PC techies - Can you help?

[cattlegrid_79]

Hi

My PC is currently running like a dog. Everything has slowed right down and i'm sure it's just clogged up with random stuff that has been downloaded off t'internet.

I have deleted any programs that i don't use, cleaned out all my temporary files and all the stuff like that that I know how to do and it's still real slow. I am eventually going to get some more memory for it, but it needs sorting out first. My PC at work is a lower spec and runs so much faster!!!

I am considering somehow taking everything off my hard drive and starting again from scratch. Seems to me to be the only way to gurantee getting rid of all the crap i seem to have acquired.

How can i do this safely. I still have all the original Windows and Office disks, so getting the software back on the machine is not a problem. I'm just a bit apprehensive about taking the OS off and not being able to get it running again?

Any suggestions?

[Cheech]

How old is the PC? and what kind of operating system do you have? i would just format and reinstall. I got a firewall, Norton Corporate, Win cleaner, Adaware, Spybot, and Pest control on my computer, and it still runs slower.. I also get a whole bunch of popups. So, I'm just gonna reinstall.

If you have Windows 2000 or XP, it isn't much of a big deal to reinstall.. If you have 98 or millenium, although still not complicated, it can get a bit tricky.

Also, if you plan to reinstall, it might be a good idea to have drivers ready.. At least for your Network card, (if you got DSL) or Modem, and your video card.. Your OC might install them automatically, but if it doesn't, you'll have to have them ready...

Let us know what OS you are running and stuff.. It'll make it easier. . .


Oh, one more thing. XP has a "Last known good configuration"... I wouldn't use it. . . Sometimes viruses hide in these backups, so even thoguh you use it, viruses can still be there...

[125gJoe]

Try running the free Spy-Bot and Ad-Aware programs.

[cgrabe]

Oh, one more thing. XP has a "Last known good configuration"... I wouldn't use it. . . Sometimes viruses hide in these backups, so even thoguh you use it, viruses can still be there...
The Last Known Good Configuration is updated after each login; it's not likely to be used by a virus. The System Restore can be used by viruses though. Once a file is properly registered with System Restore, Windows will make a copy of the file, monitor the original for changes, and replace it automatically if needed. If a virus gets in there, System Restore might put it right back in place after your virus cleaner gets rid of it. IF you do find that you have a virus, you should disable System Restore, do a full system scan, then reenable System Restore once the computer is clean.

[Cheech]

The Last Known Good Configuration is updated after each login; it's not likely to be used by a virus. The System Restore can be used by viruses though. Once a file is properly registered with System Restore, Windows will make a copy of the file, monitor the original for changes, and replace it automatically if needed. If a virus gets in there, System Restore might put it right back in place after your virus cleaner gets rid of it. IF you do find that you have a virus, you should disable System Restore, do a full system scan, then reenable System Restore once the computer is clean.


Ummm... yeah... That's what I meant.. ;) ;) ;)

[cattlegrid_79]

Cheers guys. Some more info for you.

The PC is about 2 years old. Running XP (Fisher Price windows...and i hate it). I have broadband but have all the modem drivers. It's running ZoneAlarm as a firewall, but after the lates "urgent" Windows update it has downloaded Windows own protection, which is crap and just conflicts with everything else i seem to have running.

Anyone fancy a trip to the UK to sort it out for me!!! :laugh:

[dwayne]

If you pay for the flight, I'll come fix your pc for you! Mind you, I'm no techie though!

I agree with Joe... download and run Spybot and AdAware. I had the exact same problem both here on my work pc, and on both pc's at home (me and hubby's)... I now run both programs once a week, as well as delete ALL temporary internet files, including all cookies except the few I can identify are from this and a few of my other regularly visited sites.

Good luck!

~Tara
:D

[cattlegrid_79]

I htink my Mrs might have something to say about me inviting random ladies over from the US!

I still think it needs a complete re-start. I've almost resigned myself to it now. If it can run well for a year, I must be able to get it back to that state.

[Cheech]

How about having a dude from Canada over?? ;)

[TKOS]

I would definately do a fresh install if you have winxp and a high speed modem. It will probably take you a few hours but save you a lot of grief in the long run.

[cattlegrid_79]

Is there an easy uninstall option on Windows XP? Does it then take you down to a DOS prompt? Will it then not recognise my CD drive because i've uninstalled windows?

Usually i know stuff about PCs, but i've never done this before, so i'm a bit worried about mucking it up!

[OrionGirl]

Guess I'd try spybot, adaware, and then a cleanup/defrag before I re-formatted. The reformat will work--certainly!--and I know people who reformat on a regular basis. But, some general maintenance and clean up often will be enough to get it back up to speed. For someone who's unsure of the process, often cleanup is a safer option. If you have a techie chum, see if they can come over and walk you through it (make sure they just walk you through it--do not let them do it for you, or you won't really learn how to do it yourself), that's great. Otherwise, try cleaning it up, and go from there. Downloads.com has spybot and adaware for free, search for *.tmp and delete those as well as temporary internet files and cookies, and then Start: Programs: Accessories: System Tools: Disk Defragmenter. This will help--then you can decide if it's good enough.

[Cheech]

XP is really easy to install.. put in the cd, boot with it, and follow instructions.. When you get to your partitions, follow the instructions on how to delete and remake them . . I'd make 2 partitions if you have the space.. .

[greeneyedlady]

I think my Mrs might have something to say about me inviting random ladies over from the US!





I don't know it could be fun ;)

[Dale W.]

Before you just plop in the CD and reboot, you need to make sure that your system boots to CD first. You have to do this in the bios. Its really pretty easy. Once you do this, you dont have to clean out the old windows or anything as it will do that for you when you boot up to the CD.

