Solved Memory Leak - I Think Its Java-related???

[dubp34]

Hey all,

Just want to make it clear that I am a total novice at computers. I can do basic stuff and can adapt, but don't really know much.

Some time ago my Norton program started to inform me that Google Chrome was using too much disc space. I did some Yahoo searching and found that the browser was known to suffer from memory leaks. I switched to Waterfox - same thing happened.

Yesterday I got yet another notification saying that Java SE Aplet was using too much disc space. According to what I've seen on the net, I have a memory leak. I am uncertain where but I think--to the best of my ability, of course--that its coming from Java.

What can I do to alleviate the problem? As a last resort, would formatting my laptop do the job? I'd like to avoid that as I have a legitimate copy of MS Word on my machine, but I am very far from home and would be unable to get the install disc from home (I'm studying abroad).

Thanks so much for all your help, I hope I've been as descriptive as possible for you.

EDIT: Just wanted to say that virus checks are clean, same with malware. I also did a complete clean-up using CCLeaner, something I do semi-regularly.

 

[Sir George]

Hey all,

Just want to make it clear that I am a total novice at computers. I can do basic stuff and can adapt, but don't really know much.

Some time ago my Norton program started to inform me that Google Chrome was using too much disc space. I did some Yahoo searching and found that the browser was known to suffer from memory leaks. I switched to Waterfox - same thing happened.

Yesterday I got yet another notification saying that Java SE Aplet was using too much disc space. According to what I've seen on the net, I have a memory leak. I am uncertain where but I think--to the best of my ability, of course--that its coming from Java.

What can I do to alleviate the problem? As a last resort, would formatting my laptop do the job? I'd like to avoid that as I have a legitimate copy of MS Word on my machine, but I am very far from home and would be unable to get the install disc from home (I'm studying abroad).

Thanks so much for all your help, I hope I've been as descriptive as possible for you.

EDIT: Just wanted to say that virus checks are clean, same with malware. I also did a complete clean-up using CCLeaner, something I do semi-regularly.

Norton is actually a huge resource hog. I would start by replacing it and using either a free version of Avira or a paid version of Avira, Nod 32 (from Eset) or Kaspersky. Any of the products listed will reduce some of the resource usage being consumed by Norton. After replacing Norton, see if the improvement is enough to cure your problem.

PS; Norton is notorious for making it difficult to do a complete uninstall, so visit their site for instructions on how to remove your version or provide the version here and I will provide a link.

HTH

 

[dubp34]

I have Norton 360, it "protects" my laptop 24/7. I got it free with the laptop, otherwise I'd NEVER use it. I will try to uninstall it but feel free to post anything you find. MUCH appreciated, my friend!!!

EDIT: Norton removed. Will see what happens now...

 

[Sir George]

I have Norton 360, it "protects" my laptop 24/7. I got it free with the laptop, otherwise I'd NEVER use it. I will try to uninstall it but feel free to post anything you find. MUCH appreciated, my friend!!!

EDIT: Norton removed. Will see what happens now...

I will keep an eye out for updates.

 

[dubp34]

Hey man, so I *think* everything is ok now? Removed Norton, got SpyBot and MSE instead. Venting is cooler, seem to be no issues? Internet browsers are still using 150MB+ memory - is that normal???

If anything comes up later I'll make a new topic, revive this one, or PM you. You've been very helpful and kind, I really appreciate it!!! Thanks so much for your effort.

 

[Sir George]

Hey man, so I *think* everything is ok now? Removed Norton, got SpyBot and MSE instead. Venting is cooler, seem to be no issues? Internet browsers are still using 150MB+ memory - is that normal???

If anything comes up later I'll make a new topic, revive this one, or PM you. You've been very helpful and kind, I really appreciate it!!! Thanks so much for your effort.

Good choice on MSE for an AV program, I forgot to mention it in my post. Spybot is an OK choice, but I prefer MalwareBytesAntiMalware.

For the last part of your post, could you reply with a screenshot of your browser processes?

Glad things have improved.

 

[dubp34]

Here it is...

Its weird because my laptop is no longer heating up like it used to, but I *think* Waterfox is still taking up too much memory??? My friend who helped me out said its normal? Thanks my friend.

 

[Sir George]

Here it is...

Its weird because my laptop is no longer heating up like it used to, but I *think* Waterfox is still taking up too much memory??? My friend who helped me out said its normal? Thanks my friend.

The usage is not unusual.

HTH

 

[bobafetthotmail]

if waterfox is a firefox for 64 bit OS.... then it's normal, as it is a huge memory leak just like firefox is.

To keep the beast in check you could try firemin, which should work for waterfox as well (although I never tested it on waterfox) This blog post gives some info settings and does some tests, but it's a pretty simple program.

 

[dubp34]

Guys, thank you! I'm going to mark this thread as solved, and will check out firemin. If any issues return I will not hesitate to post again! For now, things look normal. I'd like to thank you folks for helping me, the suggestion to remove Norton worked WONDERS!