Slow Computer. Pls Help?

Hi,

I usually watch from afar so I'm new at posting. Dell Vostro, 32bit, 4GB Ram, W7 Home upgraded w key to Pro. Has several disability programs and Itunes. Computer became very slow recently and started requiring disconnect/reconnect to wireless. Troubleshooting chkdsk \f repeatedly showed nothing. I mistakenly installed reimage repair (though uninstalled w/o running). Running Majorgeeks antimalware programs also found a trojan. Superantispyware cleaner was installed out of desperation. It was uninstalled today while following Majorgeek protocols after malware removal. Some things (like Outlook correctly opening) were corrected after running Majorgeek malware removal programs.

There are problems showing in the event viewer (incl'g 2 files from old CCleaner programs and 1 old MBAM file). And for some time, task host has shut down the system.

It remains slow to boot, shutdown (and the background program problem continues), and to connect to the internet. Programs and browsers are slow too open and turning off system restore took a long time. It boots in safe mode - I think that's ok but I've only done very basic things. I believe only essential files are currently enabled in startup. The only space hog I can ID using WinDirStat are mp3 files.

I'm trying to avoid reloading the OS. Some disability programs are older and the W7 upgrade was a 1 time install. If possible, getting this OS stable again would most help me.

Thank you for any help you may offer, and for your patience.

 

Windows All-in-One Repair is worth running at its default settings as it does restore most Windows settings to their default values so I would always try that as a first step with this sort of wide ranging problem.

 

Thank you! Update: I downloaded tweaking.com all in one and was able to reparse some files. The system booted (and shut down) very quickly after that. I ran the same scan again (to double check that things were ok). I also let it repair files at the 2nd step after that. Then, I was ready to move on. Before starting the next step, I tried to open Outlook (to confirm an appt w someone) and it gave error 1920, then wouldn't allow me to close it w/o some trouble-Outlook had worked perfectly after running MGtools. I'm currently trying to load in safe mode and have been waiting for ~15min's - it loaded drivers as far as CLASSPNP.SYS and stopped. I've never had a problem like this and have no idea what to do. I'm stuck at Loading Windows Files at this point w the "Please wait..." at the bottom of the window. Is there a safe way to shut down and restart if stuck here? I've been told that my original W7 OS disk won't work b/c I upgraded online, from a key. Any ideas? Thank you!

 

I risked a hard shut down, removed battery/unplugged to discharge capacitors and I'm trying to boot normally. It's currently running a chckdsk. Will provide update once that finishes.

 

Hi, Here is an Update: Tweaking.com All In One did perform reparsing actions. The program completed after hanging from Kaspersky Antivirus identifying a Trojan.Win32.Generic in it. Kaspersky was turned off and All In One was started again. The 2nd repair attempt indicated that some files may not be available in the future - sorry, too tired to remember the exact text. Was the trojan threat Kaspersky ID'd (and insisted I act on real? The computer is shutting down much more quickly and quick to boot to the login screen now. It is taking time to get to the desktop. At the moment, the internet connection seems to be repaired. Since Outlook became corrupted during this process, I am trying a repair prior to again trying to open it. Any other repair programs need to be run, especially on other programs that have not yet opened? Will send list of major programs if needed. Is there anything further that is needed? Thanks very much for any feedback and your help. Greatly appreciated!

 

Admittedly, though quick to shut down and reboot, the black screen (w cursor only) -that hangs for a good while until it decides to bring up the desktop- is a bit unnerving. My antivirus foiled the 1st attempt w Tweaking.com All In One and though the 2nd one ran, a cmd window (from the 1st attempt) remained open during the entire process. Would it make sense to run the program again, w antivirus and mbam turned off? Ideas as to why the hang when trying to get to the desktop? Anything else I need to do? Thanks again.

 

If you downloaded the program from the MG link I provided it is clean. Either Kaspersky had a false positive or the machine is really infected and needs expert attention. I suggest you visit the MG malware forum, complete the Read and Run Me First pre-requisites and let them have a look at it.

 

Greetings knowsilence.

I see that you've already been cleared by the Malware guys. If that's the case then for info: you mentioned that the machine will boot to Safe Mode - is there a marked difference in symptoms while in Safe Mode? Have you tried booting to Safe Mode w/Networking and accessing the internet to see if there is a difference in symptoms? I know you mentioned a sparse start-up list, but the results of those tests might be good ammo/info for further troubleshooting.

