Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

[Guest husky86]

I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

the problem:

 

In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

(Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

 

Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

 

1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

(Nothing found.)

2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

found.)

3. Defragmented the hard drive.

4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

processes associated with startup.

 

Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

 

We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

 

My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

think that it is a network problem.

 

If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest Terry R.]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

The date and time was 9/3/2008 7:55 PM, and on a whim, husky86 pounded

out on the keyboard:

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

 

What processes are running all the time? SWD takes a huge resource hit.

I can't believe disabling doesn't make "any" difference. I'm not

familiar with TF so I can't comment on it. Were any drivers updated

recently? It's not unusual to have buggy drivers.

 

On one network I admin, we've been going through and replacing slow

5,400 rpm drives with 7,200 rpm on laptops and workstations and

reinstalling XP slipstreamed with SP3 and all apps. It's been making a

huge difference to the users.

 

I would try to identify everything running in the background. I would

disconnect from the network and test how it runs standalone. Does it

work considerably faster in Safe Mode?

 

Report back,

 

--

Terry R.

 

***Reply Note***

Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

[Guest JS]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

You could check to see if there is specific system process

or an application running in the background that's taking all

(there are lot of sub-processes tied to the 'System' process)

the CPU resources and slowing down your PC.

 

To do this try Process Explorer:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/SystemInformation/ProcessExplorer.mspx

 

Once you have Process Explorer installed and running:

In the taskbar select View and check 'Show Process Tree' and 'Show Lower

Pane' options.

(This will provide some of the detailed info you need)

 

Next click on the CPU column to sort processes by %CPU usage.

Then click on and expand the 'System' or 'Explorer' process to expand

and identify if there is specific sub-process that's using most or all

the resources. Do all this without starting any other user applications.

 

Then start an application that is as you said "molasses in January"....

 

Watch process explorer for anything that rises to the top of

the %CPU usage list, you should also see a spike in the CPU graph

which is located near the top of the Process Explorer window.

 

Next click on the sub-process or process listed under the

System Process that's using most or all the CPU %.

(Note that at least one of these processes will be associated with the

application you started, look for any other process or processes that

are out of the norm or not associated with the application but is still

taking a significant percentage of the CPU)

 

Once the process or sub-process is highlighted,

right click and from the options listed select: Search Online.

This should display what out there on the web about that process.

 

Note: some entries like Explorer, System process (as explained above)

and svchost entries may need to be expanded to show the full detailed list

of all sub processes, in this case click on the + located to the left of the

entry.

 

JS

http://www.pagestart.com

 

 

"husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:39B3FC87-A28D-4126-86A0-9D453F50E08E@microsoft.com...

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation,

> so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

> with

> the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

> with

> the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest Daave]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

"husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:39B3FC87-A28D-4126-86A0-9D453F50E08E@microsoft.com...

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing

> situation, so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB

> hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up,

> including with

> the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates.

> (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all

> unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning

> Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above).

> The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings

> associated with

> the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the

> settings

> doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We

> don't

> think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem,

> please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

 

Here are the most common causes for PC slowness:

 

1. Malicious software (malware)

 

I didn't see any evidence of an antivirus program in your description.

Viruses, worms, etc. need to be ruled out.

 

2. Certain programs that are designed to combat malware (e.g., Norton,

McAfee, and perhaps Spyware Doctor). Ironically, they can slow things

down because they simply use way too many resources. Sometime they

cause conflicts with other programs. And their default mode is to scan

your entire hard drive each time you boot up.

 

3. Too many of *certain types* of programs always running in the

background -- with or without your knowledge.

 

Use these sites to determine what these programs are and to learn how to

configure them not to always run at startup:

 

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php#THE_PROGRAMS

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

 

Sometimes it is recommended to use msconfig to configure the programs to

not run at startup. A better, more thorough program is Autoruns:

 

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

 

4. Not enough RAM, which causes the PC to overly rely on the pagefile. A

quick way to determine if this is happening is to open Task Manager

(Ctrl+Alt+Del) and click the Performance tab. Then note the three values

under Commit Charge (K): in the lower left-hand corner: Total, Limit,

and Peak.

