Suddenly slow Vista SP2 Computer

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I’ve read some earlier posts on this topic, but want to be sure the suggestions apply to Vista SP2 as well as XP. This 2 1/2 year old laptop has become slower and slower over the past few weeks until today, when it is operating at a snail’s pace!

I checked the drives and found:
– C (local drive) 76.9 GB free of 137 GB
– HP Recovery D 1.97 GBfree of 11.7 GB
– unsure how to check for RAM

I haven’t added any new software, just done the Windows Updates as they became available. I just cleared off a number of shortcuts from my desktop (one post suggested they could be a problem).

What’s next? I did an AdAware and SpyBot scan in the last 2 days, but forgot they had been run and turned off the computer without checking to see if I had to remove or quarantine anything!! Not sure how to find out the results of the scans now. Or should I just redo both?

Any suggestions for this issue very welcome – as always!

Linda

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The first thing that should be done is to ensure you don’t have any kind of infection going on. Once that has been determined we can move on
to other potential causes of computer slowdowns.

Redo both of the antimalware scans, and an Antivirus scan as well.

Download and run a program called CCleaner, when you run it note & post here the “amount to be removed”.
(See the attached photo)
I see you have accumulated over 60 GBs worth of data on your primary drive; 137-76.9= approx. 60 GBs.
To check RAM & processor speed right click on the “My Computer” icon located on your desktop and select properties.

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Clint,

Thanks! Great advice. I’m going to follow all your directions tomorrow and post back results once I’ve completed them all.

Linda

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Many people never clear out their various temp files and log files and error files etc. Heck many don’t know they exist. This includes Temp Internet files. CCleaner (as Clint mentioned) can automate this task for you. I also use an app called Privacy Mantrabecause it seems to find more stuff that CCleaner misses. Just like Malware apps, these tend to find things the other misses. Cleaning out all this temp. stuff once a month, or even once a week may help solve some of your slow down problem.

These are actual shots of what I clean up with CCleaner:

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I’ve read some earlier posts on this topic, but want to be sure the suggestions apply to Vista SP2 as well as XP. This 2 1/2 year old laptop has become slower and slower over the past few weeks until today, when it is operating at a snail’s pace!

I checked the drives and found:
– C (local drive) 76.9 GB free of 137 GB
– HP Recovery D 1.97 GBfree of 11.7 GB
– unsure how to check for RAM

I haven’t added any new software, just done the Windows Updates as they became available. I just cleared off a number of shortcuts from my desktop (one post suggested they could be a problem).

What’s next? I did an AdAware and SpyBot scan in the last 2 days, but forgot they had been run and turned off the computer without checking to see if I had to remove or quarantine anything!! Not sure how to find out the results of the scans now. Or should I just redo both?

Any suggestions for this issue very welcome – as always!

Linda

Hi Linda, you can also try this http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/26/service-pack-cleanup-tool-in-vista-sp2-to-clean-up-old-rtm-sp1-backup-files/

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Have you had a look at the how fragmented your disk is? A couple months ago I saw a laptop that even having quite a few GBs free, that biggest contiguous space available was very small and that caused huge performance problems. Things improved a lot after having the disk defragmented.

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Many people never clear out their various temp files and log files and error files etc. Heck many don’t know they exist. This includes Temp Internet files. CCleaner (as Clint mentioned) can automate this task for you. I also use an app called Privacy Mantrabecause it seems to find more stuff that CCleaner misses. Just like Malware apps, these tend to find things the other misses. Cleaning out all this temp. stuff once a month, or even once a week may help solve some of your slow down problem.

Ted and Clint,

First,Ted, thanks for the additional information and always helpful screen shots. I know about cleaning out temp files, but here’s why I’ve been hesitating on the laptop: there are a number of sites in history that I don’t want to lose in case I need to refer to them. Unfortunately,, there are also hundreds that could and should be deleted. As a result, I never delete History files and I’m sure they are clogging up the hard drive, too. Any suggestions on getting around this dilemma?

Second, Clint: Am proceeding very slowly and have just rescanned with both AdAware and SpyBot (Avast Antivirus runs constantly in the background so I didn’t do anything with it). AdAware was all clear; SpyBot found 4 Adbrites, which I fixed/deleted, and 9 Coupon Bars. I’ve tried twice to fix those, only to be told that a restart might get rid of them and I need to run as administrator to get rid of them. I did run scan again as Administrator, but got the exact same message! I haven’t restarted yet.

