[Resolved] Dell Dimension 2350 running slow

[1972vet]

With everything you've done to that thing, your disk is likely badly fragmented. When was the last defrag? I might also mention, the partition size you chose to create isn't quite adequate for Windows XP including all the service packs WITH all the other stuff you have installed, I would say a partition size of roughly 80gigs is more suited for you especially with System restore enabled. Left unchecked, that service alone can use up 10gigs or more.

At the very least, you should perform a disk cleanup and defrag, then consider doing some partition work.

[mmi16]

Using the installed De-frag utility and using the analyze function on the C disk - the utility states that the disk does not need defragmenting....which doesn't mean that I won't defrag it.

Somewhere along the line the the Auslogics Disk Defrag utility has been installed.  Is there any preference on which product to use?

[1972vet]

The preference is yours. Auslogic is good...if you have it you can use that. As to the Microsoft native defrag utility, I should address the "you do not need to defragment this volume".

You see, when Microsoft wrote that utility for the Windows platform, there were two distinctly different target audiences to consider. Those are, the corporate and home users. Two very big markets, with very different "needs". The effort and intent was to reach a happy medium when considering the threshold levels that would still work well for both customer bases without causing any significant performance issues for either, should one or the other have to live by those thresholds.

If I explained that well, then you understand that the "threshold" Microsoft chose for the defrag utility will flag either customer base when fragmentation reaches...let's say it's about 20% (I really don't know WHAT it is, but I do know it's pretty broad) and anything under that will  be flagged as "you do not need to defragment this volume".

All that means is, you can delay a defrag when an analysis scan return such a message...but it certainly DOESN'T mean that you should not defrag.

As a general rule, I will perform a full system defrag when my file fragmentation is beyond 3%. For me, that's about twice a week. For you, let's say it might occur once a month. I don't know, only you would but you should keep an eye on it (make it a habit) and see how long it takes to find your fragmentation at about that level. It can very widely because it depends on the number of files you create, or delete and what type of applications you run as "usual".

Email, for example, is an application (whether native or not) that causes the creation and deletion of files on the hard disk. If you use an online email client, think of the "browser cache" when it comes to the number of emails downloaded and deleted. Those are all files that become fragmented whether they're on the disk, or make up the garbage in the browser cache, makes no difference...it's all still disk space no matter how you think of it.

Don't forget, even if you have your browser set to empty the temp files when you close it, the size of that "dump" file can vacillate, so to empty the cache upon closing the browser makes the next browser session run better but does nothing to assuage disk fragmentation.
 
You'll see, if you do that, the system performs well on each session. Clean the disk first, then defrag otherwise you'll be asking Windows to sort the garbage along with fragmented free space and files. Let me know how it performs when you finish.

[mmi16]

I have run the Clean Disk utility.  It brought the 'Compress Files' number down by a factor of about 8 but it is still indicating in the 6 digit range - Should I execute the utility again?

[1972vet]

If you're compressing files on the disk, that would also account for your slow performance. Windows, sort of, advertises how well it can work with compressed files, I know...but they shouldn't. While you can be picky, and choose what files you want to compress, it's rather daunting for a novice to research in an effort to determine what can and can't be compressed and still not interfere with their normal operation.

I'd go looking for those compressed files, and uncompress them. I bet you'll see a marked improvement.

[mmi16]

Ran the Auslog Defrag & Optimize utility - it took almost 9 hours to go through the C disk.

Everything seems to be working almost like new.

[1972vet]

Outstanding...you did good work mmi16!

You can delete these now:
DDS.scr
DDS.txt
Attach.txt
GMER and associated log(s)
TDSSKiller and associated log(s)
showalldisplaytabs-xp.vba

Next, please click start-->run...then copy and paste the Bold text below into the run box and click "OK":

ComboFix /Uninstall

Performing this function will uninstall Combofix, delete its related folders and files, reset your clock settings, hide file extensions, hide the system/hidden files and resets System Restore again for you automatically.

Next, if you wish, you can install the latest version(s) of the following software from these download links:
Spybot Search and Destroy
VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Sun Java Runtime Environment 7 Update 1

...in your situation, for the Spybot Search and Destroy installation, I recommend that you do the following:
After installation, Go to Start-->Programs-->Spybot - Search & Destroy and when the program opens, click on the mode tab at the top left of the application window and select "advanced". Notice the additional options that now appear in the left pane (column of buttons).

Next, in the left pane, click on the Tools button (near the bottom). In the right pane, you'll see a listing of options...make sure these are checked:
Resident
Browser Pages
IE tweaks
Hosts Files
...there may be others checked (which is fine by the way), but make sure that at least those mentioned above all have checks in the box next to them.

In the menu on the left hand side you should see "Resident", click there then in the right pane under "resident protection status" put a check mark in the box next to "resident SD helper (Internet explorer bad download blocker) and Remove the check from the box for Resident Tea Timer" (Protection of over-all system settings) active..."otherwise, your on board antivirus product will enter into another wrestling contest with it's protective features."

Look again to the left pane under the Tools section. From the left pane, click the Hosts File button. Now in the right pane, click the green + Add Spybot-S&D hosts list button.

Next, from the left pane, please click the Spybot-S&D button. From the right side pane, click the button to ‘Search for Updates’ and download and install the Updates (make sure all the updates it found has a check in the box).

When the updates complete, please click "immunize" from the menu on the left. Then in the right pane click the +immunize button...you should see a progress bar as the application begins to immunize the system.

When the progress bar completes, you should see "0" in the Unprotected heading. If you do not, then click the green +  Immunize button at the top just above that progress bar. You will see the numbers roll back until it reaches "0".

Next click the "Search and Destroy" button from the left pane menu then click the "check for Problems" button in the right pane.

