[Phantom010]

Then, in msconfig, simply find the names or files related to these items.

[maxcalvada]

I think it may be running a little faster, but still not that great. It still takes several minutes for the browser to come up after booting up and after the browser comes another couple minutes for the homepage to download.

After browing through the 3 links you sent me, I currently have the following still running on my startup: zlclient, ituneshelper, DEADAIM, BCMSMMSG, avgnt. The following I unchecked: DirectCD, BCRO, ctfmon, DSentry, IntuitSyncManager, PELMICED, realsched and QuickBooks Update.

**ALSO**
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe

AND

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe" /min

show search results with good and bad programs, some of them referred to as worms.

***BTW, Support.exe does not show up in my startup box.

Are there more things I can do to make my computer run faster?

[Phantom010]

Originally Posted by maxcalvada

I think it may be running a little faster, but still not that great. It still takes several minutes for the browser to come up after booting up and after the browser comes another couple minutes for the homepage to download.

After browing through the 3 links you sent me, I currently have the following still running on my startup: zlclient, ituneshelper, DEADAIM, BCMSMMSG, avgnt. The following I unchecked: DirectCD, BCRO, ctfmon, DSentry, IntuitSyncManager, PELMICED, realsched and QuickBooks Update.

**ALSO**
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe

AND

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe" /min

show search results with good and bad programs, some of them referred to as worms.

***BTW, Support.exe does not show up in my startup box.

Are there more things I can do to make my computer run faster?

DwlClient (support.exe) is a download manager for Dell support alerts. Note: Located in \%Program Files%\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\. No worm there:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe

That's your Avira Antivirus. No worm there:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe" /min

[Phantom010]

DwlClient and DeadAIM don't need to load with Windows. You should also uninstall Spybot.

[Phantom010]

You do have to consider adding RAM though. We won't make any miracles with 256 Mb!

[maxcalvada]

You don't need DwlClient and DeadAIM don't need to load with Windows. You should also uninstall Spybot.

So it's ok to deactivate DwlClient and DeadAIM from my startup?

[Rich-M]

You appear to have a registry cleaner (ByteCrusher\RegistryOptimax)
onboard, and as much as you need more ram as suggested, we also cannot repair the damage the reg cleaner obviously did so I would suggest you reformat and install a clean version of Windows, and stay away form reg cleraners ort any kind of "optimizer" as they always do the opposite.

[maxcalvada]

You appear to have a registry cleaner (ByteCrusher\RegistryOptimax)
onboard, and as much as you need more ram as suggested, we also cannot repair the damage the reg cleaner obviously did so I would suggest you reformat and install a clean version of Windows, and stay away form reg cleraners ort any kind of "optimizer" as they always do the opposite.

How do I go about doing a reformat and install safely? I can do this without losing the software I've already installed and all my personal files, etc.?

[Phantom010]

I wouldn't go that far (reinstall). Start by adding RAM and you should be OK. But, I agree with Rich-M, don't use any registry cleaner.

[Phantom010]

Originally Posted by maxcalvada

So it's ok to deactivate DwlClient and DeadAIM from my startup?

DeadAIM: look at the end of the first line in the link... -> N

DwlClient: look at the end of the fourth line in the link... -> N

[Rich-M]

Originally Posted by maxcalvada

How do I go about doing a reformat and install safely? I can do this without losing the software I've already installed and all my personal files, etc.?

You should always backup whatever is important daily or weekly but you can do it now. Programs would have to be reinstalled and hopefully you have Windows disk and program disks.

[BillSnapWire]

SystemLookup thinks you have quite a few malware entries. I'd run a virus scan if I were you.

[Phantom010]

Originally Posted by BillSnapWire

SystemLookup thinks you have quite a few malware entries. I'd run a virus scan if I were you.

Like what entries?

You have to find the file in the list that fits with the application shown in the HijackThis log, and not jump to conclusions too fast...

A lot of legitimate .exe files can be replaced or mistaken for malware.

[maxcalvada]

I have malwarebites and avira anti-virus. I'll run them again asap...if I don't get any reports from them of bad stuff, I'm probably in the clear then?

[Phantom010]

IMHO, you don't have a malware issue. The main problem with your computer is its lack of RAM. I had 512 Mb on my old computer for XP Pro and it was lagging a lot. Can you imagine 256 Mb?!?

So, the solution is to add at least 512 Mb to 768 Mb of RAM and keeping your Startup list to a minimum.