Defrag slowed my computer

splinter701 · 26 Jul 2010

Hi Guys
I just recently ran a defrag of my computer, straight after that it started running very slowly. I attributed this to malware and proceeeded to remove most (if not all) with malwarebytes anti-malware (free version) and the avast! boot time scan.

However, my computer still runs very slowly, and heats up quickly if i use high graphics programs.

What could be causing this, and what can i do to fix it?

Thanks in advance
Splinter701

P.S
Specs:

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit

CPU
AMD Turion II M520 72 °C
Caspian 45nm Technology

RAM
4.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 399MHz (6-6-6-18)

Motherboard
Quanta 3637 (Socket S1G3)

Graphics
Generic PnP Monitor @ 1366x768
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 (HP)

Hard Drives
488GB Seagate ST9500420AS ATA Device (Unknown Interface) 44 °C

I can post more details if necessary

Kirsch · 26 Jul 2010

You might just be running a lot of programs and you dont know it.

Please click Start > type msconfig and hit enter > Click the startup tab > Go through that list and uncheck anything you dont NEED to be running all the time. Click OK and restart your computer.

karlsnooks · 26 Jul 2010

Splinter,
Using Control Panel | Programs and Features
uninstall MalwareBytes.

Using Autoruns from the SysInternals suite, I found that malware bytes was still running a service even after exit from the program.

I speeded up my computer by uninstalling MalwareBytes. Now I only install, use, and uninstall the program when needed.

MsConfig will give you a broad-brush approach to what's being run at startup.

I use Autoruns to find the stragglers that I didn't know were left around. You will be surprised at what is being run by what programs on your computer.

Autoruns for Windows

Petey7 · 26 Jul 2010

There are also a couple services you could shut off it you wanted. If you don't use the search function to find personal files, you could turn off indexing. There seems to be some debate on whether its better or not to turn off Superfetch. Did you empty your temp folders? Getting those out of the way will free some space up on the hard drive if nothing else. If you don't have a touch screen the Tablet PC Input service can be disabled. It's usually recommended to turn off remote registry, as it allows others to edit your registry, and is considered a security risk for that reason. NOt having those services running might speed things up.

I have no clue why defragmenting the hard drive would result in a slower computer. I've only seen the opposite happen.

Thorsen · 26 Jul 2010

Maybe Search Indexing is having to relist all of the file locations and will run quicker after enough files are navigated through. I dont know though just a guess.

splinter701 · 27 Jul 2010

Ok, thanks guys
repped where rep is due

Ive taken the advice you gave me, im using autoruns and have disabled a few of the services.
Computer is running a little better, Im defragging again with smart defrag, and have also run a memory and hard disk check (with the built in windows scanners).
Also, moved a file with a high fragmentation that just doesnt seem to defrag to another hard drive.

Thanks again for the advice
Splinter701

karlsnooks · 27 Jul 2010

Splinter,
Glad that we could be of assistance.

gregrocker · 28 Jul 2010

I use state-of-the-art CCleaner ("Run Cleaner" and registry tab) followed by Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly on hundreds of installs and have never had an issue in ten years.

The only items which need to be listed in msconfig>Startup are AV, gadgets and maybe IM.

Are you running one of the more bloated paid AV programs? Go lean with MS Security Essentials. Install in 30 seconds, let update, then run a Full Scan.

Run sfc /scannow to check system file integrity. Check Event Viewer>Admin View to google repeat error to solution.

Test your RAM with memtest86 bootable CD for 5-6 passes, and your HD with maker's full CD diag/repair scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.URL