computer started acting slugish/slow

OK, Silas, when you click " Download Solution", it should download and install the update. Once that is done, click "re-scan program" and Secunia will check to see if the update is installed. Hey, that puppy doesn't lie. If something needs an update, it will tell you. Maybe it isn't in add and remove, but what about start> all programs> look for any of those programs there. Should be there.

I have used Power Point once in a while, when a program that will only open with it, and had no problems. If you can't find any of them in start> all programs> look for any of those programs there. then, use the search function of the little yellow dog, and search for them. IF you cannot find them that way, just open the folder and delete whatever leftovers are there.

My guess, is they are there, and you just haven't used them.

Open Secunia, and click " Download Solution" Once that is done, then click "re-scan" and it will re-scan that program... Give that a try, no need to re-boot UNLESS it tells you too.

 

Acrobate.com
Adobe air
Adobe flash player 10 activex
adobe flash player 10 plug in
adobe reader 9.3.2
Adobe Shockwave 11.5
apple application support
apple software update
conexant d850 56k v.9x dfv modem
dell resource CD
high definition audio driver pk KB835221
HP customer participation program 13.0
HP deskject F24400 all in one driver software 13.0 rel.6
HP Image device fuctions 13.0
Hp print projects 1.0
Hp smart web printing 4.5
HP solution Center 13.0
Intel R graphics media accelerator drivers
Intel R Pro Netwoork Connections Drivers
Java 6 update 18
MEM488U
Microsoft .net framework 2.0 service pack 2
Microsoft .net framework 3.0 service Pack 2
Microsoft .net framework 3.5 sp1
microsoft compression client pack 1.0 for windows xp
Microsoft user mode driver framework feature 1.0
microsoft visual C++ 2005 atl update kb973923-x86 8.0.50727.4053
microsoft visual C++ 2008 atl update kb973924-x86 9.0.30729.4148
Microsoft visual C++ 2008 atl redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17
Firefox 3.6.4
MSXML 4.0 sp2 KB954430
MSXML 4.0 sp2 KB973688
MSXML 6.0 PARSER KB925673
secunia PSI
sigma te audio
SoundMAX
Veoh Web Player
Visual C++ 8.0 runtime setup Package
VLC media player .0.9.8a
Windows Internet Explorer 8
Windows media format 11 runtime
windows Media player 11
windows xp service pack 3
and also these zoo tycoon, pokerstars, fulltiltpoker.

These are the items in my add/remove list at this time

 

Silas, VLC Media player 0.x is a media player. Sounds like it is quite out of date, so maybe best to just remove it. If it isn't in the add & remove program, check the others I suggested. Also, it seems that has a lot of vulnerabilities. I would remove it...

If you have another Media Player, like Windows, or there is one here at MG you can download. We can get to that later, for now, just see if you can find it, and if you can't, then just delete it. The best way to do that, is to open Secunia, and click open folder, and delete the leftovers from it, IF it isn't in add & remove programs..

Secunia is very easy to use, once you get your system back up to date..

 

I searched 6 times 1 time of each full name

Microsoft office Excell 2007
Microsoft PowePoint 2007
Microsoft Word 2007

Then I did Office Excell
Then I did Power Point
Then I did Word 2007

0 Results on all 6 in my computer.

Was suppose to post this earlier but didnt.

 

Hi Silas, you can open the folder in secunia, under VLC Media player 0.x and delete it, or click "Add & Remove Programs" and delete the VLC. I am wondering ,tho, if you have an older version and an updated version.. You have Windows Media Player installed, so I would just remove the VLC one. I don't see the need for both.

Also, you couldn't find the office stuff or power point in start>all programs, then :
First, click the "Technical Details" button, and jot down the Version of that program, and name; click the "Open Folder" on each of them, and delete the name and version it is showing, then click re-scan each item.. Not a full re-scan, but each one individually... One at a time.

Now, Secunia will re-scan for the VLC (example) and tell you if anything is left. If not, it will be gone from the list. Now, do the same with the rest of the items that are insecure. If you can't find them, they may have been deleted. But, some 'parts' were left behind.... This is a good way to clean it up.

 

OK! Then open the folder, and delete them.. Most likely, just a leftover file of the original program... Secunia doesn't lie. Open it, and look for the Technical details of each one of these, and then open the file, and delete the parts that match.. Yes, this will get much easier believe me!!!

 

I mean that I didnt find anything related to those words in any folder. And this program is telling me to update or whatever with them. Also adobe reader wont install says i already have something better other then adobe reader, so its going to terminate at this time.

