Vince: Google Earth and Windows XP

[Leo Nguyen]

Vince question:

Leo.....  HELP PLEASE......  Each time I try and download Google Earth, I get a message that says..."a problem has been detected and windows shut down to prevent damage to your computer" Then it says restart your computer.I am using Google Chrome and Windows XP. What might be going on here??? I tried downloading it twice today and got the same message both times.

Solution:

Vince, is it giving you the message as you download the Google Earth installation software, or when you actually run it?

If you're downloading, and it gives you that error message, that means something is preventing it from download, such as an antivirus software.

NOW, if you're actually finish downloading it via Google Chrome, and it starts to install, BUT, it gives your that error message, that means you may have a deficiency of CPU processing power, RAM, and/or bad video drivers that require updates to support 3D rendering.

So, to keep it simple:

1. Let me know if your system gives you that error when you first download the Google Earth. Try clicking on this page and click on the DOWNLOAD button:

http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/desktop.html

2. If you download the file without any problem, try to install it. When you install it and have a problem, let me know. I can find the solution from there.

3. If you install it and have no problem, but you run the application, then there are plenty of problems behind it. It can range from your system having not enough resources to run the application, or there are lack of update application for your windows.

[JBplusThuy]

To what Leo has said, I'd like to add a few more diagnostic questions:

1) Are you getting a stop code?  It would look something like "A problem has been detected and Windows has been shutdown blahblahblah STOP: 0x....) where the "..." will be other numbers and/or letters. There may be several groups, each starting with 0x.

2) What is the make and model of your computer?

3) Do you have a good recent backup of everything important?

[Leo Nguyen]

And geeks united! LOL You go JB!

[Vince Fusco]

I get this message when Google Earth tries to install on my computer. I just tried it again and got the same message. 

[Leo Nguyen]

AH HAH! Looks like we found the culprit. Windows XP, especially Home Edition, that may be running on 64bits, tend to bring this nightmare about. The common issue is the conflict of the video drivers. Most system with 32 bits (the slower systems), don't usually have this issue. However, the 64bit drivers for your video card tends to create such a headache. Let diagnose your system:

1. When you fully booted into Windows the next time, open up your Windows File Explorer. That can be found among the Program Files as you click the Start button on the bottom left, then Program Files, and Windows File Explorer.

2. On the left panel, left click on the icon "My Computer" or "Computer" icon. Select Properties. This will bring up the screen and display your system's info.

3. Let me know what version of Windows XP you're running, such as Home Edition/Pro Edition, 32bits/64bits. This will give the greatest diagnostic info.