[Peabody]

I followed all guidelines. Using v.2.0.2 HJT version.

Micrsoft XP, IE 7, OE 6. Malwarebyes, Spybot S&D, Spyware Terminator, Spyware Blaster, AVG, Super AntiSpyware which was clean.

Running very slow. Error message: Runtime Error 216@011440C2. Freezes up if more then 2 windows open then starts working after about 5 minutes. OE and IE both slow.

Getting Spybot SD.exe Application Error. Instructions @041144e2 referenced memory. Memory could not be read. Click OK to terminate.

Photoprinting wizard extremely slow. Occasionally doesn't work. Crawler toolbar made an appearance (which I don't use) then computer shut down. Got the Blue Screen error by device or driver. Ran scan and Microsoft insisting I install IE8. Is that okay now?

FYI: Got an email from someone named Grewe saying Hi There. Went to block address and discovered they were using my primary address. I got the Blue Screen this morning after getting the email last night.

Phew!

Thanks and blessings.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 3:21:26 PM, on 11/9/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16915)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\LSI SoftModem\agrsmsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ALCXMNTR.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\SpywareTerminatorShield.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\SeaPort\SeaPort.exe
C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\sp_rsser.exe
C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Kodak\KODAK Software Updater\7288971\Program\Kodak Software Updater.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchIndexer.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\CToolbar.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\SpywareTerminatorUpdate.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=69157
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: &Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1CB20BF0-BBAE-40A7-93F4-6435FF3D0411} - C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\ctbr.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Search Helper - {6EBF7485-159F-4bff-A14F-B9E3AAC4465B} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\Search Helper\SEPsearchhelperie.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.1.1309.3572\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: MSN Toolbar Helper - {d2ce3e00-f94a-4740-988e-03dc2f38c34f} - C:\Program Files\MSN\Toolbar\3.0.1125.0\msneshellx.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O2 - BHO: SingleInstance Class - {FDAD4DA1-61A2-4FD8-9C17-86F7AC245081} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\YTSingleInstance.dll
O3 - Toolbar: MSN Toolbar - {1E61ED7C-7CB8-49d6-B9E9-AB4C880C8414} - C:\Program Files\MSN\Toolbar\3.0.1125.0\msneshellx.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Crawler Toolbar - {4B3803EA-5230-4DC3-A7FC-33638F3D3542} - C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\ctbr.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcxMonitor] ALCXMNTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Default Manager] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\Default Manager\DefMgr.exe" -resume
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpywareTerminator] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\SpywareTerminatorShield.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak software updater.lnk
O4 - Global Startup: Windows Search.lnk = C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Crawler Search - tbr:iemenu
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - C:\WINDOWS\bdoscandel.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - C:\WINDOWS\bdoscandel.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shoc...ash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.ad...Plus/1.6/gp.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Protocol: tbr - {4D25FB7A-8902-4291-960E-9ADA051CFBBF} - C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\ctbr.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: Agere Modem Call Progress Audio (AgereModemAudio) - LSI Corporation - C:\Program Files\LSI SoftModem\agrsmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Spyware Terminator Realtime Shield Service (sp_rssrv) - Crawler.com - C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\sp_rsser.exe

--
End of file - 9013 bytes

This post has been edited by Peabody: 09 November 2009 - 03:54 PM

[Vino Rosso]

Hi Peabody

1 - Stop processes
Using Task Manager, stop the following process
Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys together to open Task Manager
Click the 'Processes' tab
Click on 'Image Name' to sort the processes alphabetically
Scroll down, right-click and select 'End Process' on the following entry if it exists.
OK any warnings.

CToolbar.exe

Close Task Manager

2 - Remove Programs
Go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
If present, remove the following programs:

CToolBar

** Take care when answering any questions posed by an uninstaller. Some questions may be worded to deceive you into keeping the program.

Close the Control Panel

3 - Run HijackThis Scan and Fix
Start HijackThis and click Do a system scan only
Tick the following entries, if present:
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1CB20BF0-BBAE-40A7-93F4-6435FF3D0411} - C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\ctbr.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.1.1309.3572\swg.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Crawler Toolbar - {4B3803EA-5230-4DC3-A7FC-33638F3D3542} - C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\ctbr.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcxMonitor] ALCXMNTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O8 - Extra context menu item: Crawler Search - tbr:iemenu
O18 - Protocol: tbr - {4D25FB7A-8902-4291-960E-9ADA051CFBBF} - C:\PROGRA~1\Crawler\Toolbar\ctbr.dll

Close all windows except HijackThis
Click Fix Checked in HijackThis and close HijackThis

4 - Delete suspect folder
Using Windows Explorer, browse for the following folder and delete as instructed
NB The folder may have already been deleted by earlier actions so don't worry if you do not see it:

C:\Program Files\Crawler <=== Delete this folder only

Close Windows Explorer

5 - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Please go here: http://www.malwareby...am-download.php and download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
  
• When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
    
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
  
• Then click Finish.
  
• MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan. If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself. Press the OK button to close that box and continue. If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from >here< and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.
  
• On the Scanner tab:
  • Select "Perform Full Scan" then click on the Scan button.
  
  
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
  
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
  
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.
  
• Back at the main Scanner screen, click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
  
• Make sure that all items are ticked/checked except items in the C:\System Volume Information folder and click on Remove Selected.
  
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to restart your computer. (see Note below)
  
• The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts. Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Thanks
Vino

[Peabody]

Hello Vino---

Please know I will be working on this by Thursday. Please don't close the post.

Thanks.

[Vino Rosso]

OK, thanks for letting me know.

[Peabody]

Log Information from MBAM---

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41
Database version: 3161
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

11/13/2009 2:51:48 PM
mbam-log-2009-11-13 (14-51-48).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 149745
Time elapsed: 41 minute(s), 36 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

[Vino Rosso]

OK, MBAM didn't find anything... let's see if Kaspersky is the same.

1 - Temporary File Cleaner
This program clears out files from the computer's temporary folders and empties the Recycle Bin
Check your computer's Recycle Bin and restore any files you wish to keep before running this tool

Please download TFC by Old Timer from here: http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/TFC.exe
Save TFC.exe to your Desktop

** Save any documents, etc. and close all programs **

Double-click TFC.exe
Click the Start button and, if prompted, click Yes to re-boot.

2 - Online Kaspersky Scan
Notes
Do NOT run this scan if you are on dial-up.
Java must be installed and enabled for the scan to work.
Disable your computer's antivirus program as leaving it active will cause conflicts
On August 8th, 2006 Kaspersky updated the software used for Free Online Virus Scanner. In order to continue using the online scanner you will need to uninstall the old version (if previously used) from your Add/Remove Programs list and then install the latest version.

• Close ALL programs and windows except for your browser
  Please go to >Online Kaspersky Scan< and perform an online antivirus scan.
  
• Read through the Requirements and limitations statement and click on the Accept button.
  
• You will be prompted to install an application from Kaspersky. Click the Run button. It will start downloading and installing the scanner and virus definitions.
  
• When the downloads have finished, the scrolling window will show 'Database is updated. Ready to scan'. Click on the Settings button at the bottom left.
  
• Make sure these boxes are checked/ticked. If they are not, please tick them and click on the Save button:
  • Spyware, Adware, Dialers, and other potentially dangerous programs
    
  • Archives
    
  • Mail databases
  
  
• Click on My Computer under Scan on the left. OK any warnings from your protection programs.
  
• Go for a long walk. Please be patient and let the scanner finish. It is better that you do NOT use the computer while the scan is running. Keep all other programs/windows closed.
  
• Once the scan is complete (the 'status' will show complete), click on View Scan Report and any infected objects will be shown.
  
• Click on Save Report As... and change the Files of type to Text file (.txt)
  
• Name the file KAVScan-ddmmyy before clicking on the Save button. Save the report to a convenient place - for example the Desktop.
  
• Please post this log in your next reply.

Note - enable your antivirus program before browsing away from the Kaspersky site.

Go to the Desktop and double-click on the Kaspersky report KAVScan-ddmmyy.txt, it will open in Notepad
Click Edit > Select all then Edit > Copy
Reply to this thread and paste (Ctrl+V) the report.

Thanks
Vino

[Peabody]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ONLINE SCANNER 7.0: scan report
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Kaspersky Online Scanner version: 7.0.26.13
Last database update: Saturday, November 14, 2009 18:16:51
Records in database: 3209212
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan settings:
scan using the following database: extended
Scan archives: yes
Scan e-mail databases: yes

Scan area - My Computer:
C:\
D:\
E:\
F:\
G:\
H:\
I:\

Scan statistics:
Objects scanned: 34223
Threats found: 0
Infected objects found: 0
Suspicious objects found: 0
Scan duration: 00:58:46

No threats found. Scanned area is clean.

Selected area has been scanned.

[Vino Rosso]

Well, the good news is that there doesn't appear to be any malware on your computer.

Are you still getting the error messages?

[Peabody]

Vino Rosso, on Nov 14 2009, 07:10 PM, said:

Well, the good news is that there doesn't appear to be any malware on your computer.

Are you still getting the error messages?

No more error messages, but still running very slow. Suggestions?

Thanks.

[Vino Rosso]

Peabody said:

... but still running very slow. Suggestions?

