Slow Sony Vaio

[dan_didit]

Hi - im new here, so hello :)

Recently my computer (Sony Vaio VGN-NR11S/S) has been running very slowly, and had a few problems with IE too. It randomly decides to "not respond" and closes periodically. I have some tools that I use quite a bit such as CCleaner and AVG to try and keep my PC up to scratch, but it has got the better of me this time.

I did used to be a member of another forum online just like this, where they used to ask me to download Hyjackthis and post logs on their forum, but never really seemed to work too well.

I would appreciate any advice/help please

Dan

[Match]

Hi Dan

 

First off AVG 8 free is not the best around in fact lately we have had a lot of problems with it ;) and I don't think there is anyone here that would recommend it.

 

Second CCleaner is good but dangerous, have you been using the registry cleaner or just the file cleaner?

 

Third sounds like you have a spyware problem.

 

So for a quick start try using this SUPERAntiSpyware.com - AntiAdware, AntiSpyware, AntiMalware! and let us know how you get on.

[dan_didit]

Blimey that was a rapid response! :)

 

I did wonder about AVG actually, I have a scheduled scan every day, and it hasn't picked up anything for months. Maybe I should remove it?

 

I love CCleaner, why is it dangerous? I use both the file and registry cleaner :/

 

Dan

[Match]

CCleaner

 

Because its to good ! If your not careful and don't check what its about to remove it can cause all sorts of problems but I don't think it's an issue as to why your pc is running slow just a warning to be careful with it. as we have quite a few problems with registry caused by this application.

 

As for AVG, well that's what I did after it let my hard drive get infected then told me about it and then to add insult to injury couldn't remove the infection and suggested I upgrade to the paid version (Bye Bye AVG).

 

Here's a LINK to our recommended products.

 

And I like CCleaner as well, but would'nt recommend it for an inexperienced user and I don't use it on a regular basis, but for when I have a specific problem ;)

[Tootech]

Just to add to Match's post....

 

What other maintenance do you do - e.g. deleting temporary files/folders, defrag of the hard drive.

 

A basic maintenance clean up would for me consist of:

 

1) Clear out User Profile temp files and Windows Temp files.

2) Run a spyware/ virus scan.

3) Run a defrag of the hard drive.

4) Optimise the startup programs.

5) When all is done and you are happy, remove all of the old Restore Points.

 

Then see how the performance is looking.

 

Registry cleaners have a place ,but some of them trash your registry.

 

CCleaner I believe is fairly gentle on the registry compared to some programs.

 

From my own experience I'd say that I have gained some satisfaction seeing all the rubbish removed from the registry, but not seen any performance gain.

 

I have also trashed a system temporarily using a CCleaner to clean a registry - for no apparent reason.

 

Most of your performace gains will come from the other maintenance, so I'd stick with that and see where it takes you.

 

For free antivirus programs, try Avast or Antivir - both good, thorough and free.

[dan_didit]

Thanks for your help guys :)

 

Im always maintaining my PC. I use the defragmenter all the time (been using the Windows version, but I think O&O Defrag is better?), I have just removed all the old restore points, apart from the last one. I thought CCleaner cleared out the temporary files though?

 

I have just downloaded SUPERAntispyware and it's running a scan as we speak, so far found one threat (AVG failed!)

[Tootech]

O & O is great - Mr Dalo Harkin himself uses it!

 

I thought CCleaner cleared out the temporary files though?

 

Have a nosey here, you will probably find more files that ought to be deleted. CCleaner doesn't shift these.

 

C:\Documents and Settings\User_Name\Local Settings\temp

 

User_Name being the logon name

[dan_didit]

Brilliant, just removed a shed load more from there. Lots of very odd looking icons and weather icons (clouds and stuff, very strange!)

 

SUPERAntispyware still running, now with 3 threats.

 

Im off for this evening, but I shall be back with results tommorow.

 

Thanks again guys :)

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

I would also reccommend doing these steps:

Note: Do not clear your restore points if your computer is not functioning normally. Only do step 5 once your computer is running smoothly.

 

Your computer appears to be infected with Malware. Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a combination of the words malicious and software. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

 

 

 

It is in your best interest to note the following:

1. Please disable your resident security applications (such as AVG, Spybot, WinPatrol, etc.) before performing the below procedure so that they do not interfere with the process.
   
2. Perform all the steps in the order listed to avoid any conflicts.
   
3. If unsure, please stop and voice your doubts.
   
4. You might be required to go offline during the disinfection process. Therefore, it is recommended to print off the instructions below for ease of reference.
   

If you stick to the above guidelines, all should go smoothly.

