You could indeed be correct that it's an isolated software problem caused by a
few misbehaving files. My intent in posting was simply to bring your attention
to an issue that no one had addressed.

That said, I prefer not to ignore unusual sounds that are coming from an
internal hardware device. If you were driving and kept hearing an unusual noise
coming from your car's engine, would you have it checked out or just turn up the
radio? Running diagnostic programs on your hard drive are quick, painless, and
free.

Nepatsfan


"JD" <Erehwon@Example.com> wrote in message
news:ezLBSj7hIHA.4684@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>I appreciate your candid reply, and your sobering suggestions. I had not
>considered a hardware issue.
> Do you not think, however, that it is worthy of note that I experience this
> behavior with no other Windows function or application?
> I do have all of our personal files backed up to an external hard drive.
> "Nepatsfan" <nepatsfan@SBXXXIX.com> wrote in message
> news:uyodtN5hIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> "JD" <Erehwon@Example.com> wrote in message
>> news:%232qppOyhIHA.3400@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Is there a way to extract a fresh copy of Spider.exe from the setup CD
>>> without reinstalling all of Windows?
>>> I think my copy of Spider has been corrupted. I've uninstalled and
>>> reinstalled from Add/Remove, but I don't think it's installing a fresh copy
>>> of the .exe.
>>> Every few weeks the computer locks up while playing Spider. I've updated the
>>> video drivers. I have no problems with any other application or Windows
>>> functions.
>>>
>>
>>
>> Here's a link to an earlier thread you posted on this issue.
>>
>> http://groups.google.com/group/micro...7ef0bc3c2e188a
>>
>> In that thread you indicate that you hear a click when the system locks up.
>> With that in mind, you might want to make backing up your important files a
>> priority. This click could be a sign that your hard drive or power supply
>> unit is about to fail.
>>
>> Once you have the files backed up, run chkdsk C: /r from a command prompt
>> window. Also, check the hard drive manufacturer's web site for a diagnostic
>> utility that you can run to check the drive. Testing a PSU is a complicated
>> process and not one I'd recommend to most home users.
>>
>> Now if you prefer to ignore the possible hardware issues, the first thing you
>> would have to do is delete all copies of spider.exe and cards.dll that are on
>> your computer. You should find copies of each file in C:\Windows\System32 and
>> C:\WINDOWS\System32\dllcache. If you don't remove them from both locations,
>> Windows will simply restore the file you deleted in the System32 folder with
>> the copy from the dllcache folder. And it will happens instantly.
>>
>> You can then use msconfig or the Expand command to extract replacement copies
>> of the files to your hard drive. The commands would be something like this
>> where D: refers to your CD drive.
>>
>> Expand D:\I386\spider.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\spider.exe
>> Expand D:\I386\cards.dl_ C:\Windows\System32\cards.dll
>>
>> Follow the same procedure to place copies of each file in the dllcache
>> folder.
>>
>> Personally, I don't think this is going to make much difference. The next
>> step would be to try a repair installation.
>>
>> Good luck
>>
>> Nepatsfan
>>
>
>