 

OK, Silas, then instead of deleting them, click the "Download Solution" and follow the prompts. Just go ahead and update them. They must have a purpose. As far as the Adobe Reader goes, we will work with one at a time here. See how that goes.. .

Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean your 'puter isn't using it. Go ahead and click "Download Solution" for each one, one at a time, and allow one to complete and finish, then re-scan before doing the others. Yes, it will take time, but you are not on dial up, so it shouldn't take too long.

Were you able to delete anything in the list?

Adobe Reader, you can click ignore program, and it won't alert you to any updates, as long as you DO have something else you can use in place of it.

 

Another thing, is in your add & remove programs, it is showing Java 6 update 18 The new update, is Java 6_Update 20 Might want to try this:
Link---> http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml <--Link

and see if you can get that updated as well. I am surprised, that Secunia didn't spot that. Unless, it is already updated, but not showing. Weird. Anyhow, check that site, and it will test your Java. That is an easy one...

 

Java test shows

Vendor: Sun Microsystems Inc. Version: Java 6 Update 20 Operating System: Windows XP 5.1 Architecture: x86 So I already Iam updated with Java

 

Excellant Silas! I was going by your add & remove list on the Java. How are you coming on updating the other programs? Any issues with them?

 

Yes all is good cept reader.

 

OK, sounds like we are on a roll. When you click the "Download Solution", what happens?

The update is: Adobe Reader 9.3

 

I aint worried about it. Plus says I already got something better and it was terminating the install. But I dont use it and its not going to install so oh well. Forget or delete it:-D

 

OK, you can click "Ignore Program" and it won't bother you again about being insecure. So, do that, and then re-scan with Secunia, and see what it shows.

 

Its an A okay:wave

 

Check the registry too?

 

Things I used didnt show. Unless you got something else to try as well?

 

Anybody else know any programs/things I can do to give you guys results of something to see if something could be an issue?

 

Well, if you already searched the registry, then not at the moment.

 

OK, Silas, now that you have all the programs updated, and Secunia has given you the good-to-go 100%, how about doing some routine maintanance? Let's do this:

1-Delete temp Int. Files + History,
2-Run Disk-Cleanup
3-then Defrag

Now, double click "my computer" > right click on c:drive > go to properties> tools tab > error checking Now, check both and then OK. It will ask you if you want to run it on next boot, and just click YES... Now, restart. This is a 5 step procedure. Let it run thru all five, and don't do anything to interrupt it..

When it is done, it will restart Windows. This is the only thing I can think of at the moment. This 5-step procedure will take a while to finish, but it is worth it.. Have you ever done it before? If not, it will for sure take time, but it is good to do once in a while.. It will check for any ERRORS in yoru system, and fix them. Give this a whirl, as Secunia has given you the all clear that your software is all up to date now, and Malware has given you the all clear on malware, do this last step, and see how she runs.

 

I cant do the error check because I do not got the disc to the computer. When it not infected years ago it was "fix" not reformated with the computer disc. So the "features in the computer" aint really there. Like paint and etc.. That is normally installed with the computer.. and solitare but I have none of that. And when I try to enable them, they ask for the disc. SO thats why I ask for basic programs like recently a calculator lol And no disc to use to reformat otherwise Id do that.

 

Huh, perhaps another way to do the error check (unless I'm totally confused here)

Go to the cmd prompt (winkey + r) type in cmd (press enter)

type in:

chkdsk /r c: (press enter)

Y for yes.

reboot.

 

Silas, you cannot defrag either? OK, then I'll find you one to dl one from MG here, In the meantime, do this:


Open CC Cleaner, and Click on Options. Now, if there is any site, like this one, that you do NOT want to delete a cookie for, click it, and move it to the "safe zone". Otherwise, you will have to re-log in .

Now, Click on CLEANER. Tick ONLY the following:Be sure ONLY these items are ticked:
IE : Temp. Internet Files, History, & Cookies. ( You can skip the cookies if you want)

Click Analize, and Run Cleaner.
-----------------------------------------------
Now, click the FireFox tab.
Only tick the following:
Internet Cache
Internet History
Click Analize, and Run Cleaner.

Re-boot.

I'd almost bet you have a ton of temp int files, and history, and they can be cleared.

You can also do it from Tools in IE: Tools> Internet Options > Delete Temp Int. Files, and History. OK, and close. Same in FF, but still use CC Cleaner to pick up any leftovers.. You may be surprised. I'll find you a defragger while you do this. This shouldn't take too long, unless you have a LOT of temps and history, but yes, do this Silas, and we will defrag next You are on a roll, really.

