Q.    The DCMS freezes up or becomes unstable (DB55RUN errors) when I am trying to run it.

Program instability, freezing and Db55Run errors usually mean that there is a program running in the background which is interfering with the operation of the DCMS. 

Most of the interfering programs are loaded at start-up. When you start your computer, it needs to load a number of programs before it can display your Windows Desktop. A few are utilities that are needed by windows to run, such as Explorer. Others are utilities which are loaded by programs in your computer, such as your anti virus software which has to remain running in the background. If you have a fax machine function in your computer, it will load at start-up and consume resources. These are beneficial, desirable programs to have running all the time, and they are why you'll probably never get more than 85% free resources in even the best configured of computers.

What complicates things is that some utilities which are loaded at start-up are not needed. Many of these come from the high-tech games and include video effects drivers and system accelerators which the game manufacturers add to enhance the performance of their game. Some are also added by more conventional programs. For instance, if you load a word processor using the "standard" installation routine, it might load a task scheduler, internet monitor and spell checker into the start-up routine - just in case you need them. It's all in the interest of user friendliness, but it consumes resources. A sure sign of resource starvation is if your computer seems to take forever to boot up.

To find out what may be interfering with the DCMS, you can run a Windows Configuration program. To do this click the "Start" button on your Windows desktop. From the pop-up menu, choose the "Run" option. A box will arise asking you for the command line to "open."  Type  MSCONFIG   into the field (replacing anything that may be there already) and click the   OK button.

A program will come up called the "System Configuration Utility". Among the "tabs" across the top is one called "Startup." Click the Startup tab to see which programs are loaded on starting your computer.  Each program has a checkbox to its left. If the box is checked, the program will be run when you start your computer. If unchecked, it will be ignored.

I'll warn you, the names of the programs do not necessarily tell you what they do.

Here is the list of programs I have running at start-up.

Explorer            Windows Explorer, which is integral to windows
Realplay            Realplayer - to allow me to run multi-media web sites
Atisched            ??? - looks like a scheduler for my ATI video card 
Directcd            The driver that operates my CD-ROM writer
Stimon              Still Image Monitor - needed for my HP Scanner
Pezdownload    ??? - see above
Systray            The Windows system tray (right of the Task Bar - integral to windows)
Navapw32         Norton Anti Virus program

Check to see what you have running and write the names of these programs down as they appear in the window. Don't be surprised if there are 20 or more programs running. You need to determine which of these programs are interfering with the DCMS, and whether you really need them. Here's how you can do it.

This is a hit-and-miss procedure and it will take some time, but it's worth it. Some files are identifiable as being essential to windows (Explorer and Systray) or necessary for the operation of my computer as I need to use it (anti virus and CD writing). Other files (Realplay) are only useful when I am browsing the web. Still other files are unknown and therefore may or may not be useful.

I know of two programs which definitely interfere with the DCMS. They are ARMON32 (Access Ramp monitor) and EASYKEY (a keyboard utility). If you have them listed, they are probably your problem. Neither of them is important to the running of your computer. You can uncheck them without fear.

Other programs that can cause problems are usually found at the bottom of the list of programs. Try unchecking a few programs, re-boot your computer and try the DCMS again. If the problem(s) continue, try a few other programs. It is a hit and miss process. If you notice that no adverse affect if seen on your computer, you can continue to uncheck programs. The fewer programs running in the background, the better.

However, be careful to make sure that everything else in your computer runs as normal - that your printer prints, your scanner scans and your anti-virus programs still operate normally. That is why I recommend that you try only a couple of programs at a time. One at a time is even better.  Remember to re-boot your computer after each change.

If you uncheck a program that turns out to be crucial, you can get it back simply by revisiting the MSCONFIG program and replacing the check in the checkbox (and the re-booting, of course).

This is a very advanced concept and don't be embarrassed if you have to call a friend over to help. It took me several months to discover that these files were interfering with my program. Give me a call if you need more help..
 

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