 

 

 

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

STEP 1

1. Download ATF-Cleaner by Atribune.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click on the file to run the program.
   
4. On the Main tab, check the Select All button.
   
5. Next, click on the Firefox tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Firefox, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
6. Now, click on the Opera tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Opera, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
7. Press the Empty Selected button and click OK to acknowledge the corresponding prompt.
   
8. Click on the Exit button to quit the program.
   

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

STEP 2

1. Please click here to download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. At the end, make sure a check mark is placed next to:
   1. 
      
   2. Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      
   3. Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      

[*]Click Finish.

[*]The program will download and update itself if it finds the necessity to do so. Please allow this.

[*]Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.

 

Note: Depending on your computer specifications, the scan may take some time to complete. Please wait patiently and do not interrupt the process.

[*]When the scan is complete, click OK, and then Show Results to view the results.

[*]Make sure that every entry is selected, and click Remove Selected.

[*]Restart your computer.

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

STEP 3

1. Please click here to download SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version).
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
   
5. Under Configuration and Preferences, click the Preferences button.
   
6. Click the Scanning Control tab.
   
7. Under Scanner Options make sure the following fields checked:

   [*]Click the Close button to leave the control center screen.

   [*]On the main screen, under Scan for Harmful Software click Scan your computer.

   [*]On the left, make sure you check mark All the Fixed Drives.

   [*]On the right, under Complete Scan, choose Perform Complete Scan.

   [*]Click Next to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.

   [*]After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click OK.

   [*]Make sure every entry has a check mark next to it and click Next.

   [*]A notification will appear that Quarantine and Removal is Complete. Click OK and then Finish to return to the main menu.

   [*]Restart your computer.

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

   STEP 4
   1. Please visit the ESET Online Scanner, using Internet Explorer to initiate the scan.
       
      Note: If you are running Windows Vista, then you will need Administrative privileges to complete the latter part of the procedure. To do so, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Start Menu and select the Run As Administrator option in the shell context menu.
      
   2. Check mark the YES, I accept the Terms of Use box.
      
   3. Click the Start button.
      
   4. Click the Install button on the following screen.
      
   5. Click Start. This will will initialize and update the scanner engine.
      
   6. Check mark the box beside Remove found threats.
      
   7. Click the Scan button. This will start the scan. Please be patient while it is in progress.
      
   8. Restart your computer.
      

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

   STEP 5
   1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select System Restore.
      
   2. Choose the radio button marked Create a Restore Point on the first screen and click Next. Give the restore point a name then click Create. The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a note of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
      
   3. Next, click on Start > Run, type Cleanmgr and click on OK.
      
   4. Click on the More Options tab.
      
   5. Click the Clean Up button in the System Restore section to remove all previous restore points except the most recent one.
      

   This will remove any infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in "System Restore" are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only foolproof way to ensure the deletion of those files.

    

   Note: Do not clear restore points on a regular basis as doing so will clear all previous restore points even those that you may need. System Restore is a useful tool to revert your computer back to a working condition if something goes wrong.

    

   Re-enable all your security applications and please return here and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

Close browsers before scanning
Scan for tracking cookies
Terminate memory threats before quarantining

[Dalo Harkin]

I just wanted to add to this guys - I noticed dan_didnt that you said you defrag ALL the time - this is unnecessary and can you cause you more issues that anything else.

You are constantly cluimping files together and reorganising them - as far as performance goes - this will not help

[Tootech]

you said you defrag ALL the time - this is unnecessary

 

Interesting point Dalo - we are back on the old defrag debate again :D

 

I agree, maybe once every 3 or 6 months would be enough depending on machine and usage.

 

I have noticed the well known defrag tools are beginning to offer on the fly/idle time/ ongoing defrag routines rather than one time full defrags.

 

It won't matter when we are all running solid state disks......goodbye O & O, you are the weakest link.....

 

:)

[Dalo Harkin]

Well untill they reduce the price by around £300 I wont be getting one - lol

 

Yeah they do offer idle/ cleanups - again I still say this is dangerous, how say you

 

He he

[Match]

Hey guys don't want to mention this but you seem to have Hijacked someone else's thread, think that if you would like to continue the defrag, solid state HDD's debate to a new thread, and maybe add a pole ;)

 

Hi Dan I was going to suggest what Maynard already has done in post #9, just to be on the safe side.

[Tootech]

Yeah, your dead right Match - I was just kinda pointing out the possibilities.

 

All done.

[dan_didit]

Thanks for the help guys, the computer is running much better now. Superantispyware has removed loads, mainly tracking cookies.

 

Dan :)

[Match]

Glad to have helped, and to have you back up to speed :D