 

Apologies - I had no idea you had already been down that road.

 

Thanks for your replies. The system is much faster at the moment - I do think it was a false positive but Kaspersky corrupted the All In One file and I cannot open nor uninstall it. How would I deal with that? I did a repair on Office and Outlook is now opening correctly but I'm unclear about other programs to this point. I still wonder about malware and will again run the programs and ask for a check. Is there a way to remove the corrupted All In One program and would it make sense to also try to run that again, to deal w the hanging black/blue screen between login and desktop appearance? I will do that after an ok of additional scans. I'm off to reboot and see if the machine will do so in safe w/o hanging (since All In One made several repairs). Thanks so much for any thoughts.

 

Nothing can ever be guaranteed of course but installing All-in-One Repair over itself should restore its functionality.

 

You are the best! Thanks so much for the quick reply. FYI - Brief comm'n can be difficult for me...the result of an accident. Thanks for bearing w me.

 

No Malware. Software Prob. Pls Help?

Hello,

After a 2nd malware check, I've been sent back to the Software thread. All of you are very kind...sort of helps people in my situation not feel so alone as we struggle to resolve these problems. This has me worried but at least TimW helped me giggle as he sent me back to Software...

1. After running scans, the system is back to indicating "limited access" requiring manual disconnection/reconnection, and troubleshooting in order to connect. After connecting, a caution bar stays over the wireless bars some time. As well, Kaspersky antivirus is back to loading slowly. (Both the internet connection problem and program loading problems were resolved after running Tweaking.com All In One).

2. While running MGtools (system was connected online), the window that repeated had to be closed stated this: CWindow\System32\cmd.exeSYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers. Virtual device drivers formatting the registry is invalid.

The cmd window had this text when that happened: SteelWerx App has stopped working – “The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.” The same problem appeared during Checking.com files.

5. Tweaking.com All In One is corrupted (from Kaspersky antivirus ID'g it as a trojan while scanning) and will now not open nor uninstall.

6. Do I Install Tweaking.com All In One over the corrupted program and let it run again? I now know to disable Kaspersky but does UAC also need to be turned off?

7. And, Is the repeated Virtual Device Drivers Registry comment a problem?

I will do the malware removal process after hearing about next steps. Thank you again. Very much appreciate your efforts.

 

Slow System - Still A Few Problems

I reinstalled and ran Tweaking.com All in One. System file checker indicated some problems but there is no log. I'm attaching the prescan and chkddsk logs (prior to repairs) in case of interest. Program was not run w Advanced options. After running this program, the system is still shows limited connectivity for some time, despite being connected to the internet. And, the task host manager problem is back when shutting down. Weeks ago, the event viewer ID'd files from 2 old versions of CCleaner and 1 of and old MBAM version as preventing windows from shutting down correctly.

W multiple reboots, the system is certainly getting faster and the antivirus is opening more quickly.

Again, the system is W7 Pro (upgraded w key from home), Dell Vostro, duo core, 4gb ram. Repeated hardware checks indicate all is ok.

A suggestion to rerun malware scans led to that as the 1st approach today. W everything clean, I moved back to Software thread and pursued Tweaking.com again. I will follow MajorGeeks protocols for malware removal programs in the morning.

Could you pls advise re: the following (or your concerns)?

Is there anything else to help w the slow internet log on (and delayed notification to indicate it's connected), and w the files preventing proper shutdown? Poss registry keys are corrupted?

As well, do I need to try to "repair" the disability programs b/f opening them? I didn't realize Office had been corrupted and trying to open it left it unusable until a repair was done. It would be helpful to avoid corruption of those (especially the programs used to help w vision and reading), and of the printer and a separate scanner.

Thank you so much for any help and thoughts that you may have. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. May you be well.

 

I don't see that the chkdsk report said to do anything(?). Will scan from an elevated command and get back w you. Attached is the sfcdetails.txt. (Properties show it was just placed on the desktop -created when I just moved the CBS log file there?) The CBS log file is too 425KB and won't attach. Thanks so much for your efforts. Really appreciated.

 

Went to chkdsk in safe mode and screen went black (w cursor) after requesting that. Did hard shut down. Restarted computer in last working mode and did chkdsk as administrator that way (w reboot). It went very quickly. Here are the results. Thanks for any thoughts. Thanks very much!

