WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up part 1

Over the last several days I have found that my "Help and Support" has been starting up very slowly.

I have WIN XP Pentium 2 with 500MB RAM. I have been using Norton Internet Security 2006 (with the Personal Firewall turned off, since it is hard to use) and I have been using Zone Alarm for my regular firewall.

I have a number of other utilities including Windows Defender (only using the Real-Time function), Spy Bot, and SpyBlaster. I recently installed AVG just to try it out but removed it to avoid conflicts.

I recently had some malware on my computer (see other threads) which seems to have been cleaned yet there may still be some corruption from it or other malware etc.

I have run CHKDSK and sfc \ scannow many times yet this has not helped.

I have installed and run the program "Filemon" as recommend in a PC World article. This program allows you to see what processes are running as they start-up etc. I have used this along with the "Task Manager" to try to debug this. I am attaching a log file for 'Filemon" for you to review if needed.

Basically, I have started Filemon running then eliminated most other running processes from being listed (ie. Symantec etc) Then, I have started the "Help and Support" and logged all entries until it appeared.

Among the entries of concern with the lines in which they first appear in the log include:
helpctr.exe Line 56
pchealth 58
helphost.exe 1813
lsass.exe 21131
winlogon.exe 26089


A Windows Defender alert once mentioned that C:\ Windows\Internet Logs\Backup.RDB is corrupt.

The "Help and Support" screen frequently appears with the process

C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe at

path C:\Windows\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries

 

Over the last several days I have found that my "Help and Support" has been starting up very slowly.

I have WIN XP Pentium 2 with 500MB RAM. I have been using Norton Internet Security 2006 (with the Personal Firewall turned off, since it is hard to use) and I have been using Zone Alarm for my regular firewall.

I have a number of other utilities including Windows Defender (only using the Real-Time function), Spy Bot, and SpyBlaster. I recently installed AVG just to try it out but removed it to avoid conflicts.

I recently had some malware on my computer (see other threads) which seems to have been cleaned yet there may still be some corruption from it or other malware etc.

I have run CHKDSK and sfc \ scannow many times yet this has not helped.

I have installed and run the program "Filemon" as recommend in a PC World article. This program allows you to see what processes are running as they start-up etc. I have used this along with the "Task Manager" to try to debug this. I am attaching a log file for 'Filemon" for you to review if needed.

Basically, I have started Filemon running then eliminated most other running processes from being listed (ie. Symantec etc) Then, I have started the "Help and Support" and logged all entries until it appeared.

Among the entries of concern with the lines in which they first appear in the log include:
helpctr.exe Line 56
pchealth 58
helphost.exe 1813
lsass.exe 21131
winlogon.exe 26089
csrss.exe

A Windows Defender alert once mentioned that C:\ Windows\Internet Logs\Backup.RDB is corrupt.

The "Help and Support" screen frequently appears with the process C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe at

path C:\Windows\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries

I have checked the Control panel> Administators tools > Services> Help and Support and it is set to "automatic". I changed the the "Help and Support (RPC) Remote Procedure Call Locator to "automatic" as well -previously manual.

I checked out C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries
Both HelpCtr.exe and msconfig.exe are present there.

I checked out in the Registry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows CurrentVersion\App Paths\HELPCTR.EXE and it points to C:\Windows\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HELPCTR.EXE as a previous thread states it should.

In C:\WINDOWS\INF\ I do NOT have pchealth.inf as previous threads say should be there.

Instead, I have pchealth (4.9 KB) and pchealth.pnf (12.9 KB).

I also have a number of other .pnf files in this folder.

The .PNF file is noted as a (Precompiled Setup Information)

I cannot find anything about a pchealth.pnf in the Microsoft database.

I appreciate any assistance and guidance that you can provide. I am attaching the FILEMON LOG and a HiJackThis log too.

 

WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up -Bitdefender and HiJackThis log analysis

I have re-scanned my computer with Bitdefender and I am attaching the log. I have run it several times previously during my malware problems and it still shows no signs of viruses etc.

The other day I re-ran the CounterSpy, which I thought I removed but I still had the .exe install file. After re-running this it found nothing yet it was very helpful to me in getting rid of some malware several weeks ago..