[Aries]

If you got Windows XP SP2 (either purposely or by automatic download) this might cause the problem. In the PC world - WinXP (pro and home) SP1 right before SP2 was stable (even though security holes were running rampant).

What are your PC specs? Mine is REALLY old (4+ year) but is running like a champ (last reformat was to put on WinXP Pro (about 1.5 years ago - if that long). It can still run MOHAA @ 1280x1024 with medium to high detail with no issues. You did good in removing old programs not used, clearing out the cache (Zone Alarm Pro has a good cache cleaner - if you paid for it - I did and I love it - more control but can overwhelm a non-tech person). A PC that old will not be able to run new software without revaming it (new video card more RAM or basically a new PC). So, if you removed alot of software - a defrag could help (more than you would think).

If you go reformat - definately make sure you can boot from BIOS - a PC that age should have that option (typical BIOS hotkeys are DELETE, F1 or it will say what to push). WinXP will guide you though every process (even though it does 99% of it by itself). A rebuild can easily take a weekend day to fully complete. Preperation time is indeed your friend :D .

What to do - make a bootable disk in WinXP. Help will tell you how. If you have a DOS boot disk - this is what you need. CD Drivers are essential to have - the WinXP boot disk will have this.

If you know the Hard Drive manufacturer - download their software to reformat the hard drive - this is easiest and I believe XP will tell you in Device Manager. Follow thier instructions to format the HD. USB mice may not be recognize as a warning. Choose the option of system operating files (most default to this option). THis will require you XP boot disk. If not - just make sure that the HD is formated in your correct FAT (FAT16, FAT32 [preffered] or NTFS). If you know more advanced options - go that route.

Formatting will take a few seconds to minutes depending on size.

Once finished it will need to reboot. I would leave in your WinXP boot disk - you want CDROM drivers - this will take a long time to load. If your system can boot from CD-ROM then the boot disk is not needed now - just load the CD and run away.

HTH - I have done this plenty of times and know how a hassle it can be (although most of mine are upgrades to XP).

Good luck!!!

[cattlegrid_79]

That an offer, GEL? Because, of course, you know i'd make an exception for you!

[Ayrianth]

First of all, reformating should be your last option. You mentioned recent downloads from Microsoft. Was this the beginning of your PC slowing down? If so, unistall the update thru Add Remove Programs. If this is not the problem, do as other have suggested and run both Spy Bot and AdAware. Creating a physical instead of virtual swap space on your harddrive will help too. Old programs on your hard drive will not slow down your PC unless you are very low on harddrive space.

Also, you don't need to make a boot disk to install WinXP. The CD itself is bootable. If you make sure your PC is set to read from the CDROM drive first, all you need to do is put the CD in your ROM and turn your PC on. Follow the step by step instructions to do a clean install or a repair. You MUST have the drivers for your lan card or modem BEFOER doing the reinstall because without them, you won't be able to get online to get the other drivers you need. Make sure you get them all first - sound card, video card, mobo drivers etc...! Better to be safe than sorry! I would also recommend downloading and burning a copy of WinZip in case any of the drivers come in a zip format. Most are executable files but occasionally you'll get a zip.

[Aries]

Reason I said to have boot disk is if for some wierd reason he can not get his CDROM to boot from disk (have seen it happen). This is not an XP issue but a hardware issue - possibly.

Just a clarification - since I have no idea about his spec (ie mb, hd and most importantly bios sw).

Agreed that reformatting is last option - but it can be a good option especially if you want to start fresh and losing data is not crucial. This can breathe new life into a PC - especially if HD space is at a premium.

FYI :D

[Ayrianth]

Aries, missed that part about not booting from his CDROM. I just went back thru the thread and found this quote: Is there an easy uninstall option on Windows XP? Does it then take you down to a DOS prompt? Will it then not recognise my CD drive because i've uninstalled windows?


So, I'm gonna assume it will boot now but he's questioning if it will after he wipes out Windows.


My answer is to simple turn the PC on with the WinXP CD in the drive and go from there. He may have to go into BIOS to make sure it boots from the CD ROM first instead of the harddrive.

If he's got a manufactured PC instead of a built one, he'll probably have to change that setting.

:)

[Aries]

If he does ReInstall XP over the existing "Old XP" will it not keep the same setting (or at least try to)? I have never ReInstalled XP becuase when doing this with SE and ME it seemed never work properly (of course we are talking about SE and ME there ;) ). If there is an option in XP to ReInstall completely and fresh - this indeed would be ideal. But what about all the "old programs" and spyware etc. Will XP see those and keep them in the registry????

[Dale W.]

When you install XP from the disk at start up, it will format the drive as an option. You cant really install one copy over the other unless you try it through windows which isnt really the thing to do.

[reiverix]

Go to Start -> Run

Type MSCONFIG and click OK

Click the Startup tab.

Take a look in there and note the apps that are kicking off when you login your PC. Do a google search on the names. Could be something malicious in there.

You can also check your registry setting at -
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run

You could also run netstat from the command line. Try netstat -r to see who your computer is connected to. Netstat -a will give a list of listening ports.

[Ayrianth]

I don't use XP Aries but the way 2K works is if you install over the copy, it wipes out your registry and your Documents section under Users.

The programs are still there but you have to reinstall them to reset the registry. All drivers are lost too.

The advantage is you don't loose anything you've saved to your harddrive. :)



I'm not positive that XP works the same way but it should. ;)

[Ayrianth]

Take a look in there and note the apps that are kicking off when you login your PC. Do a google search on the names. Could be something malicious in there.


You can click on Ctrl/Atl/Delete and look in the Task Manager and get the info you need to run your Google search. This is also where you would 'End Process' so you can uninstall a nasty bug that says it can't be installed because it's in use. :)