Slow And Erratic Laptop

Hi, my laptop has been running slow and been erratic. It is slow to respond to most commands.

Please could you give me some help in checking my software to see if there is a problem there?

I have worked through the Run & Read me first information on the Malware forum and have had help from them. They do not think these problems are Malware related and have advised me to seek advice from this software forum.

I have run Avast Clean Up Premium, and I have cleared unnecessary start up items.


Some examples of erratic behaviour are
* highlighting some pictures to move them and it wouldn't stop when I wanted it just carried on to highlight them all
* sometimes unable to X out of things or even closing them by right clicking on logo on task bar
* when viewing pictures they take about 5 seconds to come into focus
* a couple of times chrome has just closed for no reason
* sometimes while typing the cursor moves to a different part of the page
* I created a folder on the desktop to hold some temporary work and I am unable to delete it now. I have tried to move it to recycle bin and empty the bin but it just reappears on the desktop again.
* earlier today there was a gap where the skype logo should have been although when I ran the mouse over the gap it showed up as skype in writing just no logo
* often Gmail opens up but says 'something not right' and stays on loading for a long time before saying 'unable to load'.
I hope this makes sense.

Would you be able to give me some advice please?

Thanks, Jan

 

It appears this Lenova was on W8.1, and W10 was an update. look u these pages to see what issues may be helped, first.
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/gb/en/...ex-series/flex-2-14-notebook-lenovo/downloads
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/gb/en/...etbooks/flex-series/flex-2-14-notebook-lenovo
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/gb/en/.../flex-2-14-notebook-lenovo/solutions/HT103535
https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/solutions/windows-support
It may be that the bios is not updated----Careful if you do that-ask on here if necessary -read carefully if attempting.
The diagnostic tool download might help, if it is not on your laptopright now.
Some drivers might need updating.
I would suggest that if you are uncertain on any of these,using Advanced system Care, and driver booster (free versions can do most of this for you- especially actually installing any drivers for you, if needed- Intel drivers can also be helpful
Try the free versions, …. https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/advanced_systemcare.html
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/driver_booster_beta.html

 

Hi, thanks very much for your reply.
I'm afraid I'm not very computer savvy so it all looks very confusing for me. I have followed the links but just don't know exactly what to do on the links.
I run Advanced System Care all the time, and use their Driver Booster. I have just updated 5 drivers which have showed up (Battery, Bluetooth, Camera, Network Adapters, and System Devices.
What would you recommend I look at next please?
Thanks, Jan

 

Download our sfc tool, by Eldon (great majorgeek) This will run and check files for you and post a notepad report on the desktop - you can then upload that note to majorgeeks so that we can look to see what problems you may be encountering
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/sfc_utility.html
The links to Lenova were to give you some idea of causes, and outside help, but using Advanced System Care , and Driverbooster are much easier fo those with little computer knowledge.

Amongst the tools in Advanced system care, there are other help tools, but start with our Eldon's tool ,then come back

 

Thanks.
I had started to look through the links and ran the Hardware and Software diagnostics. Hardware found no problems and software came up with nothing much just a couple of small tweaks.
I have attached the log from your last link to SFC utility, and a diagnostic log file.
Thanks again, Jan

 

The log doesn't show any errors.

Run the attached batch file and upload the log file.

 

As you see, Eldon had another tool to help - much easier than going through elevated command prompts for beginners - follow him on that chkDskEW tool, and that will show, or, clear another .
Once Eldon has seen your reply on this other tool, then we can try to eliminate others.
Don't try anything else , yet, but I would consider checking add-ons in your web brouser, , and it would help, if we knew what programs you have installed, especially if installed in the last month, or, so, prior to the problem.
I have found erratic mouse action, myself, when changing sites in a fresh window on-line.

 

Sorry I missed that bit.

 

Here is the file. Thanks

 

Hi, I have just posted the chkDskEW log onto Eldon's post.