A few weeks ago I re-installed a fresh version of ZoneAlarm in case my current one was corrupted. I tried out the ZoneAlarmPro and running the Spyware detector found nothing. I now have the regular Zone Alarm on my system although I am impressed by ZoneAlarmPro and I may switch to it in the future.

I did the same (reinstalled) with my Norton Internet Security 2006 program (even though I am inactivating and not using the firewall component). I found out afterwards that I had to run another program to completely eliminate some leftover components from the previous Norton install. I ran that program and then re-installed with no apparent problems.

Since none of my anti-virus/spyware programs are coming up with any viruses etc. I assume that I am dealing with missing/bad files, corrupted registry, or inappropriate/bad settings in some of my current programs.

I no longer use AOL but I am keeping the browser to view old messages. However, I do use the Radio AOL tolisten to music over the internet. I do not use AIM...although i might have installed it once to try it out briefly.

I use optonline for my internet connection.

Concerns going through the HJT log:

R3: I do not know what the aol 2.0 toolbar is there for.
O9: The bdscanel.exe is probably leftover from previous Bitdefender scans

O9: I do not know what the Shdocvw.dll is

I have de-activated my Windows Messenger based on various advice from forums, literature etc.

O15: I realize that I have many things in my "trusted zone". I followed some tips from spywarewarrior.com and add IE-SPYAD to my system along with Spyblaster and SpyBot.

In order to acesss certain sites in IE6 I had to make those changes in my trusted zone. I may not be making the changes properly. My inability to access those sites may be do to some of my settings in my Internet Options > Security etc.

I now have IE7 although I try to use Firefox whenever possible. Sometimes, however, some programs need or invoke IE7 to run (some changes may be able to be made here) and some websites need IE7.

There are a number of missing links/files etc. You might see other problems as well.

I appreciate your advice and guidance.

Thank you.

 

As i stated earlier my "Help and Support" seems to be starting up much slower now(since this past week or so) than in the past.

I have attached a copy of parts of a FILEMON log anda HJT log to try to debug this.

At present I have a DELL computer Pentium II with 512MB RAM. Below are parameters from my system info.

Processor: Intel Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00 GHz (2CPU's)
WIN XP Pro (5.1) Build 2600)
BIOS: Phoenex ROM BIOS PLUS v.1.10

I would like to work thru the above mentioned logs to find out why my PC Help and Support is suddenly loading slower than in the past.

If we can work through the HiJackThis log and resolve the concerns and "crap" that you mentioned is present I would appreciate it.

Hopefully we can "fine tune' and resolve any possible corruption on my machine.

Thank you.

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I pasted my HJT log into the link you provided. (I already had the program so I didn't check out the link previously).

I am not too familiar with using HJT but I have run it so that "experts" could evaluate my malware problems.

I believe there is a "fix" button in the program so I assume I just "fix" errors that I am most certain about by clicking on those enties. There may be some notes in that info log stating that a program etc. is OK when instead it may not be needed anymore

Next, how do I resolve the slow loading of the "Help and Support"? Did you briefly look at the FILEMON log around the lines that I noted?

Please advise. Thanks again.

 

Go to the link below and click on Win XP Fixes on the left-hand side, then look for Fix Windows XP Help. Click on it and run the VB Script on the next page. See if it solves the Help and Support issue.

http://www.dougknox.com/

Steve

 

I went to the above link and saved the vbs fix program to my hard drive. I cannot seem to get it to run...when I click on it ....the program just appears in Notepad.

Before i tried running this fix I backed up my registry with ERUNT (a program mentioned in PCWorld), the Backup utility system state, and I also set a new restore point.

How can I get this vbs program to run? I hope that running it doesn't make things worse.

Thanks fro your assistance.

 

Good idea creating a restore point.

Should just merge when you click on Run and then give you an OK.

Try this one, http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/fix_windows_xp_help.htm

Steve

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I am a little hesitant to use the Doug Knox programs that you are referring me to. I would like to hold off on them at this time.

Although my PCHealth is slow to load it still works Doug's program (the initial one recommended) does not seem to be indicated based on how he describes it.

I have run the FILEMON program nad analyzed the log. I did a search FIND " NO FILE FOUND" and copied these entries to another notebook file. I did this just for the beginning entries ; this should give some idea of what is going on.