Thanks.

Depending *when* the computer runs slowly could be caused by different things.

Is it running slowly *all* the time, no matter whether you're, for example, looking at photos or typing a document?

Is it only running slowly when looking at web sites with your browser?

Can you please let me have any more detail about when the computer is running slowly. For example, when looking at photos it takes three minutes to open.

Thanks

[Peabody]

Opening different windows; i.e., Google, as one example and when trying to open software for photos from Kodak. Also slow opening OE.

It's not taking minutes, but 30-50 seconds.

Thanks Vino...

Vino Rosso, on Nov 15 2009, 04:36 AM, said:

Peabody said:

... but still running very slow. Suggestions?

Thanks.

Depending *when* the computer runs slowly could be caused by different things.

Is it running slowly *all* the time, no matter whether you're, for example, looking at photos or typing a document?

Is it only running slowly when looking at web sites with your browser?

Can you please let me have any more detail about when the computer is running slowly. For example, when looking at photos it takes three minutes to open.

Thanks

[Vino Rosso]

Hi Peabody

As you can see from this post >Slow Computer/browser? Check Here First; It May Not Be Malware< by Quietman, there can be many reasons why a computer runs a little more slowly than expected.

I would recommend starting with defragmenting the disk and seeing if that makes a difference:

Quote

Defrag your system. Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when a file is opened. Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on the hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. This speeds up reading and writing to the disk. Read "The Importance of Disk Defragmentation" for instructions.

Note: It is recommended to shut down all applications (including your Anti-virus) before running Defrag to ensure that no programs attempt to write to the drive while it is being defragmented. Not doing so may cause you to have to restart the entire process. If you have disabled all running programs and still find that the defrag routine is constantly interrupted, you can defrag from "Safe Mode".

[Peabody]

Hi Vino...I will give it a try. But I do regularly defrag. I am also seriously considering a switch to Firefox. However, I am in the process of checking out my harddrive. I installed a new one this past March and was advised that may be the problem and discovered I am still under warranty. Working on that now.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks much. Kathy

Vino Rosso, on Nov 18 2009, 06:27 AM, said:

Hi Peabody

As you can see from this post >Slow Computer/browser? Check Here First; It May Not Be Malware< by Quietman, there can be many reasons why a computer runs a little more slowly than expected.

I would recommend starting with defragmenting the disk and seeing if that makes a difference:

Quote

Defrag your system. Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when a file is opened. Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on the hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. This speeds up reading and writing to the disk. Read "The Importance of Disk Defragmentation" for instructions.

Note: It is recommended to shut down all applications (including your Anti-virus) before running Defrag to ensure that no programs attempt to write to the drive while it is being defragmented. Not doing so may cause you to have to restart the entire process. If you have disabled all running programs and still find that the defrag routine is constantly interrupted, you can defrag from "Safe Mode".

This post has been edited by Peabody: 20 November 2009 - 03:03 PM

[Vino Rosso]

Peabody said:

I'll keep you updated. Thanks much. Kathy

You're welcome.

Just a posting tip: if there is no need to quote the entire post you're replying to, you can use the button (found at the right top and bottom of the page) instead of the button (found under each post).

[Peabody]

Always an education and I love it. Thanks for the tip about "add reply". Thinking back, I recall someone else suggesting I use the add reply button.

I ran quite a few tests and all came out clean.

One thing I did do was download Firefox. Computer works so much faster. Actually quite amazed.

Still having a freeze-up once in a while and it seems to happen during the daily AVG scan. But, I don't want to worry about it now unless it becomes a real hardship or concern.

Thanks so much Vino. You're great. Thanks for everything and your time. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

This post has been edited by Peabody: 22 November 2009 - 11:51 PM

[Vino Rosso]

Peabody said:

Always an education and I love it. Thanks for the tip about "add reply". Thinking back, I recall someone else suggesting I use the add reply button.

You're welcome

Peabody said:

I ran quite a few tests and all came out clean.

Excellent!

Peabody said:

One thing I did do was download Firefox. Computer works so much faster. Actually quite amazed.

If you find things are slow with IE, it may be that an Add-on is causing a problem. Try running with 'vanilla' IE to see if that makes any difference.
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer (No Add-Ons)

Does IE load and run any quicker?
If so, you'll need to disable all the Add-ons then re-enable them one by one to discover which one is causing the problem.

Peabody said:

Still having a freeze-up once in a while and it seems to happen during the daily AVG scan. But, I don't want to worry about it now unless it becomes a real hardship or concern.

AVG does take up a lot of processing power when running a scan. I switched to Avast! for that reason.

Peabody said:

Thanks so much Vino. You're great. Thanks for everything and your time. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

No problem. Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

[Wingman]

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