 

Still very slow to get on wireless and to open a browser window. Wireless shows 'limited connectivity' but if I disconnect and reconnect, it will eventually work. also sometimes seeing the task host having to shut down programs...I believe those are leftover files from 2 old CCleaner versions and 1 old MBAM version. Not sure how to repair that. Any ideas? Will review disability programs and see if there's a repair b/f trying to open them (as Outlook had been corrupted and needed a repair w/o my realizing it). Any other thoughts? It's doing much better and I'm very grateful. Will see what that looks like as I try to open other programs. Thanks for helping to make the world a better place! I also love to Pay It Forward.

 

Will do the full uninstalls w Geek Uninstaller as you suggest. I'm leery of CCleaner registry cleaner - b/f this problem got so bad, there were already a lot of files it showed needed to be cleaned. The last time I used it (quite some time ago), some programs seemed to stop working. Are you comfortable w the registry part of that program and w my using it w a bu? (I don't know how to restore the registry from that if there is a problem and would have to ask for help there). If so, I will also run that. Will start w your suggestions now. Again, thanks so much!

 

Thank you for the vote of confidence w CCleaner slim reg cleaner. I'm about to start that now, and will continue (w repeated bu's) until it says no issues.

Still getting 'limited access' to the internet. have to disconnect then reconnect (and sometimes troubleshoot). I try to wait for everything to load though complete bootup remains slow. It tries to connect on bootup, shows 'limited access' (and firefox won't load). I disconnect then reconnect. It notifies that it's taking longer than usual, then (even w the caution sign over the wireless symbol), it connects. Takes another several seconds for the sign to disappear. I just updated the latest wireless adapter (w all else up to date) and the prob persists. Will post after running CCleaner registry.

One other ques: I have a quarantined file in an AdwCleaner folder. It contains a "C" folder w 3 folders for Program files, Users, and Windows. It also contains a Quarantined.txt file. Both folders dated 4/23/2015. I am attaching the .txt file. Though, I am concerned about the 3 folders in that file (in the event it may corrupt the system if ever removed) and would appreciate knowing if it's safe to just leave it alone. Will post after running CCleaner slim reg clnr. Thanks so much for your kindness and efforts.

 

Hi again,

1. CCleaner file and reg'y cleaning is completed. (No "CCleaner slim" option from site so CCleaner is loaded). After that, I rebooted several x's and performed, 2 complete shut downs (1 w battery removal/capacitor d/c). Internet connection prob remains - receive a 'limited access' and if I wait ~1.5min's, it eventually connects (though the caution sign w "!" in the middle remains for ~15-30sec's longer). As already stated, all system drivers are now updated.

2. (I just rebooted again-the triangle(!) remained over the wireless bars but I noticed it showed an attempt to connect after 30sec's and this time fully connected, even though the triangle(!) remained). It's not occurring when another system connects to the same router.

3. Loading Firefox takes ~1.5min's to load and Chrome takes ~1min. Once the browsers are open, the seem to load more quickly.

Task host still appears while shutting down, even when the system has been running for several min's.

Another system scan showed no integrity violations.

4. If this provides any info....The most recent Event viewer log following CCleaner scans/cleaning includes the following:

-Error: Dhcp-Client Event ID 1001, Task Category: Address Config'n State Event. OpCode: IpAddressNotAssigned. General Comment: The system was not assigned a network address for the Network Card w a specific address. Error code: ox79

Under "Details"...There are 'System' and 'Event Data' options. Ioss the updated driver isn't recognizing the router? (though this was a problem b/f).

-Warning (#2): Brother BrLog, Event ID 1002
-Error: Kernal-EventTracing, Event ID 2
-Warning(#3): Brother BRlog, Event ID 1002
-Error: NETLOGON, ID 3095
-Error: SErvice Control Manager, Event ID 7000
-Warning: RTL1167, Event ID 1
-Warning: WLAN-AutoConfig, Event ID 4001
-Warning: WLAN-AutoConfig, Event ID 1003
-Warning: User Profile Service, Event ID 1530
-Error: SideBySide, Event ID 33

The list continues from earlier reboots today, with the majority being Brother BRlog (printer?) errors.

Does any of the above shed light on the remaining problems?? Any next steps?? Thanks so much!

 

JoeRay12,

You've been GREAT!

I will pursue the wireless prob in the morning. If you have any idea why browser loading is so slow (or think of anything else), I'd be grateful for your thoughts.

The Brother BRlog has to be printer related....I can try to run a repair on that (and check my disability software) in the AM. The system is far better than it has been, so thank you so very much!