I copied the limited FILEMON log of "NO FILE FOUND" entries to Excel and did a sort of the files. It seems like certain system files, .dll's etc. may be missing and need to be replaced.

I am attaching a version of the compiled FILEMON log and the sorted file log for you to evaluate.

Please re-evaluate my situation. I may need more of a Window fix program to replace corrupted/missing files.

In one post that I read a Tech once suggested to put the XP disc in> click "Perform additional tasks" > click "Browse this CD" >double click "Support>tools>setup to get an index back. I don't know if there is a similar repair protocol for my situation.

Please review the attached Filemon files and please advise.

Thank you for your assitance.

P.S. I cannot attach an Excel file so perhaps you can do that sort yourself. I will try pasting it.

1631 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03 SUCCESS Attributes: D
1632 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03 SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: Traverse
1596 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CLOSE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_x-ww_5ddad775\6.0.2600.2982.Policy SUCCESS
63 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_580a28ff\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1508 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_580a28ff\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1572 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_580a28ff\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1633 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_580a28ff\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
71 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en_66c5eee6\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1516 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en_66c5eee6\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1576 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en_66c5eee6\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1637 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en_66c5eee6\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1700 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_en_66c5eee6\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
94 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_186470ec\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1539 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_186470ec\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1600 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_186470ec\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1661 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_186470ec\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
33 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en_272036d3\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
98 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en_272036d3\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1543 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en_272036d3\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1604 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en_272036d3\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1665 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en_272036d3\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
29 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Policies\x86_Policy.6.0.Microsoft
1598 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03.Manifest SUCCESS Attributes: A
1599 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03.Manifest SUCCESS Attributes: A
1659 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03.Manifest SUCCESS Attributes: A
1660 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03.Manifest SUCCESS Attributes: A
1669 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_x-ww_ac3f9c03.Manifest SUCCESS Options: Open Sequential Access: All
69 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en-US_f6b1e800.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1514 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en-US_f6b1e800.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1574 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en-US_f6b1e800.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1635 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en-US_f6b1e800.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1698 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en-US_f6b1e800.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
73 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en_5cce9bd9.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
73 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en_5cce9bd9.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1518 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en_5cce9bd9.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1578 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en_5cce9bd9.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1639 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en_5cce9bd9.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1702 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_en_5cce9bd9.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
31 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en-US_94d4ce4c.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: ErrorNOT FOUND
96 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en-US_94d4ce4c.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1541 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en-US_94d4ce4c.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1602 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en-US_94d4ce4c.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1663 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en-US_94d4ce4c.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
35 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en_faf18225.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
100 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en_faf18225.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1545 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en_faf18225.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1606 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en_faf18225.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1667 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Manifests\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2982_en_faf18225.Manifest NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1506 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_BASIC_INFO C:\WINDOWS\WindowsShell.Manifest SUCCESS Attributes: RHA
1507 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_BASIC_INFO C:\WINDOWS\WindowsShell.Manifest SUCCESS Attributes: RHA
1502 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\WindowsShell.Config NOT FOUND Options: Open Access: All
1503 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CLOSE C:\WINDOWS\WindowsShell.Config SUCCESS
1454 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\WINMM.dll NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1395 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\UxTheme.dll NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1471 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\USP10.dll NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1401 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ShimEng.dll NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1398 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSIMG32.dll NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1457 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSACM32.dll NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1468 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\LPK.DLL NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1384 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\helpctr.exe.Local\ NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1630 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\helpctr.exe.Local\ NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
65 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\en-US NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
66 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\en NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1396 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: All
1397 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_DIRECTORY_CONTROL C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS FileDirectoryInformation: helpctr.exe
1399 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: All
1400 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_DIRECTORY_CONTROL C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS FileDirectoryInformation: helpctr.exe
1455 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: All
1456 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_DIRECTORY_CONTROL C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS FileDirectoryInformation: helpctr.exe
1458 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: All
1459 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_DIRECTORY_CONTROL C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS FileDirectoryInformation: helpctr.exe
1469 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: All
1470 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_DIRECTORY_CONTROL C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\ SUCCESS FileDirectoryInformation: helpctr.exe
1510 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\en-US NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1511 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\en NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
26 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
64 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
72 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
91 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND
1509 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1517 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1573 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1577 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1597 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1634 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1638 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
658 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1697 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1701 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
.Windows.Common-Controls.mui_6595b64144ccf1df_en-US_186430 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
34 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
95 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
99 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1540 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1544 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1601 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1605 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1662 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
1666 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\Assembly\GAC\Policy.6.0.Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\ NOT FOUND Options: Open Directory Access: All
70 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1515 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1575 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1636 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1699 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
74 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
74 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1519 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1579 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1640 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1703 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls\6.0.0.0_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
97 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1542 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1603 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1664 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en-US_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
36 11:30:13 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1546 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1607 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1668 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\assembly\GAC\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui\6.0.2600.2982_en_6595b64144ccf1df\Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls.mui.DLL PATH NOT FOUND Attributes: Error
1413 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\AppPatch\systest.sdb NOT FOUND Options: Open Access: All
1453 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CLOSE C:\WINDOWS\AppPatch\AcGenral.DLL SUCCESS
1504 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_CREATE C:\WINDOWS\ SUCCESS Options: Open Directory Access: All
1505 11:30:50 AM helpctr.exe:4028 IRP_MJ_DIRECTORY_CONTROL C:\WINDOWS\ NO SUCH FILE FileDirectoryInformation: WindowsShell.Config
1512 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\ SUCCESS Attributes: D
1513 11:30:50 AM csrss.exe:792 FASTIO_QUERY_OPEN C:\WINDOWS\ SUCCESS Attributes: D

