Error message - I'm at my wits end - Computing and Networks

Faust · 03-02-2006, 22:53

Has anyone come across this problem on a Dell Laptop or any other PC for that matter. I keep having a problem when booting up the machine. I get the windows installer trying to configure something called the Sonic Update Manager. Now according to the Sonic site this problem must not be unkown as there is a patch and if that does not work they advise uninstalling it, which I have. However, I also keep getting the message. Sonic Activation Module. The feature you are trying to use is on a CD Rom or other removable disk that is not available - Insert the Sonic Activation Module disk and click OK, use source 1. The thing is the Dell does not come with any disks everything is pre-loaded and is somewhere on the HD. I am at my wits end with this message. The only way to get rid of it is to shut it down in the task manager, which is only a temporary fix. Any ideas or solutions welcomed.

meltcity · 03-02-2006, 23:04

You could use Start > Run > msconfig to disable it at startup.

However if you actually want to delete the file completely I recommend downloading the freeware tool EasyCleaner. It has lots of other useful features, such as fixing invalid registries and deleting unneeded temp files.

Orbitalzone · 04-02-2006, 10:36

Another possible option assuming you haven't uninstalled the software might be to turn off the automatic update feature that is in the software? After all, how often do they release updates and do you need the pc looking for updates everytime you bootup?

I am sure that somewhere in the menu will be an option to automatically look for updates

zounds · 04-02-2006, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orbitalzone

Another possible option assuming you haven't uninstalled the software might be to turn off the automatic update feature that is in the software?

http://support.sonic.com/desktop/rec...duct=recordnow

There are no separate user settings to limit the frequency with which Sonic Update Manager checks for updates. Within RecordNow though, it is possible to select whether or not the Sonic Update Manager will automatically check for updates when RecordNow launches. To disable that automatic check go through the following steps.

Start RecordNow.
Click on the Options (wrench) icon.
Click on "General."
Under "Startup," remove the checkmark from "Check for updates."
Click on "OK."

This can also be an error of the Sonic Update Manager ( or "sgtray.exe" if using the Veritas version) unsuccessfully attempting to update itself. To update, remove this program using the "Add/Remove Programs," control panel. Then download the latest version HERE and install.
If you decide to permanently remove the Sonic Update Manager, it will not affect the performance of any Sonic software currently installed on the system.

Faust · 04-02-2006, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by zounds

http://support.sonic.com/desktop/rec...duct=recordnow

There are no separate user settings to limit the frequency with which Sonic Update Manager checks for updates. Within RecordNow though, it is possible to select whether or not the Sonic Update Manager will automatically check for updates when RecordNow launches. To disable that automatic check go through the following steps.

Start RecordNow.
Click on the Options (wrench) icon.
Click on "General."
Under "Startup," remove the checkmark from "Check for updates."
Click on "OK."

This can also be an error of the Sonic Update Manager ( or "sgtray.exe" if using the Veritas version) unsuccessfully attempting to update itself. To update, remove this program using the "Add/Remove Programs," control panel. Then download the latest version HERE and install.
If you decide to permanently remove the Sonic Update Manager, it will not affect the performance of any Sonic software currently installed on the system.

I see you too have been looking at the Sonic website. However, I have deleted the Sonic update manager but as I said at the beginning I am not getting this message - Sonic Activation Module. The feature you are trying to use is on a CD Rom or other removable disk that is not available - Insert the Sonic Activation Module disk and click OK, use source 1. The thing is the Dell does not come with any disks everything is pre-loaded and is somewhere on the HD. The only way to get rid of it is to shut it down in the task manager, which is only a temporary fix. This has clearly got something to do with the Roxio CD/DVD which is the disks that I do not have, and as yet although I can find them in my common programme files I cannot find an install icon to try to re-install or repair it. I am on the point of deleting Roxio completely and installing Nero which I do have the disks for.

gargleroadside · 04-02-2006, 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faust

I am on the point of deleting Roxio completely and installing Nero which I do have the disks for.