I am SO grateful to all of you!....After cleaning, etc, I remain w some renamed files on my desktop - look like temp files? ("~S"+part of file name) AND some desktop.ini files...Are the latter ok to delete?

Again, thanks for being a caring spot of brightness out there. For many reasons, I really needed some genuine kindness this past week. May you be knowing peace! :wave

 

If you are sure about the temp files, you can delete them. But don't empty the Recycle Bin (you can always restore the files) until you are sure everything works.

The desktop.ini files are used by Windows. Don't delete them. Open Control Panel and then Folder Options. Click View and at the bottom click Restore Defaults. Click Apply and OK.

 

Hello,

Quick update:
-Programs I've been able to try so far (and the printer) are working.
-A setting change removed the .ini and temp files from the desktop and elsewhere.
-The browser remains slow to load (as do some programs), but seems ok once loaded.
-Same problem w opening programs (i.e. CCleaner opens but is slow to load)
-CCleaner startup indicates startup items are at a bare minimum.
-Wireless continues w 'limited connectivity' on boot but will work if disconnected and reconnected-will check for a firmware update.
-A Tweaking.com Repair box opened from the task menu (on it's own), then required task host to close on shut down. Doesn't seem to be a consistent problem.
-Shut down/restart both seem to lag when all programs are closed, both w logging off and full shut down.

Ques:
-Thoughts on the lags to load the browser, programs?

-CCleaner startup shows SuperAntiSpyware and a McAfee Raptor client (both disabled) but I removed those programs. Just Ignore??

-Do I need to remove Tweaking.com and RevoUninstaller now? Or, best to wait several days to make sure all is still ok?

-Don't touch registry cleaner (CCleaner) again unless there is a problem or I'm told by MajorGeeks??

Thanks so very much for your thoughts and help....It's time to give the system a good run and see what happens.

 

This is why your browsers are slow to load and why the connection is initially slow. If it's a wireless connection can you test it with a cable connection? Or vice versa.

 

Hi Earthling, (Cool name). Thanks for reply. Plugged in via Lan and it still said 'no connection,' though it was connected. I'm wirelessly using another system that is connected, which seems fine (though haven't rebooted in a cpl days).

Lan connection still lags on reboot. Other programs are slow to load.

Poss I have 2 probs?

1. The Dhcp-Client problem (which I have no idea how to resolve). Is there a solution??

2. There is a 3/2015 firmware update for the Toshiba Hard Drive. Online search about suddenly slow W7 came up w that info for Latitudes. The original hard drive in this system was replaced - it's a Vostro 1015, not a Latitude.
-Would updating that help?
-I plead ignorance, is it safe to update the firmware on a system other than what the drive was originally intended for?
-Poss to update firmware and retain info? (I've been avoiding a BIOS update and haven't seemed to need it).

Guidance re: any of the above is greatly appreciated.

 

You could try setting a fixed IP address in the router and turning DHCP off. You may need the router manual for the procedure. However if other devices are connecting by DHCP without issue this could be rather a faff for little or no gain.

Can't advise about updating firmware but if the system is generally running OK it's very unlikely to be either necessary or helpful.

 

Quick update:
I researched and just tried to restart DCHP-Client services then rebooted. Still have a lag w wireless and browser opening. If I wait long enough, it will connect.

No other ideas on my end.

Is it possible the hard drive firmware needs would fix all the slow issues?

Thanks again. All of you are incredible!!

 

Dear Earthling, My update crossed your reply. Thanks for the thoughts.

All Programs and files are taking longer than usual to load, though they are loading relatively quickly now. I've yet to really try several disability programs...probably Wed.

The system is running far better than when I first started repairs.

Dr Moriarty, I just saw your comment and will get right to it! Admittedly, b/c those files didn't 'seem' critical to remove, I was waiting to feel a bit better. Will do now and post after!

Thank you again....so so grateful to all of you.

 

Dr Moriarty,
I did all you requested. I didn't see Bold text in the quote box (though it may be bolded, I have a major vision disability).

I copied the registry keys but not "Windows Registry Editor 5.0" and saved it in notepad to desktop as fixme.reg (all files).

I doubled clicked and said yes to the next step (merging), then got a red X and this mssg:

Cannot import C:\Users\(my username not included here)\Desktop\fixme.reg. The specified file is not a registry script. You can only import binary files from within the registry editor.