 

That is up to you my friend.

I can only suggest what I think will solve your problem. Some other members may have some other idea's.

Steve

 

I will try what you suggested....at least the second site.

I'd just like to be sure that you checked out the FILEMON logs to re-evaluate my situation. If this does not change your previous advice then let me know.

If I should do something else based on the FILEMON new info let me know too!

Thanks again.

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I downloaded the program and ran it. A dialog opened and stated that this program will not fix your PC Health and Support...al registry entries are present.

In order to download it on firefox i had to click on the top link and save it as a compressed file.

Any other ideas and suggestions?

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

Watching this thread with great interest. I have precisely the same problem as RK233 ON almost EXACTLY the SAME DELL SYSTEM....

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

Sorry, my CPU is 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 ...

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

Dand,

I'm not sure if the fact that we have different computer types has much impact in this.

I tried the WinFix program mentioned above but it did nothing.

I suggest that you go to PC World and check out FILEMON to get an idea of what is running when you start Help and Support.

I ran it and I found a number of missing files/.dll's etc. "NOT FOUND" I may need to somehow re-install some components.

I am awaiting a tech to evaluate my situation and to give me further advice.

 

The link below might be of some help. It has several troubleshooting steps for Help and Support.

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/helpctr.htm

Steve

 

What about this as a possible solution :http://support.microsoft.com/kb/911262. Does Help and Support use WMI ?

 

Bear with me. I'm new to Major Geeks, still trying to figure out how to communicate... Tried No. 1 on the list - it doesn't work.

 

Make sure that WMI is set to automatic. See if it makes a difference.

Steve

 

No. Makes no difference

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I don't have FILEMON installed. I do have System Mechanic 6 - which is the other programme which is extremely slow to start (>30secs). I can see all running programmes, services etc through Sys Mech. But where does that get me without extensive, time consuming research ?

 

Did you try the Doug Knox fix?

Steve

 

Yeah. Think I tried that - no success.

 

Doug Knox program said it couldn't help.

 

While looking around I did see some issues with a slow Help and Support being caused by "plugins" from branded computers because of them adding say, the Dell help and support feature.

Steve

 

You'll need to explain a little more, Steve. My problem has been developing over the past week. I've added no ne plug ins in the interval.

 

I really don't know enough to explain it, just saw a couple of instances of it mentioned in a few articles. If this is something that just started, I doubt that is the cause.

Have either of you been "disabling any of XP's services"? If so, I would change them back to the default settings and see if that helps.

http://www.ss64.com/ntsyntax/services.html

Steve

 

None disabled before the problem started.

 

You could try # 235 (Restore Help and Support Service) here, http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

That's about all I can offer. Hopefully, you guy's will get some other ideas on this.