Question: should I do that before going ahead with CCleaner (which I noticed is already on this computer). Are these Coupon Bars really bad? (they are in red)

I will continue once I am sure it’s okay to do so!!

Thanks,

Linda

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If you know the sites you wish to keep, simply copy the URL’s to a different folder or flash drive that you can refer to when you wish to go to these sites. Then you can safely delete all the others clogging things up. Would this work for you?

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It should. Of course, I can’t remember which sites I wanted to save – it was all a “just in case” thing, Think I’ll go ahead and clear them out and trust I’ve bookmarked the ones I really cared about!

Linda

Edit: Rui, sorry, just saw your suggestion. I haven’t defragged in quite a while so will do that right away and see what happens! Thanks.

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I actually like a app called Auslogics Disk Defragmenter. This seems to work quicker for me than the Windows defragmenter. I generally choose Defragment and Optimize from the drop down box.

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No problem, Linda.

I actually use PerfectDisk, which is a paid one, but has a trial version. Latest version runs unobtrusively on the background and works its magic.

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Don’t forget about that antivirus scan. So far you have only scanned with antimalware tools.

If you prefer to use “history” when you browse, you can keep it by deselecting history from within CCleaner
or your browser’s settings.(uncheck history)
It’s the other junk in your browser’s cache that needs to go. Keeping your history should not be a problem.

In your browser go to tools, internet options. On the general tab, select the delete button under browsing history. This will open another window, remove
the checkmark from history as shown in photo.

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Re. antivirus scan, because Avast runs constantly in the background I thought I didn’t have to do a separate scan. However, I’ve just opened it and see the “scan computer” choice! Duh! Will do that right now and get back to you, Clint. Thanks.

Re. other defrag programs, will check them out, I did just complete the Windows one for all drives.

Linda

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The Windows defrag one is good enough to get you started and diminish any contribution fragmentation can have for the slow performance.

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Another thing you could do, but not right away, is to go through your installed programs list and look for applications to remove.
Look for apps you rarely or no longer use and uninstall them.
For applications that you want to keep but use minimally, ensure that they are not starting themselves when your computer starts.
If they show up in the taskbar notification area, right click on the icon and look for a “remove/disable” from startup option.

Defragmentation: Defragmenting is good but defragmenting in the backgrownd may eat away at system resources, especially if your system’s
memory and processor are weak. If this is the case then turn off the schedule and manually defrag once a month.

Re. antivirus scan, because Avast runs constantly in the background I thought I didn’t have to do a separate scan. However, I’ve just opened it and see the “scan computer” choice! Duh! Will do that right now and get back to you, Clint. Thanks.

It’s probably unlikely you have a virus, but I would still run a full sweep just to be sure.
The reasoning for your slowdowns looks, at this point, to be operating system bloat, but run the antivirus scans and ensure you have the latest antivirus definitions,
just to be on the safe side.

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Can’t believe all this terrific information (though I should be used to it after all these years: this Lounge is a life saver)! Great tip re. History files. I had been un-checking history when I deleted temp files, but it has been a while since I did a removal of temp files and will do so now.

Progress Update: I’m only 10% into a full virus scan with Avast – and the report says it has found 2 infected files! Yikes. How did they get past the protection? Will report back as the scan gets finished.

Will try also to tackle the program/app removal task I’m always nervous about uninstalling any stuff I’m not sure about. When I get to that item, I’ll post back with any items I’m concerned about to see if they’re okay to uninstall!

Linda

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Yes, please do. We’ll be here.

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As Clint alluded to it seems all installed apps believe they have to run in the background but this is simply not true. Most apps will start fine from a cold start without running in the background all the time. Having all these apps running slows the entire PC down.

As can be seen I have just 4 apps starting with Windows, first is my laptop touchpad app, second is my MSE AV/AM, third is my Windows firewall control app, and last is an app to allow my to send and receive from my PC through my Blackberry phone. That’s all I allow to start. Check msconfig.exe and see what you have starting with Windows.

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I’ve gone back to the beginning of this post and am on step 2, running CCleaner. I am running it in “Analyze” mode because I was a bit nervous about the message with Run Cleaner (will delete all files). I’ll post number of items once it’s finished.

