Help, please! Why is my computer so slow?

[juanantoniod]

Hello,

I have noticed that my computer operates a tad slower than usual. For example, as you can see from the attached screen captures, when I go into Windows Explorer, a green bar goes across the top of the screen while the drive information is populated (see second image). What is causing this lag in populating the drive info and why does the green bar take so long to cross? (This also happens when I go into add or remove programs and features.) Also, when I boot my computer, the icons on the desktop will show, then appear as placeholders, then appear again.

Would more memory help me? I have 2GB on board, but my system is capable of 4GB. I just need to know if that would definitely help this lag.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[richc46]

Antonio,

I will get you more information, but first run an antivirus scan
Download and run malwarebytes.
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

If that comes out clean try this
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=246994

When you are done with the above and I know the results, I will get you appropriate information.

 

[gregrocker]

Try the operation which runs slowly again, rightclick the Task Bar to Start Task Manager, click Processes tab and click CPU column heading to show what is eating processor in descending order. Post back results.

Type msconfig in Start box, rightclick Run as Admin, click startup tab and uncheck all but AV and gadgets, or anything else you absolutely have to have startup with computer (IM ok). All others are freeloading and can wait til you click on them. Restart computer.

Open Event Viewer>Admin view and Google repeat errors to resolve. Also look at Performance Log and Generate a Health Report at Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Performance Information and Tools\Advanced Tools which might also have problems cued at top.

Type Problems in Start box to look for solutions possibly already cued.

Clean and order your HD perfectly using free state-of-the-art CCleaner "Run Cleaner" and REgistry tabs, then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.

In addition to Rich's wise suggestions to run Full AV test and memtest CD for 5-6 passes, test your HD using maker's full Diag/Repair CD scan to finish clearing your hardware: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

 

[bazcor]

Maybe the drive has been shut down by the power management in the OS? Looks very similar to mine when windows shut it down after 20m. Of course this only applies if the drive is not the boot drive.

 

[juanantoniod]

Hello everyone! I appreciate all the input. I have run the MalwareBytes program, which found 7 infections, and I deleted them. This *may* have helped... We shall see. Nevertheless, I am going to proceed with the other recommendations, starting with Memtest. Also, in answer to the Processes question, the main process that keeps popping to the top of the list is iExplore.exe, and it shows 15-19 CPU. (I have no idea what that number means, but it is a lot more than other processes running, except a few which pop to the top of the list periodically, like the McAfee virus scanner or something else.

 

[juanantoniod]

Okay, memcheck went fine. Thanks for the resourceful utility referral! Unchecked some startup items in MSCONFIG. Will see how it runs for a while and post back in a day or so. I'm also going to look into the event viewer as well. Thanks, guys!

 

[richc46]

Okay, memcheck went fine. Thanks for the resourceful utility referral! Unchecked some startup items in MSCONFIG. Will see how it runs for a while and post back in a day or so. I'm also going to look into the event viewer as well. Thanks, guys!

You may want to go with a clean boot
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Also try in safe mode, is it faster?

 

[juanantoniod]

I've checked the event viewer and seen some sidebyside errors. I searched the Internet for these and did not find any definitive answer as to why they were occurring. Also, I did the Performance Report, and it said to, " configure Security Center to stop monitoring anti-virus status". However, I have searched high and low for how to do this, and cannot find it. Any guidance to this is appreciated! Thanks again!

 

[gregrocker]

I would install free Revo Uninstaller and use Advanced Mode to uninstall the McAfee bloatware, as it will bog down your system and let viruses in anyway. Revo will run the Windows uninstaller, but don't restart when prompted, instead click next and delete the bolded registry items and files it finds which McAfee leaves behind.

Replace it with the expert's new choice, free Microsoft Security Essentials which installs in 30 seconds, updates and runs a scan, then becomes nearly invisible unless there is a threat.

Run a full MSE scan in boot mode after it updates since you have infection and need to know i'ts out.

 

[juanantoniod]

I will try these next...

