Dr. Watson ???

[toddonbi]

Occasionally I get a message that "the application failed to initialize" and is accompanied with drwatsonpost....

What is it and how do I get rid of it if need be?

[Raven]

its set to auto respond to computer errors

in system 32 folder or

do a search for files and folders
named drwtsn32.exe
to find it
then hit delete.

[luds]

We used to get theat constantly where I work until we upgraded to windows xp.

[toddonbi]

Thank you that helped immensely. What is the original purpose of such an annoying file?

[MrHunters]

originally it was help to solve the microsoft error mysteries.... If your getting dr watson errors, this is something not quite right with your system. deleting the file will stop the errors from popping up but there is something more going on. maybe not serious.... maybe very serious....

[toddonbi]

Today was the first day it popped up since I deleated it. S&D says it may be rootkit, whatever that is. I'll go back through and get rid of it again. Thanks again.

[MrHunters]

Originally Posted by toddonbi

Today was the first day it popped up since I deleated it. S&D says it may be rootkit, whatever that is. I'll go back through and get rid of it again. Thanks again.

though i know google explains it better

A rootkit is a set of software tools frequently used by a third party (usually an intruder) after gaining access to a computer system. These tools are intended to conceal running processes, files or system data, which helps an intruder maintain access to a system without the user's knowledge. Rootkits are known to exist for a variety of operating systems such as Linux, Solaris and versions of Microsoft Windows. A computer with a rootkit on it is called a rooted computer.

[toddonbi]

UH-Oh-doesn't sound good to me, guess I better get ahold of one of the local computer gurus. Thanks again.

[MrHunters]

i hear those computer gu rus down there are E X P E N S I V E.
If you are running windows 98 it may be cheaper to backup everything and by yourself a version of XP... PRO is better but if all your doing is internet and email HOME is fine. Do you know the specs on your pc?

[toddonbi]

I have xp home and ran ad-aware,defender,seek & destroy, and stop sign. Turns out the rootkit was in the stop sign software. I guess all the anit-virus stuff I have do not like playing well together.

[Raven]

how did you find it in there(the root-kit)....may i ask?

[toddonbi]

No idea-had a buddy come over and take a look. It showed up in seek and destroy I guess. It's pretty awfull that in this day and age that I haven't become more computer savy.