 

The Total figure represents the amount of memory you are using at that

very moment. The Peak figure represents the highest amount of memory you

used since last bootup. If both these figures are below the value of

Physical Memory (K) Total, then you probably have plenty of RAM.

Otherwise, you may want to explore this further by running Page File

Monitor for Windows XP:

 

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm

 

You stated there is 1 GB of RAM. Normally, that's plenty, but we need to

determine actual usage and needs.

 

5. You might also want to check that your wife's hard drive's access

mode didn't change from DMA to PIO:

 

http://www.technize.com/2007/08/02/is-your-hard-disk-cddvd-drives-too-slow-while-copying/

 

and

 

http://users.bigpond.net.au/ninjaduck/itserviceduck/udma_fix/

 

Finally, you might want to clean boot using these instructions:

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

 

How is performance under a clean boot? If it is still poor, there might

be a hardware issue. Also, have you checked Event Viewer yet?

 

If a clean boot results in improved performance, you may use process of

elimination to see what is mucking things up. Process Explorer

(mentioned by JS) can be a very useful tool, too.

[Guest husky86]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm not back at the office (her office) for a few

days but will report back when I've tried these suggestions.

 

Much appreciated!

 

 

"Terry R." wrote:

> The date and time was 9/3/2008 7:55 PM, and on a whim, husky86 pounded

> out on the keyboard:

>

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

>

> What processes are running all the time? SWD takes a huge resource hit.

> I can't believe disabling doesn't make "any" difference. I'm not

> familiar with TF so I can't comment on it. Were any drivers updated

> recently? It's not unusual to have buggy drivers.

>

> On one network I admin, we've been going through and replacing slow

> 5,400 rpm drives with 7,200 rpm on laptops and workstations and

> reinstalling XP slipstreamed with SP3 and all apps. It's been making a

> huge difference to the users.

>

> I would try to identify everything running in the background. I would

> disconnect from the network and test how it runs standalone. Does it

> work considerably faster in Safe Mode?

>

> Report back,

>

> --

> Terry R.

>

> ***Reply Note***

> Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

> Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

>

[Guest husky86]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm not back at the office (her office) for a few

days but will report back when I've tried these suggestions.

 

Much appreciated!

 

 

 

"JS" wrote:

> You could check to see if there is specific system process

> or an application running in the background that's taking all

> (there are lot of sub-processes tied to the 'System' process)

> the CPU resources and slowing down your PC.

>

> To do this try Process Explorer:

> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/SystemInformation/ProcessExplorer.mspx

>

> Once you have Process Explorer installed and running:

> In the taskbar select View and check 'Show Process Tree' and 'Show Lower

> Pane' options.

> (This will provide some of the detailed info you need)

>

> Next click on the CPU column to sort processes by %CPU usage.

> Then click on and expand the 'System' or 'Explorer' process to expand

> and identify if there is specific sub-process that's using most or all

> the resources. Do all this without starting any other user applications.

>

> Then start an application that is as you said "molasses in January"....

>

> Watch process explorer for anything that rises to the top of

> the %CPU usage list, you should also see a spike in the CPU graph

> which is located near the top of the Process Explorer window.

>

> Next click on the sub-process or process listed under the

> System Process that's using most or all the CPU %.

> (Note that at least one of these processes will be associated with the

> application you started, look for any other process or processes that

> are out of the norm or not associated with the application but is still

> taking a significant percentage of the CPU)

>

> Once the process or sub-process is highlighted,

> right click and from the options listed select: Search Online.

> This should display what out there on the web about that process.

>

> Note: some entries like Explorer, System process (as explained above)

> and svchost entries may need to be expanded to show the full detailed list

> of all sub processes, in this case click on the + located to the left of the

> entry.

>

> JS

> http://www.pagestart.com

>

>

> "husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:39B3FC87-A28D-4126-86A0-9D453F50E08E@microsoft.com...