Just do it.

Orbitalzone · 04-02-2006, 18:09

Is there no Dell backup utility on your PC to create your own Dell backup CDs?

However, I'd also consider ditching Roxio and use Nero if you've got it.

Faust · 05-02-2006, 12:09

I have now spent two whole days on this problem without any success whatsoever, in fact I'm ready to throw the Laptop through the window - thanks Dell. I have uninstalled, deleted, used every system clean tool I can think of, and yet I still cannot sort this problem out. It does not matter what I do, everytime the Laptop re-boots I get the install-shield trying to install the Sonic Activation module. I then get the message Sonic Activatiom Module please insert disk source 1. As I said I do not have the blasted disks. I have uninstalled all the Roxio equipment but to no avail. The laugh is that despite doing system restore which has re-installed Roxio I now cannot even use that as I now get the message that I need to insert a disk for that to complete the install - guess what? yes that's right I do not have the disks. Not that I am worried about that as I have installed Nero.

Orbitalzone · 05-02-2006, 13:48

Hmm.. sounds poop to me.

Well if you want to try and delete Roxio again I'd also suggest that you search for all Roxio folders and remnants that are still on the pc after doing the uninstall.

Often when you uninstall software there still remains bits and pieces all over the place, some files and folders may be in C:\program files\roxio (or similar) and also some bits may lurk in the registry which need a delete (with extreme care)

Another thing, did you use CCleaner after you'd uninstalled Roxio? it has a scan feature to remove redundant entries in the registry and it also allows you to remove items that automatically start up with Windows. This may be a simple way to stop the startup problem.

jaztim · 05-02-2006, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faust

I have now spent two whole days on this problem without any success whatsoever, in fact I'm ready to throw the Laptop through the window - thanks Dell. I have uninstalled, deleted, used every system clean tool I can think of, and yet I still cannot sort this problem out. It does not matter what I do, everytime the Laptop re-boots I get the install-shield trying to install the Sonic Activation module. I then get the message Sonic Activatiom Module please insert disk source 1. As I said I do not have the blasted disks. I have uninstalled all the Roxio equipment but to no avail. The laugh is that despite doing system restore which has re-installed Roxio I now cannot even use that as I now get the message that I need to insert a disk for that to complete the install - guess what? yes that's right I do not have the disks. Not that I am worried about that as I have installed Nero.

reset your laptop back to factory settings - then remove all roxio software. On my dell is press CTRL & F11 on boot up to give you the options......

Faust · 05-02-2006, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaztim

reset your laptop back to factory settings - then remove all roxio software. On my dell is press CTRL & F11 on boot up to give you the options......

When you say reset back to factory settings are you suggesting that after spending a whole week personalising this laptop including numerous software installs Office 2003 setting up email accounts etc etc you want me to wipe all that out and start again? I would simply reject the goods and return to Dell if that is the only option and buy from another supplier.

zounds · 05-02-2006, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faust

It does not matter what I do, everytime the Laptop re-boots I get the install-shield trying to install the Sonic Activation module.

As meltcity said in the first reply, just disable anything that you don't want starting up using msconfig. You said you were terminating processes in device manager, why not use msconfig to stop them starting up in the first place...

DJPT · 05-02-2006, 20:04

I had this problem with my Dimension 3000.

All I did was go to support.dell.com and sent an e-mail to Technical Support, they replied within 24 hours (even though my Dell is out of warranty). It was last year now and I don't have the reply that they sent me unfortunately. Just drop them a line and they'll be able to help you out.

If your Dell is still in warranty, if you visit the United States support site and register you can chat live to Technical Support - even better.

