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How can I improve my computers speed?

Discussion in 'Windows Vista' started by Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010.

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  1. Stacey-Jo

    Stacey-Jo Thread Starter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
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    15
    Hello

    This is my first post and am quite a novice with computers so any help would be great.

    My computer is really slow, it takes ages to start up and once it gets going it often locks up and I spend ages for it to keep up with me. I often only have 1 application open at a time, maybe two but nothing hectic that my computer should find difficult. I have used windows registry pro, I have up to date kaspersky and my defrag is set up to run automatically. I mainly use the internet and various windows programmes. I rarely download material, but I do have itunes and I also run a toolbar on my explorer for my business needs.

    I have a compaq computer, which is a good few years old, with Windows Vista (I bought it just after Vista lanuched). Unfortunately I dont know the model number and I dont know how to find it out either.

    So I am looking for ways to speed it up, or at least prevent it from regualrly locking up, so I hope you can help.

    I have tried to copy my processes into this post but it keeps coming up with an empty box so the stats on there are:


    CPU Usage - ranges from 20-40% sometimes higher
    Physical Memory - around 80% Total: 893, Cached: 349, Free: 11
    Processes - 61


    Any advice on where to start would be great. I know this is a little thin on info, but I dont really know what info you need to help me, so ask away and I will find the answer and hopefully we can sort this together.


    Thanks you!
     
    Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010
    #1
  3. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    34,796
    Please click here to download and install version 2.0.2 of the HijackThis Installer.

    Run it and select Do a system scan and save a logfile.

    The log will be saved in Notepad. Copy and paste the log in your next post.

    Do not fix anything
     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #2
  4. Stacey-Jo

    Stacey-Jo Thread Starter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
    Messages:
    15
    Here is what it came up with:

    Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
    Scan saved at 15:04:09, on 09/04/2010
    Platform: Windows Vista (WinNT 6.00.1904)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.17037)
    Boot mode: Normal
    Running processes:
    C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
    C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
    C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
    C:\hp\support\hpsysdrv.exe
    C:\hp\KBD\kbd.exe
    C:\Windows\RtHDVCpl.exe
    C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\hpwuSchd2.exe
    C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe
    C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\avp.exe
    C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
    C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
    C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe
    C:\Windows\ehome\ehtray.exe
    C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMERunner.exe
    C:\Users\Joanne\AppData\Local\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
    C:\Windows\ehome\ehmsas.exe
    C:\Windows\system32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEUser.exe
    C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\klwtblfs.exe
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe
    C:\Windows\system32\Taskmgr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
    C:\Windows\system32\SearchFilterHost.exe
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_GB&c=71&bd=Presario&pf=desktop
    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://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_GB&c=71&bd=Presario&pf=desktop
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
    R3 - URLSearchHook: B.I.G. Business Systems Toolbar - {e8369bed-958b-4daf-8214-7ddc9466919c} - C:\Program Files\B.I.G._Business_Systems\tbB.I1.dll
    R3 - URLSearchHook: Arriba Wellness Clubs Toolbar - {766332ea-0b21-484d-a545-71f8840df270} - C:\Program Files\Arriba_Wellness_Clubs\tbArr0.dll
    O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
    O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
    O2 - BHO: IEVkbdBHO - {59273AB4-E7D3-40F9-A1A8-6FA9CCA1862C} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\ievkbd.dll
    O2 - BHO: Arriba Wellness Clubs Toolbar - {766332ea-0b21-484d-a545-71f8840df270} - C:\Program Files\Arriba_Wellness_Clubs\tbArr0.dll
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
    O2 - BHO: link filter bho - {E33CF602-D945-461A-83F0-819F76A199F8} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\klwtbbho.dll
    O2 - BHO: B.I.G. Business Systems Toolbar - {e8369bed-958b-4daf-8214-7ddc9466919c} - C:\Program Files\B.I.G._Business_Systems\tbB.I1.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: B.I.G. Business Systems Toolbar - {e8369bed-958b-4daf-8214-7ddc9466919c} - C:\Program Files\B.I.G._Business_Systems\tbB.I1.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: Arriba Wellness Clubs Toolbar - {766332ea-0b21-484d-a545-71f8840df270} - C:\Program Files\Arriba_Wellness_Clubs\tbArr0.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\hp\support\hpsysdrv.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RtHDVCpl] RtHDVCpl.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] c:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvSvc] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\Windows\system32\nvsvc.dll,nvsvcStart
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\Windows\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\Windows\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
    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: [AVP] "C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\avp.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [Launcher] %WINDIR%\SMINST\launcher.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\isuspm.exe -startup
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Windows Registry Repair Pro] C:\Program Files\3B Software\Windows Registry Repair Pro\RegistryRepairPro.exe 4
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ehTray.exe] C:\Windows\ehome\ehTray.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TomTomHOME.exe] "C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMERunner.exe"
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_1_0 -reboot 1
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Google Update] "C:\Users\Joanne\AppData\Local\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe" /c
    O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
    O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
    O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
    O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background (User 'SYSTEM')
    O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background (User 'Default user')
    O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Belkin Wireless USB Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\Belkin\USB F5D7050\Wireless Utility\Belkinwcui.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Anti-Banner - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\ie_banner_deny.htm
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O9 - Extra button: &Virtual keyboard - {4248FE82-7FCB-46AC-B270-339F08212110} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\klwtbbho.dll
    O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
    O9 - Extra button: URLs c&heck - {CCF151D8-D089-449F-A5A4-D9909053F20F} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\klwtbbho.dll
    O13 - Gopher Prefix:
    O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} (QuickTime Object) - http://appldnld.apple.com.edgesuite.net/content.info.apple.com/QuickTime/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab
    O16 - DPF: {0CCA191D-13A6-4E29-B746-314DEE697D83} (Facebook Photo Uploader 5 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/2008.10.10_v5.5.8/FacebookPhotoUploader5.cab
    O16 - DPF: {2665693B-C4F3-434B-83DB-7574CF50C8B7} (Kaspersky License Finder) - http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/downloads/misc/kasperskylicensefinder.cab
    O16 - DPF: {48DD0448-9209-4F81-9F6D-D83562940134} (MySpace Uploader Control) - http://lads.myspace.com/upload/MySpaceUploader1005.cab
    O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w2/resources/VistaMSNPUplden-gb.cab
    O16 - DPF: {5C6698D9-7BE4-4122-8EC5-291D84DBD4A0} (Facebook Photo Uploader 4 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/FacebookPhotoUploader3.cab
    O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/FacebookPhotoUploader.cab
    O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
    O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\KASPER~1\KASPER~1\mzvkbd3.dll,C:\PROGRA~1\KASPER~1\KASPER~1\kloehk.dll
    O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
    O23 - Service: Kaspersky Internet Security (AVP) - Kaspersky Lab - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Internet Security 2010\avp.exe
    O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
    O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Symantec Corporation - D:\hp\apps\APP32387\src\Support\ccCommon\ccCommon\ccSvcHst.exe
    O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - c:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
    O23 - Service: stllssvr - MicroVision Development, Inc. - c:\Program Files\Common Files\SureThing Shared\stllssvr.exe
    O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
    O23 - Service: TomTomHOMEService - TomTom - C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMEService.exe
    --
    End of file - 9410 bytes

    Thanks
     
    Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010
    #3
  5. TerryNet

    TerryNet Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2005
    Messages:
    79,785
    First Name:
    Terry
    How much memory? I'm guessing you only have 1 GB.
     
    TerryNet, Apr 9, 2010
    #4
  6. Stacey-Jo

    Stacey-Jo Thread Starter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
    Messages:
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    Where can I find out?
     
    Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010
    #5
  7. Stacey-Jo

    Stacey-Jo Thread Starter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
    Messages:
    15
    Ive found my computer information if this helps:

    Windows Vista Home Premium
    Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 processor 3500+ 2.20 GHz
    Memory RAM: 894MB
    System Type: 32-bit
     
    Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010
    #6
  8. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    34,796
    You should get rid of Symantec using the Norton Removal Tool.

    You should also get rid of Windows Registry Repair Pro if you care about your computer. Never use any registry cleaners. There is nothing to be gained by "cleaning" the registry. You'll only end up crippling programs or Windows itself.