What am I doing wrong??

Thanks very much.

 

This is what I placed into notepad (w each key being 1 line only)


[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\AVG]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\RaptorClient]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\SUPERAntiSpyware]

 

Apologies for multiple posts. Fatigue sets in and common sense wanes. The entire text in the "quote" box was put in notepad and the registry keys successfully merged.

Thanks so, so much! Happy face!

 

Thank you everyone! System is running much better and I will open and try to use my disability programs work (even if slow) Wed/Thurs. ...will get back to all of this in the morning.

Here are the leftover questions/concerns:

1. The biggest remaining problem is the Dchp-Client one. System eventually connects to the internet but it requires manual conn'n and waiting (and waiting) for a browser to open.

I use other devices that need Dchp but I will look into a different router.

2. I do wonder about hard drive firm ware as the problem as most programs lag when loading. Once I click again bc it seems they won't load, they finally open. Then it takes time to fully load.

If anyone has experience and confidence w that, I'd appreciate hearing thoughts - cannot say the system is 'running as usual' bc loading is quite slow, but I'm grateful it's running!

3. The other odd problem since all this started is that the system doesn't think there's antiviral software. It remains a "pc issue" but I have Kaspersky running constantly.

Do I just turn off system notification or that continued (new) mssg a sign something is still wrong?

4. Ques: I visited the site to remove the remaining spybot file(s). The suggested alternative instructions seem to still say they are for systems w spybot still loaded.

Do I need to reinstall the program, then uninstall via those directions?

Lastly, I bow to all of you out of respect and honor. Thank you!

 

Wow.

1. Re: Kaspersky: Very surprised to *not* find Kaspersky Antivirus 2013 in Startup (via msconfig or glancing at startup in CCleaner) though it shows as running in the taskbar.

I cannot find a program repair for it (either in uninstall/change or it's files). I have 3 installs and used 2.

If I understood correctly, there is no allowance for a program crash so this wld be my last install...Does it make sense to uninstall/reinstall or just go back to one of Majorgeeks recommended free options? If so, what's best? (I've used AVG and AVIRA on this system in the past and will go w whatever you think is best).


2. Folders I see in C: Program files: Spybot - Search & Destroy 2, stinger, SUPERantispyware, SUPERantispyware1 (b/c i had to rename for it to reload b/f all the repairs). None of them appear as Programs available to uninstall.

3. Start --> All Programs --> click on Startup (folder) --> "(empty)"
Minor problem since I can access Startup in other ways?

4. Is updating firmware likely to repair the slow program loading and internet connection problem? Or, can I run the disability/other programs that load slowly w/o any repercussions?

Thanks so much for your patience during all of this. It's tiring but I'm so glad to still be able to use the programs. Very grateful.

 

1. I'm sorry for the confusion and seeming lack of clarification. My communication is definitely off today.

2. The "Startup" files were previously cleaned of 'disabled' Spybot (I believe, not SAS) and McAfee remnants after following Majorgeeks deletion protocols. Thanks so much.

3. Folders of other uninstalled programs - Spybot, SAS, Stinger (and an old Avast) remain in C: Program Files (along w my installed programs). I noticed them while looking for SAS remnants, and asked b/c I didn't know if their residence there posed any danger. If not, I'm glad for them remain as permanent visitors.

Ques: 2 SUPERantispyware folders exist in C: Program files only b/c when I went to install SAS for this current problem, it wouldn't install unless I relabeled the original SAS Program file (dated 10/2014) to SUPERantispyware1.

I don't want/expect perfection but I'm not sure if those files will prevent a future SAS install if it's again needed. If not, I'll gladly leave them in Program Files - I was just looking for guidance about whether they needed to go.

**So, is it OK to leave both the SAS and the renamed SAS1 folder in C: Program files?

4. FYI, After the repair programs did their job, I (mistakenly?) thought it best to to remove several of them. Oops.

5. To clarify, the remaining "installed" antimalware and other cleaning programs on my system include: Kaspersky antivirus, MBAM, Revo Uninstaller, and Tweaking.com. It's my understanding that ALL of those are fine to keep.

(I will pursue the Kaspersky forum to ID why it's not listed in Startup and perhaps return to one of the Majorgeeks antivirus recommendations...Kaspersky hasn't been a be all end all).

6. Lastly, I'm also happy to reinstall Spybot if that makes sense given what's now installed. Would you recommend it?

I'll keep researching a fix for the wireless/router problem, run the system through it's paces, and get back to using the critical disability programs. It's SO much better than it was!

