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ronaldsmyth

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CD-Rom programs dont run

I have a Compaq Presario 5441 desktop series PC. 475 Mhz cpu. 64 MB memory. 7.85 GB hard drive. Windows 98 SE. The problem is running programs from a cd. Some CD's I can install but then I get an error and it wont run. One error I received was 'runtime error 429 activex component can't create object'.  Other CD's I can install but it just doesnt respond at all when I try to run it (I was able to install and run a Transparent language cd made in 1998) .  My question is, what is wrong with my CD drive? Does it need more memory? Or a hardware and OS upgrade?
 
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eccs19

If you can get your hands on a lens cleaner, try that.  It could also be that the drive is at the end of it's life.  I would try it in a different machine if you can.  This will confirm if it's hardware of a Windows issue.
At one time, 64 MB was sufficient for most applications. Win98SE might be unable to deal with some of your newer programs that likely demand more memory: it might get partway through the program load and initializations, and then die from lack of memory. If your old programs (that used to run) still run, that's probably what's happening. Add more RAM in that case.

Another easy check is to go to a different machine as eccs19 suggested. Make sure it has more RAM than you have though.

Alan

The 'runtime error 429 activex component can't create object' means an ActiveX component isn't registered.  When you installed your software previously, something didn't install correctly.  Make sure you have all the latest audio and video drivers installed.

As for your CD, like eccs19 said, it's probably time to purchase a new one.  At least now you can put in the DVD burner that I know you have been just dying to buy. :)
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The cd with the error works fine on my XP machine. So I know it isnt the CD. So should I increase the memory and install a new cd-drive? How do I determine what is a good cd drive for this system?      
Did you try running an old (less memory-intensive application) CD yet? If it runs ok, I'd say it's time to add memory.
Alan
If your old machine is having trouble reading disks, but it's fine in your other machine, perhaps it's just a bad cable in the old machine.  If you have one hanging about, try swapping it.  You could also try it on the other IDE channel.
Sorry for delayed response.
I tried swapping the data cable and that did not help (the bios shows the cd-drive is there). It is really strange.
One cd it displays the cd's icon(a tech support cd). But it gives me an error. The same cd runs fine on my xp machine.
I tried to install and run a cd cleaner disc but it refuses to even acknowledge it is in there. It says d: is inaccessible. The cd cleaner does work on my xp machine.
I was able to install and run one cd, Transparent Language 1998.
I also checked what kind of cd drive is in there. It is a Samsung CD-ROM SCR-3232 made in 1999.
So it looks to me like I need to put in some more memory (Redstreak). And most important, replace the cd-drive (eccs19). Am I correct?
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eccs19

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I just wanted to ask one more question. Would an EIDE drive work with this system? The current drive says on it's outside it is an IDE drive.
Yes, the E stands for Enhanced.  Should be no trouble.
Did you end up putting more ram in, or did the CD-drive clear up all the issues?