    You have too many Startup applications loading with Windows. This can significantly increase your Startup time and affect overall performance. ​


    Please download and run Autoruns.

    Open Autoruns.​

    Click on Options.​

    Put a check mark on Hide Microsoft and Windows Entries.​

    Hit the F5 key to refresh your page.​

    Select the Logon tab and uncheck the following items:​

    Windows Defender​

    hpsysdrv​

    RtHDVCpl​

    HP Software Update​

    NvSvc​

    NvCplDaemon​

    NvMediaCenter​

    QuickTime Task​

    MsnMsgr​

    ISUSPM Startup​

    Windows Registry Repair Pro​

    ehTray.exe​

    TomTomHOME.exe​

    updateMgr​

    Google Update​

    Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk​

    Belkin Wireless USB Utility.lnk​


    Other than your antivirus, firewall and Internet connectivity service, the Startup Type on most of your non-Microsoft Services (from programs YOU have installed), can be changed from Automatic to Manual. This will reduce the amount of processes running in the background and speed up your computer.​

    Again in Autoruns,

    Select the Services tab.

    Now, only non-Microsoft services will be showing.

    Right-click on any service.

    Click on Jump to...

    You will now be at the exact registry key for that service.

    In the right-hand pane, look at the DWORD Start.

    The last number at the end of the entry will be either:

    (0) for Boot.

    (1) for System.

    (2) for Automatic.

    (3) for Manual.​

    (4) for Disabled.​

    If you want to change the value, double-click on Start and change the number accordingly.​

    Reboot your computer.​
    ​
    ​
    ​
    ​

     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #7
  9. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    34,796
    1 GB of RAM is a minimum for Vista. But, 2 GB is highly recommended.

    You'll never have a smooth operating computer with that small amount of RAM. You should definitely add more RAM or at least go through the cleaning process I have posted above.
     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #8
  10. TerryNet

    TerryNet Moderator

    Joined:
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    79,785
    First Name:
    Terry
    EDIT: Phantom010 posted a lot quicker than I typed! :)

    Phantom010 will probably have some suggestions for some improvement, but you'll probably need to add at least 512 MB RAM, and preferably 1 GB, to have real success with Vista after it has been installed for some time.

    1 GB RAM is Microsoft's recommended minimum, which means that you really need 2 GB. With normal use of Windows the Registry gets corrupted to the point where you eventually need to install the OS fresh. With sufficient memory (double whatever Microsoft recommends) you can generally get by for many years.

    Crucial is one site that has a scanner that will tell you what options, if any, you have for adding memory.

    Some people like those so called Registry Cleaners, but most of us say they are just an effective way to speed up the corruption. They do little if any good and can do considerable harm.
     
    TerryNet, Apr 9, 2010
    #9
  11. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    34,796
    Another thing that can give you a little extra speed is disabling Windows Search.

    Hit the Windows key + R to open a Run box. Type in services.msc

    Locate the Windows Search service, Stop it and Disable it.
     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #10
  12. Stacey-Jo

    Stacey-Jo Thread Starter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
    Messages:
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    Wow, a lot of information! Thank you so much for your help!

    I am just running the norton removal tool and will follow through the next steps. Cant believe I was sold a computer with less memory than what Vista recommends when it was already installed on it.

    Then I will investigate the memory option. I will update once all is completed.

    Thanks again!
     
    Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010
    #11
  13. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    34,796
    You're welcome! :)

    When done with all of the above, please post a fresh HijackThis log so we can monitor your progress.
     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #12
  14. Stacey-Jo

    Stacey-Jo Thread Starter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
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    15
    I have unistalled Windows registry pro, but it said some components need to be removed manually, where and how do I do that? And how do I know which ones they are?
     
    Stacey-Jo, Apr 9, 2010
    #13
  15. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
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    34,796
    I forgot to mention that I would disable Windows Defender. It's just about useless and can be replaced with the free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. It comes highly recommended here on TSG.

    How to Disable Windows Defender
     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #14
  16. Phantom010

    Phantom010 Trusted Advisor

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    34,796
    You should have used the free Revo Uninstaller instead. It does a thorough job. You might need to reinstall Windows Registry Pro first.
     
    Phantom010, Apr 9, 2010
    #15

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