Windows 7: Windows 7 suddenly VERY slow with ~5%CPU usage

sam872 · 22 Dec 2011

untill a couple of weeks ago my PC was running perfectly, quickly, etc but one day i turn it on and suddenly EVERYTHING is slow. For example, every time i open a folder in explorer, i have to wait about 30secs for all its contents to load, chrome is being un-usably slow (same with other browsers) even just loading a google search. when i listen to music it often cuts out for several seconds and everything freezes up etcetc

but throughout this my CPU will stay very close to 0% (like it should be)

i have run virus checks, windows repair, a DDS check (whatever that is) etc and nothing seems out of place.

on top of all this now windows is suddenly starting to question if i am using genuine windows 7 (i am) AND have got a few seemingly random BSODs

SPECS:

->Windows 7 home premium 64bit (service pack 1)
->i5 750 intel CPU @ 2.67GHz
->NVIDIA GeForce 210 graphics card
->4GB RAM

any help is much appreciated.

Sub Styler · 22 Dec 2011

Could be a memory issue, a driver issue, a hard disk issue or even a power issue.

You could try updating your WEI to see if this shows where the drop in performance you are experiencing is coming from.

Attachment 189501

This may or may not narrow it down.

Other things you can try include typing "SFC /scannow" in command prompt (in the start menu type cmd, right click and choose "run as administrator"

Attachment 189503

Although this will take a while and may need to be done more than once.

You could also run "memtest86+" available here. which will require burning to disk or bootable flash drive.

Or create a new thread in the BSOD section and follow the instructions carefully.

JMH · 22 Dec 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by sam872

on top of all this now windows is suddenly starting to question if i am using genuine windows 7 (i am) AND have got a few seemingly random BSOD.

any help is much appreciated.

Hello sam,

We do need the DMP file as it contains the only record of the sequence of events leading up to the crash, what drivers were loaded, and what was responsible.

You may be able to get the DMP files without crashing by booting into safe mode (F8) with networking.

To enable us to assist you with your computer's BSOD symptoms, upload the contents of your "\Windows\Minidump" folder.

The procedure:

Quote:

* Copy the contents of \Windows\Minidump to another (temporary) location somewhere on your machine.
* Zip up the copy.
* Attach the ZIP archive to your post using the "paperclip" (file attachments) button.
*If the files are too large please upload them to a file sharing service like "Rapidshare" and put a link to them in your reply.

To ensure minidumps are enabled:

Quote:

* Go to Start, in the Search Box type: sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
* Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
* Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
* Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box (the 256kb varies).
* Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump.
* OK your way out.
* Reboot if changes have been made.

sam872 · 23 Dec 2011

Heres the updated WEI (same as before)

i ran the system scan and got this result

but when i went to have a look at the .log file i got this error message saying access denied (even after changing the permissions in the properties of it)

im about to run "memtest86+" im just posting this so i dont lose all of it

thanks again for your help

sam872 · 23 Dec 2011

finished the "memtest86+" - it didnt find any errors

JMH, i have attached the DMP file from the crash

thanks

Sub Styler · 23 Dec 2011

You should be able to open the log from the elevated command prompt.
Type:
cd \windows\logs\cbs
then
notepad cbs.log

The resource protection issue could be caused by windows defender or other AV software, I neglected to mention it's a good idea to disable this first.

In general you are looking at an in-place upgrade (repair install) to resolve this.

So it looks like your RAM is good (usually 3 passes of memtest86 error free indicates good RAM, people will often suggest 7 passes to be sure)

Wait for JMB or someone to get back on your Dump file, they may have something to add.

sam872 · 23 Dec 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Sub Styler

You should be able to open the log from the elevated command prompt.
Type:
cd \windows\logs\cbs
then
notepad cbs.log

The resource protection issue could be caused by windows defender or other AV software, I neglected to mention it's a good idea to disable this first.

tried the elevated commanded prompt & turned of AVG and defender still cant access it

do you know how long it is before windows will lock me out? (still getting those messages)

JMH · 23 Dec 2011

Sam,

These crashes were caused by memory corruption (probably a driver).
Please run these two tests to verify your memory and find which driver is causing the problem.

If you are overclocking anything reset to default before running these tests.
In other words STOP!!!

1-Memtest.

Quote:

*Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program. Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

*Boot from the CD, and leave it running for at least 5 or 6 passes.

Just remember, any time Memtest reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad motherboard slot.

Test the sticks individually, and if you find a good one, test it in all slots.

Any errors are indicative of a memory problem.

If a known good stick fails in a motherboard slot it is probably the slot.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

2-Driver verifier

Quote:

I'd suggest that you first backup your data and then make sure you've got access to another computer so you can contact us if problems arise. Then make a System Restore point (so you can restore the system using the Vista/Windows 7 Startup Repair feature).

In Windows 7 you can make a Startup Repair disk by going to Start....All Programs...Maintenance...Create a System Repair Disc - with Windows Vista you'll have to use your installation disk or the "Repair your computer" option at the top of the Safe Mode menu .

Then, here's the procedure:
- Go to Start and type in "verifier" (without the quotes) and press Enter
- Select "Create custom settings (for code developers)" and click "Next"
- Select "Select individual settings from a full list" and click "Next"
- Select everything EXCEPT FOR "Low Resource Simulation" and click "Next"
- Select "Select driver names from a list" and click "Next"
Then select all drivers NOT provided by Microsoft and click "Next"
- Select "Finish" on the next page.

Reboot the system and wait for it to crash to the Blue Screen. Continue to use your system normally, and if you know what causes the crash, do that repeatedly. The objective here is to get the system to crash because Driver Verifier is stressing the drivers out. If it doesn't crash for you, then let it run for at least 36 hours of continuous operation (an estimate on my part).

If you can't get into Windows because it crashes too soon, try it in Safe Mode.
If you can't get into Safe Mode, try using System Restore from your installation DVD to set the system back to the previous restore point that you created.

Driver Verifier - Enable and Disable

Further Reading
Using Driver Verifier to identify issues with Windows drivers for advanced users

* AVG is, at times, a contributing cause of BSOD'S.
Please remove and replace with Microsoft Security Essentials AT LEAST TO TEST

Download tools and utilities | AVG Worldwide

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

* I suggest you also run a Check Disk.

Disk Check

Windows 7: Windows 7 suddenly VERY slow with ~5%CPU usage

Windows 7 suddenly VERY slow with ~5%CPU usage problems?