[Solved] Internet searches are often very slow

[john-the-plotter]

My PC runs xp home with sp3 with 2gb of ram and a 80gb hard disc that is only half full.

 

I use Firefox as my browser with Google Uk as home page.

Just recently it has gone very slow when trying to access websites or web pages.

The green circle that says connecting spins for ages sometimes before it connects. It did it when I tried to access freepchelp amongst others.

I have just looked at CPU usage and it is betwwen about 58-68% at the moment, no other programs running only internet and background things like firewall and av.

The Pc has been recently virus scanned and Defragged. The internet history and cache is clear.

The internet connection shows as excellant signal strength running at 300.0 mps consistantly.

 

It has not always been slow just in the last couple of weeks really.

 

Any ideas guys.

[KenB]

Hi John

 

Run malwarebytes on your system.

( this is different from an AntiVirus )

 

click here

 

Just run MBAM and copy the results here please.

 

==================

 

Also run a speed test from here - click here

wait for the green "Begin Test" button.

Let us know the results

[john-the-plotter]

Hi Ken

I have run malwarebytes a couple of days ago and all it found was one pup which I quarantined. I also have run it fairly regular prior to that maybe once a fortnight and it only finds the odd pup

 

Speed test shows Ping 305ms Download speed 3.54mbps upload speed 0.30 mbps

Tried it a second time ping 289ms download 3.80 upload 0.31

[KenB]

Hi John

 

Download speed 3.54mbps

Is this what you are paying for ? 4 Mb/s

 

PUPs ( potentially unwanted programs ) are not generally considered a problem.

 

Try a different browser.

See if you get the same problems.

[Plastic Nev]

As an extra, I found this morning that Firefox has an update out to version 33.0, be worth checking that in case it improves anything too.

 

Nev.

[john-the-plotter]

I have isolated part of the problem, which was that I had microsoft security essentials running. This was taking up a large chunk of my cpu useage.

I have now disabled it, and want to remove it completely but MSI does not work.

I have tried microsoft fixes but they don't work either. Is there any way I can get MSI repaired or removed and reinstalled.

[KenB]

Not sure if you have tried the removal tool or not - click here

[ The blue button ]

 

Any AV is going to up the CPU % if it is running in the background.

 

If you are removing MSE( I don't think starbuck or etavares .... our security experts ..recommend this now ) then you will need an alternative.

I know they have recommended Avast and Avira in the past ( Free AVs )

 

Try the removal tool and let us know how you get on.

[john-the-plotter]

Hi Ken

tried your link and just the same as last night. It lets you download the program, but when you try and install it is say it cannot because of a problem with MSI.

Searching the web I found a supposed Microsoft fix for this problem which I downloaded; it is a cabinet file, but they don't give any instructions of how to run or install it.

A Microsoft fix to fix a fix, arn't they good !

 

I already have Avast so I am protected,

Things are still slow and now tonight my connection keeps dropping ( this doesn't usually happen).

Maybe I need to get my service checked out (plus net)

 

Thanks

John

[Starbuck]

Hi John,

 

Running 2 AV's at the same time will cause all sorts of problems.

MS has stopped updating MSSE on Win XP systems.

If there are problems, MSSE can be removed manually.

If you download the following program, run it and post the reports..... i'll be able to write a script for you that will remove MSSE.

 

For x32 bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your Desktop.

• Double-click the downloaded icon to run the tool. Vista/Windows 7/8 users right-click and select Run As Administrator
   
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/frsticon_zpsdc3cbdc3.png
   
  
• When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
   
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/frstdis_zps7f598f12.png
   
  
• Make sure that Addition.txt is selected at the bottom
  
• Press Scan button.
   
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/newfrst_zpsa63ffa3d.png
   
  
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply.
  
• The first time the tool is run, it also makes another log (Addition.txt). Please copy and paste it to your reply also.
  

 

Please post both reports and then i'll be able to help you.

 

Thanks

[john-the-plotter]

[ATTACH]1307.vB5-legacyid=2320[/ATTACH][ATTACH]1308.vB5-legacyid=2321[/ATTACH]

 

 

Hope iv'e upload this right ?

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

[Starbuck]

Hi John,

 

It seems that there's a couple of conflicts that isn't helping.

 

Step 1

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file (bottom of this post) and save it to C:\Documents and Settings\john\My Documents\Downloads.

NOTE.

It's important that both files, FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

 

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine.

Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system

 

Re-run FRST/FRST64 (which ever is installed ) and press the Fix button just once and wait.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/frstfix_zps7db0c905.png

 

The tool will make a log in the Download folder (Fixlog.txt). Please post this in your next reply.

 

 

Step 2

This needs attention:

 

==================== Faulty Device Manager Devices =============

 

Could not list Devices. Check "winmgmt" service or repair WMI.

 

Please download Windows Repair (all in one)

 

 

• Double click on the icon to install the program. Vista/Windows 7/8 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.
  When the program opens:
  
• Follow the Power reset advice in Step 1.
  
• Click on the step 3: Optional tab. and allow it to run Disk check
   
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/tweak1_zps4d3bfc7a.png
   
  
• Once that is done then go to step 4: Optional and allow it to run SFC
   
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/starbuck50/twaek2_zpsc17abe58.png
   
  
• When finished, click on the Repairs tab and then click on Open Repairs
  
• Please disable your Anti Virus program before running the repair option.
   
  
• Please tick to select N/o 05 (Repair WMI)
   
  
• Click Start Repairs
   
  
• If asked to backup the registry and Create a fresh Restore point... allow it to do so.
   