Okay, memcheck went fine. Thanks for the resourceful utility referral! Unchecked some startup items in MSCONFIG. Will see how it runs for a while and post back in a day or so. I'm also going to look into the event viewer as well. Thanks, guys!

You may want to go with a clean boot
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Also try in safe mode, is it faster?

RichC,

Thanks for the helpful input. I think that, just by turning off some of the automatically started processes, I am seeing better performance. At least, as I type this, my keyboard is keeping up, so that's a good sign. But this clean boot is a good option to try just to make sure. I will also try it in safe mode over the next few days and then report back.

Thank you very much!

 

[richc46]

If safe mode works, it will give us a handle on the cause. Good luck, till we meet, again.

 

[juanantoniod]

Thanks gregrocker!

I would install free Revo Uninstaller and use Advanced Mode to uninstall the McAfee bloatware, as it will bog down your system and let viruses in anyway. Revo will run the Windows uninstaller, but don't restart when prompted, instead click next and delete the bolded registry items and files it finds which McAfee leaves behind.

Replace it with the expert's new choice, free Microsoft Security Essentials which installs in 30 seconds, updates and runs a scan, then becomes nearly invisible unless there is a threat.

Run a full MSE scan in boot mode after it updates since you have infection and need to know i'ts out.

Gregrocker,

Is this true that McAfee is no good? I am happy to get rid of it, and I think that I have a 30 day guarantee since I just purchased it. Is MS Security Essentials really good?

Thanks again!

 

[richc46]

Trust me and Gregg on this one, go with Security Essentials. Its free and made just for Windows. Use in conjuction with malwarebytes.

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

 

[juanantoniod]

Thanks Greg and Rich!!!

You saved me some money on this, since I just renewed my McAfee subscription, so it is still within the refund period. Thank you so very much!!! Just one question, in what order should I remove McAfee? I was thinking this would be the best:

1. Remove with Programs & Features > Uninstall
2. Run MCPRT (McAfee Product Removal Tool)
3. Run Revo Uninstaller

Or is there a better, more efficient way?

 

[richc46]

How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe)

 

[juanantoniod]

Thanks, Richc46!

How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe)

Thanks, I have done this many times already in the past because of McAfee problems. So it will be a breeze and nice to have it gone, especially now that I know it is not good!

 

[gregrocker]

! Just one question, in what order should I remove McAfee? I was thinking this would be the best:

1. Remove with Programs & Features > Uninstall
2. Run MCPRT (McAfee Product Removal Tool)
3. Run Revo Uninstaller

Or is there a better, more efficient way?

If you run Uninstall first, Revo will not work. You have to run Revo and it will run the Windows Uninstaller. Then ignore the prompt for Restart, click Next on Revo and it will cue up bolded Registry items and files for you to Delete. Make sure you click Delete after choosing only the bolded items.

You could then run the McAfee tool to clean up anything left.

Others may know the best way to remove McAfee as I have only used Revo, but it found a ton of Reg keys and Files left behind after Uninstall.

 

[richc46]

Rich, do you trust the McAfee removal tool to do as good of a job as Revo Uninstaller.

The reason I ask is because I Revo'd McAfee for a couple of guys in Florida and I remember it having hundreds of leftover files and reg keys.

Maybe he should run the tool after Revo'ing it? What do you think?

I tell posters to use Revno, I think it is great. But when a company has a specific tool, I think that is the best way to go. I would try the uninstall tool to clean it up. Maybe ccleaner, also.

POSSIBLY in the case of this poster, since it was just installed an System Restore may be best.

 

[richc46]

To the original poster, If just installed, uninstall with System Restore, I think that is the best, the cleanest and no leftover remnants.

 

[merkat106]

revo is a good bet especially with removing mcafee. it helped me remove a damaged mcafee installation.

my 2 cents: security essentials isnt all that its cracked out to be. i got a nasty google redirect virus under its watch. if i were you, i'd do some research on whats best out there.