In the meantime, report on Virus Scan with Avast: 3 threats found, all of which seem to be the same one in different locations (unlockereBayshortcut_1016.exe|$INSTUReBayShortcuts.exe). It was in Program Files, Desktop and Maxtor Backup. They are all now moved to Avast’s safe holding area.

Will be back when CCleaner is done with more. Thanks for everyone’s patience through this!

Linda

Edit: CCleaner reported 866 MB to be removed. Includes temp files,applications, media and lots more. Do I now Run the Cleaner to delete them? Before I do, are these just stuff that can be removed from these programs or is it going to remove the whole program or application? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.

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Before running CCleaner to delete the temporary internet files, ensure the checkmark is removed from “History” in the CCleaner’s “Windows” section.
This should allow preservation of those sites. Remove the checkmark and re-analyze, then run the cleaner.

CCleaner will remove passwords from sites you may normally have your browser log on to by remembering passwords and logon info.
CCleaner will not uninstall or remove whole programs in a normal cleaning mode.

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Thanks, Clint. Will follow directions. Hate to lose auto password access, but it’s worth re-entering such info if it will help speed up this computer!

Question: is it Cookies that remembers all the password information? I assume I leave the checkmark in the Cookies box, right? And just remove it from History in Windows (I did go in earlier and delete all history earlier than September of this year – reckless abandon!

Think I’ll wait for your reply before proceeding …

Linda

EDIT P.S. I have 3 GB of RAM and 2 GHz of speed.

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Question: is it Cookies that remembers all the password information? I assume I leave the checkmark in the Cookies box, right? And just remove it from History in Windows (I did go in earlier and delete all history earlier than September of this year – reckless abandon!

Cookies from websites are one form where logon information can be preserved, IE has others as well, like “Form Data” and “Passwords”.
It can become complicated keeping track of everything, especially if you have dozens of websites that require logon.
There are programs and or browser addons that can help with this sort of thing, but for the sake of preventing information overload, lets concentrate
on getting the operating system cleaned up & more reponsive.

If you choose not to delete cookies, it won’t add up to much in terms of large amounts of space to save. Your choice though.

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Update: just completed “Run Cleaner” in CCleaner. I left the Cookies in Firefox, our primary browser, but removed the IE ones. It deleted 836 MB of data. Now to check on programs that can be deleted. Of course, it is Christmas Eve day so this might be a weekend or early next week project! I’m feeling better with each step!

Linda

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I would be curious to know how much Firefox has accumulated.
Good holydays

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Well done, Linda .

And now the million dollar question – do you notice any visible improvement in performance?

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Thanks, Rui and Clint.

As for how much Firefox has accumulated, how do I check that? Do I re-analyze using CCleaner?

As forthe million dollar speed improvement question, yes, I do think it’s better. Certainly, programs open faster. It’s still slow on start up so I think I now should start deleting unused/unwanted items. Correct?

Questions:
What is this Windows Messenger thing that I have to x out every start up and Windows Live ID? Can I just get rid of them?

Windows keeps suggesting I update .NET, but I don’t think I have it or use it. If I’m reminded to update it, however, does that mean I must have something in here related to it and I should install the recommended update?

Thanks again for all your help!

Linda

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Reset both your IE & Firefoxes’ browser cache to something like 50-100MB of storage space.

As forthe million dollar speed improvement question, yes, I do think it’s better. Certainly, programs open faster. It’s still slow on start up so I think I now should start deleting unused/unwanted items. Correct?

Yes, go through your control panels listing of installed applications and uninstall those you know you don’t want or have use for.
If you are unsure you may post a snapshot of them here.
In the Windows run box, copy and paste “msconfig” without quotes. This will bring up the following picture I have attached.
There will be a list of programs under “Startup”. please post a creenshot for us. This gives us an idea what applications are starting when you turn on your computer.

What is this Windows Messenger thing that I have to x out every start up and Windows Live ID? Can I just get rid of them?

Yes, Windows live should have an it’s application uninstaller located in your control panel’s programs and features section.
Information on how to uninstall or otherwise remove Messenger:
How to totally uninstall Windows Messenger

Windows keeps suggesting I update .NET, but I don’t think I have it or use it. If I’m reminded to update it, however, does that mean I must have something in here related to it and I should install the recommended update?

What is the version of the .Netframe that Windows Update is requesting be installed?

msconfig;

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Wow! You are a tremendous help – thank you! There is a wealth of information in your reply so I will go at each one slowly and sequentially and post back. I did check Firefox and IE cache levels: both are set at 50 MB.

