Which laptop - ideas please for my list of requirements.

Enterprise_1701C

If you are still looking for a new laptop, my dual core i3 64bit Windows 7 Vaio does all that you require, though I haven't tried Sage

Have had about 15 web pages open on it at once (forgot to close them) and battery life is good, it has a good battery management system - have been using it for about 14 months and only has about 10% wear on the battery!

closed

with that amount of ram, it shouldn't be slow, easiest way to fix it is to backup all your data to an external drive and/or dvd's, and use the machines factory restore partition (see manual re pc angel/recguard) to put it back to the state at delivery (takes around 10 minutes), then install a lightweight av scanner such as avast 6 free, then run windows update and put your data back

the alternative is to go through the bloat in you hijackthis log, and remove all the unnecessary startup items

Unless you need them running all the time, use the startup tab in msconfig to disable these items from running at startup (they can always be run manually if needed)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] C:\WINDOWS\Creator\Remind_XP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Guffins Browser Plugin Loader] C:\PROGRA~1\Guffins\bar\2.bin\u4brmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OLP-Tray] C:\Program Files\Royal Mail\SmartStamp\BINARY\STRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WatchDog] C:\Program Files\InterVideo\DVD Check\DVDCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] "C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\Hp\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\Sminst\Recguard.exe

If you are posting because the machine is slow and haven't done so already, post your physical ram total, commit charge total, commit charge peak by doing CTRL ALT DEL, Task manager, performance - after virus infections this is the principle reason a machine goes slow so this information is important to help you


This is a general guide on cleaning up infections and speeding up pc's https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2436849

If you haven't all ready done it, Install Malwarebytes and do a FULL (not quick) scan (after updating it), fix anything found before closing, otherwise you'll have to do it all over again. If anything was found reboot the machine before continuing. http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

If you know you have just been infected, with a fake antivirus for example, running system restore to a previous restore point is often the fastest way of getting your machine working again

Making any changes to a PC setup always comes with a slight risk of something going wrong, the worse case scenario is an unbootable PC - ideally you should have got a backup of important data on dvd or external disk, and a disk image backup (http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp) or windows disc/factory restore partition available before you start. In the unlikely event that anything does go wrong, post on another pc for advice.
__________________________________________________

If you suspect an infection, here are some other virus scanners to try, let them fix anything found

http://devbuilds.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/
http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro
http://support.kaspersky.com/downloads/utils/tdsskiller.exe

************************************************


Scanning with all the scanners above along with your resident scanner should remove most or all infections if there are any present on your machine, below is some specific (optional) advice based on your log which may help to improve speed and tidy things up.
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Install and run ccleaner (untick the google toolbar during the install). Untick the "windows log files" box, under the system heading before cleaning. Also Tick the java cache tick box under CCleaner, applications, internet to wipe the java cache which sometimes hides infections. http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/slim

Install and run startuplite, accept suggested changes - http://www.malwarebytes.org/StartUpLite.exe

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

Click the java icon in control panel, advanced, misc - untick java quick starter, and untick place icon in task bar

Click the java icon in control panel, updates, untick check for updates

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Using Hijackthis, tick and fix these entries

O16 - DPF: {3D3B42C2-11BF-4732-A304-A01384B70D68} (UploadListView Class) - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/s/v/61.18/uploader2.cab
O16 - DPF: {474F00F5-3853-492C-AC3A-476512BBC336} (UploadListView Class) - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/s/v/54.16/uploader2.cab
O16 - DPF: {6F15128C-E66A-490C-B848-5000B5ABEEAC} (HP Download Manager) - https://h20436.www2.hp.com/ediags/de...e/HPDEXAXO.cab
O16 - DPF: {7584C670-2274-4EFB-B00B-D6AABA6D3850} (Microsoft RDP Client Control (redist)) - https://mail.zoedale.co.uk/Remote/msrdp.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab
O16 - DPF: {FD0B6769-6490-4A91-AA0A-B5AE0DC75AC9} (Performance Viewer Activex Control) - https://secure.logmein.com/activex/ractrl.cab?lmi=100

