Delayed startup since Win Updates

[cyberdyne]

Hi,

My laptop has recently been experiencing a long delay of up to two minutes in loading any startup items after boot / reboot. The system loads and displays the Windows Start screen, after which I usually immediately click the Desktop icon and await the loading of all my auto-startup programs including Privatefirewall, A.V.G., S.A.S., PeerBlock, etc.

However, since performing the latest Windows Updates on or just after 'update Tuesday', there is a delay - or apparent hang - of up to two minutes, in between the time the desktop displays and my first auto-startup program icon appears in the taskbar. Loading Task Manager to view running processes is also unresponsive, and only eventually appears after this initial, strange, delay. I have managed to take a screen shot (below) as soon as Task Manager does appear, which shows that the disc is almost 100% in use, and always by two instances of Service host:Local System.

 

I have tried disabling (and rebooting after) all startup items one-by-one but none have fixed the issue. I've also removed AVG - and reinstalled - again, no fix.

 

What can I do to try and fault-find and hopefully solve this issue please?

Thank you in advance.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1467.vB5-legacyid=2554[/ATTACH]

[Starbuck]

Hi cyberdyne

 

Normally this type of problem is down to a conflict between 3rd party programs.

 

Let's see if this is the case here.

 

Let's see if the system performs better using a Clean Boot.

 

 

• point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
  
• Type msconfig in the search box, and then click msconfig.
  
• On the Services tab of the System Configuration dialog box, click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click Disable all. <<<<<<<<<<< Important
  
• On the Startup tab of the System Configuration dialog box, click Open Task Manager.
  
• On the Startup tab in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then click Disable.
  
• When finished, Close Task Manager.
  
• On the Startup tab of the System Configuration dialog box, click OK, and then restart the computer.
  

 

Now see if the system is any faster.

If it is, then the problem lies with one or more of the programs that has been disabled.

 

After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start normally.

 

• point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
  
• Type msconfig in the search box, and then click msconfig.
  
• On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option.
  
• click the Services tab, clear the check box beside Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Enable all.
  
• click the Startup tab, and then click Open Task Manager.
  
• In task manager, enable all of your startup programs, and then click OK.
  
• When you are prompted to restart the computer, tap or click Restart.
  

[cyberdyne]

Thanks for your reply Starbuck.

I don't think I explained clearly but I had actually tried all you suggested already but decided to give it another go anyway. After stopping everything from loading and uninstalling AVG once again I loaded everything back up - minus the now unavailable AVG. Loading was indeed better so I took the plunge and reinstalled AVG. The issue returned.

I'm pretty sure now that the cause is the recently updated AVG (2016.0.7227) with the new 'AVG Zen' control panel. I've never been a huge fan of AVG to be honest but it was the lesser of a few evils when I installed it and of course it's free. I'm therefore now on the hunt for a new A/V to hopefully correct the issue. Any suggestions appreciated.

Cheers again.

Edited November 13, 2015 by cyberdyne

[Starbuck]

Hi cyberdyne,

 

Although you have uninstalled AVG, there is a removal tool that should also be run.

AVG is known for leaving bits behind and you'll want to make sure it's all gone before installing a new AV.

 

You can download the AVG removal tool from:

Here (England)

or

Here (USA)

 

Choose the version that relates to your Operating System..... 32bit or 64bit.

 

download to your desktop.

then double click to start the uninstaller.

Windows 7,8 and 10 users... right click on the downloaded file and select Run as Administrator

 

I'm therefore now on the hunt for a new A/V to hopefully correct the issue. Any suggestions appreciated.

As you are using Win8 ... it does have the newer version of Windows Defender preinstalled. ( it's more or less the same as Microsoft Security Essentials)

You could turn that on and give it a try.

This will explain everything:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-turn-on-defender-in-windows-8-3466684/

 

or if you prefer something else...........

• Avira AntiVir
  
• Bitdefender Free
  

[cyberdyne]

Hi cyberdyne,

 

Although you have uninstalled AVG, there is a removal tool that should also be run.

AVG is known for leaving bits behind and you'll want to make sure it's all gone before installing a new AV.

 

You can download the AVG removal tool from:

Here (England)

or

Here (USA)

 

Choose the version that relates to your Operating System..... 32bit or 64bit.

 

download to your desktop.

then double click to start the uninstaller.

Windows 7,8 and 10 users... right click on the downloaded file and select Run as Administrator

 

 

As you are using Win8 ... it does have the newer version of Windows Defender preinstalled. ( it's more or less the same as Microsoft Security Essentials)

You could turn that on and give it a try.

This will explain everything:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-turn-on-defender-in-windows-8-3466684/

 

or if you prefer something else...........

• Avira AntiVir
  
• Bitdefender Free
  

 

The uninstall tool didn't appear to find anything as I usually run CCleaner's Registry Cleaner after any uninstall but no harm done.

 

My system didn't like Bit Defender. It locked up a few times so I got rid of it before it caused any damage. I've enabled and updated Windows Defender to see what it's like and I've also installed VoodooShield on advice received elsewhere as it will also protect against CryptoWare.

 

Fingers crossed!

Thanks again.

[Starbuck]

I've also installed VoodooShield on advice received elsewhere as it will also protect against CryptoWare.

I haven't actually tried that program, but have heard some good things.

Let us know how you get on with it.

[cyberdyne]

Initial findings are very good. Developers provide good feedback (here) and support is pretty fast. Disappointing their web account password reset is a simple plain text email (!!) but Im onto them about that.