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I don’t know how to do a screen shot. Can you refer me to an article or post on how to do it? Sorry.

Linda

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Making a Screenshot
The simplest way to make a screenshot is to get the information on your screen that you want to show, then press the “Prt Scr” button on your keyboard.
This will save a snapshot to the clipboard. There are many programs that will accomplish this, but I use all the default windows options.

After you have pressed the “Prt Scr” button on your keyboard, open up paint and past it in, like so…
Paint will also allow you to resize & edit any final image. You would then need a photo manipulating program like Windows Live Essentials Photo
Veiwer or some other app you prefer. Once you are done with it save it to your desktop or other location that is easy to get to. Once you are done in Paint, ensure that you save it as “jpeg”. Click on the very top left hand corner
and select save as “JPEG”.

As you can see, I took a screeshot of this reply while I was composing it…

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Ensure that all your images are saved as .jpeg or JPG formatted images, this is a form of image compression that saves on file size.
Once you have the image and are ready to post it to the forum, use the “attachments” located at the lower left…

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Just to add to the great info Clint just posted, my system saves the images as .png by default, but since the Lounge accepts this format equally as well as .jpg, either format will work for you. Or you can just change the save as format to .jpg, but this is one extra step.

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More great information so wonderfully understandably expressed! Thanks to you both. Can’t wait to try it out when I get to that point in my methodical progress through Clint’s earlier list – and the suggestions from the beginning of this post!

Linda

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Okay, Clint (and Ted), here goes my attempt at screen shots of some of the programs I’m not sure about.

In the top shot, unsure re. X and which of 2 coupon printers I should keep, if any.
In middle one, unsure about all of them except the last plugin, which I assume I should keep as it relates to Firefox.
In the bottom one, info re. NET you’d asked about. Also, do I need the Office Live Add In, all the Microsoft ones, from SQL down to Visual Basic C++ updates?

Back to your list … and thanks again!

Linda

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The Coupon printer software looks like something you could uninstall.
I would look at the Conexant HD Audio a little closer to ensure it doesn’t have an associated hardware device prior to removal.
Look through the device manager’s audio section for any reference to it. (RUN: devmgmt.msc)

Is that all the programs you have installed?

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There is something called Conexant High Definition SmartAudio 221 in the Device Manager so guess that means I leave that one alone. Think I could always reload a coupon printer when I get to a place that offers a coupon (which is how I got them before, I suspect!).

Is that all the programs I have installed? Yikes, no, There are 85 items listed in the Programs and Files section of Control Panel. That includes the ones in the screen shots. Is this a problem? Lots seem to be MS or HP related.

Thanks for sticking with me through all this!!

Linda

In the Windows run box, copy and paste “msconfig” without quotes. This will bring up the following picture I have attached. There will be a list of programs under “Startup”. please post a creenshot for us. This gives us an idea what applications are starting when you turn on your computer.

Wow! Here are the screenshots and I counted 28 programs at start up. No wonder this computer starts so slowly. How do I determine which ones I can remove from the list?

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These are the screen shots that accompany my edited post just before it. Somehow I couldn’t get them in the right place.

Linda

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These are what I would keep:

Synaptics (I think this is for a touchpad. I assume this is a laptop)

Windows Defender

Avast

HP wireless

It’s difficult to determine what some of the Microsoft stuff is, although most will not be needed until started manually. I would stop everything else and see what happens. If you use msconfig to stop them, restarting is very easy. I have exactly 4 apps that start at startup, you have 28. No wonder everything seems to have molassas around it.

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I agree.
The sheer amount of startup items there is frightful.
Consider dumping Adobe reader for Foxit.

Many of the programs listed in the startup section of msconfig could have been prevented by
carefully configuring the individual programs upon installation, or by going into their
advanced properties and looking for startup options to disable.
This can still be done with many or most of them.

The next thing to look into is Services. look over this site:
http://www.BlackViper.com: Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Service Configurations
But do not do anything right away, read it carefully. Services are far more complicated
and potentially hazardous. If you can get your services down to the low 40s that would be
very good.
Do not use MSCONFIG for this, type and run; eventvwr.msc

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Clint, finally got up the nerve to check into services and your Black Viper link. I’ve been going through the listing provided on the Viper site and checking for “safe” mode items. Some are listed in the chart as Automatic, some as Manual and some as Disabled. Some aren’t there at all as I suspect they are unique to my system (bluetooth services, avast and com4Qlb). Not sure what to do with what I’m learning! Or is this whole services thing too much for someone not too technically adept to play with?

