Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (Full Version)

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UniqueRaven -> Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 6:59:21 AM)

OK, so my desktop PC is about 4 years old and have had no major issues with it, and i don't do anything but surf the web (IE 8) and email with Microsoft Outlook, occasionally use itunes, Yahoo, MSN, or play a casual game (not a WOW sort of game, just the casual stuff).

Last night all of a sudden my CPU is committing 100% just running IE or Outlook. i can't even run both at the same time without the whole system locking up.

i had noticed a little big of slowdown over the last week or so, but this has been a sudden change. Yesterday it did that automatic "page file adjust" - i wonder if that did something? i unistalled IE and reinstalled it, ran a disk cleanup and defrag, and am currently doing a full virus scan.

Any other ideas? i have a feeling that i'll have to take it to the shop on Monday but would like to know if anyone else has any ideas why this would suddenly happen. In the past (like, 2 days ago) i could run IE, Outlook, itunes, Yahoo, MSN, and play a game all at the same time without issue. It's weird.

i'm now on my laptop, which is fine, but a bit of a pain.

Any help out there, thanks!



PeonForHer -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 7:59:31 AM)

Raven,

The automatic page file adjust is the computer allocating more resources in order to prevent it locking up. It's not the problem.  I think the virus scan's important - it'd be good to see what that comes up with, first.  If your clean-up operation didn't involve a 'delete browsing history' (all categories), I'd do that next.



xssve -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 8:02:07 AM)

Sounds like a virus, look into a firewall.

Google up restoring/resetting your OS to a previous configuration, if you're running XP or newer, the OS mirrors it's configuration on a regular basis and you can reset the OS to a previous state - it's practically the only way to get rid of certain adware.



Aneirin -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 8:16:23 AM)

I get that from time to time, but I usually clear it when I run my anti programs, and usually it is some kind of spyware that is detected.

The only one thing my anti programs pick up everytime which seems  undeletable is Registry Watchdog V8.5! A2 or something like that. Looking online it seems there is some debate as to what it actually is, is it a help or a hindrance, but no clue how to get rid of it.



UniqueRaven -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 8:24:06 AM)

No viruses picked up (ran a full scan with a new update) and also cleared all my browsing history and old files, etc.

i think what it is is a java update that ran 2 days ago - that seems to be the problem. But i can't figure out how to "undo" the update - i'll look up the restoring to a previous version.

Thanks guys, if anyone has info on the java thing or more ideas i really appreciate it! [:)]



DomKen -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 8:57:33 AM)

You ran an AV scan but did you run a spyware scan? The behavior you reported is classic malware.



subrob1967 -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:05:56 AM)

If all else fails, instead of taking your pc into the shop, invest in a program like Registry Mechanic, it's worked very well for me over the years.



Termyn8or -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:07:07 AM)

If/when you get the java updates make sure they come from and are signed by Sun Microsystems.

Listen up, get EVERYTHING out of My Documents. Move it all to a new directory called whatever you want, as long as it is in root C:\. Then stick the Windows disk in and reinstall. Fukit. I have done it many times, it beats everything. The reason you need to move your documents is for future access because it can be a bitch if you don't, I forgot exactly how to do it. I no longer put anything in My Documents.

I am done with virus scanners and shit like that, they are all a scam. As long as I can reload without losing anything, hell that can be quicker than a full virus scan ! The first thing is not to get attatched to anything, and if anyone has a hard time with that it would be me. I have changed the OS to suit my needs, file associations, the Sendto menu, toolbars, everything. And I run bareback, well I did get AVG but I won't update it. I can always stick the disk in. I also know how to move the cookies so I don't have to remember 900 passwords.

It's the surest way to enure you have no virus, except for Windows of course.

T



UniqueRaven -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:28:53 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: DomKen

You ran an AV scan but did you run a spyware scan? The behavior you reported is classic malware.


Oh DomKen, you're right! Do you have a malware program you recommend? [:)]



PeonForHer -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:28:59 AM)

If your java was updated recently, my money's on that as the culprit.  I'd suggest you disable java first, to see what happens -
  • Go to "Tools | Internet Options..." from the main menu
  • Change to the "Security" tab
  • Click "Custom Level..." button
  • To enable: make sure "Disable Java" is selected under "Java."
    To disable: make sure a setting other than "Disable Java" is selected under "Java." If you're not sure which setting to choose, select "High safety"
  • Restart the browser


. . . then report back here . . .



