Possible Software Problem (but hard to find ware is the problem)

KaisorSoze · #1 10-09-05, 14:03

Hello guys.

I was originally receiving help on what I suspected was a spyware problem, as you can check the link to see my progress.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=74450

Currenlty, I am having problems with long boot times. It is taking anywhere from 50-120 seconds for my system to boot after the "Welcome" window. Of the known programs I have booted at the start (which include Dell Help, NIS, Microsoft Anti-Spyware, ewido, and my printer). All of those boot find except for NIS, which boots last and takes 35-50 seconds to boot after everything else. After I allow all programs to boot, I try to open Firefox using my desktop shortcut. Once I double click on that, it takes 30-40 seconds for a window to open up. I don't know what is the problem. Shadow Puter Dude has been helping me in the Spyware forum and recommended that I move my issues to here, as it seems to have a software problem. I am wondering if someone can assist me, as this possible software problem also could be the reason I am experiencing other difficulties with my PC (which is mainly discussed here: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=73927 )

Thanks

Novice · #2 10-09-05, 14:51

Noticed that you haven't removed NIS as SPD suggested! Please try this as NIS causes problems for a lot of people, but not all. I would go as far as asking to uninstall all of your Norton/Symantec products, run a registry cleaner and see if it makes a difference in speed.

Before doing what I suggested, should you choose to do so, please download one of the free antivirus and a firewall program from the downloads section of Major Geeks. Avast and Sygate do a great job for me! Delete Norton/Symantec while offline, and install the antivirus and firewall apps that you chose before going back online.

You might have a problem deleting all the Norton/Symantec programs, as they firmly entrench themselves in your OS. Symantec offers a tool for removal of these hard to delete remants, and I belive that it is available for download from MG.

Please try the above and see if it helps your speed problem. If you have the installation CD for Norton/Symantec, it shouldn't be any problem deleting the freeware alternatives that I suggested ( easily removed from Add/Remove Programs ), and reinstalling your presently installed applications.

bigbazza · #3 10-09-05, 15:14

2 programs that may help. Check out my post on

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=74465

Bazza

KaisorSoze · #4 10-09-05, 18:16

Novice

I took your advice and got the two recommended apps for anitvirus protection and firewall. My boot up decrease quite some bit, however, it is still laggin, especially when opening firefox. I will have to get use to these programs.

bigbazza

I have process explorer..I totally forgot all about it. I am not too sure how to use it though. Mainly I don't know what the colors stand for. I have one that is in dark red, is that bad. I am not sure if this software problem is effecting my ability to network on the net as well.

Shadow_Puter_Dude · #5 10-09-05, 20:06

Try this extension for speeding up Firefox.
http://fasterfox.mozdev.org/

Novice · #6 10-09-05, 20:45

Forgot to add that I use FireFox preloader on my systeem, it cuts the load time in half.

bigbazza · #7 10-10-05, 15:30

Don't know what you mean by colours? I'm using v9.12. Latest version (9.25), is available from MG.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Process_Explorer_d4566.html

Bazza

===

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaisorSoze

bigbazza

I have process explorer..I totally forgot all about it. I am not too sure how to use it though. Mainly I don't know what the colors stand for. I have one that is in dark red, is that bad. I am not sure if this software problem is effecting my ability to network on the net as well.

DavidGP · #8 10-10-05, 15:47

The colours are equal to the types of processes running, eg. Pink = Services, Blue = Own Processes ( things like open IE windows, Firewall, Antipsyware etc )

if you click Options > Configure Highlighting it gives hint at what colours are for.

Insomniac · #9 10-10-05, 16:19

I have v8.52 and it has the colour feature.

KaisorSoze · #10 10-10-05, 18:32

Hello Guys

An update on what been going on. I got rid of NIS and I install Zone Alarm for firewall and AVG for antivirus. I also picked up Sygate firewall and avast. After using CCleaner and Registry Medic I went into safe mode and did several adware and virus scans with the following: Ad-Adware, Spybot, Microsoft antispyware, g-remover, avast virus cleaner, stinger, aboutbuster, kill2me, cwshredder, hsremove, and aimfix.exe. After that, I defrag my pc a couple of times with Windows defrag(is it normal for some files to be undefragable???). After that, I install Zone Alarm Pro and AVG antivirus. My pc is booting much better than before(takes about 45-60secs), and Firefox is not taking as long as it was before (about 15-20) to boot. I was wondering, given the changes I made, are these times normal. I am on a 2 year old dell dimension 4600 with intel 4 2.4GHz with 80gigs.

Insomniac · #11 10-11-05, 17:48

Out of sheer curiousity and boredom, I downloaded the Windows 9x version.

It obviously wouldn't work in XP, so I used compatibility mode and ran it under NT (98 wouldn't work) and the colour option is there.

Only thing I can think of is that it requires certain files, found in XP, for the feature to work?

bigbazza · #12 10-12-05, 14:34

Thanks Insomniac. I came to a similar conclusion after seeing your attachments.

:

Thought I was going blind/mad, at first.:o Gotta keep taking the tablets. :D Bazza

===

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insomniac

Out of sheer curiousity and boredom, I downloaded the Windows 9x version.

It obviously wouldn't work in XP, so I used compatibility mode and ran it under NT (98 wouldn't work) and the colour option is there.

Only thing I can think of is that it requires certain files, found in XP, for the feature to work?

Insomniac · #13 10-12-05, 16:41

KaisorSoze, one of the most effective ways to improve performance, as well as boot and shutdown times is to disable unneeded services in XP.

HERE is a very good guide, however, only do one at a time and leave it for a while.

KaisorSoze · #14 10-13-05, 00:17

Thanks for the guide. I am going to try it out and let you know how it went. Off top, can you recommend any of the XP services I can live without?

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