Faust · 07-02-2006, 22:00

I have finally rid myself of this dammed Sonic Activation Module. I used Regcleaner and I had a reply from the Dell Forum from someone who had the same problem and suggested installing the latest Windows Installer. I did as he suggested and it worked. It appears this problem is now becoming quite an issue with Dell owners if you trawl the forums. I have to say that Dell's customer care sucks big time. I have sent three emails which they say they respond to in twenty four hours. My three emails have been spread across a week without any response whatsoever. Some other Dell owners have sent dozens of emails without response. Dell have made a huge mistake in moving their European call centre operations to India, the whole setup is shambolic. The Americans wouldn't put up with it so Dell had to back down, not so for the second class Europeans.

ironjade · 08-02-2006, 11:08

Roxio is a pain in the neck at the best of times and I reckon you're better off without it.
Nero may have its quirks but it's a sight more reliable than Roxio. The people at Freecom, who supplied it with my DVD writer, said they hated it too and that its tech support was useless.
They also sent me a free Nero 6 disc.

jbeavon · 08-02-2006, 11:45

I would agree roxio can be problematic, but I tend to use a combination of the two.

For burning CD/DVD's of files, i use nero, but if I need to do video editing, or record things from LP/Tape's onto the computer, i use roxio, as I find that nero quite often stuff's that sort of stuff up.

I guess it's a matter of personal prefrence really. I find nero's editing features very limited.

sparra · 08-02-2006, 11:54

I have just had this problem. Here is what was sent to me by Dell TS (worked a treat) for anyone else that may have it:

Go to Start and Run.
Type in MSCONFIG
Go to the Startup Tab on the right.
Disable the following 2 items in the list.

ISUSPM
ISSCH

Click Apply and the Close - When prompted to do so Restart the System.

Then on restart, just check the System Config Utility box that says 'Don't show this again' and you're done.

Faust · 08-02-2006, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparra

I have just had this problem. Here is what was sent to me by Dell TS (worked a treat) for anyone else that may have it:

Go to Start and Run.
Type in MSCONFIG
Go to the Startup Tab on the right.
Disable the following 2 items in the list.

ISUSPM
ISSCH

Click Apply and the Close - When prompted to do so Restart the System.

Then on restart, just check the System Config Utility box that says 'Don't show this again' and you're done.

I too have at last had a response from the people at Dell Tech, and the response given is the same as you have received. Pity it took them a week to respond with this info. Anyway having already sorted the problem myself with the RegCleaner utility and downloading the latest Windows Installer it was to little to late. I have now installed Nero for my DVD burning and I also have Pinnacle on CD Rom which I can use for video editing. I am coming across more and more Dell owners suffering with this issue and it really is not good enough that a company like Dell are sending out PCs by the thousand with this software bug.

skrjones · 08-02-2006, 23:08

Wouldn't it be nice if they gave you a disk so you could install these things if you wanted to rather than dumping tons of crap on the system that you can't get rid of. (thinking macafee and Roxio etc)

jaztim · 09-02-2006, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faust

I too have at last had a response from the people at Dell Tech, and the response given is the same as you have received. Pity it took them a week to respond with this info. Anyway having already sorted the problem myself with the RegCleaner utility and downloading the latest Windows Installer it was to little to late. I have now installed Nero for my DVD burning and I also have Pinnacle on CD Rom which I can use for video editing. I am coming across more and more Dell owners suffering with this issue and it really is not good enough that a company like Dell are sending out PCs by the thousand with this software bug.

my dell pc is great - you have been given a fix, relax and forget about it.

Faust · 10-02-2006, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaztim

my dell pc is great - you have been given a fix, relax and forget about it.

I didn't say the Dell was not a competent PC, though I'm not sure that it's as good as my Evesham Desktop. The difference is that the CS on the Evesham is great, they give you the disks and if there is a fault you are not trying to deal with an overseas call centre who's operatives seem to have a very poor command of the English language. On top of that I say again that a company like Dell should not be shipping these products with an known fault. The forums are starting to fill up with hundreds of people complaining about the same fault. Not everyone is computer savvy and they are going to struggle to fix this fault on their own.

