[RHCPfreak21]

Hi,

I have a Dell Dimension 4700 with Windows XP. It was running fine until last night, when it automatically installed 8 updates before shutting down. This morning, there is a problem. I turn on the computer. It works fine for about 2 minutes, then slows down and won't respond for at least 20 seconds to anything. The fan is running loud as though it is "thinking" about something or working really hard even though I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary. If I want to shut down, I have to do it manually. Then, when I restart, it works for 2 minutes and slows again. In those first 2 minutes, I tried checking my email, using a couple programs, etc. and they work fine until it decides to slow down. I have restarted it about 5 times with the same results every time. Any ideas?

[Aitrusskyy]

Yes a few. Probably you need to clear your %temp% files, then I would also clear all but the most recent restore point (which can at times free anywhere from 1-20 GB of hard drive space.

Download this
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

Install it.

When you run the program check off all options that apply like in this image.


Run the scan and then run cleaner to clean. "Close your browsers when you do this else it wont clean the browser cache while in use".

After trying that, go to "MY COMPUTER" and RIGHT click on C:\LOCAL DISK then click PROPERTIES.

Once that window opens click the "DISK CLEANUP" button
It will scan for a bit, then when its done it will pop up another window. In this window click the "MORE OPTIONS" tab.

Then click the bottom cleanup button under "system restore". Your computer may freeze for a moment while it cleans all but most recent restore files.

Once it is done you will be able to click the DISK CLEANUP tab. Just click ok after that.

See if this helps. If not, post back.

[RHCPfreak21]

OK, I just tried all of those steps, and it didn't work. It still works fine for a little while, then slows WAY down to the point of not functioning.

[Spandexer]

Hi RHCP,

It sounds to me like a program might be taking up all your CPU and that might be causing it to slow way down or freeze. Cntrl + Alt + Delete to see the TASK LIST and take a look at Processes. Is there something other than 'System Idle Process' taking up your CPU?

Also, you can try going to the Start button - Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Event Viewer. Look for Errors and Warnings under Application and/or System. Try looking any errors up in Google or post them here.

[Aitrusskyy]

After trying what Spandexer said. You could also trying to manually update your pc through windows update.

Chances are if you are 100% sure the issues started AFTER your computer automatically updated itself, then either an update is conflicting with some hardware and/or software OR the update didn't properly install or finish and perhaps is having an issue in itself.

I would recommend opening internet explorer, clicking "tools" then "windows update" and attempting to update your computer yet again.

There are usually more updates each time you update and a newer one might fix the issue as a newer patch might have been released that fixes the issue you are experiencing.

Do what RHCP said first, if we can figure out if it is a process causing the issue, we can probably determine what program and why.

[RHCPfreak21]

Thanks everyone ... here's where I'm at now: Something called "ScanningProcess...." in processes (user name SYSTEM) is using massive CPU and also svchost.exe (user name SYSTEM) - they seem to be switching back and forth but using 100% of the CPU.

Also, under Event viewer, there are a bunch of warnings that say "Userenv" under "Source," and under properties, it says "Windows saved user JARED\Erin registry while an application or service was stil using the registry during log off. The memory used by the user's registry has not been freed. The registry will be unloaded when it is no longer in use / This is often caused by services running as a user account, try configuring the services to run in either the LocalService or NetworkService account." (I do not know what any of this means)

There are also a couple errors from early last month that say "Application Error" / "Faulting Application iexplore.exe, version 7.0.6000.16640 ....." etc.

I haven't tried re-updating windows yet, but I may do that next.

[RHCPfreak21]

Oooh, hang on - there is an error under system called "MrxSmb" that says "The master browser has received a server announcement from the computer ERIN that believes that it is the master browser for the domain on trasport (a bunch of letters / numbers). The master browser is stopping or an election is being forced.

[oshwyn5]

Do you have shared folders or mapped drives over a home network?

[RHCPfreak21]

I have a desktop and a laptop that share a wire router for DSL internet. When we first got the laptop, we wanted to hook up some kind of network, but since we had no idea how to properly do that, it didn't happen. Also, I tried to turn off all wireless connections on the laptop so that I wouldn't be sharing wireless internet with others in my condo bldg. I don't know what settings have been changed in regards to a network, but at this point, unless I can get it done securely and correctly, I don't want to network the 2 computers - I just want them to share the wire router for Internet access. They shouldn't be sharing anything else right now that I know of, unless we screwed something up last summer when we initally set everything up (desktop/laptop/router).

