Computer slowing

[gin_jammer]

My computer seems to take longer to boot up every time, and then performs some unknown activity for a good while, during which I may not launch any application. A day or so ago, I briefly saw a blue screen, but it flashed off too quickly for me to read any of it. I was then informed that my computer had recovered from a serious problem, so I duly notified Microsoft, who replied that it was an unknown problem called a "memory dump" (I think) but they could only help if I had a wideband connection (I don't). Can you help? Ed

[spybotsandra]

Hello,

Which version of Spybot do you run?
Do you have installed the latest updates?

Best regards
Sandra
Team Spybot

[gin_jammer]

Spybot S&D 1.4, updated yesterday

[gin_jammer]

Spybot S&D 1.4, Latest detection update: 2005-11-18. Tried update again today (24Nov) and seemed to get a newer version; looks & feels newer anyway. Ran it and found nothing.

[LonnyRJones]

Hi gin_jammer
Please read this
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288

[gin_jammer]

Lonny;

Hello. Thanks for the help.

Ran online antivirus and Spybot S&D.

Here's the Hijackthis log.

Regards,

Ed

[LonnyRJones]

Hi

I dont see anything out if the ordinary

How long has AVG and norton been installed ?
It would be best to uninstall one or the other, preferably nortons antivirus
(In my opinion)

Lets double check:
Download and run blacklite
F-Secure Blacklight: http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight/try.shtml
click > scan then > next, next again then exit
there will be a new txt near blacklite. post it please.

[gin_jammer]

In June, this computer experienced total corruption of system file and would not boot, even in Safe Mode. Using an unknown (to me) Linux tool, a friend was able to extract my personal files from the hard drive. After running the Recovery Disk, the same friend installed AVG before returning the computer. Being unfamiliar with AVG, I attempted to uninstall it, but could not. However, I thought I had disabled AVG before installing Norton. If you think AVG gives superior antivirus protection, please elaborate a little on why, and please tell me how can I make sure AVG is running correctly before I uninstall Norton? Also, should I take care of the AVG-Norton matter before running blacklite?

Ed

[LonnyRJones]

Hi
You can run that blacklite tool now, its not a resident type program, just a one time scanner for hidden files and process's.
"elaborate a little on why"
Basicly Becouse we see lots and lots of logs and most who have norton are infected with bots/hijackers etc

"how can I make sure AVG is running correctly"
Get familur with the program and re-read its help file's.

[gin_jammer]

Lonny;

Downloaded and ran the blacklite tool...no hidden items found.

Ed

[LonnyRJones]

Hi

I would do a full system scan with AVG in safe mode now,
If that doesnt help i think its not spyware/virus involved , probaly a device problem

[gin_jammer]

Lonny;

In the Startup list in the System Configuration Utility, I re-checked the AVG file I had un-checked back in June. I remember now why I un-checked it. When my computer boots, I get: "Could not initialize AVG Anti-Virus kernel interface. Application cannot run." I am also unable to uninstall AVG. When I attempt to do so, I get: Installer initialization failed due to following error: Error: Initialization of the language file "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free\setup.lns" failed. General failure. What do you suggest?

Ed

[LonnyRJones]

Hi

Yes reinstalling the program should help

[gin_jammer]

Lonny;

That took some doing...downloaded AVG Free Edition and ran Install, which gave me three options: Remove and Replace, Repair, and Uninstall. Repair failed, so ran Uninstall, which was successful. Then, installed AVG Free Edition, which was successful, and afterwards did an Update from AVG. Then, started the computer in Safe Mode and ran an AVG scan; one (1) infected file was found and deleted.

Boot up seems normal, but still slow. I guess I've got a clean, slow-booting computer?

As suggested, I'll familiarize myself with AVG some, then uninstall Norton. I will probably eventually install AVG full-up Edition.

Unless you have more suggestions, I guess I've taken up too much of your time already. Thanks a great deal!

Ed
:bow:

[LonnyRJones]

Hi

See if there are still problems when norton is gone. ;)

[tashi]

Hi gin_jammer.
As the problem appears to be resolved this topic will be archived.
If you need the topic reopened please pm me.

Glad we could help. :)

[gin_jammer]

Regarding the string "Computer Slowing" (locked out): the symptoms I first reported are now much reduced, but not totally gone. Using Windows Task Manager, I identified the culprit (never-ending harddisk activity after boot) as "gcasDTServ.exe" which I searched for and learned that it is Microsoft AntiSpyware. I have no idea when it was installed, maybe with XP SP2?

Anyway, I considered uninstalling it, but upon beginning to do so, found there was an option to "repair" it, so I did that. Afterwards, it stopped running non-stop following boot.

Now, I see TeaTimer is the guy who seems to do a lot of "stuff" after I boot up, but only for several seconds rather than "forever" as I was noticing originally.

Then, I got up the courage to uninstall Norton as suggested. After doing so, every time I boot, I get a Security Warning (No Firewall is turned on), and NOTHING I have tried will turn the Windows XP Firewall ON.

Any suggestions?

Regards,

Ed:confused:

[tashi]

Reopened and merged thread. I will let Lonny know. :)

[LonnyRJones]

Perhaps a third party firewall ?

Understanding and Using Firewalls:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=60
ZoneAlarm provide's a paid for and free version http://www.zonelabs.com/
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=nav_za
Kerio Personal Firewall
For home users, Kerio Personal Firewall 4 is available in two flavors -
the full edition and the limited free edition.
http://www.kerio.com/us/kpf_download.html
Sygate free for personal/home http://soho.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm
outpost http://www.outpost.uk.com/download/outpost1.html

[tashi]

Due to lack of a response this topic will be archived.
If you need the topic reopened again please pm me.

[gin_jammer]

Lonny;

Help me interpret your last post on

http://forums.spybot.info/showthread...=3425#post3425

Are you suggesting that I give up trying to turn the Windows Firewall ON and install another?

Regards,

Ed

[LonnyRJones]

Hi Ed
Yes a third party firewall is recomeded rather than the built in windows firewall.

[gin_jammer]

Lonny;

I have never been led wrong by this Forum, so I'm very inclined to follow your suggestion regarding a third party firewall. You've given me a Christmas holiday project. :angel:

But out of curiosity, what (aside from not being able to turn mine ON) is wrong with the Windows Firewall?

Merry Christmas,

Ed

[LonnyRJones]

Hi

Perhaps this will help http://windowsxp.mvps.org/resetfwpol.htm
BUT do not turn it on of your going to use a third party program