Yes, try theefool's suggestion for error checking. I thought there was another way, but I always use my computer. You should be abel to do it that way. Plus, do the temp files and history thing,. I'll go and find you a defragger.

 

I did that said that something was already using the volumn. It said to restart, as soon as it restart it would perform it. It then check and said no problem with volumn:confused... Volumn? Opened cmd promp typed in"cmd" enter it went down to the next line I typed chkdsk /r c: (1 space between chkdsk / and space between lr c: and press enter. Then came up saying reboot and I press y and enter. Also to mention that after the scanning and reboot it is so horrible at this time. I open FF or IE and took this long to open the browser. Over 20 minutes to have it open!

 

http://www.majorgeeks.com/IObit_SmartDefrag_d5318.html

Author: IObit.com
Date: 2010-04-20
Size: 1.74 MB
License: Freeware
Requires: Win 2K/03/XP/Vista
Downloaded: 2115467 Times


===========================================

Or?
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Defraggler_d5777.html

Author: Piriform
Date: 2010-06-21
Size: 2.43 MB
License: Freeware
Requires: Win XP/2003/Vista/Windows7
Downloaded: 48265 Times

=================================

For a calculator:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/RedCrab_Th...tor_d6307.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

I use CCleaner every 2 day and if not daily. I also ran a defrag of some sort 2 weeks ago. My computer has no stack of files or folders that I do not use. It has few programs I use photoshop, fulltiltpoker, pokerstars and once in a while Id play zoo tycoon. So its not like the computer needs a cleaning to get out of this slowness. something on the inside/hardware going out I dont know.. I hate to reformat again.

 

Ok, edit. We posted at the same time! BRB

 

In addition, there is a command line defrag.

at the command prompt......

defrag C: -f

but, XP's built in defrag isn't the best out there.

I personally prefer: http://majorgeeks.com/JkDefrag_d5542.html I use that on my work computer on rare occasion.

Personally, I own perfect disk pro (not free).

 

I delete temps all historys of everything on the computer daily, including CCLeaner. I ran what I typed about that cmd and disc thing. But it talked about volumn not issues/errors/problems. It also wasnt slow when starting the computer/after the "no problems found with volumn" it was that slow when I dlb click FF or IE and waited.

 

Yes I used 2 different defrags 2 weeks ago when I was just tring to do what I could. And they barely cleared anything up cause theres nothing on the computer. This is why i dont know what is causing slowness on the computer.

 

OK, so you do maintanance, and delete temp Int files, and history, and defrag. I don't get it either... There is one more thing you can use. It is small, but it will clear out a LOT of stuff.
ATF

Click all, and OK. Then, re-boot. It will clear out ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that could possibly be hampering your speed. Now, when you use this tool, your re-start WILL be slow at first, so don't be alarmed. This is normal... But, it clears out stuff you are not seeing.. You can give it a try, heck, nothing else has worked.

If this doesn't do it, you might be looking at a hard drive failing, maybe? I have used ATF myself, and when you first open the browser, it will be slow, but it won't last. That is normal for ATF, and is only temporary.. At this point, I don't see any reason not to run it.

I guess it is worth a try.

 

Just on a side note. When you get to the desktop, do you immediately try to open up IE or FF? Or any other app?

While the desktop is up, what is the hdd light doing? Is it flickering? Solid light?

I'm just asking. Since we had issues similar to this at work. They were on ancient computer P4 2.8ghz, blah blah.

Anyway, I use to tell them, don't launch your morning sequence of apps until the "blue ball with a heart rhythm thing-a-ma-bobber" shows up. Then launch yer apps. The "thinga-a-ma-bobber" was the antivirus program. :-D

We've since replaced most of their computer with wyse p20 PCoIP computers that were hosted on Sun dual Quad core 3.2 ghz machines with 48 GBs of ram. They are happy now.

I'm just thinking that windows hasn't fully booted up yet.

There is another app to try, but do you have to log onto windows first? Or does it boot directly to the desktop?

If directly to the desktop, there is an app that may or may not help. It is called bootvis. It is a detailed analysis on your boot process in xp. No longer supported, but, it may shine some light.

Here is a site that will get ye in the right direction with instructions on how to use it:

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5034622.html

 

The slowness is around all the time. Not just at start up and loading/running things/browsing things. Also I ll check out that link in a little bit. And in regards I try all sorts of things when starting up the computer. I wait till all loads and I also try to quickly dlb click FF both seem to make no difference.