I think these are my Web Browser add-ons
Name Canon Easy-WebPrint EX Publisher Canon Inc. Status New Architecture 32-bit and 64-bit
Name Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper Publisher Oracle America, Inc. Status New Architecture 64-bit
Name Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper Publisher Oracle America, Inc. Status New Architecture 64-bit
Name VLC ActiveX Plugin and IE Web Plugin v2 Publisher VideoLAN Status Enabled Architecture 32-bit

Is there an easy way to get a log / list all of the programs I have or should I just list them here?

The problems have been around for a few months. Just silly erratic things which at first were just niggly but add up to being annoying now. Sorry but I an't remember when each program was added. I have as trying to help cleared a lot of unused stuff off over the last few weeks.

Thanks for your interest and help, Jan

 

I see no problems there, either - This is where Eldon's tool is a boon- (no need to run a repair mode with chkdsk /r, or chkdsk/f, as these can take some time)
Try Balarc Advisor- it will list all your software and licences
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/belarc_advisor.html
Java can cause some problems, and many people have uninstalled it, unless a program specifically needs it

 

Thanks I have run that but not sure how I can upload it for you to see? Can you access it from the url?

file:///C:/Users/cosib.DESKTOP-M5OTST2/Desktop/Belarc%20Advisor%20Computer%20Profile.html
file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/Belarc/BelarcAdvisor/System/tmp/(DESKTOP-M5OTST2).html

Jan

 

No. The files are on your PC.
Upload those two .html files.

 

With Win 10 you can do a reset. It's not as drastic as a fresh windows install but is a real help when a system clearly isn't behaving as it should. That's what I would recommend in your case. If you want to try it then at least backup your personal stuff first as a precaution though Reset doesn't remove your files. It may though remove some of the software you have installed. If you know how to create a system image then now would be a good time to do so, but I doubt you know how to do that.

Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Reset this PC

 

Personally, I would hold fire on Earthlings reset option, for now, but that would be my last resort, after saving all software information, and coa's from Balarc advisor, if you are still having too many problems.

Please do as Eldon requested.

 

For non-technical ppl such as yourself a reset offers a simple way forward with a fair chance of resolving at least some of the problems you have listed, but it will have to be your choice.

 

Sorry but I don't know where they are.

I have 3 items on my desktop
First is an html file which takes me to "file:///C:/Users/cosib.DESKTOP-M5OTST2/Desktop/Belarc%20Advisor%20Computer%20Profile.html"
Second is the shortcut icon to run the scan
Third is Belarc Advisor Computer Profile_files (mainly gif's)

Jan

 

I was going to take it back to factory settings but because it was originally W8 upgraded to W10 I didn't know which one it would revert to. Would it go back to 8 or 10?

 

It doesn't go back at all, it cleans up your current W10 installation.

 

Don't think about reverting to factory settings, that's absolutely the worst possible choice. Our choice is a fresh W10 install or a reset, and I'm advising a reset. Or you can continue working wit Eldon and Baklogic.

 

OK thanks. I understand what you mean now. Appreciate your opinion. Jan

 

I'm very sorry but don't know where the two html files are to be able to upload them. Where will I find them please? Jan

 

Wild goose chase Jan - you cannot upload html files to these forums

 

Post #13.

Put the files in a zip archive.

 

I've tried to do that. Hopefully this is the file you need?

 

Is that a 500gb hard drive with 8gb sshd (I have a 1tb hard drive with 8gb sshd)
If so it seems you have around 50gb free, and I would think your swap file is working overtime, as it seems you have just 4gb ram.
I would be inclined to try adding ram, and seeing what you can clean up off your hard drive.
I have not a lot of time, right now, but I will have a closer look at the Balarc Advisor profile again,and come back- if any one else has time, perhaps they can help, meanwhile.

 

Click O.K and see what you can clean up

Questions.....​

Have you run Iobit defrag ? - This can help speed up by making fies more closely related.
Have you run disk cleanup?- Just type disk cleanup in the search box, by the start/shutdown button, and this little box will popup, Click O.K, and let it run - Upload a snip of the result, before, and after, if you can (snipping tool -click new, then move mouse t that little box, and then hold down mouse button and outline the box, click to save as b4, and after, (remember where you save it) -upload file to us.