UniqueRaven -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:30:28 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

If/when you get the java updates make sure they come from and are signed by Sun Microsystems.

Listen up, get EVERYTHING out of My Documents. Move it all to a new directory called whatever you want, as long as it is in root C:\. Then stick the Windows disk in and reinstall. Fukit. I have done it many times, it beats everything. The reason you need to move your documents is for future access because it can be a bitch if you don't, I forgot exactly how to do it. I no longer put anything in My Documents.

I am done with virus scanners and shit like that, they are all a scam. As long as I can reload without losing anything, hell that can be quicker than a full virus scan ! The first thing is not to get attatched to anything, and if anyone has a hard time with that it would be me. I have changed the OS to suit my needs, file associations, the Sendto menu, toolbars, everything. And I run bareback, well I did get AVG but I won't update it. I can always stick the disk in. I also know how to move the cookies so I don't have to remember 900 passwords.

It's the surest way to enure you have no virus, except for Windows of course.

T


i will keep this as a last resort - i don't know how to back up all my email and stuff and honestly this makes me nervous! But i will definitely keep it in mind.

i do have a good PC "guru" here that does a good job and is really reasonable - storefront kinda guy - not the Geek Squad or anything like that.

i'll try the MalWare next - thanks guys for the help!



UniqueRaven -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:32:25 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: PeonForHer

If your java was updated recently, my money's on that as the culprit.  I'd suggest you disable java first, to see what happens -
  • Go to "Tools | Internet Options..." from the main menu
  • Change to the "Security" tab
  • Click "Custom Level..." button
  • To enable: make sure "Disable Java" is selected under "Java."
    To disable: make sure a setting other than "Disable Java" is selected under "Java." If you're not sure which setting to choose, select "High safety"
  • Restart the browser


. . . then report back here . . .



i shall try this as well! Thank you!



Outlier2 -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:39:51 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: UniqueRaven


quote:

ORIGINAL: DomKen

You ran an AV scan but did you run a spyware scan? The behavior you reported is classic malware.


Oh DomKen, you're right! Do you have a malware program you recommend? [:)]



Try http://www.malwarebytes.org/

I know more than one person who has had good results with it. Good Luck

Outlier



UniqueRaven -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:46:17 AM)

OK, going to go do the Malware thingie now and see what happens - and then will try the Java thingie too.

Thanks everyone!



Missokyst -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 9:54:05 AM)

Try to go to download.com and find Malwarebytes, it will get rid of that registry watchdog.
And as for the OP, the above program is great if if this is a spyware issue. If not, launch your taskmanager (Alt-Cntl_Del) and hit the process tab at the top of the box. Click on user or user name to sort them and look for iexplore.exe. Check to see how many times it is running. An internet explorer with a yahoo toolbar for instance will have two ie's listed. If yours is running more than that there may be hidden processes running along inside it.

To correct that go to the Tools Menu on the top of your internet explorer. Right click and Scroll down to properties to open. On the last tab (advanced). Toward the bottom there is a place that says RESET INTERNET EXPLORER SETTINGS hit the button that says Reset. It will caution you.. but basically what it means is that you are shutting off all the browser helper objects that are running in internet explorer.

Also, it is a good idea to clear your temp files.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

I get that from time to time, but I usually clear it when I run my anti programs, and usually it is some kind of spyware that is detected.

The only one thing my anti programs pick up everytime which seems  undeletable is Registry Watchdog V8.5! A2 or something like that. Looking online it seems there is some debate as to what it actually is, is it a help or a hindrance, but no clue how to get rid of it.





UniqueRaven -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 10:07:41 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Missokyst

Try to go to download.com and find Malwarebytes, it will get rid of that registry watchdog.
And as for the OP, the above program is great if if this is a spyware issue. If not, launch your taskmanager (Alt-Cntl_Del) and hit the process tab at the top of the box. Click on user or user name to sort them and look for iexplore.exe. Check to see how many times it is running. An internet explorer with a yahoo toolbar for instance will have two ie's listed. If yours is running more than that there may be hidden processes running along inside it.

