Register | Sign In


Understanding through Discussion


EvC Forum active members: 65 (9162 total)
4 online now:
Newest Member: popoi
Post Volume: Total: 915,806 Year: 3,063/9,624 Month: 908/1,588 Week: 91/223 Day: 2/17 Hour: 0/0


Thread  Details

Email This Thread
Newer Topic | Older Topic
  
Author Topic:   New and improved general purpose anti-fubar Puter help needed topic
Trixie
Member (Idle past 3705 days)
Posts: 1011
From: Edinburgh
Joined: 01-03-2004


Message 1 of 21 (122431)
07-06-2004 4:18 PM


I wonder if it would be a good idea to have a dedicated thread for puter problems. This just occurred to me because of Mike's problems (see Help). I'm thinking in terms of security issues since users of this site are obviously on-line (or they wouldn't be here, sheesh, talk about stating the obvious!).
{Edited in the "(see Help)", complete with link to there. - Adminnemooseus}
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 07-07-2004 01:22 AM

  
Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 2 of 21 (122562)
07-07-2004 2:07 AM


Thread moved here from the Suggestions and Questions forum.
Topic title was originally "Puter help" (I think).
Original topic deleted.
AM
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 07-07-2004 01:10 AM

  
Minnemooseus
Member
Posts: 3941
From: Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. (West end of Lake Superior)
Joined: 11-11-2001
Member Rating: 10.0


Message 3 of 21 (196837)
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Computer running slow
Been slow for quite a while, but I'm finally posting the question.
Running a 800 MHz Athlon with Windows 98 second edition. 20 GB hard drive with plenty of free space. Defragging the hard drive did not seem to be of any real help. Have been running earlier versions of Mozilla and/or Firefox since before the major slow down. Now run IE very little.
Have been using Norton Antivirus (with updated reference files) since the computer was new. Also use both AdAware SE Personal and Spyware Blaster. In general, I reject most cookie offers. Don't offhand think it is a virus or spyware problem.
My computer guru tells me that it is bound to happen over time. The solution is to store away all your data and such somewhere other than the hard drive. Then reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows and all the software.
What a pain to do. While it most likely is the best real fix, is there an alternative way to clean out the garbage that's slowing things down?
Moose

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by coffee_addict, posted 04-05-2005 3:32 AM Minnemooseus has not replied
 Message 5 by berberry, posted 04-05-2005 4:42 AM Minnemooseus has not replied
 Message 6 by Dr Jack, posted 04-05-2005 6:19 AM Minnemooseus has not replied
 Message 7 by contracycle, posted 04-05-2005 6:24 AM Minnemooseus has not replied
 Message 8 by mick, posted 04-05-2005 4:48 PM Minnemooseus has not replied
 Message 9 by Jazzns, posted 04-05-2005 5:12 PM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
coffee_addict
Member (Idle past 476 days)
Posts: 3645
From: Indianapolis, IN
Joined: 03-29-2004


Message 4 of 21 (196841)
04-05-2005 3:32 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Re: Computer running slow
How old is the HD that you are currently using? If it is more than 2-4 years old, it is time for you to put in a new one.
Coincidently, how much RAM do you have?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 3:28 AM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
berberry
Inactive Member


Message 5 of 21 (196848)
04-05-2005 4:42 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Re: Computer running slow
Firefox has a tendency to slow down over time, as does Explorer. If you're on broadband, you can try this in Firefox: go to Tools-Options-Privacy-Cache. Reduce the default cache size to about 100 or so. If you start to encounter errors, bump that number up gradually until you don't get errors anymore.
If you're on dial-up, go to Tools-Option-Privacy-Clear All. Be aware that all your off-line content will be gone. You'll have to log onto all your favorite sites manually the very next time you visit them, but you might realize a significant speed improvement.
Love the new avatar. How'd you get that sweet little kitty to do that?

Keep America Safe AND Free!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 3:28 AM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
Dr Jack
Member
Posts: 3514
From: Immigrant in the land of Deutsch
Joined: 07-14-2003
Member Rating: 8.7


Message 6 of 21 (196859)
04-05-2005 6:19 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Re: Computer running slow
Yes, it's bound to happen over time. Although less so with more recent Windows versions.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 3:28 AM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
contracycle
Inactive Member


