security programs slowing laptop?

papoosue

I've been using Avast and Search and Destroy on my laptop and a few days ago I added Spyware Doctor (the basic free version) after reading some posts on this forum. But now my laptop is a lot slower, starting up takes quite a bit longer - I'm assuming this is caused by me adding Spyware Doctor? Should I get rid of it or get rid of Search and Destroy (which I never look at to be honest) - would this make a difference to the speed of the laptop? I also use CCleaner every couple of days to get rid of junk.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Susan

aidso

It could be that the scanner I set up to run when you log on to Windows and there before I would disable this.
Personally I only use AVG and nothing else. Seems to do the trick

nickj_2

type msconfig in the search bar > startup
here you will see all the programmes that are loading when you switch laptop on - untick any that you think you don't need , , you can always retick them if you need them , you could just have your anti virus running and then manually do a spyware scan once a week

thomas01155

Uninstall Avast and Spyware doctor.

Disable TeaTimer if its not already. This is the realtime scanner part of spybot you can still use it for manual scanning and immunize.
To disable TeaTimer and remove its startup entry:

• Go into Spybot > Mode > Advanced Mode > Tools > Resident
  • Uncheck (if checked) the following:
    Resident "TeaTimer" (Protection of over-all system settings) Active.

Download and Install Avira http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html

Download and install Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php update,quick scan,remove everything it finds and post the contents of the log back here.

AVG is also a slow antivirus.

[Deleted User]

thomas01155 wrote: »

Download and Install Avira http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html

Download and install Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php update,quick scan,remove everything it finds and post the contents of the log back here.

AVG is also a slow antivirus.

Seconded, AVG IS slow. Avira is one of the best AVs. Malwarebytes worth it. Plus SuperAntiSpyware. Flick on Windows firewall and you're good to go. Oh and use Firefox.

If you're interested read up on Sandboxie. Not a neccesitaty but interesting stuff...

papoosue

Hi there and thanks for your (and everyone else's) advice. I've done all that you suggested below and here is the log from malwarebytes

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.36
Database version: 2002
Windows 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1
18/04/2009 22:22:47
mbam-log-2009-04-18 (22-22-47).txt
Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 65632
Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 22 second(s)
Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0
Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Is there anything else I need to do, do you think? I take it that the malwarebytes software expires after a certain time as it is a trial version?

Thanks again for the advice, it's much appreciated

Susan

thomas01155 wrote: »

Uninstall Avast and Spyware doctor.

Disable TeaTimer if its not already. This is the realtime scanner part of spybot you can still use it for manual scanning and immunize.


To disable TeaTimer and remove its startup entry:

• Go into Spybot > Mode > Advanced Mode > Tools > Resident
  • Uncheck (if checked) the following:
    Resident "TeaTimer" (Protection of over-all system settings) Active.

Download and Install Avira http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html

Download and install Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php update,quick scan,remove everything it finds and post the contents of the log back here.

AVG is also a slow antivirus.

thomas01155

Nope Malwarebytes is not a trail its just limited free. Has it speeded up?

papoosue

Yes, it has speeded up - it starts up more quickly and seems just generally faster performing tasks - unless it's my imagination ;-)

I'm glad you helped me out with this - I wouldn't have known where to start really otherwise.

Susan

thomas01155 wrote: »

Nope Malwarebytes is not a trail its just limited free. Has it speeded up?