Would appreciate your guidance before going any further!

Thanks,

Linda

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Clint, finally got up the nerve to check into services and your Black Viper link. I’ve been going through the listing provided on the Viper site and checking for “safe” mode items. Some are listed in the chart as Automatic, some as Manual and some as Disabled. Some aren’t there at all as I suspect they are unique to my system (bluetooth services, avast and com4Qlb). Not sure what to do with what I’m learning! Or is this whole services thing too much for someone not too technically adept to play with?

Would appreciate your guidance before going any further!

Thanks,

Linda

Rule number one when disabling services; Make sure you known exactly what services you have disable so that you can reverse it should a problem arise. (write it down)

*Click on the service name for a description of what it does, if you don’t understand it, do not change it.
*Some services will be unique to your setup, for example, if you do not use bluetooth, you don’t need it running. Just remember to re-enable it should that need change.
*Use a search engine like google as well; service; BITS (it will help you to understand more about the particular service) Search engines are your best friend use them.
*Look at the dependancy tab in the specific service you are considering for disabling as there may be other services that depend on it.
(double click the service to bring up the box…
27901-1

Remember, you don’t need to change everything at once. Get to know what they represent in your system. Only change one or two at a time and write it down so you remember what to change back should an issue arise.
NEVER use msconfig to make service changes, always go directly to the services.msc.
Type “services.msc” in the run box.

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Wonderful advice and helpful suggestions – as well as warnings. Yes, it is a laptop. I’ll start by cleaning out all the unnecessary startups. I thought I had been careful at time of installation, but obviously missed the check or uncheck needed to NOT have them start at startup. Sheesh!

Will proceed carefully. Can’t believe I have about 24 things starting up that are not necessary.When they’re needed, I can just go to Programs and open them there.

Will post back after initial clean up before I check out Services via Clint’s link. Curious now to see how many services are running, After seeing startups, if 40 is a good number, I suspect I have about 300!!

Thanks again.

Linda

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As Clint mentioned, and it’s worth repeating, be very careful with services. Many services rely on other services. Viper ‘s site is a great resource. If you begin stopping services, only do 1 or possibly 2 at a time and monitor the results for a while. This can be time consuming but worth the effort. I would also, after cleaning out all the unneccesary start up apps, make a good Image of your system so that if you kill a neccesary service, you can easily get back to where you were. There are various threads in the Security and Back ups forum on Imaging, and well worth a read.

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Okay, here’s where things stand now. I’ve unchecked most of the boxes and have left 13. Some I have questions about and so will leave checked until I hear back:
– NVDIA – it has RUNDLL32.EXE in its command line and I seem to remember something about that RUNDLL that makes me unsure about getting rid of it.
– HP Quick Launch Buttons, Quick Touch On Screen Display and QuickPlay: are they safe to uncheck?
– HpqSRmon Application (digital imagingin command line) and HpwuSchd Application (software update in its command line)

And I hear all the cautions about Services and will take great care. If the startup speeds things up enough, Services can become a research project to be tackled slowly.

Linda

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Okay, here’s where things stand now. I’ve unchecked most of the boxes and have left 13. Some I have questions about and so will leave checked until I hear back:
– NVDIA – it has RUNDLL32.EXE in its command line and I seem to remember something about that RUNDLL that makes me unsure about getting rid of it.
– HP Quick Launch Buttons, Quick Touch On Screen Display and QuickPlay: are they safe to uncheck?
– HpqSRmon Application (digital imagingin command line) and HpwuSchd Application (software update in its command line)

And I hear all the cautions about Services and will take great care. If the startup speeds things up enough, Services can become a research project to be tackled slowly.

Linda

(HP Quick Launch Buttons, Quick Touch On Screen Display and QuickPlay)
If you do not use the above, then you can look into uninstalling them from “programs and features” section of control panel.
If you do actively use them, leave them as is.

HpqSRmon Application (digital imagingin command line)

This is a valid program but it is not required to run on startup.