 

A common cause of erratic performance is conflict between antimalware programs. You have both Avast and Defender but Win 10 has recognised that and stopped realtime scanning with Defender so no problem there. However you also have Iobit Malware Fighter which does have a bit of a reputation for conflicting with other AV programs. I would remove it, both as being unnecessary and as possibly being trouble making. See if there is an improvement.

 

Thanks, I'll do that now. Jan

 

I did suggest earlier that now would be a good time to create a system image, before any changes are made that you might want later to back out of. You already have the software for this - Aomei Backupper. If you need any help using it just ask.

 

Hi, I have tried to do this but it says there is not enough room on C: so I'm going to do the disc clean up first. Really appreciate everyone helping. Jan

 

My nose is saying Hard drive failure. Perhaps a SSD drive is all that's needed.
Resizing the partitions and cloning the drive.
s.
I have Windows 10 running on a 32GB memory card.

 

It isn't possible Jan to put the image on C: as that is the partition being imaged. If you don't have a suitable external drive the only other realistic option is DVDs, but beyond 20GB they too are not really practical. If any of your files are important to you then you really should get a 1tb USB drive for images and file backups. Is the system still exhibiting the same faults?

 

Can I just check that this is the before snip you need please? Do I tick everything and clean everything on the list? Jan

 

The chkdsk report is in #10

 

I really meant irregularities. Speed of disk interactions being a possible cause of the situation.
Kind regards,
s.

 

Jan, as baklogic hasn't been seen for 24 hrs I can say that your disk cleanup report contains nothing of significance. In fact it's surprisingly uncluttered and can be left as is. There is though a Cleanup System Files button and it may be worth running that and posting the results.

 

The problems described in #1 have little in common with each other so there isn't any clear focus for helpers. However they clearly indicate that all is not well with the system. My view, as this system is an upgrade from 8 or 8.1, is that a refresh offers the best chance of killing most of these birds with one stone. However baklogic persuaded the OP to defer that until other solutions had been tried but as of now no alternative solutions have been suggested. Have to admit though I'm hesitant to push for a reset without first imaging the system, which it seems the OP isn't able to do.

 

Typo - meant refresh, not reset.

 

As Earthling said

You may have problems making a system image, with only 50gb free space-

Sorry , I have had a lot to do lately,and have been unabe to help more-Earthling has kept an eye on things-
I would check if you can uninstall earlier versions of software
IObit - Malware Fighter version 6.3-
Google - Earth version 7.3.2.5491 (64-bit)- This will use resourses a lot
IObit - Smart Defrag version 5.3.0.976 -earlier version
IObit - Uninstaller version 8.0.0- you have version 8.02

I would use system tools to prevent these programs starting (AT STARTUP), until you use them
Adobe Systems - Acrobat Reader DC version 19.8.20081.308281
i Adobe Systems - Acrobat Update Service version 1.824.29.8644
ı i Adobe Systems - Flash Player Update Service version 32,0,0,101
i Adobe Systems - Shockwave Flash version 32,0,0,101
i Adobe Systems - Shockwave Flash version 32,0,0,101 (64-bit)
ı i Alexander Roshal - WinRAR version 5.60.0 (64-bit)
i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice 4.1.2 version 4.00.9782
i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Base version 4.00.9782

ıı i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Calc version 4.00.9782
i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Draw version 4.00.9782
ı i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Impress version 4.00.9782
i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Math version 4.00.9782
ıı i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Writer version 4.00.9782
i Apache Software Foundation - OpenOffice Writer(Web) version 4.00.9782
ı i British Broadcasting - BBCiPlayerDownloads version 2.6.6
i British Broadcasting - BBCiPlayerDownloads version 2.6.6 (64-bit)
I still think 10% spare room on your hard drive (50gb) is causing a lot of slowdown