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation,

> > so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> > Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> > it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> > forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> > uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> > (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> > Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

> > with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> > 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> > whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

> > with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

>

>

>

[Guest Curt Christianson]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

"Malware" is often one of the causes for this behavior. It usually takes

more than just one malware tool to completely rid a machine of all

offenders. One tool will pick up what another has missed. This MS article

is a good reference:

 

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

 

HTH,

--

Curt

 

http://dundats.mvps.org/

http://www.aumha.org/

http://dundats.mvps.org/AutoIt/default.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

"husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:39B3FC87-A28D-4126-86A0-9D453F50E08E@microsoft.com...

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation,

> so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

> with

> the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

> with

> the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest husky86]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Daave,

 

Many thanks for this info!

 

For information purposes, we are running a combination of ThreatFire

(spyware and antivirus (PC Tools)) along with Spyware Doctor.

 

Having these engaged or disengaged doesn't seem to make a difference with

regard to the slowness of the machine.

 

I will be checking into a lot of what you mentioned the next time I'm over

at her office. I will make sure to get back in touch.

 

Thanks again!

 

 

"Daave" wrote:

> "husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:39B3FC87-A28D-4126-86A0-9D453F50E08E@microsoft.com...

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing

> > situation, so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> > Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB

> > hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> > it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> > forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> > uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> > (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> > Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up,

> > including with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates.

> > (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all

> > unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning

> > Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> > 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above).

> > The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> > whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings

> > associated with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the

> > settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We

> > don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem,

> > please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

>

> Here are the most common causes for PC slowness:

>

> 1. Malicious software (malware)

>

> I didn't see any evidence of an antivirus program in your description.

> Viruses, worms, etc. need to be ruled out.

>

> 2. Certain programs that are designed to combat malware (e.g., Norton,

> McAfee, and perhaps Spyware Doctor). Ironically, they can slow things

> down because they simply use way too many resources. Sometime they

> cause conflicts with other programs. And their default mode is to scan

> your entire hard drive each time you boot up.

>

> 3. Too many of *certain types* of programs always running in the

> background -- with or without your knowledge.

>

> Use these sites to determine what these programs are and to learn how to

> configure them not to always run at startup:

>

> http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php#THE_PROGRAMS

> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

> http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

>

> Sometimes it is recommended to use msconfig to configure the programs to

> not run at startup. A better, more thorough program is Autoruns:

>

> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

>

> 4. Not enough RAM, which causes the PC to overly rely on the pagefile. A

> quick way to determine if this is happening is to open Task Manager

> (Ctrl+Alt+Del) and click the Performance tab. Then note the three values

> under Commit Charge (K): in the lower left-hand corner: Total, Limit,

> and Peak.

>

> The Total figure represents the amount of memory you are using at that

> very moment. The Peak figure represents the highest amount of memory you

> used since last bootup. If both these figures are below the value of

> Physical Memory (K) Total, then you probably have plenty of RAM.

> Otherwise, you may want to explore this further by running Page File

> Monitor for Windows XP:

>

> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm

>

> You stated there is 1 GB of RAM. Normally, that's plenty, but we need to

> determine actual usage and needs.

>

> 5. You might also want to check that your wife's hard drive's access

> mode didn't change from DMA to PIO:

>

> http://www.technize.com/2007/08/02/is-your-hard-disk-cddvd-drives-too-slow-while-copying/

>

> and

>

> http://users.bigpond.net.au/ninjaduck/itserviceduck/udma_fix/

>

> Finally, you might want to clean boot using these instructions:

>

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

>

> How is performance under a clean boot? If it is still poor, there might

> be a hardware issue. Also, have you checked Event Viewer yet?

>

> If a clean boot results in improved performance, you may use process of

> elimination to see what is mucking things up. Process Explorer

> (mentioned by JS) can be a very useful tool, too.

>

>

>

[Guest FClifton]

RE: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

I was having a similar problem, highlighted by deleting a desktop shortcut

taking like 20 seconds! Searching on the web led me to a discussion about

cleaning the Recycle Bin. The discussion said that a Recycle Bin with a lot

of files could slow things down. So I emptied the Recycle Bin, and when I

did I had a couple of files that wouldn't empty. I ran Chkdsk with options

checked so that it ran at boot time. Chkdsk found some errors and fixed

them, and then I could completely empty the Recycle Bin. Since that time the

slowdown has been eliminated!