Diginut · 18-02-2006, 16:13

Had the same problem with my Dell. Fixed by downloading 'msicuu2.exe' from Micro$oft. It shows you all the programs that are able to check and update themselves and allows you to remove them!

CoffeeKid · 03-05-2006, 13:59

I ran into the same problem on my new Dell. I uninstalled some prepackaged LE junk and that ended up breaking my ability to burn. After a reboot I got the same error as your reporting. The hotfix fixed my issue.

From Roxio Site:
Cause
This is caused by removing certain non-Sonic/Roxio applications that share file resources with Sonic/Roxio software.

Resolution
You will need to replace the .dll file "_ispmres.dll" into this proper location:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService

Here is the link to the KB
http://kb.roxio.com/content/kb/000001MD

03-02-2006, 22:53	#1
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 2,910	Error message - I'm at my wits end Has anyone come across this problem on a Dell Laptop or any other PC for that matter. I keep having a problem when booting up the machine. I get the windows installer trying to configure something called the Sonic Update Manager. Now according to the Sonic site this problem must not be unkown as there is a patch and if that does not work they advise uninstalling it, which I have. However, I also keep getting the message. Sonic Activation Module. The feature you are trying to use is on a CD Rom or other removable disk that is not available - Insert the Sonic Activation Module disk and click OK, use source 1. The thing is the Dell does not come with any disks everything is pre-loaded and is somewhere on the HD. I am at my wits end with this message. The only way to get rid of it is to shut it down in the task manager, which is only a temporary fix. Any ideas or solutions welcomed.

03-05-2006, 13:59	#23
CoffeeKid Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1	Roxio has a hot fix for this! I ran into the same problem on my new Dell. I uninstalled some prepackaged LE junk and that ended up breaking my ability to burn. After a reboot I got the same error as your reporting. The hotfix fixed my issue. From Roxio Site: Cause This is caused by removing certain non-Sonic/Roxio applications that share file resources with Sonic/Roxio software. Resolution You will need to replace the .dll file "_ispmres.dll" into this proper location: C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService Here is the link to the KB http://kb.roxio.com/content/kb/000001MD

03-02-2006, 23:04	#2
meltcity Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,536	You could use Start > Run > msconfig to disable it at startup. However if you actually want to delete the file completely I recommend downloading the freeware tool EasyCleaner. It has lots of other useful features, such as fixing invalid registries and deleting unneeded temp files.

04-02-2006, 10:36	#3
Orbitalzone Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: East Sussex Services: SkyHD, PlusNet ADSL, Pointless Posts: 6,954 Posts: 8,429	Another possible option assuming you haven't uninstalled the software might be to turn off the automatic update feature that is in the software? After all, how often do they release updates and do you need the pc looking for updates everytime you bootup? I am sure that somewhere in the menu will be an option to automatically look for updates

04-02-2006, 18:09	#7
Orbitalzone Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: East Sussex Services: SkyHD, PlusNet ADSL, Pointless Posts: 6,954 Posts: 8,429	Is there no Dell backup utility on your PC to create your own Dell backup CDs? However, I'd also consider ditching Roxio and use Nero if you've got it.

05-02-2006, 12:09	#8
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 2,910	I have now spent two whole days on this problem without any success whatsoever, in fact I'm ready to throw the Laptop through the window - thanks Dell. I have uninstalled, deleted, used every system clean tool I can think of, and yet I still cannot sort this problem out. It does not matter what I do, everytime the Laptop re-boots I get the install-shield trying to install the Sonic Activation module. I then get the message Sonic Activatiom Module please insert disk source 1. As I said I do not have the blasted disks. I have uninstalled all the Roxio equipment but to no avail. The laugh is that despite doing system restore which has re-installed Roxio I now cannot even use that as I now get the message that I need to insert a disk for that to complete the install - guess what? yes that's right I do not have the disks. Not that I am worried about that as I have installed Nero.

