[Resolved] Desktop Slow, Locks Up, CPU Runs 100%

Hi R Anderson,

I didn't see any Norton remnants so you a probably correct in in your recollection of using the tool. I thought I should ask just in case.

512 max is quite common on older PCs (got one). We should clean up the tools and I'll make few suggestions. You may want to hold off installing anything I suggest until you get the new ram installed. Just keep them and this thread in mind. I will keep watching this thread though.

Now lets uninstall GMER:

• Copy the entire contents of the Code Box below to Notepad.
• Name the file as gmer_uninstall.bat
• Change the Save as Type to All Files
• and Save it in the folder where GMER.exe was saved
• Once saved, double click on the gmer_uninstall.bat file. a MSDOS window will be displayed. That is normal.

Do Not copy the word CODE

@echo off
sc stop gmer
sc delete gmer
if exist %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\gmer.sys del /f /q %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\gmer.sys
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer.dll del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer.dll
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer.exe del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer.exe
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer.ini del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer.ini
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer_uninstall.cmd del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer_uninstall.cmd
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer.bat del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer.bat
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer.reg del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer.reg
if exist %SystemRoot%\gmer.log del /f /q %SystemRoot%\gmer.log
rd /s /q gmer
del /f /q gmer_uninstall.bat
exit

From your desktop, please delete if present

• any notepads/logs that we created
• GMER.zip
• GMER.exe

Next

Open OTL then click the Clean Up button. You may get prompted by your firewall that OTL wants to contact the internet - allow this. A cleanup.txt will be downloaded, a message dialog will ask you if you want to proceed with the cleanup process, click Yes. This will do some clean up tasks and delete some of the tools you have downloaded plus itself.


* Create a new restore point

You must be logged on to an administrator account

• Go to Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Restore.
• Click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
• In the text box labeled Restore Point Description, type a name for this restore point
• click create

* Remove old restore points

• Go to Start - All Programs - Accessories - system tools.
• Launch the Disk Cleanup tool and let it run.
• When it finishes a box with tabs will appear, select the more options tab.
• On this tab you will find a section for System Restore.
• If you press the Clean Up button for that section, Windows will delete all restore points except for the most recent one.

I suggest you keep MBAM as an on demand scanner.
Updates and upgrades


Updates and upgrades

* If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the cirtical updates installed (Free) Microsoft Office Update


Some Recommendations and prevention tips

Basic security consists of 1 antivirus program, 1 resident antispyware program, 1 on demand antispyware program and a firewall. You have an antivirus program and both antivirus program, just add a firewall.

* If you are behind a router Windows firewall should be fine. Otherwise a 3rd party firewall with outbound monitoring is recommended.

Click FIREWALL for tips, reviews and links to good, free and paid for firewalls. (Note: Zone Alarm is becoming bloatware, IMO)


You should also use Spyware Blaster to help immunize your computer.

- SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

OR

A guide to understanding and using the hosts file.

Learn how your Hosts file can protect you and how you can protect it.
Besides the Hosts file information, there are links to a very good updated hosts file, a host file manager. and some programs that can protect your hosts file.
HOSTS

Please read the info on disabling the DNS Client before installing a custom hosts file.


-Secure your Internet Explorer

From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.

• Click once on the Security tab
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.

Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.


- Ensure that Automatic Update is turned on so you get all the latest patches.
Click start, control panel, click Security Center.


- Keep your antivirus program updated, as well as any other security programs you have.


- You may also want to read this article By Tony Klein
http://www.freedomlist.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22879


-Check this site out to check for out of date programs
Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) 1.0


Let us know how it goes with the new ram.

Take care

The new RAM came in this morning and is now installed. I did the removals and updates you suggested. My PC is now running much better but I haven't been on it long, time will tell. Thanks for the heads up on the RAM shortfall, the guy that installed it on here failed to mention that. Between cleaning it up and the new RAM, I think it will be much better.

Hi R Anderson, Thanks for letting us know. I'll leave this thread open for a few days. Post back if you have any problems or questions. Take care.

Since this issue appears to be resolved … this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance. If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread. Everyone else please begin a New Topic.