Help with slow PC

HUFCsteve

Hi there

I know this has been asked a million times but....

Our PC is tragically slow at start-up and needs 10 mins or so to "settle down".

It's an AMD Sempron 2400+ with 191MB RAM and a 80GB hard drive (26.6GB free) running XP SP3.

I guess I need to invest in more memory but would deleting any of these from start-up help?!?

Any help/advice would be welcomed but be warned I'm not a techie!!!

Thanks

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 20:57:58, on 07/10/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16705)
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 for Windows Workstations\avp.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\mscorsvw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\LiteClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\NINDFltr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\srvmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RunDll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\sistray.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\keyhook.exe
C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\LiteClientAM.exe
C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 for Windows Workstations\avp.exe
C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\AMMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\FinePixViewer\QuickDCF2.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\WG111v3\WG111v3.exe
C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mim.exe
C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\MMDiag.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqbam08.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgpc01.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_clipbook.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\CCleaner\CCleaner.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.mypostoffice.co.uk/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: HP Print Enhancer - !!0347C33E-8762-4905-BF09-768834316C61} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_printenhancer.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - !!18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - !!3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: HP Smart BHO Class - {FFFFFFFF-CF4E-4F2B-BDC2-0E72E116A856} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS Tray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\sistray.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS Windows KeyHook] C:\WINDOWS\System32\keyhook.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiSUSBRG] C:\WINDOWS\SiSUSBrg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AnyDVD] C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpqSRMon] C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSRMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NIHomeAM] "C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\LiteClientAM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVP] "C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 for Windows Workstations\avp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MimBoot] C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~1\mimboot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] "C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mm_tray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler V3.exe
O4 - Global Startup: ExifLauncher2.lnk = C:\Program Files\FinePixViewer\QuickDCF2.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: NETGEAR WG111v3 Smart Wizard.lnk = C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\WG111v3\WG111v3.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &eBay Search - res://C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTb.dll/RCSearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to AMV Converter... - C:\Program Files\MP3 Player Utilities 4.18\AMVConverter\grab.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Anti-Banner - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 for Windows Workstations\ie_banner_deny.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Web Anti-Virus statistics - !!1F460357-8A94-4D71-9CA3-AA4ACF32ED8E} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 for Windows Workstations\SCIEPlgn.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: HP Smart Select - {DDE87865-83C5-48c4-8357-2F5B1AA84522} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
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
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\bonjour\mdnsnsp.dll
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://freeola.com
O16 - DPF: NTLSignup - https://register.tesco.net/tesco/NTLSignup.cab
O16 - DPF: !!30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: !!6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1221946342828
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\KASPER~1\KASPER~1.0FO\adialhk.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: dimsntfy - %SystemRoot%\System32\dimsntfy.dll (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: klogon - C:\WINDOWS\system32\klogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 (AVP) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 for Windows Workstations\avp.exe" -r (file missing)
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Netintelligence Home Edition Client (NILiteClient) - BT (Post Office) - C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\LiteClient.exe
O23 - Service: Netintelligence Home Edition Web Filter (NINDISFilter) - BT (Post Office) - C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\NINDFltr.exe
O23 - Service: Service Monitor (ServiceMonitor) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\srvmon.exe

BexTech

1) You have very low memory, you could do with more.

2) You have way too many programs starting at start up - the fewest you can get away with the better.

HUFCsteve

Is memory cheap to get hold of and how would I know what would work best in my PC? Oh and could a non-techie like me install it?

Which programs/processes do I need to keep?

melstin

191MB of RAM only?

XP needs at the very least 512MB to run, but once you have loaded antivirus and antispyware etc etc 1024MB (1GB) is better, if you want to have a usable machine.

It takes so long to boot because not having enough RAM, it is forced to use the hard drive in place of memory and this is very slow.

You need to add at least 512MB, but it would be best if you replace the existing memory. This place will give you all the info you need for your motherboard:
http://www.crucial.com/uk/?gclid=CJnJzur5lZYCFQO11AoddUoTEg

melstin

You can also download Ccleaner and other free programs from here:
http://www.filehippo.com/

Then, you can remove all the programs you don't want to start automatically and also get rid of all the tons of temp files too

Browntoa

def needs more ram, will fly then !

HUFCsteve

I run the Crucial scanner and it returned the following:</SPAN>

Guaranteed-compatible memory upgrades for your ASRock K7S41 Motherboard. We were not able to determine the manufacturer and/or model of your PC, but we were able to complete our scan with information from your motherboard. </SPAN>Is this a problem?

Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
Currently Installed Memory: 256MB
Available Memory Slots: 1
Number of Banks: 2
Dual Channel Support: No
CPU Manufacturer: AuthenticAMD
CPU Family: AMD Sempron(tm) 2400+ Model 8, Stepping 1
CPU Speed: 1680 MHz

</SPAN></SPAN>It’s suggesting adding 256MB or 1GB. Presumably best to add as much memory as I can?

In the meantime what programs can I usefully safely remove from Start-up?!?

Airwolf1

I would prevent the following items from starting up too, by clicking on Start-> run and type msconfig and ok. Then in the startup tab, remove the tick from the following:-

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AnyDVD] C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpqSRMon] C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSRMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NIHomeAM] "C:\Program Files\Netintelligence Home Edition\LiteClientAM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MimBoot] C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~1\mimboot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] "C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mm_tray.exe"

If I'm reading it right, all these programs will be ticked in the startup list, and they don't need to be. After unchecking them, or finding the entries that match them, press ok. When you reboot next, you'll get a message, tick the box and press ok. Hopefully it will be a bit quicker for you, but as the others state too, definitely invest in memory. I would also have a look in the add/remove programs of the Control Panel and see if there are any programs you can uninstall.

Finally, click on start -> programs -> administrtive tools (I think), and you're looking for Disk Cleanup. This will look for an remove temporary files from your PC and then run Disk Defragmenter which I think is in the same menu as Disk cleanup.

Airwolf1

Buy a 1 Gig ram stick, and take the old one out.

HUFCsteve

Already run defraggler! Rather than use msconfig, can I use CCleaner?

Airwolf1

You could possibly use ccleaner, but I prefer to do it manually. Ccleaner may uncheck things you want starting up. It is very easy to do, and if you don't feel confident in doing it, you can always cancel at any stage.

You may want to do a defrag after you've done all the above in my list though.