minutes, Netscape suddenly freezes. Other functions on the screen (such as the taskbar, and other software) continue to work. This lasts a minute, and then operation resumes for another minute.

I opened the task manager and selected processes. During the frozen minute, it shows Netscape consuming 99 percent of CPU time.

Virus scans show clean, and spyware scans show only the usual junk my ISP puts there.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

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Given that a simple reinstall did not remove the periodic 99% CPU spikes in Netscape and that a full System Restore is undesirable because of paid software, the next steps should focus on non‑destructive isolation: determine whether the browser process itself, an extension/plugin, or a system service introduced by the Microsoft update is causing the loop.

A practical diagnostic workflow:

  • Run Netscape with a fresh profile or with all extensions/plugins disabled (a fresh profile avoids any corrupted preference or extension state). Temporarily move the browser profile or plugin files out of the way so the program creates defaults. NPAPI plugins often appear as DLLs whose names begin with "np"; removing those DLLs from the browser plugin folder forces the browser to run without them.
  • Use Process Explorer (Sysinternals) to inspect the Netscape process while the spike occurs: open the process, view Threads, sort by CPU, and view the selected thread's call stack and loaded modules. The call stack typically points to the offending DLL (browser core, a plugin DLL, or a third‑party service DLL).
  • Examine the Windows Event Viewer Application log for hangs or application errors at the same timestamps as the freezes. Also try a clean boot (disable non‑Microsoft services) to see whether a background service conflicts with Netscape.

Preserve paid-license data before making system-level changes. Export the application’s configuration/license files and, if desired, export relevant registry keys rather than performing an immediate System Restore. As a longer-term fix for legacy-app compatibility, consider running the legacy environment inside a VM snapshot to isolate the old browser from the host OS. These steps complement and suggestions and avoid destructive changes while pinpointing whether Netscape, a plugin, or an OS service is the root cause.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for pabs31

I would try uninstalling Netscape through Add/Remove Programs and then downloading the latest version of netscape and installing again. Otherewise try uninstalling the MS Update.

Member Avatar for The Dude

You could also try doing a SYSTEM RESTORE to before this update was installed (This fixs many things)

Good luck :)

Member Avatar for MidiMagic

I uninstalled and reinstalled Netscape, and the same thing happened.

I can't do the system restore without losing a paid download.

Member Avatar for The Dude

You can Backup that part of the registry (That contains the paid programs keys) then restore to an earlier time and then merge that back into your registry :)

Member Avatar for jbennet

why do you need netscape anyway?

Member Avatar for MidiMagic

I have some legacy software which fights with IE

Member Avatar for jbennet

ah ok

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