[Resolved K] Slow running computer

[kevinf80]

Hiya Larry,

Thee was no specific infection present, we removed some unwanted suspect software and generally tied up your system. You did say in second last reply that you felt the PC was still a bit slow, this may respond to a HD defrag.

I want you to do the following at a time when you do not need to use your PC for a couple of hours:

Download and run the free version of Puran Disc Defragmenter
For the first run I would recommend a boot defrag and disk check :-

1.   Select your Boot drive, normally C:
2.   Select Boot time defrag.
3.   Restart – Defrag – Restart – Disk Check.

Then just follow the prompts. This will take an extended time to run so always do at a time when you do not wish to use the system for several hours.

Let me know how you get on.

Regarding a security set up, I was using Avast Professional but UNinstalled it after the last major update messed up my system. There was still over a full year to run on a 2 year subscription.

I now use Online Armor Firewall (free) Microsoft Security Essentials (free) and Malwarebytes Professional, there is a free version of MB but id`d recommend the pro version, it is only about £20 for a lifetime licence.

Kevin

[Larry]

Kevin,
Unfortunately things seem to be getting worse on this machine. Has frozen up twice just after booting up. Tried running TFC and it froze, only I hadn't turned off McAfee or Malwarebytes. So I tried again, after disabling both and same result...it froze again. Maybe this is a hardware issue because it is rapidly becoming unreliable and I know you did all the right stuff to solve any malware issues.
Very frustrating...both computers here going south on us & we're not even, what I would consider, heavy users.

[kevinf80]

Hiya Larry,

Are you sure TFC is freezing, it can appear to be frozen as nothing seems to happen as it runs. How long did you leave it?

OK, do the following and see if this helps:

Go to Start, then Run and type cmd into the Run box and tap <Enter>.  After the command box opens, type this at the prompt chkdsk /r and tap <Enter>.
Note the space between the chkdsk and the /r .  You will get a message that the drive cannot be locked, but that the command can be scheduled to run at the next boot.  Type Y and then tap <Enter> again.  You will get a message that chkdsk has been scheduled to run on the next boot.  Then reboot.

chkdsk will run during the boot, and it will take quite a bit of time, particularly if your boot partition is large.  What the /r flag does is force chkdsk to run an expanded version of chkdsk that has 5 tests.  The last two will check the drive for file/folder/free space errors and also fix related MFT errors if there are any.

See if that helps....

Kevin

[Larry]

Did the final two steps as per your instructions. Will see how it goes.
Thanks again for all of your efforts. Really appreciated.
Also thanks for the advise on programs. I think I had to remove, or disable Microsoft Security with McAfee. I'll reinstalll it in Aug. & let McAfee go. So is Microsoft Security really the equivalent of McAfee & say Norton?
 FYI...Microsoft is my neighbor here, just up the road.
I did actually purchase MalwareBytes for a year but not the Professional version. Will re-up again.
Should I leave Update Checker. DriverUpdate &  Puran Defrag on my desktop & use or were they just one time tools for what we were doing?
Thanks again Kevin
Larry

[kevinf80]

Hiya Larry

FileHippo Update Checker and Puran are definitely worth keeping, I do not recognize DriverUpdate, where did that come from?

How is your system responding, any issues/concerns?

One other point, if you purchased Malwarebytes that would be the professional veraion. It only comes either Free version or Pro version, if you`ve purchased MB the licence is for life....

Kevin

[Larry]

Going OK for now, thanks again...but had another hiccup with McAfee (licences arbitrarilly expired. It wasn't anything we did). So last question. When I download Microsoft Security Essentials will that  effectively replace McAffee or Norton AV (only ones I know), and be able to run/protect 24/7? Doesn't it come with a firewall and if so, would that conflict with the other firewall you suggested and/or Malwarebytes? As you can tell, I need "protection for dummies, 101".

[kevinf80]

Hiya Larry,

Microsoft Security Essentials has everything you need except a Firewall, it gives Realtime protection exactly the same as any other security program. If you add Online Armor Firewall you should be adequately protected, if you have got Malwarebytes Professional, that is even better.

Afer you UNinstall McAfee via start > control panel > add/remove programs it will be beneficial to run their removal tool to ensure all remnants are removed....

Go [COLOR="Blue"]Here[/COLOR][/URL] and download the McAfee removal tool, save it to your Desktop. Double click the tool to run it, Vista or Windows 7 users right click and select "Run as Administrator" re-boot when requested to complete the task.

Any problems let me know..

Kevin

[Larry]

Did all that Kevin. Great to have McAfee off the desktop. Nightmares!
Think I downloaded Online Armor correctly but where is it and should I put an icon on desktop to check once in awhile? Same with Sec. Essentials. The ONE nice thing about McAfee was that I could click on it anytime and see "On" in the various protection boxes.
Think I'll do the same on the computer you first fixed a couple of weeks ago.
THANKS!

[kevinf80]

Hiya Larry,

You should see Online Armor and Microsoft Security Essentials next to your clock in the tray, similar to the attachment. Do you see that?

Kevin

[Larry]

Got it. Didn't recognize them at first. Am now confident in getting rid of McAfee and installing MSE, Online Armor & Malwarebytes on this second computer(the one you fixed first). Have TFC on this desktop..wil.l prob. put Puran on too.
Thanks!
Larry

[kevinf80]

Hiya Larry,

Thanks for the update, if no more issues Here are some tips to reduce the potential for malware infection in the future:

Make proper use of your antivirus and firewall

Antivirus and Firewall programs are integral to your computer security. However, just having them installed isn't enough. The definitions of these programs are frequently updated to detect the latest malware, if you don't keep up with these updates then you'll be vulnerable to infection. Many antivirus and firewall programs have automatic update features, make use of those if you can. If your program doesn't, then get in the habit of routinely performing manual updates, because it's important.

You should keep your antivirus and firewall guard enabled at all times, NEVER turn them off unless there's a specific reason to do so. Also, regularly performing a full system scan with your antivirus program is a good idea to make sure you're system remains clean. Once a week should be adequate. You can set the scan to run during a time when you don't plan to use the computer and just leave it to complete on its own.

Install and use WinPatrol  This will inform you of any attempted unauthorized changes to your system.

WinPatrol features explained Here

Use a safer web browser

Internet Explorer is not the most secure tool for browsing the web. It has been known to be very susceptible to infection, and there are a few good free alternatives:
 
Firefox,

Opera, and

Chrome.
 
All of these are excellent faster, safer, more powerful and functional free alternatives to Internet Explorer. It's definitely worth the short period of adjustment to start using one of these. If you wish to continue using Internet Explorer, it would be a good idea to follow the tutorial HERE which will help you to make IE MUCH safer.

These browser add-ons will help to make your browser safer:

Web of Trust warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous ones:

Available for Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Green to go,
Yellow for caution, and
Red to stop.


Available for Firefox only. NoScript helps to block malicious scripts and in general gives you much better control over what types of things webpages can do to your computer while you're browsing.

These are just a couple of the most popular add-ons, if you're interested in more, take a look at THIS article.

Here a couple of links by two security experts that will give some excellent tips and advice.

So how did I get infected in the first place by Tony Klein

How to prevent Malware by Miekiemoes

Finally this link HERE will give a comprehensive upto date list of free Security programs. To include - Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewall, Antimalware, Online scanners and rescue CD`s.

Don`t forget, the best form of defense is common sense. If you don`t recognize it, don`t open it. If something looks to good to be true, then it aint.

Let me know when you`re OK for me to close out your thread,

Take care,

Kevin

[kevinf80]

Since this issue appears to be resolved the topic has been closed. Glad we could help.   

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.

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