05-02-2006, 13:48	#9
Orbitalzone Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: East Sussex Services: SkyHD, PlusNet ADSL, Pointless Posts: 6,954 Posts: 8,429	Hmm.. sounds poop to me. Well if you want to try and delete Roxio again I'd also suggest that you search for all Roxio folders and remnants that are still on the pc after doing the uninstall. Often when you uninstall software there still remains bits and pieces all over the place, some files and folders may be in C:\program files\roxio (or similar) and also some bits may lurk in the registry which need a delete (with extreme care) Another thing, did you use CCleaner after you'd uninstalled Roxio? it has a scan feature to remove redundant entries in the registry and it also allows you to remove items that automatically start up with Windows. This may be a simple way to stop the startup problem.

05-02-2006, 20:04	#13
DJPT Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: South Yorkshire Posts: 3,092	I had this problem with my Dimension 3000. All I did was go to support.dell.com and sent an e-mail to Technical Support, they replied within 24 hours (even though my Dell is out of warranty). It was last year now and I don't have the reply that they sent me unfortunately. Just drop them a line and they'll be able to help you out. If your Dell is still in warranty, if you visit the United States support site and register you can chat live to Technical Support - even better.

07-02-2006, 22:00	#14
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 2,910	I have finally rid myself of this dammed Sonic Activation Module. I used Regcleaner and I had a reply from the Dell Forum from someone who had the same problem and suggested installing the latest Windows Installer. I did as he suggested and it worked. It appears this problem is now becoming quite an issue with Dell owners if you trawl the forums. I have to say that Dell's customer care sucks big time. I have sent three emails which they say they respond to in twenty four hours. My three emails have been spread across a week without any response whatsoever. Some other Dell owners have sent dozens of emails without response. Dell have made a huge mistake in moving their European call centre operations to India, the whole setup is shambolic. The Americans wouldn't put up with it so Dell had to back down, not so for the second class Europeans.

08-02-2006, 11:08	#15
ironjade Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: London Services: Virgin broadband, SkyHD, Windows 7, Linux Mint Posts: 4,343	Roxio is a pain in the neck at the best of times and I reckon you're better off without it. Nero may have its quirks but it's a sight more reliable than Roxio. The people at Freecom, who supplied it with my DVD writer, said they hated it too and that its tech support was useless. They also sent me a free Nero 6 disc.

08-02-2006, 11:45	#16
jbeavon Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Runcorn - Near Liverpool Services: Ignoramus Posts: 3,060	I would agree roxio can be problematic, but I tend to use a combination of the two. For burning CD/DVD's of files, i use nero, but if I need to do video editing, or record things from LP/Tape's onto the computer, i use roxio, as I find that nero quite often stuff's that sort of stuff up. I guess it's a matter of personal prefrence really. I find nero's editing features very limited.

08-02-2006, 11:54	#17
sparra Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Wales Posts: 132	I have just had this problem. Here is what was sent to me by Dell TS (worked a treat) for anyone else that may have it: Go to Start and Run. Type in MSCONFIG Go to the Startup Tab on the right. Disable the following 2 items in the list. ISUSPM ISSCH Click Apply and the Close - When prompted to do so Restart the System. Then on restart, just check the System Config Utility box that says 'Don't show this again' and you're done.

08-02-2006, 23:08	#19
skrjones Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire Services: Freeview + Freesat, ADSL24 Max, Primus CPS Posts: 2,195	Wouldn't it be nice if they gave you a disk so you could install these things if you wanted to rather than dumping tons of crap on the system that you can't get rid of. (thinking macafee and Roxio etc)

18-02-2006, 16:13	#22
Diginut Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Manchester Services: PVR9200TB, ADSL2 Posts: 74	Had the same problem with my Dell. Fixed by downloading 'msicuu2.exe' from Micro$oft. It shows you all the programs that are able to check and update themselves and allows you to remove them!