Message 7 of 21 (196860)
04-05-2005 6:24 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Re: Computer running slow
quote:
Have been using Norton Antivirus (with updated reference files) since the computer was new. Also use both AdAware SE Personal and Spyware Blaster. In general, I reject most cookie offers. Don't offhand think it is a virus or spyware problem.
If you disk is not more than 50% full, and you have defragged, its most likely going to be some kind of intrusion.
Also install and run Spybot: Tucows | Retiring Tucows Downloads
Go to and execute the TrendMicro Housecall: Free Online Virus Scan | Trend Micro HouseCall
This is extremely thorough, but it does require Java and I do not actually know if it will work on a 98 machine.
--
Whoops, I have just realised you did not mention a Firewall. Thats very bad indeed. Do the following in strict order:
- download ZoneAlarm from PC and Mobile Security Software | ZoneAlarm. The free version is fine.
- disconnect from the network physically and restart the machine
- run spybot, adaware, spyware blaster, everything you have
- still disconnected, restart the machine and install zonealarm
- zonealarm will require a reboot, do so, then reconnect your network
--
Hit CTRL+ALT+DEL and choose the Task Manager. Swith to the Processes tab and look at whats running. There will be a lot; sort them by CPU utilisation to look for likely culprits. The SystemIdle process can take up to 99% of CPU and thats fine, btw. If you see anything you think is supicious, the simplest way to check it out is to type the filename into google and look for hits related to worms/trojans or the Microsoft resource library (which suggests the process is legit).
--
If all else fails, there are other techniocal help boards like majorgeeks.com. They will likely want you to install and run a programme called 'HijackThis' which produces an output of registry and system data for them to review.
--
You cannot go on the net any more without a firewall. I read the other day some tests in the UK indicated that the average time before an unprotected machine encountered a malicious probe was something like 0.2 of a second.
quote:
My computer guru tells me that it is bound to happen over time. The solution is to store away all your data and such somewhere other than the hard drive. Then reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows and all the software.
Its sort of true and sort of not. This can happen, but I would not be concerned if you disk usage is so low. Also, defragging adresses just this. A slightly different source might be that registry can build up unwanted entries, and these are hard to deal with, but usually not critical in speed terms. I recommend 'registryfix' for clearing out redundant registry entries.
All that said, all machines could really do with being scrubbed and rebuilt every now and then.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 3:28 AM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
mick
Member (Idle past 4985 days)
Posts: 913
Joined: 02-17-2005


Message 8 of 21 (197006)
04-05-2005 4:48 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Re: Computer running slow
Hi, when you experience it running particularly slowly, press ctrl-alt-delete and you will get a list of the processes currently running. There should be a few tabs that you can select, one of which will tell you the memory used by each process and one the processor power used by each process. See if you can identify any process that is unusually heavy on the processor and memory.
If you have a suspect process - DON'T DELETE ANYTHING before you know what the process is. I have had problems with operating speed caused by unknown processes which imitate windows processes. For example you might see a process called IEXPLORE2 which is an unwanted process i.e. a virus or whatever that is pretending to be part of the operating system.
if you have this situation, installing some sort of spyware detector might be useful, as somebody else suggested. Check your modem for internet activity when you are not using firefox - if there is activity that is not being caused by you, install a firewall to identify the culprit program. It could be a legit program but it could be a nasty.
Reformatting the hard drive is actually a good idea every now and then - it's a pain but sometimes necessary.
mick

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 3:28 AM Minnemooseus has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by Trixie, posted 04-05-2005 5:19 PM mick has replied

  
Jazzns
Member (Idle past 3911 days)
Posts: 2657
From: A Better America
Joined: 07-23-2004


Message 9 of 21 (197013)
04-05-2005 5:12 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 3:28 AM


Re: Computer running slow
The easiest solution to you problem is don't use windows.
What's the difference between Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux
If you must use windows then be prepared to do either spend way too much time trying to maintain its reliability or be prepared to do the occasional wipe and start over.
I use windows only to play PC games. I have no firewall, no anti-virus software, no anti-spyware software. I have never had a virus or spyware product in any OS.
For my family who must us windows I have a standing agreement with them that I will never fix their computer if they use IE or Outlook. If I go over and help them with a new install I always delete these applications if I can or just delete the shortcuts. The two easiest ways to get viruses, use IE and Outlook.
My mom has been running windows now for years with no IE, no Outlook, no software protection like anti-virus etc, and has also never recieved a virus or spyware. If you must use windows reduce the need to use other M$ products as much as possible.
The likelihood of being attacked means other than script kiddy style buffer overflows in your buggy browser and email client is extremely low.

FOX has a pretty good system they have cooked up. 10 mil people watch the show on the network, FOX. Then 5 mil, different people, tune into FOX News to get outraged by it. I just hope that those good, God fearing people at FOX continue to battle those morally bankrupt people at FOX.
-- Lewis Black, The Daily Show

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 3:28 AM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
Trixie
Member (Idle past 3705 days)
Posts: 1011
From: Edinburgh
Joined: 01-03-2004


Message 10 of 21 (197015)
04-05-2005 5:19 PM
Reply to: Message 8 by mick
04-05-2005 4:48 PM