Steve

 

I tried this link at Ramesh's site but it does not seem to help.

A. Tried #8: Help & Support Service not starting
I just checked and made sure it was set to automatic which it was.

B. Tried #14: Restore Help & Support startup values

I ran the Helpsvcfix.zip yet this did not help.

C. Tried #9: Reinstalling Help & Support in Windows XP
I ran the commands in command prompt yet still no improvement

I am hesitant to Run #8 the Helpsvc.zip program which would make changes in my registry.


I looked at my FILEMON program again and re-sorted the files based on files "NOT FOUND", "PATHWAYS NOT FOUND??", ETC. in Excel after pasting it there from the Notepad.

It seems like the problem is I am missing a number of files andsome paths are incorrect and may have been corrupted somehow.

I am attaching the sorted Excel file.

Any further ideas let me know. Thank you.

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I have tried to resolve this using a number of approaches without much success.

I would appreciate any other opinions and advice on what to do. If you could re-evaluate my situation, and make any suggestions based on my recent posting it will help me out.

I think that I am most likely missing some files. .dll's etc. and some files may be in different locations than expected.

I'm not sure that changes to the registry may be appropriate yet. Please evaluate this, check out the FILEMON log, and please give me your advice.

Somehow I may need to find an UNDELETE program and see what .DLL's etc. may have been deleted. Where could I find replacements for some of these missing files?

It is also possible that when I ran chkdisk and/or scannow with my old Windows XP disk not all files were properly re-added or to the correct location.

Thank you for any further guidance..

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I went to Kellys Korner (in addition to trying #235 and all other above listed steps) http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs2.htm and went to a section on 10 FAQs that included extensive info on Help and Support.


1) I tried re-adding the files from the i386 folder from the XP CD:
winhlp32.en_
winhlp32.ex_
winhlp32.hl_


I EXPANDED them as directed but after copying the files to the appropriate Windows folders the previous(bad?) files re-appeared again.

2) I checked the Registry values as listed in the article and all were present properly.

Note: Earlier I ran the Help.svs vbs program to fix the registry (I skipped this step earlier)

3) I tried re-installling Help and Support from C:\Windows\inf\pchealth.inf

During the process the system prompted me for the locations of several files that it could not find. I did a search on my computer then browsed and clicked on those files.

The files that were not in locations expected that it prompted me for were:

Dataspeccc.xml
pchdt_w3.cab1
racpldlg.dll
atrace.dll


Most of these were in PCHealth or the C:\Window\ServicePack folders

atrace.dll was in the system32 folder and the system 32\dllcache.

In in earlier thread I had a malware infection by a Trojan that was noted by the newfiles to be in this system32 folder. I am not sure whether it has been cleaned out yet or whether any damage it may have caused still exists.

I appreciate any further help, guidance, and insight to this problem.

 

You need your XP cd to reinstall it. Also make sure that Show hidden files and folders is enabled.

Click Start.

Open My Computer.

Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.

Select the View Tab.

Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.

Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.

Click Yes to confirm.

Click OK.

Go to C:\Windows\inf\pchealth.inf. Right click and choose install.

Steve

 

Re: WinXP "HELP AND SUPPORT" Slow to start-up

I tried re-installing Help and Support per that procedure. I described what i did previously.

For whatever reason the files that I put on are replaced with the previous files. Perhaps this is due to the Windows System File Checker or a trojan in system32 that is blocking correction efforts.

I have tried the re-install with my machine in both SAFE mode and NORMAL mode.

Are there any good programs that could check the integrity of system 32 folder? I have run Norton AV, Panda, Trend-Micro. Kaspersky, BitDefender, and Windows Defender scans etc. but I have found nothing.

I did previously have a Smitfraud malware infection. Just re-ran Noah's SmitRem a few days ago and everything came out clean. (No files were noted as specifically deleted by that program)

In my Zone Alarm I had some blocked outbound requests from topadwarereviews.com, realsearch.cc, and some other sites mentioned as target sites of the Smitfraud trojan in a TrendMico report; I put those sites in my block list on Zone Alarm free but I still had logs noting "outbound" attempts up into a week ago.

Any further suggestions are welcomed.