Edited! Upgrading my existing PC now instead of buying a new one!

catlou

Hi all

Can someone please give me some advise as I'm not very Techie (but I get by!) and I don't know anyone really "Techie!" to ask!

The pc I have now is 5 yrs old it's ok overall but could be faster at times I was considering attempting to upgrade the memory myself but am not sure whether it would be worth it ie if I am running firefox and email at the same time as Itunes now this really slows my pc down would extra ram help or would I need a dual core for this?

My current pc is: Compaq SR1609UK / Windows XP SP3 /AMD Sempron Processor 3000+ / 84MHz 448MB of RAM /160gb hard drive.

In the meantime I have seen this Compaq Desktop @ Comet for £269 which seems like a really good deal to me is it high spec/good value for the price?

http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Computer-Base-Units/buy-COMPAQ-SG3-220UK-Computer-Base-Unit/681520

I generally use email, internet browsing, i-tunes, store photos, type the odd letter but no gaming or anything.

Any replies much appreciated, thanks

closed

go into task manager, performance, and post the commit charge, and peak commit charge, and a hijackthis log

http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/hijackthis/HijackThis.exe

more ram will cure it, but so will tuning what you have, which is free, you don't need dual core for the use quoted.

catlou

Thanks that's really helpful! Obviously if I could make this PC faster and last longer that would be fab and more MSE!

Total 711400
Limit 1077136
Peak 912744

I will do the hijackthis thing in the morning (my brain is nodding off now!) and post it, if someone could please look at it for me.

:T

closed

takes 20 seconds to do the log

commit charge is > ram which is probably the issue, stripping out unnecessary startup items is the solution, which is why the log is needed

catlou

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 23:33:37, on 25/11/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\FsUsbExService.Exe
C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe
C:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\SeaPort\SeaPort.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchIndexer.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KHost.exe
C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
C:\Program Files\Belkin\USB F5D7050\Wireless Utility\Belkinwcui.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugin-container.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Compaq_Owner\My Documents\Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.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
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://register.hp.com/servlet/WebReg.servlets.ProdReg1Servlet?appID=java_wreg_wreg_genpg&prodOS=011&gwCountry=GB&language=en&PURCH_DT_MONTH=01&PURCH_DT_DAY=25&PURCH_DT_YEAR=2006&PROD_SERIAL_ID=CNN5430MXX&application=305&modelID=EL495AA&LF=red
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
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:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Real\RealPlayer\BrowserRecordPlugin\IE\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Search Helper - {6EBF7485-159F-4bff-A14F-B9E3AAC4465B} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\Search Helper\SEPsearchhelperie.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {E15A8DC0-8516-42A1-81EA-DC94EC1ACF10} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Toolbar\wltcore.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: EPSON Web-To-Page - {EE5D279F-081B-4404-994D-C6B60AAEBA6D} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Windows Live Toolbar - {21FA44EF-376D-4D53-9B0F-8A89D3229068} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Toolbar\wltcore.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSSE] "c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide -runkey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [kdx] C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KHost.exe -all
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Belkin Wireless USB Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\Belkin\USB F5D7050\Wireless Utility\Belkinwcui.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Windows Search.lnk = C:\Program Files\Windows Desktop Search\WindowsSearch.exe
O9 - Extra button: Blog This - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Blog This in Windows Live Writer - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra button: Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
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
O16 - DPF: {04CC2CE2-BBC4-43B6-96D6-E1C3E0BA120F} (HMVDownloader Control) - https://www.hmvdigital.com/HMV.Digital.WebStore.Portal/Pages/System/Secure/HMV.Digital.Downloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {26CBF141-7D0F-46E1-AA06-718958B6E4D2} - http://download.ebay.com/turbo_lister/UK/install.cab
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/activex/eBay_Enhanced_Picture_Control_v1-0-3-30.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://gfx2.hotmail.com/mail/w2/resources/MSNPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {5ED80217-570B-4DA9-BF44-BE107C0EC166} (Windows Live Safety Center Base Module) - http://cdn.scan.onecare.live.com/resource/download/scanner/wlscbase6770.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/FacebookPhotoUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1138392774000
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1144067325421
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMessengerSetupDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B9F79165-A264-4C4A-A211-133A5E8D647F} (F-Secure Health Check 1.1) - http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/onlineservices/fshc/fscax.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {D821DC4A-0814-435E-9820-661C543A4679} (CRLDownloadWrapper Class) - http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/crlupdate/en/crlocx.ocx
O16 - DPF: {FD0EBBED-0C42-4D0F-82DA-44399B5C420A} (VM_1.VM_Control) - http://downloads.virginmedia.com/CST/ver1/xp_mail.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: FsUsbExService - Teruten - C:\WINDOWS\system32\FsUsbExService.Exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: KService - Kontiki Inc. - C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe
O23 - Service: ServiceLayer - Nokia. - C:\Program Files\PC Connectivity Solution\ServiceLayer.exe

--
End of file - 11049 bytes

Thanks- Just looking at that finishes my brain & eyesight off!! lol! Not a clue what some of them are eg. I'm not with Nokia or Virgin?!