 

"husky86" wrote:

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest husky86]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Thanks for this!

 

Just wanted to quickly point out one thing I forgot to mention in my initial

post: we also ran Microsoft's Malicious Software removal tool (not sure if

that is the official title or not, but something close to this). This didn't

have an effect upon the computer's speed either.

 

But I will definitely review the article you have noted an employ its

recommendations.

 

 

 

"Curt Christianson" wrote:

> "Malware" is often one of the causes for this behavior. It usually takes

> more than just one malware tool to completely rid a machine of all

> offenders. One tool will pick up what another has missed. This MS article

> is a good reference:

>

> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

>

> HTH,

> --

> Curt

>

> http://dundats.mvps.org/

> http://www.aumha.org/

> http://dundats.mvps.org/AutoIt/default.aspx

>

>

>

>

>

> "husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:39B3FC87-A28D-4126-86A0-9D453F50E08E@microsoft.com...

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation,

> > so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> > Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> > it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> > forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> > uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> > (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> > Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

> > with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> > 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> > whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

> > with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

>

>

>

[Guest husky86]

RE: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Very interesting!

 

I'm going to contact my wife tomorrow at work and lead her step-by-step

through this process. It's something I'm excited about trying first and

foremost.

 

Will report back.

 

Many thanks!

 

 

"FClifton" wrote:

> I was having a similar problem, highlighted by deleting a desktop shortcut

> taking like 20 seconds! Searching on the web led me to a discussion about

> cleaning the Recycle Bin. The discussion said that a Recycle Bin with a lot

> of files could slow things down. So I emptied the Recycle Bin, and when I

> did I had a couple of files that wouldn't empty. I ran Chkdsk with options

> checked so that it ran at boot time. Chkdsk found some errors and fixed

> them, and then I could completely empty the Recycle Bin. Since that time the

> slowdown has been eliminated!

>

> "husky86" wrote:

>

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Help! My computer is slow!

http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-my-computer-is-slow.html

 

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

 

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log

to an appropriate forum.

 

Checking for/Help with Hijackware

http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878

http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction

http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

 

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2

(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in

conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on

its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any

hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to

http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,

http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,

http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review

by an expert in such matters, not here.**

 

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this

isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

 

 

husky86 wrote:

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation,

> so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

> with the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

> with the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the

> settings doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed.

> We don't think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest husky86]

RE: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Was able to run CHKDSK and check the trash today -- trash being almost empty

initially and CHKDSK didn't find any errors.

 

But definitely a good thought!

 

 

"FClifton" wrote:

> I was having a similar problem, highlighted by deleting a desktop shortcut

> taking like 20 seconds! Searching on the web led me to a discussion about

> cleaning the Recycle Bin. The discussion said that a Recycle Bin with a lot

> of files could slow things down. So I emptied the Recycle Bin, and when I

> did I had a couple of files that wouldn't empty. I ran Chkdsk with options

> checked so that it ran at boot time. Chkdsk found some errors and fixed

> them, and then I could completely empty the Recycle Bin. Since that time the

> slowdown has been eliminated!

>

> "husky86" wrote:

>

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest husky86]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Went through the "Help! My Computer Is Slow!" document very carefully.

Followed every step (if I hadn't taken no steps already). But still no

improvement.

 

I'm going to be further investigating the idea that there may be programs on

the hard drive that are unknown (as per

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315). Will get back to you on this.

 

many thanks!

 

 

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Help! My computer is slow!

> http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-my-computer-is-slow.html

>

> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

>

> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log

> to an appropriate forum.

>

> Checking for/Help with Hijackware

> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878

> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction

> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm

> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html

> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

>

> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2

> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in

> conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on

> its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any

> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to

> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,

> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,

> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review

> by an expert in such matters, not here.**

>

> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this

> isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>

>

> husky86 wrote:

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation,

> > so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

> > Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

> > it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

> > forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

> > uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

> > (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

> > Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

> > with the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

> > 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

> > whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

> > with the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the

> > settings doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed.