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Basically these several items give slightly faster access to these various functions. If you are happy with the way your display looks say good bye to the Nvidia stuff. You can always open this from the Start orb. Same with all the HP stuff. These things just do not need to run in the background. You will find with all this stuff shut down the system will be so much more rersponsive that you will not notice the slightly slower start up of the stuff you have shut down. Plus most of these items get looked at very intermittently.

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Clint, I think you meant to specify running services.msc at the bottom of your last post not eventvwr.msc .

Jerry

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Clint, I think you meant to specify running services.msc at the bottom of your last post not eventvwr.msc .

Jerry

Yes, thanks

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Great, Ted, thanks. I’m going to take them all out!

Another question: I did a Restart to check on speed and didn’t notice too much difference. Do I need to shut down to check start up speed? (I did check and all the unchecked items were correctly unchecked).

Linda

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In the General tab is yours configured like this:

This allows the start up to only start those items you have checked.

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Ted, my Start Up tab looks almost like yours in that Selective startup is checked. The only difference is that the second line (load Startup items) is filled in blue rather than checked and the third line (use original boot configuration) has a check mark, but the entire entry is grayed out.

Clint, thanks. I’ll delete the HpqSRmon from Startup (the link reinforced what you’d said) and think I’ll even take the NVDIA ones out, as Ted suggested.

Then, I’ll try either shutdown or restart and see how things work. Want a clearer idea of if start up and opening programs are faster than they were and by how much.

P.S. EDIT: I’ve left the Maxtor external HDD checked as I figured it needs to start automatically so it backs up automatically – or am I right on this? If not, I’ll get rid of it, too before a speed check!

Happy New Year!!

Linda

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Ted, my Start Up tab looks almost like yours in that Selective startup is checked. The only difference is that the second line (load Startup items) is filled in blue rather than checked and the third line (use original boot configuration) has a check mark, but the entire entry is grayed out.

Clint, thanks. I’ll delete the HpqSRmon from Startup (the link reinforced what you’d said) and think I’ll even take the NVDIA ones out, as Ted suggested.

Then, I’ll try either shutdown or restart and see how things work. Want a clearer idea of if start up and opening programs are faster than they were and by how much.

P.S. EDIT: I’ve left the Maxtor external HDD checked as I figured it needs to start automatically so it backs up automatically – or am I right on this? If not, I’ll get rid of it, too before a speed check!

Happy New Year!!

Linda

The first 2 items should be checked, and the Start Up tab you should only have the few items you are leaving checked. This configuration will only start the few items you want started. I believe if you check the start up tab and uncheck all items you do not want started then go back to the General tab and ensure things are checked the way I show, your boot will speed up. With the 3rd item checked (Use original configuration), ALL start up items will be started normally. You don’t want this, you only want to start a few items. After seeing that this works we can look at ending all these items more permanently.

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This is very weird, Ted. I managed to get the check mark into the Load Startup items line, but when I did so and checked the Startup list, all the checks were back into all the items, including all the ones I’d unchecked earlier! I removed them, and then the Load Startup items line was a filled in box again and not a check on the General tab! And I can’t get rid of that boot line: even though it is grayed out, the check is in the box. Am I doing something wrong?

This machine is running Vista SP2, in case that makes a difference.

Thought I’d include screen shots of the 2 tabs to help with diagnosis.

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May have to use other apps to stop the un-needed apps. I would use Nirsoft What’s In Startupto disable start up items. Scroll down this page to find download link.

You can disable the un-needed items here (Put msconfig back to Normal Startup), then when satisfied they can be deleted from here as well.

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Quick clarification: Aren’t the unchecked ones already disabled? Or are they still active because they’re in the list and that is why that 3rd line is grayed out? Not quite sure about this.

Linda

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Don’t concern yourself with msconfig’s general tab. That can be left alone.
The same applies to the msconfig services tab, leave it alone.

As long as you have removed all checkmarks your prepared to stop from startup, the startup tab is all you need to be concerned with in msconfig.

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Don’t concern yourself with msconfig’s general tab. That can be left alone.
The same applies to the msconfig services tab, leave it alone.

As long as you have removed all checkmarks your prepared to stop from startup, the startup tab is all you need to be concerned with in msconfig.

Thanks, Clint. Looks as if I’m done then. I am, however, going to go back through the whole thread and ensure I’ve done all the clean up that’s been suggested. The laptop seems faster, but some programs occasionally start sluggishly and sometimes, quickly. Best news is that I haven’t noticed anything missing that I need!!!