  DON'T use the computer while each scan is in progress.
   
  
• A restart may be needed to finish the repair procedure.
  

 

 

In your next reply, please submit:

Fixlog.txt

and let me know if the system is running any better.

 

 

Thanks.

fixlist.txt

[john-the-plotter]

Here is the fix file log. [ATTACH]1311.vB5-legacyid=2324[/ATTACH]

 

I have not had chance to see if the pc is running any better or to run the tweaking program.

That may well be after the weekend.

 

One thing I think is corrupt or not working properly is the msi file ( this was before the fix, don't know if it is now fixed)

 

I had problems with my printer Kodak espC310 and decided to unistall the software. Now it won't load it again no matter what I try,(but that is a side issue ), would the msi fault be the problem ?

 

 

Thanks

John

Fixlog.txt

[john-the-plotter]

Hi Starbuck

Couldn't sleep so I decided to run the tweaking program.

Followed all your steps and it seems to have made the Pc faster in response. I tried a couple of websites and that seems to be a lot faster in access. During the repair when using SFC it asks for the disc each time it wants a file (over 200 times) so I guess that isn't working.

Is it worth running SFC again to see if tweaking repair has fixed that?

 

I have tried reinstalling my printer program again, both off the net and off the disc but it still wont install.

Should I go to the printer forum with this or is it connected to my other problems ?

 

Thanks

John

[Starbuck]

Hi John,

 

it seems to have made the Pc faster in response. I tried a couple of websites and that seems to be a lot faster in access.

That's good to hear. :)

 

During the repair when using SFC it asks for the disc each time it wants a file (over 200 times) so I guess that isn't working.

Yes, that's to be expected.

When running SFC on Win XP it will ask for the installation disc if it needs to replace something.

Later versions of Windows don't have this problem.

We can get around that though.

 

I have tried reinstalling my printer program again, both off the net and off the disc but it still wont install.

Should I go to the printer forum with this or is it connected to my other problems ?

This is probably due to the MSI problem.

Sorry, i didn't read that part of the thread earlier.... my bad. :(

 

If i had read that earlier we could have saved this step............

The program you downloaded (Windows Repair) can repair this.

 

Step 1

Open the Windows Repair program again.

Skip the first parts as you have already done this.........

• Click on the Repairs tab and then click on Open Repairs
  
• Please disable your Anti Virus program before running the repair option.
  
• Please tick to select N/o 21 (Repair MSI)
  Also tick:
  26 (Restore Important Windows Services)
  27 (Set Windows Services to Default Startup) .... just so that we cover all bases.
  
• Click Start Repairs
  
• If asked to backup the registry and Create a fresh Restore point... allow it to do so.
  

DON'T use the computer while each scan is in progress.

A restart may be needed to finish the repair procedure.

 

Hopefully this should sort out the MSI problem.

 

 

Step 2

Now back to the SFC problem. ( i take you don't have the installation disc? )

XP will search for any files it needs to replace... but it always looks in the CD rom drive (for the disc)

We can change it so that it will look on your system.

Only follow these instructions if you are comfortable with editing the registry.

As a safe guard... FRST will have already backed your registry up and the previously Run 'Windows Repair', will have created a fresh restore point and also made a registry backup.

 

Click Start >> Run then type in regedit and then click OK

 

Navigate to the following key:

 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

 

You will see various entries Values on the right hand side.

 

The one we want is called: SourcePath

 

It probably has an entry pointing to your CD-ROM drive, usually D ( but in your case it may be E )and that is why it is asking for the XP CD.

All we need to do is change it to: C:

Now, double click the SourcePath setting and a new box will pop up.

Change the drive letter from your CD drive to your root drive, usually C:

Close Registry Editor.

 

Now restart your computer and try sfc again. (you can use the following instructions instead of running the Windows Repair program )

 

Click Start >> Programs >> Accessories,

Now right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

Type the following command, and then press the ENTER key on the keyboard: (the space is meant to be there between the c and the / )

sfc /scannow

 

The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

 

Let me know how things go.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Starbuck

[john-the-plotter]

Hi Starbuck

I followed your first repair and then tried the Kodak installation again, but still no luck.

It accepts the disc and takes me throught the process, but at the end just keeps saying "installation unsucessful plase try again"

 

With regards to SFC, I have the xp disc and this is a full xp home disc with sp3 , bought as new a few years back when I had other problems.

At the time I did a format and full install.

When I run SFC it starts and then asks me for the disc. I put the disc in the drive and each time it wants a file it asks me for the disc; so I have to sit there through the check pressing the retry button each time.

I have not yet done any of your suggestions with regards to SFC and will wait for your further instuctions.

 

 

Thanks

John

[Starbuck]

Hi John,

 

As you have the disc, making the registry change is not needed.

 

With the problems you are encountering, it may be best to run a repair install.

Although a Repair Install should not affect any of your data, it is always good to be prepared in case something goes wrong. Back up your essential files to an external drive, CD/DVD, or another form of storage.

 

There's a helpful guide Here to explain exactly what is needed.

 

Note to other members:

This problem is not related to malware, so other members may offer advice.

[john-the-plotter]

Hi Starbuck

I have done the repair install and then microsoft updates 128 of them.

Also managed to load my printer software, so I think I am back to normal now.

 

Many thanks for all your help and advice.

Cheers John

[Starbuck]

Glad to hear that the repair install worked.

It was the quickest and easiest way to sort the multiple problems.

 

Glad I was able to help.

 

Safe surfing. http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/033/b/3/Computer_addict__by_Sinister_Starfeesh.gif