 

What is your pagefile set as?

another tool to try: http://majorgeeks.com/Pagedefrag_d603.html

Not recommended, but another way to fix page fragmentation (pending on physical ram)....remove the page file, reboot, re-add the page file. RIght click "my computer" select properties, advanced, advanced, settings button, advanced tab, select no paging file. Ok, ok, till reboot, then do all that again, set system managed size, or use custom and use 1.5 times your ram size for initial and max.

Slowly but surely running out of ideas.

 

I'll have to rebuild my xp vm, but, with msconfig, have ye tried diagnostic startup?

 

All good suggestions, Theefool, and I agree. I also wonder, Silas, did you try msconfig and using Diagnostic startup?

Click Start > click Run> type: msconfig, and then click OK.
On the General tab, click Diagnostic Startup, and then click OK.
Restart your computer

Do this, and post back what it says.

 

What is it suppose to say? I did this it restarted. I open FF and no internet was there. I looked to see if there was suppose to be a log somewhere but didnt see one.. SO went back and change it back to normal boot. And now back here.

 

Nah, diagnostic mode was just there to see if the app ran faster or not. Not bringing up the internet or anything.

 

OK, is it still slow?

 

Yes still slow in normal mode. And in the other mode I guess you could say FF open little quicker.

 

OK, that is something. Let's now try this: Let's figure out WHERE the problem is:

To perform a selective startup, follow these steps:
1-Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.
2-On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
3-Select or clear the available settings.
4-Click OK.
5-Restart your computer.
Repeat steps 1 through 5 until you find the problem.

Each time you do this step, you should find what is causing the slowness. What is bogging it down.. You can do this tomorrow, if you want, it is getting late. Up to you, if you feel up to it, go for it.. I'll be back tomorrow.

 

This was probably answered before, but, in msconfig......selective startup uncheck "Load startup items"..

BTW, what are the specs of this computer? Yes, yes, it may have been mentioned before.

I'm about to say, "You know Silas, I think your computer is fracked. You may just need to backup your important data, and then format re-install. Or better yet buy a new computer.". But, I'm not quite there. Just waiting on your responses with my previous posts.

 

I have that all unchecked and normal boot mode is checked at the top. Also what do you want to know I got windows XP sp 3 3 G of RAM nothing installed at the moment regarding firewalls/antivirus/spyware tools. I got newest FF I got IE 8 (I hope thats the number) and IE 9 was slow but even when I went back to older version, still wasnt fast. When this fix happen with the disc it was fast and IE and firefox was faster.

 

HOLY SEWING BATMAN, WHAT A LONG THREAD!

Silas, you have been given a wealth of information/advice here, and it doesn't seem to help, :confused

At some point, you may want to consider a fresh format/install.

From a past infection, you may have some system files corrupted to the point of no return. Personally, I would have probably given up long ago on this system and saved the data, and done a fresh install.

I remember the days of Win98, if you didn't do a fresh install at least once a year, the system was crap.

XP is much better, but you have tried a lot of stuff, and you don't seem to be making much progress!

IMHO, but do what you think is best!

Fair winds, following seas

 

Yeah Iam doing this thread before reformating it but I wont be able to get the disc till later. Guy lives far distance and works his butt off/travels. So things are updated I keep switching FF and IE versions. The biggest program on my computer is taking up space is a zoo game(tells you I dont got to much). I was thinking maybe its something to check software/hardware. Also maybe god knows what could conflict with something else(not regarding of protection) but maybe something else.

Also isnt there a flushing your dsl connection? Whatever flushing means(I always thought flushing) was cleaning... but I dont know. Also if I did this would it screw my computer up connection wise/ip?

 

I have no idea what flushing your dsl connection is. Flushing usually means to yes, clean something out completely. That is what ATF does, but not the connection itself, but.. just temp files, and cookies, and such. But, you keep those cleared out, so that isn't going to help you. Have you googled flushing your dsl connection? Might want to search here, but I never heard of it myself. ( Can ya tell, I am on a DUN) Will see what I can find out in the meantime. Yup, I think a reformat is in order now, and if that doesn't help, maybe your MOBO is going. Only thing I can think of. :confused

 

Hi Silas, I haven't been able to find squat on

Not a darn thing, and, I am clueless now. Have you looked anywhere else for suggestions ? I think I have exhausted MG search myself. Keep me posted. I would really like to know, if it is your MOBO or something else. Just seems to me, it is right in front of us, and we can't put a finger on it. :confused

 

i think flushing the dns is what you are looking for.
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/.../xp/all/proddocs/en-us/ipconfig.mspx?mfr=true