> > We don't think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

>

>

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

You're welcome. You may as well skip straight to...

>> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis

>> log to an appropriate forum...

 

 

husky86 wrote:

> Went through the "Help! My Computer Is Slow!" document very carefully.

> Followed every step (if I hadn't taken no steps already). But still no

> improvement.

>

> I'm going to be further investigating the idea that there may be programs

> on

> the hard drive that are unknown (as per

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315). Will get back to you on this.

>

> many thanks!

>

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>

>> Help! My computer is slow!

>> http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-my-computer-is-slow.html

>>

>> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

>>

>> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis

>> log to an appropriate forum.

>>

>> Checking for/Help with Hijackware

>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

>> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878

>> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction

>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm

>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html

>> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

>> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

>> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

>>

>> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2

>> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use

>> (in conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix

>> anything on its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any

>> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to

>> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,

>> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,

>> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for

>> review

>> by an expert in such matters, not here.**

>>

>> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting

>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

>> shop.

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>

>>

>> husky86 wrote:

>>> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing

>>> situation,

>>> so

>>> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

>>> Here's

>>> the problem:

>>>

>>> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

>>> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB

>>> hard

>>> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

>>> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that

>>> it's

>>> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes

>>> forever

>>> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or

>>> uninstalling

>>> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>>>

>>> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>>>

>>> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

>>> (Nothing found.)

>>> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire.

>>> (Nothing

>>> found.)

>>> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

>>> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and

>>> Registry

>>> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including

>>> with the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

>>> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates.

>>> (Did

>>> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

>>> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all

>>> unnecessary

>>> processes associated with startup.

>>>

>>> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

>>> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>>>

>>> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

>>> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>>>

>>> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

>>> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex

>>> 8200

>>> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

>>> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems

>>> whatsoever

>>> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated

>>> with the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the

>>> settings doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall

>>> speed.

>>> We don't think that it is a network problem.

>>>

>>> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

>>> pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest jbarnes]

RE: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Yes you need to identify anything that is running including services. Some

viruses setup services this will slow your pc way down. If it were a network

problem it would most likely affect all pcs hooked to that network.

 

"husky86" wrote:

> I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> the problem:

>

> In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

>

> Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

>

> 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> (Nothing found.)

> 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> found.)

> 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> processes associated with startup.

>

> Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

>

> We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

>

> My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> think that it is a network problem.

>

> If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> pass them along. Much appreciated!

[Guest husky86]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

Sorry that it has taken me so long to report on this situation, but I did

have the opportunity to analyze the entire situation once again at my wife's

office today. Here is a brief report:

 

Everything still runs INCREDIBLY SLOW -- no change in the launching and/or

running of programs, for instance -- when operating in Safe Mode (without

networking). There is absolutely no change whatsoever in the speed of this

system when operating in Safe Mode. (Molasses in January!)

 

I'm assuming that this points more towards a hardware problem rather than a

software problem...?

 

In running Process Explorer, I could not find more than a couple of

processes that were unnecessary/unidentified. After stopping these processes

there was no change in overall performance. None whatsoever. (But then again,

considering the system operates the same in Safe Mode, this is no big

surprise.)

 

Quitting both Spyware Doctor and ThreatFire did not change the performance

of the system at all.

 

Bottom line: nothing seems to improve the speed/performance of this system.

 

There was only one process, by the way, that I couldn't identify (going to

http://www.processlibrary.com or searching on Google): lap.exe -- does anyone happen

to know what this is all about? Some sites are reporting it as potential

spyware, other sites reported as a virus, still other sites say it's not

harmful and part of the system software. The listed manufacturer -- through

Process Explorer -- is Dell Computer.

 

When this process was taken out of the equation -- manually stopping the

process in Process Explorer -- nothing changed with the performance of the

system, by the way.

 

Thanks again!