To correct that go to the Tools Menu on the top of your internet explorer. Right click and Scroll down to properties to open. On the last tab (advanced). Toward the bottom there is a place that says RESET INTERNET EXPLORER SETTINGS hit the button that says Reset. It will caution you.. but basically what it means is that you are shutting off all the browser helper objects that are running in internet explorer.

Also, it is a good idea to clear your temp files.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

I get that from time to time, but I usually clear it when I run my anti programs, and usually it is some kind of spyware that is detected.

The only one thing my anti programs pick up everytime which seems  undeletable is Registry Watchdog V8.5! A2 or something like that. Looking online it seems there is some debate as to what it actually is, is it a help or a hindrance, but no clue how to get rid of it.





Wow, lots of great advice from you guys. i'm running Malwarebytes right now (i'm posting from my laptop) and so far it has found some infections....so i'll clear those off. Next i'll do these other items....i'm sure it will be fixed in no time!

And i think it is a good idea the get the Registry Mechanic as well (thanks subrob) and have that too. My PC is a little bit older but i've updated RAM and it has a new hard drive, so for the web surfing and stuff i do i'd like to get some more time out of it and not have to buy a new one.

Thanks again!



Termyn8or -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 10:08:41 AM)

The trick to living with reloading is to not get too attached to anything. Back shit up on CDs if necessary.

There are things to learn, like I said about moving the cookies. It also entails trying to run the EXE files out of "Program Files" to find which are portable and which are not. Generally anything put out by microshaft is not. Like Word and so forth. Alot of others are, and once you find the correct EXE it is just a matter of sending to desktop "create shortcut". From there it can be placed in the start menu or wherever you want it.

Many things need to be reinstalled, but if the problem didn't happen right after the first time they are not likely to be the problem. A reinstall fixes all though. Where a fifteen hour virus scan may reveal 34,815 virii and be able to eliminate half of them, a reinstall, or what I call a sidestep reinstall cures all. Period. On a modern PC it barely takes an hour or so for a reinstall, but that's just for the OS.

Remember this - YOU created the problem. The big problem is that information on just how you did it is largely obscured. They don't tell you, for reasons beyond the scope of this text. Always remember the last thing you did. And remember every reboot. It's the only way out of the vicious circle.

T



Icarys -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 10:19:31 AM)

You may be having hardware failure. A chip on your memory may be going bad or the whole module may be getting ready to fail.

You can try and set your virtual memory in system settings higher depending on your systems stats of course but if it's a sudden occurrence..Most likely it's a virus or something inside is failing.

Do you have a spare memory module?



Icarys -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 10:23:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

If/when you get the java updates make sure they come from and are signed by Sun Microsystems.

Listen up, get EVERYTHING out of My Documents. Move it all to a new directory called whatever you want, as long as it is in root C:\. Then stick the Windows disk in and reinstall. Fukit. I have done it many times, it beats everything. The reason you need to move your documents is for future access because it can be a bitch if you don't, I forgot exactly how to do it. I no longer put anything in My Documents.

I am done with virus scanners and shit like that, they are all a scam. As long as I can reload without losing anything, hell that can be quicker than a full virus scan ! The first thing is not to get attatched to anything, and if anyone has a hard time with that it would be me. I have changed the OS to suit my needs, file associations, the Sendto menu, toolbars, everything. And I run bareback, well I did get AVG but I won't update it. I can always stick the disk in. I also know how to move the cookies so I don't have to remember 900 passwords.

It's the surest way to enure you have no virus, except for Windows of course.

T

Fresh installs over a non-formatted drive don't do much of anything to get rid of a virus.

Doing low level formats don't do much either..

oh and AVG sucks, Term.



Termyn8or -> RE: Weird PC Issue - Any Help? (6/19/2010 10:32:23 AM)

"Fresh installs over a non-formatted drive don't do much of anything to get rid of a virus"

I beg to differ. First of all I do a sidestep. That means I choose the directory in which to install Windows, I usually just lop the S off the end, making it C:\WINDOW instead. If not for the registry, virii don't work. This is a new registry. How can this not work, especially when it has worked for me so many times ?

T



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