I still think 10% spare room on your hard drive (50gb) is causing a lot of slowdown
I believe this article will save me a lot of typing, whilst giving you a closer look at problems occurring when hard drive space gets below 10%
https://www.howtogeek.com/324956/how-much-free-space-should-you-leave-on-your-windows-pc/

 

As Earthling said- if you can get a spare hard drive, try imaging the system, but if it will not image because it needs space to write the temporary files to, before burning...………………………..
If you have pictures, or, videos, then I would save them to dvd, or, usb - but don't try to do too many at a time- Check that he dvd/usb has the copies before deleting off the hard drive.
Then the same with documents, etc:
You will find it will get a little better as you remove stuff.
After saving what you can - if you have run out of dvd/usb's- then try defrag again.
Then try saving, and deleting more -

, after saving to dvd/usb- ​

any downloaded programs will clear a lot of space-.
Then defrag again- slow, but I have

over the years, ​

found that it works .
You have a lot of wireless software installed, and that can affect speed.
If you can get it down to 100 to 150 gb, or, more, of free space then you may find it easier to image the system

 

I'm confusing both of us baklogic, it is Reset, not Refresh

@Jan Scrivens - it's solid advice baklogic is offering you but not accomplished in ten minutes. Allow yourself plenty of uninterrupted time to work through it thoroughly, asking when in doubt. And give getting a backup drive serious thought.

 

@Jan Scrivens -
So that you understand what Earthling is saying - the difference, RESET, REFRESH--and the possible results
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/windows-8-restore-refresh-reset-pc
Refresh your PC without affecting your files

If your PC isn't performing as well as it once did, and you don't know why, you can refresh your PC without deleting any of your personal files or changing your settings.
Note
If you upgraded your PC from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and your PC has a Windows 8 recovery partition, refreshing your PC will restore Windows 8. You’ll need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 after the refresh has finished.
https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/laptops/lenovo/flex/flex-2-14/ -It appears ,that your pc came with W8.1

Warning
Apps you installed from websites and DVDs will be removed. Apps that came with your PC and apps you installed from the Microsoft Store will be reinstalled. Windows puts a list of removed apps on your desktop after refreshing your PC.


Reset---- https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/12415/windows-10-recovery-options
Option What it does
Keep my files

• Reinstalls Windows 10 and keeps your personal files.
• Removes apps and drivers you installed.
• Removes changes you made to settings.
• Removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed. (If your PC came with Windows 10, apps from your PC manufacturer will be reinstalled.)

Remove everything

• Reinstalls Windows 10 and removes all your personal files.
• Removes apps and drivers you installed.
• Removes changes you made to settings.
• Removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed. (If your PC came with Windows 10, apps from your PC manufacturer will be reinstalled.)

If you're planning to donate, recycle, or sell your PC, use this option and choose to fully clean the drive. This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for other people to recover files you've removed.

Restore factory settings
Reinstalls the version of Windows that your PC came with (either Windows 8 or Windows 8.1) and removes your personal files.
----
@Earthling I would look at Disme check health, clean-up /repair Commands , myself, as that might be a better option than reset/refresh, but I would not offer that, as yet, myself, so as not to get you too confused.

 

Yeah, I know about dism, but feel it's a bit beyond the OP's comfort zone. Doing a reset is simple.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/7808-use-dism-repair-windows-10-image.html

 

Sorry @Earthling The last word should have read @Jan Scrivens not 'you' - I had edited the post I was first writing to @Jan Scrivens . but then decided to have your opinion, but forgot to change the 'you' near the end......

 

No sweat baklogic, I did wonder. But I'm getting the feeling that the helpers are putting a good bit more effort into this than is the OP. I'll return when that changes.

 

It might take a few days for the OP to come back, if they are trying to save stuff,or, waiting for a hard drive/usb sticks /dvd's, and trying to understand what we are trying to tell them. Might need time to work out what has been said up to now. They also never asked how to save to a hard drive- like needing a caddy etc: