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Please help cure my laptop's sluggishness

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Post #1
Hi, I'm new to the forums and I'm hoping to get some help. I have a Dell Inspiron XPS with a 3.4 GHz P4 processor and 1 GB of RAM, and running Win XP Pro. Everything was fine until a couple weeks ago, when it started slowing down. I started noticing it when I was viewing movie files, the video starting skipping. A restart would be enough to go back to normal video playback. The problem has gradually worsened, and now everything runs slow, from startup to starting programs to shutdown. I pull up the task manager and it shows me the CPU usage is abnormally high, and whenever I try to do anything that requires any graphics at all, video or flash animation etc, the CPU usage will jump all the way to 100% and stay there. I've scanned my system with Adaware, Spybot, Bazooka, Microsoft Antispyware beta, and Mcafee and they've all found nothing. I tried a bunch of the online virus scans as well, Bitdefender, Command on Demand, eTrust, RAV, and Trendmicro Housecall all found nothing. Panda Activescan says it found SaveNow adware in the windows registry, but it doesn't get rid of it, and nothing else even detects it.

Anyway, here's my Hijack This log, hope someone can help:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:15:52 PM, on 5/10/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tcpsvcs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\bcmwltry.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
c:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiapsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Gaim\gaim.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = iexplore
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = 127.0.0.1
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] c:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\npjpi142_06.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\npjpi142_06.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: ppctlcab - http://ppupdates.ca.com/downloads/scanner/ppctlcab.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=36467&clcid=0x409
O16 - DPF: {2FC9A21E-2069-4E47-8235-36318989DB13} (PPSDKActiveXScanner.MainScreen) - http://ppupdates.ca.com/downloads/scanner/axscanner.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/m…83/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061…all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {7B297BFD-85E4-4092-B2AF-16A91B2EA103} (WScanCtl Class) - http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/webscan.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {A3009861-330C-4E10-822B-39D16EC8829D} (CRAVOnline Object) - http://www.rav.ro/scan/ravonline.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/m…,20/mcgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {C81B5180-AFD1-41A3-97E1-99E8D254DB98} (CSS Web Installer Class) - http://www.commandondemand.com/eval/cod/cabs/cssweb.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/popc…aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {EF791A6B-FC12-4C68-99EF-FB9E207A39E6} (McFreeScan Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/iss-loc/…484/mcfscan.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield (McShield) - Unknown owner - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - McAfee, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine (MCVSRte) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
O23 - Service: WLTRYSVC - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE



Thanks in advance,
Rick
Post #2
Congratulations saytn, your log looks clean.

Now that your computer is free of malware, I want you to take some precautions to avoid being re-infected.
If something does not pertain to your version of Windows please just skip that instruction.

Settings and maintenance

1. Clean out temporary files.
Download System Security Suite . Place the zip file into a folder of its own. Extract it to this folder.

Run System Security Suite by clicking the 3S icon in program manager.
Under "items to clear" check mark all. Then click "clear selected items"
This will cause your system to reboot.
You should do this every few weeks to avoid buildup of unnecessary junk.

2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure

a. Less restrictive but less secure:
Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more in
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you don't have to use it. Try a different browser like
Firefox . It is also worth trying
Thunderbird for controlling spam in your e-mail.

b. More secure but very restrictive.
This can be done by following these simple instructions that apply to all "Windows" except "Windows XP with SP2". In SP2 many of those setting are the default settings but check your settings anyhow. The settings can become restrictive but you should use them anyhow. If there are sites that will not show up right with those settings and that you rely on to be free of malware place them in the trusted zone.

1. Click "Start". Open "Control Panel".
2. Select the "Internet Options"
3. Select "Security" Tab and select the following settings.

* ActiveX controls and plug-ins
• Download signed ActiveX controls: Disable
• Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disable
• Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disable
• Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Disable
• Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting: Disable

* Downloads
• Font Download: Disable

* Microsoft VM
• Java permissions: Disable Java

* Miscellaneous
• Allow META REFRESH: Disable
• Display mixed content: Disable
• Drag and drop or copy and paste files: Disable
• Installation of desktop items: Disable
• Launching programs and files in an IFRAME: Disable
• Navigate sub-frames across different domains: Disable
• Software channel permissions: High Safety
• Userdata persistence: Disable

* Scripting
• Active scripting: Disable
• Allow paste operations via script: Disable
• Scripting of Java applets: Disable

* User Authentication
• Logon: Prompt for username and password
4. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
5. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
6. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.


These are a MUST to protect yourself from malware.
3. Always use a good anti-virus..
KEEP IT UPDATED

4. Always use a good firewall.
Be restrictive with access to the internet. If you are unsure if the program really needs the access, test it by denying the access and see if this has any negative effects. If not make the block permanent.

Never run two Antivirus programs or two Firewalls at the same time. The can interfere with each other and cause problems.

Download and install “SpywareBlaster” and "SpywareGuard".

You will find the addresses for the programs that I recommend at this website . It is important that you go to there. It is good source of information about computer security. It will give you recommendations for more security tools as well as tips about how to stay clean on the internet. PLEASE FOLLOW THE RECOMENDATIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

5. MOST IMPORTANT for all versions: You Need to keep “Windows” and "Internet Explorer” updated. Open ‘Internet Explorer” and go to”Start”> "Tools" > "Windows Update" or go to Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer Updates to get the critical updates.

6.If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof you must keep it updated as well. Go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed. Update MS Office here.

7. Keep your programs updated.

8. It is worth while to take a look at "So how did I get infected in the first place? for some good advice.

VERY IMPORTANT. Update all protective programs regularly - Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow these recommendations and your potential for being infected again will be dramatically reduced.

Do you have any problems with your computer? If so please post the details.

It has been a pleasure helping you.

Best of luck and clean computing

Elrond :D
Post #3
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