 

 

 

"Terry R." wrote:

> The date and time was 9/3/2008 7:55 PM, and on a whim, husky86 pounded

> out on the keyboard:

>

> > I've presently exhausted all ideas about tackling this ongoing situation, so

> > I thought I would turn to this forum to see if anyone has any ideas. Here's

> > the problem:

> >

> > In my wife's office at work she is using a Dell OptiPlex 8200 system

> > (Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3), 80 GB hard

> > drive (60% full)). During the past couple of months, her system has

> > experienced a TREMENDOUS slowdown. The best way to describe it is that it's

> > like trying to move through "molasses in January".... it just takes forever

> > to accomplish anything like loading applications, installing or uninstalling

> > programs, completing tasks within applications, etc.

> >

> > Here are the steps that I've taken to address this problem:

> >

> > 1. Ran a complete spyware check with full version of Spyware Doctor.

> > (Nothing found.)

> > 2. Ran a complete virus and rootkit check with PC Tools ThreatFire. (Nothing

> > found.)

> > 3. Defragmented the hard drive.

> > 4. Ran latest version of CCleaner to clean up underlying System and Registry

> > processes. (This process found a number of things to clean up, including with

> > the Registry, but the overall speed was not improved... at all!)

> > 5. Made sure that Windows XP Professional has all the latest updates. (Did

> > this prior to installing Service Pack 3, not the other way around.)

> > 6. Installed Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel. Turned off all unnecessary

> > processes associated with startup.

> >

> > Presently we are running Spyware Doctor (all the time). Turning Spyware

> > Doctor off (disabling) doesn't make any difference.

> >

> > We are also running ThreatFire. Like with Spyware Doctor, disabling

> > ThreatFire doesn't make any difference either.

> >

> > My wife is connected to a small network with 2 other desktop computers

> > through a Linksys router (the other 2 computers are also Dell OptiPlex 8200

> > systems, identical to hers as far as the configuration noted above). The

> > other 2 computers in the office are not experiencing any problems whatsoever

> > with speed slowdowns. We have played around with the settings associated with

> > the network, e.g. sharing certain folders, etc., but changing the settings

> > doesn't seem to make any difference with regard to overall speed. We don't

> > think that it is a network problem.

> >

> > If anyone has any ideas as to how we might approach this problem, please

> > pass them along. Much appreciated!

>

> What processes are running all the time? SWD takes a huge resource hit.

> I can't believe disabling doesn't make "any" difference. I'm not

> familiar with TF so I can't comment on it. Were any drivers updated

> recently? It's not unusual to have buggy drivers.

>

> On one network I admin, we've been going through and replacing slow

> 5,400 rpm drives with 7,200 rpm on laptops and workstations and

> reinstalling XP slipstreamed with SP3 and all apps. It's been making a

> huge difference to the users.

>

> I would try to identify everything running in the background. I would

> disconnect from the network and test how it runs standalone. Does it

> work considerably faster in Safe Mode?

>

> Report back,

>

> --

> Terry R.

>

> ***Reply Note***

> Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

> Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

>

[Guest Daave]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

"husky86" <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:07A05B77-49CC-44B9-BFB1-820A17FBF166@microsoft.com...

> There was only one process, by the way, that I couldn't identify

> (going to

> http://www.processlibrary.com or searching on Google): lap.exe -- does anyone

> happen

> to know what this is all about? Some sites are reporting it as

> potential

> spyware, other sites reported as a virus, still other sites say it's

> not

> harmful and part of the system software. The listed manufacturer --

> through

> Process Explorer -- is Dell Computer.

 

Look here:

http://www.threatexpert.com/files/lap.exe.html

 

You need to attack this more aggressively! Please visit:

 

http://www.claymania.com/removal-trojan-adware.html

[Guest Plato]

Re: Windows XP Pro system has slowed to a crawl...

 

=?Utf-8?B?aHVza3k4Ng==?= wrote:

>

> Everything still runs INCREDIBLY SLOW -- no change in the launching and/or

 

Delete all windows temp/tmp files. Delete all temporary internet cache

files. Uninstall any programs you no longer use. Empty the recycle bin.

Do a degfrag.

 

--

http://www.bootdisk.com/