closed

this should take about 20 minutes:

uninstall microsoft security essentials and superantispyware, replace with avast 5 free and malwarebytes free

http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html


download this http://live.sysinternals.com/autoruns.exe

and untick these using autoruns

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup

O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe

if you don't need the nokia phone software, uninstall it

control panel, regional and language options,languages, details, advanced, tick the Turn off advanced text services, ok

run this http://download.gizmoproject.com/jasmine/TurnOffBonjour.exe

reset internet explorer to defaults under tools, internet options advanced

turn off microsoft error reporting, control panel, system, advanced, error reporting, select disable error reporting and but notify me when a critical error occurs

start, run, services.msc, set seaport service and windows media player network sharing and distributed link tracking, remote registry, ssdp discovery to disabled.

then reboot, and check your commit charge again, the aim is to get it below 448MB, further tuning may be required, but do the above first and post back results, you should notice a boot time improvement if you do the above.

---

Since you've had it for a while, do you ever backup?

asc99c

I would probably go with the upgrade route with that system. It's got a proper motherboard that will accept a decent speed CPU and more memory, both of which you can get for £70 total. It's not that difficult to do. The main thing to remember is to switch it off at the mains, but leave it plugged in so it's still earthed. Everything you'll be changing is designed to be unplugged / plugged in easily. Here's the link to the motherboard spec (including, usefully, the layout diagram):
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00378480&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=1152527

The biggest and easiest improvement is adding more memory. You can still buy old DDR memory brand new for a reasonable price. The memory should ideally be installed in pairs for best performance (it can run in dual channel mode which doubles the memory performance). You've currently got 1 512MB module, and you can get another matching one for £18. Alternatively (or additionally, since it has 4 memory slots) you get get 2 x 1GB modules for £64 from the same place.
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/512mb-corsair-value-select-ddr-pc3200-%28400%29-184-pins-non-ecc-unbuffered-cas-25

One other big improvement would be a dual-core CPU, which in my experience just makes the PC run more smoothly and therefore feels much faster. Not sure whether these are available new, but you can pick one up on ebay for under £50:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMD-Athlon-64-X2-4400-CPU-Socket-939-/260696197829?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item3cb2b44ac5

You're running with an integrated graphics card. These aren't usually up to much, but in your case, it is in fact an integrated ATI chip, which is much better than the Intel ones, and since you're not gaming, should easily be good enough. The other potentially worthwhile upgrade is the hard disc. But to get the full benefits you can't just add it in addition to your current disc - you'd want to do a low-level copy between the discs, so it is actually running on the new disc. Unless you already know how to do it, I would say it's not worth the effort on that one!

gonzo127

i would personally say to follow closed's advice first and see if tuning it will improve it enough that you are happy with it,

i would also second backing up all your important data, if you have a hotmail account you get 25gb of free online storage space so you can upload your files to that - although the main restriction is that you have to use IE to batch upload your files (200 at a time and up to 50mb per file) this in my mind isnt a bad trade off for 25gb of online storage as once you have uploaded your files you just go back to your regular browser

if you have had your system for 5 years have you actually ever cleaned inside of it? if not i would suggest doing so, just requires you to open up the case (after its switched of and unplugged) and using things such as a can of compressed air (the ones sold specifically for computers) and a old toothbrush carefully clean the fans and the heat sink and around the case - it wont speed the system up but it will prolong the life of the system

Mondez

I would say follow the advice of Closed first and then look at a memory upgrade. I can't see a CPU or Graphics update really improving things for you based on your predicted useage, whereas memory should make a huge difference.

catlou

Thanks very much Closed and everyone else for your replies.

So far I have got rid of Microsoft Security Essentials & Superantispyware and installed Avast, I already had Malwarebytes.

I have never used Avast before do I need to change any of the settings or just leave the standard set up - as they are?

I am going to carry on doing the tuning that Closed suggested and then I think I will then leave it for a couple of weeks to see what difference it makes to the speeds then maybe add more memory.

I have never cleaned inside it!! Bet it's minging!! :eek:

I "sort of" back up I copy all my documents & photos onto a memory stick and update it every couple of months I have my i-tunes library copied on Dvd-rw's and update that but otherwise I'm never really sure what to do?

gonzo127

avasts defualt settings are pretty good, remember to register it, this is just a stats thing for the company to find out how many people use the products and just requires you to pop your emaill address in and then will send you a code

you might wish to turn on gaming mode - this just stops the silly voice etc from coming on when you have a full screen program running

you migth also wish to set timings for auto scans however this is down to when it is convenient for you (i would also only set auto scan as a quick scan and do a monthly full scan)

dont worry too much about cleaning inside, most people dont, as i said it doesnt actually improve 'system' performance as such, but it does improve the cooling performance of your system which can prolong the life of the system, as one of the major killers on parts can be heat, and so if your fans etc are clogged with dust they will not be as effective.

i personally clean my system out every 3-6 months out of habit, but then again i run a highly overclocked system for my gaming and if i didnt make sure the cooling was fine i would probably cook it

for backing up, well different people do different things, some people take a 'image' of there drive which backs up everything on it exactly as it is now, other people such as myself will only back up their important files (pictures, documents, music, videos) it really depends on how you would feel if your hard drive died (one of the most commen parts to die) and you lost everything that is one it currently other than the bits you have backed up at the present time