Thank you so much for all your efforts and help. Also, apologies for the detailed communication - I persist w learning communication strategies but I know it can be frustrating for people. Thank you for your patience.

All my best,

 

Hi JoeRay12,

Thank you very much for the clear replies. The ancillary (uninstalled) Program and Data files have been deleted. System restarted then CCleaner run and it's Reg Cleaner did a total cleaning again (w bu).


Thank you for your very generous w the above old folder/file help AND for the suggestions and guidance w a different AV program - I'm almost positive it's a conflict w an old modem that has no firmware updates. I'll switch to a bu modem/router, once I'm fully on track w the computer.

Re: Spybot Search and Destroy2 - It has been reinstalled. It looks like I need to manually scan if I don't purchase it.

You wrote: "Yes, I like Spybot for its browser immunisation. But I wouldn't use its advanced tools 'TeaTimer' and I would turn off its start up in Windows Defender > Software Explorer > Start Ups > ALL USERS and just disable a system start up.

As long as you update its definitions manually every Wednesday evening (or any time from wednesday afternoon) and run re-immunisation, it's fine."

My ques's:
1. Despite searching in the entire program (including Advanced User mode) and researching (online) as to the location of TeaTimer and how to disable, I just cannot find it.

(The old Spybot user interface looked different and TeaTimer was easy to find).
**Am I missing something?

It's a very different Spybot window than when I used it yrs ago. But, somewhere - maybe after it scanned?- there was a tiny box at the bottom w the option to not run on startup.

**I checked that but is that different than turning off it's Startup in Windows Defender?

Also, In Spybot Advanced Mode --> Settings-->Internet Internet Protection, I also checked to allow Spybot to use it's recommended Spybot proxy for broader protection, instead of the system's current proxy.
**Is that change ok?

And, after updating, immunizing, and doing a Scan, Spybot indicated some Registry keys were a problem. I only deleted a tracking cookie, not the registry items.

2. Windows Defender: I haven't intentionally used this program (though it's scan was set to 2am so I may not have been aware it ran). I opened the program but nowhere did I find "Software explorer" or "Startups" or "Users"

Am I missing something to turn off Spybot in that program??

I won't delete any other Spybot suggestions until I get clarification. Will also search a tutorial since it's changed so much.

Thank you again for your incredible kindness. And, umm, I want to make a donation but cannot do the amt I want (even though I'm doubtful it will seem like much) for 2 mos b/c of several medical bills. I can donate any time, right?

Thanks again. This is a sight of mensch's AND minions....

 

Prior post said:
Also, In Spybot Advanced Mode --> Settings-->Internet Internet Protection, I also checked to allow Spybot to use it's recommended Spybot proxy for broader protection, instead of the system's current proxy.
**Is that change ok?

That was in Advanced Settings. It's returned to it's default, Advanced Settings is now hidden, and, I'll await a thought about where TeaTimer might be found. Until then, I'll see if there's a more recent video tutorial on using Spybot.

Thx.

 

Slow Computer.Pls Help? Thx So Much!

Hi JoeRay12,

Awesome possum. Thanks for clarification about Spybot S&D2. It received lower ratings for registry options recently so I get why the browser immunization is all that makes sense to use. Glad to have 2 programs keeping browsers in check.

I followed all steps to delete leftover Program Files, then ran tweaking.com All In One. It ID'd a system corruption; did another repair using the All In One and all seems well again. Thanks so much -to all of you- for the week of education re: malware checks, corruption repairs and best programs.

Kaspersky offered a free upgrade to v2015 today. Followed their protocol and was finally able to install. Checked startup menu first thing after updating. Not there. But, it does show as running, so, I'll reach out to K support and in the mean time just guess that it may have a delayed startup (or something) when a system boots.

Lastly, though I'm using an outdated modem, after repairs, it's now connecting wirelessly if given enough time (or manually done). I'll work on switching the modem after next week...a deep need to visit my mom's resting place and honor trumps jumping into that.

So, ALL seems good at the moment. Will give the system a good run for a cpl weeks and post if anything major arises.

Thanks so much to Majorgeeks for helping avoid the struggle to reload the OS AND many disability programs (that are inherently confusing to install).

Very grateful that I finally reached out and connected w a community of like minded ppl who have similar views about helping others. May it be a great holiday wkend for all of you.

Best,