O2 - BHO: Bing Bar Helper - {d2ce3e00-f94a-4740-988e-03dc2f38c34f} - "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\BingBar\BingExt.dll" (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: Bing Bar - {8dcb7100-df86-4384-8842-8fa844297b3f} - "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\BingBar\BingExt.dll" (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: TPSvc - TPSvc.dll (file missing)

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E} - (no file)

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
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Uninstall any IE toolbars (browser helper objects or BHO's) in Control panel, or Firefox plugins that you don't need. This is a list of the IE BHO's evident in the log, (firefox plugins don't show up in hijackthis)

O2 - BHO: HP Print Enhancer - {0347C33E-8762-4905-BF09-768834316C61} - C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_printenhancer.dll
O2 - BHO: Toolbar BHO - {a916eefe-6a17-4d7d-a131-2738b260bb55} - C:\PROGRA~1\Guffins\bar\2.bin\u4bar.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Bing Bar Helper - {d2ce3e00-f94a-4740-988e-03dc2f38c34f} - "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\BingBar\BingExt.dll" (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Search Assistant BHO - {d6a34acb-76fa-4a14-88ea-5d54797a2028} - C:\Program Files\Guffins\bar\2.bin\u4SrcAs.dll
O2 - BHO: STOPzilla Browser Helper Object - {E3215F20-3212-11D6-9F8B-00D0B743919D} - C:\Program Files\STOPzilla!\SZIEBHO.dll
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O2 - BHO: BGAntiphishingBHO - {FC872B94-35E3-4B94-B028-184A2A1C7CCE} - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\Antiphishing\IE\BGAntiphishingIEBHO. dll
O2 - BHO: HP Smart BHO Class - {FFFFFFFF-CF4E-4F2B-BDC2-0E72E116A856} - C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O9 - Extra button: Show or hide HP Smart Web Printing - {DDE87865-83C5-48c4-8357-2F5B1AA84522} - C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll

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If you want a speedy machine, Use windows firewall and replace your antivirus and security software with avast 6 free - (a fast and lightweight virus scanner with good detection rates) http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download :

This is a list of (or remnants of) security software evident in your log, you may wish to uninstall these in Control Panel (add/remove programs or programs/features) to keep your PC running smoothly, too much overlapping or bloated security or useless tuning software can have a drastic effect on performance - always leave one resident scanner running (eg avast/avira etc)

---- Anti-Spyware

---

C:\Program Files\Common Files\iS3\Anti-Spyware\SZServer.exe
O23 - Service: STOPzilla Service (szserver) - iS3, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\iS3\Anti-Spyware\SZServer.exe

---- mcafee

---

O23 - Service: McAfee Security Scan Component Host Service (McComponentHostService) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\McAfee Security Scan\2.0.181\McCHSvc.exe

---- STOPzilla

---

C:\Program Files\STOPzilla!\STOPzilla.exe
O2 - BHO: STOPzilla Browser Helper Object - {E3215F20-3212-11D6-9F8B-00D0B743919D} - C:\Program Files\STOPzilla!\SZIEBHO.dll
O23 - Service: STOPzilla Service (szserver) - iS3, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\iS3\Anti-Spyware\SZServer.exe

---- BullGuard

---

O2 - BHO: BGAntiphishingBHO - {FC872B94-35E3-4B94-B028-184A2A1C7CCE} - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\Antiphishing\IE\BGAntiphishingIEBHO. dll
O9 - Extra button: BullGuard - {27FD17FB-CF63-486b-B2BE-8D8781CBEA01} - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\Antiphishing\IE\BGAntiphishingIE.dll
O23 - Service: BgRaSvc - BullGuard Ltd. - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\Support\BgRaSvc.exe
O23 - Service: BullGuard behavioural detection service (BsBhvScan) - BullGuard Ltd. - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\BullGuardBhvScanner.exe
O23 - Service: BullGuard scanning service (BsScanner) - BullGuard Ltd. - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\BullGuardScanner.exe
O23 - Service: BullGuard update service (BsUpdate) - BullGuard Ltd. - C:\Program Files\BullGuard Ltd\BullGuard\BullGuardUpdate.exe