Re: Computer running slow
Mick, are you sure about the Ctrl-Alt-Del bringing up Task Manager in Win 98SE? It didn't do it with mine, I just got a soft reboot. Have it now with XP though.
To be honest, I had an awful time with 98SE, entire puter lasted two years, then I gave up in disgust and bought a new one with XP on (also I needed extra speed for my Tomb Raider 5 game, but couldn't change the processor on the motherboard). Never looked back. Wouldn't go near 98SE with a soldering iron!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by mick, posted 04-05-2005 4:48 PM mick has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 18 by mick, posted 04-05-2005 7:40 PM Trixie has not replied

  
Minnemooseus
Member
Posts: 3941
From: Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. (West end of Lake Superior)
Joined: 11-11-2001
Member Rating: 10.0


Message 11 of 21 (197024)
04-05-2005 6:02 PM


Report back so far
Not necessarily in this order, I have:
Cleaned out the download manager of the older version of Mozilla. The bulk delete would not work (would lock up the program) so I had to delete in smaller chunks.
Attempted to do same for Firefox, but had the same lockup problem with the bulk delete. I don't offhand see a way to delete in smaller chunks, or for that matter, even a way to see the download history.
I don't at the moment recall what I did with the disc caches. Will have to get back and clear said for Mozella, Firefox, and IE.
Updated the reference file for Ad-Aware, and ran it. While it didn't find any problems, in the process Norton Antivirus kicked in a number of times, resulting in a number of quarantined files (since deleted). These virus type things had somehow got past Norton AV the first time. They were (mostly?) things along the lines of BlackBox.class, and other *.class.
One thing that Ad-Aware notes, is that the computer had 18 running processes. Will look at these further, but I think they may be proper, albeit still too many.
The greater concern was that A-A said there were 302 process modules. I am thinking that these things might be a significant part of the problem. Opinions about process modules???
I then ran Norton AV directly, to do a complete scan, and found further virus type things. They are currently in the quarantine area.
Then ran Norton AV a second time - This time nothing found.
I guess I will be running NAV frequently for a while, to see what happens.
Will also pursue various advice from others further.
Control-Alt-Delete does bring up the task manager for Windows 98SE for me..
Re: The cat - Caught her in mid-yawn to get the avatar photo of the moment. As best I know, she has never pissed on the computer (see signature). No, I am not Bruce Graham.
Moose

Professor, geology, Whatsamatta U
Evolution - Changes in the environment, caused by the interactions of the components of the environment.
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will piss on your computer." - Bruce Graham

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by jar, posted 04-05-2005 6:11 PM Minnemooseus has replied
 Message 13 by JonF, posted 04-05-2005 6:12 PM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
jar
Member (Idle past 393 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 12 of 21 (197029)
04-05-2005 6:11 PM
Reply to: Message 11 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 6:02 PM


some general questions.
How do you connect to the internet?
Do you have a firewall?
How often are you updating your anti-virus definitions?
Why are you still running Win98? And SE at that?

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

This message is a reply to:
 Message 11 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 6:02 PM Minnemooseus has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 14 by JonF, posted 04-05-2005 6:13 PM jar has replied
 Message 16 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 6:29 PM jar has replied

  
JonF
Member (Idle past 167 days)
Posts: 6174
Joined: 06-23-2003


Message 13 of 21 (197030)
04-05-2005 6:12 PM
Reply to: Message 11 by Minnemooseus
04-05-2005 6:02 PM


Re: Report back so far
The greater concern was that A-A said there were 302 process modules. I am thinking that these things might be a significant part of the problem. Opinions about process modules???
That's not a lot. I got 2373 running here now. Every program that loads also loads DLLs and what-not.
If you want to get really industrial-strength, you might try HijackThis. It doesn't do any interpretation for you, but if you save a log there's a new site that will try to interpret it for you: HijackThis Log Anlayzer. Or there are plenty of sites where experts will analyze your log (after you've run both Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy), such as Spyware Info Forums and Spyware Warrior Forums.
{fixed URL}
This message has been edited by JonF, 04-05-2005 05:13 PM

This message is a reply to:
 Message 11 by Minnemooseus, posted 04-05-2005 6:02 PM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
JonF
Member (Idle past 167 days)
Posts: 6174
Joined: 06-23-2003


Message 14 of 21 (197031)
04-05-2005 6:13 PM
Reply to: Message 12 by jar
04-05-2005 6:11 PM


Re: some general questions.
Why are you still running Win98? And SE at that?
SE's about as up-to-date as Win98 gets.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by jar, posted 04-05-2005 6:11 PM jar has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by jar, posted 04-05-2005 6:16 PM JonF has not replied

  
jar
Member (Idle past 393 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 15 of 21 (197032)
04-05-2005 6:16 PM
Reply to: Message 14 by JonF
04-05-2005 6:13 PM


Re: some general questions.
SE's about as up-to-date as Win98 gets.
Yup.

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by JonF, posted 04-05-2005 6:13 PM JonF has not replied

  
Newer Topic | Older Topic
Jump to:


Copyright 2001-2023 by EvC Forum, All Rights Reserved

™ Version 4.2
Innovative software from Qwixotic © 2024