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System slow, sometimes freezes [Solved]


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#16 Formybro55

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 10:35 PM

OCD -

 

As per your instructions, I downloaded and ran the Trend Micro HouseCall - I believe it did a "quick scan" - and it reported "No threats found."

That's good, I guess.

 

However, even after a couple of reboots, that file, C:\Documents and Settings\Dan\Ÿ9Ÿ9, is still there even though OTL reported moving it successfully.  Windows Explorer now reports that the file has a "date modified" of 07/28/2014 10:19 PM, though it still shows as "0 KB" in size.  This seems... odd.   To be clear, it still won't allow me to manually delete it.  :blink:

 

So, now what?

 

Thanks. :D


Edited by Formybro55, 29 July 2014 - 10:37 PM.

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#17 OCD

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 10:41 PM

Hi Formybro55,

Well it is just a folder with no files contained in it. I don't know what program is using it that it won't let you delete it. Let's just leave it for now.

How would you say the computer is running at the moment, any issues?
 


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#18 Formybro55

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Posted 30 July 2014 - 05:33 PM

How is the computer running?  It's a bit difficult for me to answer satisfactorily, as I am not the regular user of that system and my brother hasn't made much use of it during the past week or so that we've been working on it.  But, as far as I can tell, it's not running much better -or worse- than ever.  Still slow, and prone to "freezing" while browsing, but as we've discussed already that's probably largely due to the age and configuration of the hardware.

 

I'm still a bit unnerved by the file (folder?) that can't seem to be deleted, even by OTL, but otherwise... :thumbup:



#19 OCD

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Posted 30 July 2014 - 08:00 PM

Hi Formybro55,

Here are a few items that might be contributing to the slowness and possibly the freezing of the browser.

  • 1021.98 Mb Total Physical Memory - by today's standards this is a minimal amount of RAM (Random Access Memory)
  • ZoneAlarm Antivirus - ZA is known to be somewhat of a "resource hog". Switching to a different AV may or may not help the performance.
  • Java 7 Update 60 - We should get the latest Java. (Java 7 Update 65)

=========================

bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif Uninstall via Add/Remove Programs

  • Please go to Start > Control Panel > Add Remove Programs.
    Locate the following programs: (if present)
    • Java 7 Update 60
  • Click Remove and allow Windows to completely remove each one in turn.
  • Then reboot your computer to complete this part of the process.

=========================

bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif Update Java

  • Get the current version of Java (Version 7 Update 65) by going to http://java.com/en/d...d/installed.jsp
  • Select the Verify Java Version button and follow the onscreen instructions to update if necessary.

=========================


I'm still a bit unnerved by the file (folder?) that can't seem to be deleted

[2014/07/16 15:55:53 | 000,000,000 | ---- | C] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\Dan\Ÿ9Ÿ9

  • 2014/07/16 - date created
  • 15:55:53 - time created
  • 000,000,000 - folder size

See if you can rename it.

Locate the file/folder and right click on it, select rename, then just rename it Y9Y9OLD.

The reboot the computer and see if there are any adverse effects.

=========================

Since the computer hasn't been used much during this process maybe we should allow a few days to test it. From the logs you have posted I'm not seeing any malicious items that would be causing the issues you were/are encountering. But you really need to "test" it so we can see what symptoms are present.


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#20 Formybro55

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Posted 01 August 2014 - 12:47 AM

OCD -

 

I tried to follow your instructions for the Java update.  Uninstalling the previous version seemed to go without a hitch.  I went to the site you linked and followed the on-screen instructions, and it seemed to be working as expected.  However, once the installation was presumably complete, the browser was closed and re-opened in order to test the functionality, and - the first thing that appeared was a dialog that invited me to run the "Java Uninstall Applet" with a "scary" note:

 

Do you want to run this application?
Name: Java Uninstall Applet
Publisher: Oracle America, Inc.
Location:
https://java.com

This application will run with unrestricted access which may put your computer and personal information at risk.  Run this application only if you trust the location and publisher above.

RUN/CANCEL

 

I had no problem with "trusting" the locaion and publisher - I just didn't think I'd want to uninstall the program I was just trying to install.  So, I clicked "cancel".

 

:smack: 

 

Then, in the space where I would have expected to see some sort of graphic confirming the installation, I instead saw:

 

Error. Click for details:

 

"Clicking for details" led to:

Application Error
RuntimeException
exit(-1)

 

There was another "details" button to click - clicking that led to:

 

Java Plug-in 10.65.2.20
Using JRE version 1.7.0_65-b20 Java HotSpot™ Client VM
User home directory = C:\Documents and Settings\Dan
----------------------------------------------------
c:   clear console window
f:   finalize objects on finalization queue
g:   garbage collect
h:   display this help message
l:   dump classloader list
m:   print memory usage
o:   trigger logging
q:   hide console
r:   reload policy configuration
s:   dump system and deployment properties
t:   dump thread list
v:   dump thread stack
x:   clear classloader cache
0-5: set trace level to <n>
----------------------------------------------------
calling downloadEagerorAll

 

whuh?   :unsure:   Now I'm not at all sure that I got the Java properly installed (in fact, I'm pretty sure I didn't).  How do I fix this?  Can this be fixed?

 

That weird "folder/file" let me rename it, and even seemed to let me delete it - once.  Then I noticed that the file was back, with the same name and a new creation/modification date.  Now it won't even let me rename it.  I'm sure you're probably right in that it's nothing to really worry about, but this still seems like strange behavior to me.

 

If you think I've gotten the Java issue dealt with sufficiently I'l let my brother know to put the system to use for the next few days,  but I'll wait for confirmation from you first.



#21 OCD

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Posted 01 August 2014 - 01:06 AM

Hi Formybro55,

I'm unsure about the troubles you ran into , but try this link instead.

http://java.com/en/d....jsp?locale-=en

Click the Agree and Start Free Download button to download Version 7 Update 65

Reboot after install. If all goes well, have your brother test the machine for a few days and post back with an update.
 


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#22 Formybro55

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Posted 01 August 2014 - 10:52 PM

Well, I'm still not sure.  It looks like Java installed correctly (at least there was a "message window" that came up which said it did), but when I went back to the "test Java" site, it still wanted to install an "Uninstall Java" applet with that "scary" warning message.  Weird.

 

I'll get my brother to work with the computer for the next couple of days, and then post back again.

 

Thanks.

 

:popcorn:



#23 OCD

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Posted 02 August 2014 - 01:20 AM

:thumbup:


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#24 OCD

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Posted 05 August 2014 - 07:22 PM

Hi Formybro55,

Just checking in to see how the computer is running.
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#25 Formybro55

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Posted 07 August 2014 - 11:25 PM

Sorry for the delay.  My brother was a bit "under the weather" for a few days, but he's had a chance now to use the computer for a bit.  He tells me that "the good news and the bad news" is that it seems to be running normally.   :weee:

 

I'll pass along to him what you said about the ZoneAlarm being a bit of a "resource hog" - can you suggest any alternatives that would be less of an imposition on his system's resources?  I use Avast Pro on my own computer, but I'm not clear on how it handles "resources" (and my system has about 3x the RAM that his does).


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#26 OCD

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Posted 08 August 2014 - 08:23 AM

Hi Formybro55,

Although it is hard to say which AV will work best, it comes down to a trial and error. Some AV's are more difficult to learn how to set up than others in order to get the maximum benefit from them.

Below are a few suggestions for Free Anti-Virus programs that might be more suitable for your situation. Obviously, the choice to change is entirely up to you.

Avast Free Antivirus
Avira Free Antivirus 2013
PC Tools AntiVirus Free
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Another potential option is being that your brother is running a relatively older computer, by today's standards with a minimal amount of RAM it should be expected that there might be some degradation in performance. I have included some information about adding RAM (below).

It is a relatively easy process. The actual steps will be slightly different depending on whether your computer is a Tower or a Laptop. The only difference being the steps taken to access the RAM modules. Once you locate the RAM modules the steps are nearly identical.

Crucial.com is the site I have used for many years, you can download their free Memory Advisor tool that will scan your system and tell you what they suggest adding based on your system.

Memory Advisor - will give you recommendations of upgrade options.

System Scanner - will give you the specs for your system.