Will do a reporting post after my thread homework.

Linda

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Like I said in my last post I would just use What’s In Startup and delete all the useless stuff and go from there. I believe this app actually removes the useless stuff directly from the Registry Run folders, which is where most of these apps put their useless stuff to start them up at Windows Start anyway. Hmmm. . . . I wonder if I said Start enough in this post???

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Like I said in my last post I would just use What’s In Startup and delete all the useless stuff and go from there. I believe this app actually removes the useless stuff directly from the Registry Run folders, which is where most of these apps put their useless stuff to start them up at Windows Start anyway. Hmmm. . . . I wonder if I said Start enough in this post???

I had somehow missed this post, Ted. Thanks for the extra advice and I will check out the app and give it a try.

Now that this laptop is operating at a much improved speed, on to my next request, which involves the new PC.

I’ve been careful about getting it set up slowly. After our conversations about Startups, I checked them in the new computer and found more than the ideal 4 or 5. I’ve attached a screen shot. Can you help me with what can be safely removed here? I do plan to uninstall Norton soon and replace it with Avast (has worked well for laptop) but wonder if Norton should start at start for now (I’m using that word as much as you did, Ted!!) in order to be in full protection mode?

Thanks for your help – again!

Linda

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I had somehow missed this post, Ted. Thanks for the extra advice and I will check out the app and give it a try.

Now that this laptop is operating at a much improved speed, on to my next request, which involves the new PC.

I’ve been careful about getting it set up slowly. After our conversations about Startups, I checked them in the new computer and found more than the ideal 4 or 5. I’ve attached a screen shot. Can you help me with what can be safely removed here? I do plan to uninstall Norton soon and replace it with Avast (has worked well for laptop) but wonder if Norton should start at start for now (I’m using that word as much as you did, Ted!!) in order to be in full protection mode?

Thanks for your help – again!

Linda

I have blocked out a few I woud stop now. Some of the other stuff, because we can’t see the entire entree, I would want to know what it is. I would uninstall the Norton stuff immediately and install the AV you want to use, I believe it was Avast. Generally these pre-installed AV apps are not complete or limited time apps that have to be purchased to keep. What’s In Startup may show more of the entree so we can see what they really are for, but in my experience most of these things are fluff the manufacturers include that can be done without.

Sorry, forgot to add the Image!

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I had somehow missed this post, Ted. Thanks for the extra advice and I will check out the app and give it a try.

Now that this laptop is operating at a much improved speed, on to my next request, which involves the new PC.

I’ve been careful about getting it set up slowly. After our conversations about Startups, I checked them in the new computer and found more than the ideal 4 or 5. I’ve attached a screen shot. Can you help me with what can be safely removed here? I do plan to uninstall Norton soon and replace it with Avast (has worked well for laptop) but wonder if Norton should start at start for now (I’m using that word as much as you did, Ted!!) in order to be in full protection mode?

Thanks for your help – again!

Linda

Remove everything except the Norton, HPAdvisorDock, and hpsysdrv App.

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Finally did it! Took me some time to work up the nerve to remove so much from the brand new computer, but it’s done! I’ve left Norton for now until I can get Avast downloaded. Once it’s downloaded, I’ll uninstal Norton and then install Avast as well as Spybot and AdAware.

Was also suggested that I install Microsoft Security Essentials for malware. My understanding is that it can be included as well as the others for more protection. Have I got that right?

Thanks for all your help. There is still lots in your posts I’m working through for more information!!

Linda

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Was also suggested that I install Microsoft Security Essentials for malware. My understanding is that it can be included as well as the others for more protection. Have I got that right?

MSE is both an AV & AM tool so I would only use one antivirus application. Two would be overkill, not to mention defeating the perpose of all your current labors.
MSE or Avast, either will do just fine, but not both.

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Aha! Thanks, Clint. And I hear what you say re. undoing all my labors to this point! Will stick with Avast for now as it has served me well.

And, by the way, the new computer restarted just fine with all those other items removed!!!

P.S. I do uncheck the Norton box when I’m ready to install Avast, correct? Or will it disappear from Startup when I uninstall it?

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Aha! Thanks, Clint. And I hear what you say re. undoing all my labors to this point! Will stick with Avast for now as it has served me well.

Avast is okay, but bear in mind you managed to pick up a virus while it was running!