Spybot will now scan your computer and display in the "problem" window any bad programs it finds. When the scan completes, it may show red, black, and green entries. Please put a check mark next to all the RED entries and click "fix selected problems". When finished, close the application. You can use this product to scan with on demand...and I recommend you do so at least once a week.

For the Java installation, please do the following:
Double-click the jre-7u1-windows-i586.exe file that you downloaded to the desktop. The installation should begin...please follow the prompts to install it.

When it completes, please reboot the computer. When the system comes back up, please open the Java Control Panel again click start-->control panel-->Java.

From the "General" tab, under the "Temporary Internet Files" (at the bottom), please click the Settings button. When the "Temporary Files Settings" box opens, please remove the check from the option box to "Keep temporary files on my computer". Please click "OK", then "Apply" to close the Java Control Panel. Please reboot the system once more to properly record these changes made to the hard disk. This ensures a clean record of the "Last known Good Configuration that Worked".

To assist in the prevention of malicious software intrusion and infections, you can begin by reading "How to boost your malware defense and protect your PC"...

Please remember to keep antivirus software on board and always use it's real time protection feature. Run a complete system scan at least once a week...preferably in Safe mode.

A word of caution
Security vendors, in recent years, have partnered with "Ask.com" in providing the "Ask Toolbar" bundled with their download(s).

Although the toolbar is considered to be a Legitimate program, it is nonetheless questionable as to it's behavior. It is alleged to be spyware/adware as the behavior of this application tracks a user's history and sends "search" information to it's servers in order to provide a user with targeted search results, many of these results may also be for questionable web sites. In fairness, one should keep in mind, google does the same thing regarding search results.

This tracking is considered by many of us in the security field, to be offensive.

Some of the "Download links" that I may provide, may also contain this program bundled with it. If you choose not to use it, the bundled software will always contain an "Opt Out" measure via some checkbox. The user can check (or uncheck) this box to prevent the download.

If a user isn't cautious and may have mistakenly installed this program, it can easily be removed via the "Uninstall" string provided with the software. Detailed instructions how to remove the program can be found Here.

If your antivirus program is a licensed version that is about to expire, you can consider using one of these available free on the public domain:

Microsoft Security Essentials
AntiVir Personal Edition Classic
Avast! 4 Home Edition

Those of us in the online safety/security community have tried and tested these programs to determine their abilities. Having in mind, nothing is ever a guarantee regarding computer security, these programs nevertheless, combined with the rest of these recommendations are certain to have an impact in helping to keep your system running free and clear. I personally have been satisfied from having tested and used each one of those at one time or another.

Immunize your browser by installing Spywareblaster. What does it do?

• Prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
• Blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
• Restricts the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.

Keep your anti-virus and spyware definitions up to date. Be sure to scan often.

Web of Trust, (WOT,) 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, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:

• Green to go
• Yellow for caution
• Red to stop

WOT has an add-on available for both Firefox and IE.

Install the Winpatrol security monitor utility. WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. What I hear most from users is how much they like the startup control feature and it's ease of use. Need help understanding something about Winpatol? Here it is.

Below you can choose from several of the freeware Firewalls available on the public domain. Even though you may have a Firewall already installed, keep this list handy should you choose not to renew your subscription for whatever reason.

You should always have at least one (but not more than one) of these types of third party firewalls running on board:

Zone Alarm...Windows 2k/XP/Vista

Outpost Free

Comodo...I highly recommend this firewall, but it may just be best suited for advanced users.

Stay updated with the most recent Windows patches using Microsoft's Windows Update. Make it easy on yourself, and set this feature to Automatic.

Using an alternate browser can reduce your chance of certain infections installing themselves. I recommend installing Mozilla Firefox. If you don't already have "Firefox", please consider installing and using this browser for surfing.

If you still wish to use Internet Explorer, please make sure you install SpywareBlaster (from above) to protect you from most ActiveX infections.

Run CCleaner often. Please avoid using the "registry" cleaning feature of this utility unless you consider yourself an expert. Contrary to popular thought, the Windows Registry has no need of any "cleaning". I personally challenge anyone to show a substantial benefit from having used any of these "registry cleaning" programs. There is none. Any difference at all is so miniscule that it's nearly impossible to calculate.

On the flip side, rather than any benefit, there is the possibility of slicing out enough pieces of the registry to render things useless...and that includes the operating system.

By default, CCleaner will ask you if you want to backup what is removed, and I suggest you do just that. If you have already used this option and found that something no longer works properly, please find the backup that was created and use it to restore that particular item. Remember, using this to clean the disk is absolutely useful and beneficial. A novice needs only to use the disk cleaning feature...and avoid the registry cleaning aspect. It's not difficult...just don't bother to click the Registry button on the menu.

CCleaner is an excellent...and fast disk cleaning utility that can easily be configured to suit your needs. Often, users find a simple reboot resolves a quirky performance issue which can come about as a result of the collection of temp files while browsing the web...and if you configure CCleaner to run on start up, then your system could be kept running fast and clean with each new user session.

The Yahoo Toolbar is included by default during the installation of the CCleaner utility...if you DO NOT WANT IT, be sure to remove the check from the "Add CCleaner Yahoo! Toolbar and use CCleaner from your browser" option during installation setup or else just download the Slim version (no toolbar...last download link at the bottom of that page)...

Or if you just want to run your on board Disk Cleanup ("Start--> Programs-->Accessories-->System Tools-->Disk Cleanup" ), just open the utility and check off the following:
Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, and Temporary Files.

So how did I get infected in the first place?
Regards, and Happy Surfing!

[1972vet]

This thread is now closed as the issue appears to be resolved.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!

The fixes and advice in this thread are for this machine only. Do not apply the instructions from this thread to your own machine. Please start a new thread describing your issue and someone will be along to assist you.