Desktop PC installation Video

Laptop Installation Video

 

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

 

Let me know if you have any questions about the above. We also have some other steps to complete before I can send you on your way.


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#27 OCD

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Posted 11 August 2014 - 08:40 AM

Hi Formybro55,

Just checking in to see if you still need help? Are you ready to do the clean-up, and be on your way?
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#28 Formybro55

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Posted 14 August 2014 - 03:14 AM

Sorry for the delay - it was me this time.  Caught whatever bug it was that seems to have been making the local rounds.  I guess we're ready for the clean-up.

 

Thanks for your previous recommendations re the antivirus - I'll discuss them with my brother.  Adding RAM probably won't be the way he'll choose to go, even if it would almost certainly improve his computer's performance.  He hopes to be in a position to upgrade to an entirely new and improved system in the not too distant future, so there's not much point in putting new hardware in this one.



#29 OCD

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Posted 14 August 2014 - 08:18 AM

Hi Formybro55,

Sorry to hear that you were under the weather, hope you are doing better now.

Your log appears to be clean. :thumbup:

We have a few items to take care of before we get to the All Clean Speech.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif Remove Disinfection Tools
  • Download Delfix
  • Tick the following boxes:
    • Remove disinfection tools
    • Create registry backup
    • Purge system restore
    Delfix_zpsbce6c60b.gif
  • Click Run
  • Any other tools and files found can simply be deleted or uninstall via the Control Panel.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =


With the above items taken care of let's move on to the All Clean part of the process.

The following procedures are recommendations for helping to keep your system running smoothly. If you are currently satisfied with how your system is running some or all of these may not pertain to you. Implement what you need.

This infection appears to have been cleaned, but I can not give you any absolute guarantees. As a precaution, I would go ahead and change all of your passwords as this is especially important after an infection.

Any of the logs that you created for use in the forums or remaining tools that have not yet been removed can be deleted so they aren't cluttering up your desktop.

Here are some tips to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future:

Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
  • 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 Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
  • Change the Navigate windows and 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.
Make your Mozilla Firefox more secure - This can be done by adding these add-ons:Use and update an anti-virus software - I can not overemphasize the need for you to use and update your anti-virus application on a regular basis. With the ever increasing number of new variants of malware arriving on the scene daily, you become very susceptible to an attack without updated protection.

Free Anti-VirusFree Firewall
Using a third-party firewall will allow you to give/deny access for applications that want to go online. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. A tutorial on firewalls can be found here.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Be prepared for CryptoLocker:

Cryptolocker Ransomware: What You Need To Know
CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ

to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free program:

CryptoPrevent install this program to lock down and prevent crypto-ransomeware

CryptoPrevent_zps7ddc3ebd.jpg

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

COMPUTER SECURITY - a short guide to staying safer online

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WOT Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites - green to go, yellow for caution and red to stop, helping you avoid the dangerous sites. WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE.
  • Green should be good to go
  • Yellow for caution
  • Red to stop
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

P2P may be a great way to get lots of stuffs, but it is a great way to get infected as well. There's no way to tell if the file being shared is infected. Worse still, some worms spread via P2P networks, infecting you as well.

Please read these short reports on the dangers of peer-2-peer programs and file sharing.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current.
  • Windows XP:
    Microsoft will no longer offer support for Windows XP beginning on April 8, 2014
    If you are running Windows XP, please take the time to read the information provided at these links.
  • Windows Vista/7 users can open the Start menu > All Programs > Windows Update > Check for Updates (in left hand task pane) to update these systems.
  • Window 8 Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), tapping or clicking Settings, tapping or clicking Change PC settings, and then tapping or clicking Update and recovery.
Without these you are leaving the back door open.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Consider a custom hosts file such as MVPS HOSTS. This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers. For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002
Note: Be sure to follow the instructions to disable the DNS Client service before installing a custom hosts file.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Finally, I strongly recommend that you read TonyKlein's good advice So how did I get infected in the first place?

Please reply to this thread once more if you are satisfied so that we can mark the problem as resolved.
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#30 OCD

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Posted 17 August 2014 - 07:28 PM

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 follow the instructions here http://forums.whatth...ed_t106388.html
and start a New Topic.
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