[RHCPfreak21]

OK - this problem is directly related to Zone Alarm Antivirus software. When I disable it, that scanningprocess thing stops that was hogging the CPU - it was running in the background even though no scan was in progress. Any suggestions on how to remedy this or any recommendations of a better antivirus program?

[Aitrusskyy]

AVG FREE antivirus is good. Includes spyware protection with it.

http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe

• Virus and spyware protection
• Safe web surfing, downloading and instant messaging (not available with AVG Free)
• Hacker attacks prevention (not available with AVG Free)
• Phishing and E-Mail scam blocking (not available with AVG Free)
• Free AVG 24x7 technical support (not available with AVG Free)
• Stops threats before they become a problem

It is not a firewall persay like zone alarm is. But its good.

Comodo firewall is very good

[RHCPfreak21]

Thanks, the problem was from Zone Alarm Antivirus. I'm taking care of it

[RHCPfreak21]

Okay, the problem is apparently not solved. My system is still running slow (not quite as slow as before, but still annoyingly obvious).

To backtrack: Initially, I let the computer install automatic updates a couple weeks ago. The next day, the computer was ridiculously slow. I realized that my CPU was being hogged (100%) by something called "scanningprocess" that was related to Zone Alarm Antivirus. I got rid of Zone Alarm. I installed AVG instead and turned on the firewall that came with windows. Now, when I start up the computer, svchost.exe hogs all the CPU for a couple minutes, & the system won't do anything else. Then, it finally frees up the CPU to system idle process, but then things seem to move slowly (especially in internet explorer). I keep having to click on programs & links twice because it's like the system doesn't register it the first time. Anyway, I downloaded Process Explorer, and the svchost.exe causing the slowdown is related to the following: Windows Audio, BITS, Cryptographic Svcs, DHCP, Error Reporting Svc, COM + Event System, Fast User Switching, Help & Support, Server, Workstation, Network Connections, NLA, Remote access connection mgr, task scheduler, secondary logon, system event notification, Windows firewall/internet connection sharing, shell hardware detection, system restore, telephony, themes, distributed link tracking client, windows time, windows mgmt instrumentation, security center, automatic updates, & wireless zero configuration.

Here is my hijackthis log just in case too.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:16:24 AM, on 6/21/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16674)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\aAvgApi.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLLoginProxy.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Erin\Desktop\hijackthis_sfx.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.my.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: AVG Security Toolbar - {A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E} - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\AVGTOO~1.DLL
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\3.0.1225.9868\swg.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AVG Security Toolbar - {A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E} - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\AVGTOO~1.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {406B5949-7190-4245-91A9-30A17DE16AD0} (Snapfish Activia) - http://www.costcophotocenter.com/CostcoActivia.cab
O16 - DPF: {48DD0448-9209-4F81-9F6D-D83562940134} (MySpace Uploader Control) - http://lads.myspace.com/upload/MySpaceUploader1006.cab
O16 - DPF: {78AF2F24-A9C3-11D3-BF8C-0060B0FCC122} (AcDcToday Control) - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Autodesk%20Architectural%20Desktop%203/AcDcToday.ocx
O16 - DPF: {AE563720-B4F5-11D4-A415-00108302FDFD} (NOXLATE-BANR) - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Autodesk%20Architectural%20Desktop%203/InstBanr.ocx
O16 - DPF: {C6637286-300D-11D4-AE0A-0010830243BD} (InstaFred) - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Autodesk%20Architectural%20Desktop%203/InstFred.ocx
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {E8F628B5-259A-4734-97EE-BA914D7BE941} (Driver Agent ActiveX Control) - http://www.driveragent.com/files/driveragent.cab
O16 - DPF: {F281A59C-7B65-11D3-8617-0010830243BD} (AcPreview Control) - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Autodesk%20Architectural%20Desktop%203/AcPreview.ocx
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI1F86~1\MESSEN~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI1F86~1\MESSEN~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: avgrsstx.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSetWired\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe

Any help??? Thanks.