The new version of Microsoft Security Essentials does seem to be pretty good. So far, I’m only trusting it to look after my netbook (I use Eset’s NOD32 for AV and Agnitum’s Outpost for firewall on my Vista desktop) and as my general tendency has always been to distrust Microsoft products until proven otherwise, I’m quite impressed with it, rather against my will!

One thing I quite like about MSE is that it starts getting nervous if you haven’t let it run a full scan lately. Many — if not most — AV products give you the ability to schedule full scans but won’t nag you if you haven’t run one lately. As you’ve discovered, a full scan can pick up things that background protection will miss, and it IS a good idea to schedule one to run at least weekly.

I imagine you don’t leave your laptop running often while you’re not using it, so a rigidly scheduled check might get in your way occasionally. Maybe just get into the habit of setting a manual check off once a week and let it get on with it while you’re making a jug of coffee or six? :^_^:

P.S. I do uncheck the Norton box when I’m ready to install Avast, correct? Or will it disappear from Startup when I uninstall it?

Some versions of Norton can be very difficult to completely remove; the previous comment relating to using Symantec’s Norton removal tool is worth noting. I’d be inclined to find and download it so you’ve got it available before you start the removal, then use the installed uninstaller (does that make sense?) and use the tool if you get errors on the next start.

It’s also a good idea to disconnect from the internet before starting the removal of any security tool and not allow connection again until the new one’s installed. (If you’re connected wirelessly, you may need to do something to make sure that it’s not automagically re-enabled at startup, just this one time.)

A general comment: I’ve read through this thread and, excellent though all the advice given has been, it’s still slightly worrying that you experienced a sudden degradation in performance, rather than the progressive slowdown I’d have expected from the issues you’ve been fixing. Are you convinced you’ve fixed the problem? Or does it still feel a bit sluggish?

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A general comment: I’ve read through this thread and, excellent though all the advice given has been, it’s still slightly worrying that you experienced a sudden degradation in performance, rather than the progressive slowdown I’d have expected from the issues you’ve been fixing. Are you convinced you’ve fixed the problem? Or does it still feel a bit sluggish?

Tim,

Thank you for your comment! I hadn’t checked back here for a while and email notification seems to have failed. I appreciate your thoughts: I think the slowdown may have been more gradual than I suggested, but I only noticed it when it got really bad. Speed had been much improved, but has slowed way down again. I’m just getting around to trying to correct it today(been sticking to the new PC for work) by re-doing all the suggestions in this thread.

Does any of this suggest something else to you? It is so frustrating to have the speed issue raise its ugly head again! To date, I’ve defragged, cleaned up Start menu items, done virus and malware scans (nothing on any of them), used CCleaner and let it remove everything it had checked and am currently working through PSI to correct several instances it identified of insecure programs. The laptop does seem to be faster, but the test will come when I log on tomorrow and see how fast it starts and programs open.

Will post back on progress then.

Linda

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Speed had been much improved, but has slowed way down again. I’m just getting around to trying to correct it today(been sticking to the new PC for work) by re-doing all the suggestions in this thread.

Does any of this suggest something else to you? It is so frustrating to have the speed issue raise its ugly head again! To date, I’ve defragged, cleaned up Start menu items, done virus and malware scans (nothing on any of them), used CCleaner and let it remove everything it had checked and am currently working through PSI to correct several instances it identified of insecure programs. The laptop does seem to be faster, but the test will come when I log on tomorrow and see how fast it starts and programs open.

Will post back on progress then.

Linda

If this happened suddenly unless you’ve installed software recently you might have a hardware problem. If you’ve installed software recently I think that might be a culprit. Also, remember that quite a few products are very persistant in adding things to your startup locations. Java & Quicktime are two that come to mind immediately.

Joe

--Joe

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Yes, that would be a good idea to stop all of Norton’s running processes prior to uninstalling.
You may also consider downloading Norton’s own uninstall tool for AV products, but either way you go, remove it as a startup
process and also comb through taskmanager for any reference to it as well.

The biggest issues with uninstalling some software is that it may have services or processes
running in realtime that may make uninstallation haphazard. Identifying those that do and closing them down
will mitigate many uninstallation issues.

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Got it. Will check all the locations you suggested and also Norton’s own removal tool thanks to your link. Will post back on successful completion!

Linda

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Linda,
If you were to attempt to uninstall any app while it is running you will get an error message. An app has to be stopped prior to being uninstalled.

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