---- superantispyware

---

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\3RYJ8XUT\SUPERAntiSpyware[1].exe

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Run Windows update, Internet explorer is out of date

Download and install cleanmem http://www.pcwintech.com/cleanmem (download direct download). In windows explorer, go to c:\windows\tasks, click on the clean system memory task, schedule, advanced, and change it from every 30 minutes to every 5 minutes, then ok, ok. Find c:\program files\cleanmem\mini_monitor, run it and right click the icon (near the clock) to set it to automatically run at startup, show percentage to keep an eye on your ram use. If your machine is still slow after doing everything listed, post your commit charge and installed physical ram details from task manager performance

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start, run, msconfig, select services tab, disable these services UNLESS you use them. (make a note of any services you disable,if you have any problems related to these services subsequently, simply re-enable them)

SSDP Discovery Service
Remote Registry
WebClient
Distributed Link Tracking Client

Also disable these services if you don't use them by running msconfig, services tab

C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe

C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\iS3\Anti-Spyware\SZServer.exe
O23 - Service: STOPzilla Service (szserver) - iS3, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\iS3\Anti-Spyware\SZServer.exe

C:\Program Files\Microsoft\BingBar\SeaPort.EXE

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

O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe

O23 - Service: Guffins Service (GuffinsService) - Guffins - C:\PROGRA~1\Guffins\bar\2.bin\u4barsvc.exe

O23 - Service: McAfee Security Scan Component Host Service (McComponentHostService) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\McAfee Security Scan\2.0.181\McCHSvc.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe

uninstall viewpoint unless you use it

C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Viewpoint Manager Service - Viewpoint Corporation - C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe

debitcardmayhem

23n1th wrote: »

Why not? Cheaper than £450.

I didn't think that XP has support for trim so it is a no go, plus the CPU ain't a ferrari exactly

podcake

Hi there, I am aware that I have probably come into this very late but I might be able to offer some thoughts.

- if you do eventually decide you want a new machine I agree whole heartedly with the person who said 'go i5' BUT i must say i'd put an extra stipulation with that. go for '2nd generation i5' as the performance increase is breathtaking on the reviews I have seen (considering it is meant to be basically the same class of processor).
The way to see if a processor (i class) is a 2nd gen is to look at the model number associated with it. A 2nd gen processor will have a 4 digit number with a number 2 at the front.

example:

gen1: intel i5 480
gen2: intel i5 2410

now those are correct numbers of common laptop processors the pass mark performance stats as follows:

480: 2738
2410: 3335

thats a notable difference.. AND because they are the same class of chip the price is often comparable..

the best value for money I found in roughly the price range you are discussing here was the lenovo G570 (on amazon is the best price) -- forgive me I am fussy about brands, HP are not one I'd go for (they have actually got the worst reliability in recent tests of any modern manufacturer)

Tracyk_2

Thanks Closed - I will print out and try all that - phew! Even if I get a new laptop - I woould need to backup all my stuff anyway.
My physical memory -
Total 2489708
Avail 1347864
sys cache 1407476

Commit charge
Total 811040
Limit 3017620
peak 982724

scheming_gypsy

To be honest i think you're running round in circles trying to grab a few extra milliseconds of speed. If your laptop is 4 years old I'd just back all your documents etc up and do a clean build instead of doing Malware and AV check etc. Just blast everything with a clean build but not restoring to factory settings if you can help it; doing a restore still leaves you with all the crap that HP think you might want clogging your laptop up

closed

it should multitask effortlessly with all that ram