When shutting down my computer, I get the following error: "The instruction at 0x011ca98 referenced memory at 0x011ca98. The memory could not be written." Although the location reference changes, it is always a "could not be written" error.

This is a Dell Vostro running Win XP Home SP-3 with 3GB Ram and dual core cpu.

I had contracted a serious malaware infection called Advanced Virus Remover. It virtually locked the system down, claiming all files were infected and denying access. I managed to get online and run a Trend Micro scan, which detected and removed some of it. I then googled the spyware and found information on how to remove registry files and delete folders related to this malaware.

Then I discovered that it had locked the desktop background, so I found and modified the registry entries that control wallpapers and the ability to change them. Soon after, the error began to show up on shutdown. Then there were some feed sync errors and eventually, IE was broken and would not work.

I performed a repair overlay to the operating system, which seemed to fix things after all Windows updates were installed. The only thing it didn't fix is this error on shutdown. I fear that I will have to perform a clean install of Windows and reinstall all my software.

Other solutions, anybody??

There is a Windows File Protection (WFP) program called SFC.EXE (System File Checker). It is found in C:\Windows\System32\.

Click START | RUN; enter CMD and click OK. A DOS-type box will pop up.

Enter SFC /SCANNOW to scan your files immediately. SFC will replace incorrect versions of files with "correct" Microsoft versions. This should fix the problem. You can also enter SFC /SCANONCE which will scan your machine at the next system boot. However, since the repair overlay didn't work, this may also not work. You may have to do a clean reinstall of the operating system.

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Originally Posted by Perito

There is a Windows File Protection (WFP) program called SFC.EXE (System File Checker). It is found in C:\Windows\System32\.

Click START | RUN; enter CMD and click OK. A DOS-type box will pop up.

Enter SFC /SCANNOW to scan your files immediately. SFC will replace incorrect versions of files with "correct" Microsoft versions. This should fix the problem. You can also enter SFC /SCANONCE which will scan your machine at the next system boot. However, since the repair overlay didn't work, this may also not work. You may have to do a clean reinstall of the operating system.

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Thanks for your speedy reply! Sorry, I forgot that I had already tried that to no avail. I also tried editing the registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOP AutoEndTasks change Default value from 0 to 1, also to na avail.

I was hoping not to have to do the clean install :-(