computer so slow

fafhrd · 20 May 2011

I think it is safe to say that Microsoft Security Essentials is likely to be as inoffensive as an antivirus can get - it rarely throws up warnings, but most of those it does are trojans and security threats to Windows itself - unless you do dodgy surfing amongst the crack z and ware z sites and downloading illicit torrents and the like.

Malwarebytes does some of the other stuff - looking out for the ad-wares and trackers that might be reporting stuff from your machine which could result in ID theft, phishing and password theft exploits. These may come from visiting web ads or from installing some programs

- both types of anti-nasties programs are good to have installed.

Microsoft also has Defender and the malicious software removal tool, as well as the windows firewall.

Malwarebytes is thought by many to be a clear leader in its field, but among the antivirus applications there are many, with many people having their own opinion which is best and worst.

Personally, I think that certain browsers are more problematic - if a browser does not handle html code to the standards laid down, then it is liable to be exploited, and internet explorer especially versions 8 and earlier are known to be heavily exploited.

Google Chrome and Opera are more compliant with standards, and together with Firefox, are updated very frequently, with Microsoft lagging behind. IE7 and IE8 are not recommended.

Similarly with email - if email has html code or scripts embedded that is likely to be executed, the best place for it is on your web browser, not on an installed mail reader that you have had for years.

PattiChati · 20 May 2011

The computer went faster when I took off MSE

fafhrd · 20 May 2011

All antivirus programs will impact performance - they sit there analysing activity on the computer against a database of signature behaviour that corresponds to a huge number of threats. The faster the processor, the more processors in action, and more memory available, will require the AV to use more resources.

Your problem is that you notice the slowness caused by the antivirus because there is already an inherent speed problem, which you need to investigate and put right.

lets try a little allegory:

You have a tight short skirt, high heels and have had several drinks, and although merry, you find that you tend to stumble quite frequently. You get the idea to take off the high heels, and your stability improves. Of course, your tights will get ruined, and your feet could be damaged by treading on sharp things.

Is it all due to the shoes?

No.

Sober up and the heels would be fine.

Same with the PC, it has a skinfull of something that is making it less responsive, taking off the protection might not be a good thing.

PattiChati · 20 May 2011

Is there something other than MSE, since I know that slowed it down.
But it is still getting slower.
I am not in favor of reinstalling Windows, because whatever is wrong with it is bound to happen again until we find out what is wrong with it. With my old computer I would keep reinstalling and the problem (don't remember what it was) kept coming back. I finally bought a new computer and have tried to keep it clean.

fafhrd · 20 May 2011

Nobody is making you put an antivirus on.

All antiviruses will use additional resources on top of your problem slowdown.

The advice is to address the main problems that you have not yet identified that cause the progressive slowdown, or face having to reinstall, which is becoming more likely if you prevaricate without an antivirus to protect your system.

Why not follow the advice given, or otherwise go elsewhere for assistance?

gregrocker · 20 May 2011

PattiChati said:

Is there a good AV - but free. Is malwarebytes an antivirus progra. I was told in another post of take avg off and put on malwarebyets. So that is what I did

The overwhelming favorites of the experts here are free MSE and Avast. I suggested Avast earlier since you said MSE had slowed your system, which I doubt. It is likely something else.

I've now given you many steps in the thread to clean up and troubleshoot your computer to speed it up, with little response or interaction. Perhaps you should take some time to go back through the thread and do the steps suggested, or ask questions for clarification if needed. It is discouraging to suggest everything we can think of and have nearly the whole lot ignored.

MacGyvr · 21 May 2011

I will unequivocally tell you that MSE did not slow your computer down. I have loaded MSE on what would be considered "ancient" PIII systems with 256MB of RAM with absolutely no noticeable impact.

If you are not confident to wipe and reload your system, you are going to need to take it to a professional and have it done. You will not solve this problem by poking at it here and there over the course of more than a year.

Give up, bite the bullet, and move on.

PattiChati · 22 May 2011

gregrocker said:

If you didnt' buy the Malwarebytes Real Time Protection then it is just a free on-demand scanner and is not standing guard.

If MSE was causing problems, then use free Avast instead.

How is the speed now?

What is listed in msconfig>Startup? You can uncheck everything except AV and gadgets: Startup Programs - Change

After several restarts, now check msconfig>Services, choose "Hide All MS Services" and see what's running that you didn't start yourself. Uncheck those, then turn them off at Startup in their Program preferences - we can help you if any are difficult.

You now have a clean boot. Now check in Device Manager to see if any drivers are in error or need updating. There may already be newer drivers waiting in optional Windows Updates.

Ok, AVG is the only thing I have on startup. I tried to stop arcsoft Connect Daemon and I couldn't. In Device Mgr. How can I tell which ones are in error or need an update. When I open up Device Mgr it is just a list of a the elements of my computer.
Still wondering about a good antivirus to go with AVG.
Thanks.

RealPetChicken · 22 May 2011

MSE is perfect currently using 5,672K although i have 12 gigs of ram. So far MSE has kept my computer clean.

gregrocker · 22 May 2011

I would not use AVG. It bloated up some years ago and never slimmed back down to match the performance of lightweight Avast or MSE. Shall I suggest Avast again? Avast. Avast, ye matey.

If you cannot find where in it's Preferences to turn off Arcsoft from starting up with Windows, I would uninstall it at least long enough to see if it is slowing your Win7. It is often problematic unneeded bloatware.

If no drivers are in error in Device Manager, then watch for newer cued in optional Windows Updates after enabling hardware auto-updating: Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware

Check your performance log for repeat errors and gradually work through these other troubleshooting steps to learn how to troubleshoot Win7.

computer so slow

slow performance