Strange Distributed COM errors and freezes.

Question

Hi, recently i have noticed that when i start windows, the computer starts to freeze and has to be restarted most of the time. When I am lucky i can actually get to the desktop, but the computer freezes again whenever I go into the Start Screen.

I decided to do some investigation by myself and noticed some distributed COM errors in the event viewer. The exact error is following:

The server [CLSID of server] did not register with DCOM within the required timeout.

There is three different errors which repeat about 3 or 4 times each. I have also looked up the ID's in the registry and identified them.

The CLSIDs are:

• {4545DEA0-2DFC-4906-A728-6D986BA399A9} (Something to do with 'Thumbnail Extraction Host Class')
• {AB8902B4-09CA-4BB6-B78D-A8F59079A8D5} (Something to do with 'Thumbnail Cache Class Factory for Out of Proc Server')
• {4AA0A5C4-1B9B-4F2E-99D7-99C6AEC83474} (Something to do with 'Setting Sync Task')

Other User Accounts work more often, but still sometimes freeze.

Thanks in advance,

Harris Mirza

Answer 1

Hi Harris,

Please answer these questions in order to understand the issue better.

1. Is the computer connected to domain/server network?
2. Do you remember making any changes on the computer prior to the issue?

Distributed com errors occurs due to several reasons on the computer. You will get this error due to corruption in system files or user profile. Follow these methods and check if it helps:

 Method 1: Run System Maintenance troubleshooter to diagnose the exact issue.

Follow the steps mentioned below.

a. Press “Windows key + W”.

b. Type “Troubleshooter” without quotes in the Search box and hit enter.

c. Select “System and Security”.

d. Select “System Maintenance” under System options.

e. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

Method 2: I would also suggest you to check if the same issue occur in Safe Mode on Windows 8.1 PC and check if the issue occurs.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode

If issue doesn’t persists in safe mode, I would suggest you to perform Clean Boot to fix the issue. Clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts. 

How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Disclaimer: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps from section “How to reset the computer to start as usual after clean boot troubleshooting” to reset the computer to start as usual.

Method 3: Follow the steps from this KB article and check:

Windows hangs or freezes (Also applicable for Windows 8.1)

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2681286/en-us**

Antivirus Disclaimer : Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

Also refer this article: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/improve-performance-optimizing-hard-drive

Chkdsk disclaimer.

Important: While performing chkdsk on the hard drive if any bad sectors are found on the hard drive when chkdsk tries to repair that sector if any data available on that might be lost.

Hope this helps. If you need further assistance with Windows, let us know and will be glad to help.

Answer 2

Hi,

We are glad to know that you were able to resolve the issue. Please let us know for any further assistance. Feel free to post your queries if you face any issues with Windows in the future.

Answer 3

It seems I have solved the problem, I remembered that AutoDesk Application Manager had recently updated. I confirmed that was the problem by checking the time the process started and the time the errors started. 

Thanks for the help.