Computer still running slowly after removing viruses, malware

[GaryGnu]

I've got a computer from a relative. It was really bad. I've already removed dozens or pieces of malware as well as dozens of viruses (fairly serious ones) from the computer. It was barely running before that. Now, it's still very slow. What else can be causing problem? Looking at the task manager, it looks OK to me.

Everything is slow to respond. Right clicking. Bring up new windows.

Not sure what else to look for.

Thanks.

Gary

 

[MongGrel]

Just say screw it, reformat the disks, and do a fresh install ?

 

[GaryGnu]

I was hoping to avoid that with this computer. I've had to resort to that in the past though.

 

[MongGrel]

One of those things, sometimes I guess.

 

[Smoove910]

1st thing I'd do is go into msconfig and disable any crazy programs that are not needed to start with Windows.

2nd thing I'd do is do a disk cleanup of the c: to see if it frees up any disk space.

3rd thing I'd do is a defrag since it prolly hasnt been done in awhile. (I like defraggler better than defrag)

If these things don't help, then a reformat might be in your future

 

[OlyAR15]

Maybe it's just a slow computer?

But I agree that reformatting and re-installing Windows (assuming it is Windows) is the simplest and potentially least time-consuming process.

Then make an image of the fresh install for when the next time you have to deal with this system. And maybe set up a standard user account with you as admin and password lock it.

 

[Ketchup]

Smoove910 listed some good things to do here. In addition to virus scans, to may need to go to Programs and Features and remove semi-malicious software that does come with an installer. One word of warning though - I was doing this for a customer last month, and when you select uninstall, the software has crafty ways of getting you to install even more junk it it's place.

If it is still slow after all this, tell us what antivirus/antimalware you have run so far.

 

[GaryGnu]

This is a Windows XP PC. I have installed and run AVG 2015 anti-virus, and Malwarebytes. I have disabled numerous programs in msconfig, and uninstalled many unnecessary programs also. In addition, I downloaded a program called System Mechanic from download.com. The free version cleaned up a bunch of things. To unlock the next round of problems, it wants me to pay $30.

 

[Smoove910]

specs of this PC would be helpful.

 

[GaryGnu]

specs of this PC would be helpful.

Dell Dimsension DE051
Celeron CPU 2.66GHz
Windows XP, Service Pack 3.
512MB Ram

Just realizing this PC may be close to 10 years old. May not be much hope.

Would still like to get it usuable if possible.

 

[Ketchup]

The latest versions of AVG and System mechanic can be brutal on system resources, especially if you don't have a lot of RAM.

Uninstall them both and see if it runs any better.

If not, I might suggest Super Antispyware as another program to check for any remnants.

 

[MongGrel]

It's just old to begin with to be honest.

Celeron and 512 RAM

 

[Ketchup]

Dell Dimsension DE051
Celeron CPU 2.66GHz
Windows XP, Service Pack 3.
512MB Ram

Just realizing this PC may be close to 10 years old. May not be much hope.

Would still like to get it usuable if possible.

Celeron, latest Windows service pack (XP got slower as time went on), and only 512 MB RAM, on an out-of-service OS. Tell them to buy a new computer, or introduce them to a light Linux distro.

 

[OlyAR15]

Yikes, running on 512mb means lots of disk access, which may be why it is so slow. Is the hard drive LED flickering like mad when the slowdown occurs?

 

[denis280]

this system as sdram 533.just fixed one the other week.add 1gb memory and work better.not a rocket but it works faster

 

[inachu]

You might fix the pc but I would no longer trust it to do any banking or other financial stuff on it or remote to work on it.

Only way to semi trust to pc is to scan it with at least 6-10 scanners be they free or shareware or paid.

 

[GaryGnu]

The latest versions of AVG and System mechanic can be brutal on system resources, especially if you don't have a lot of RAM.

Uninstall them both and see if it runs any better.

If not, I might suggest Super Antispyware as another program to check for any remnants.

Can you recommend a bare bones free anti-virus program that would be better to use in this situation? AVG does have quite a bit going on.

 

[Ketchup]

That is a tough one. MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) is probably the lightest, but isn't the best from protecting from what all brought on this mess, and it doesn't really claim to be either. However, if this is a case of a known mistake made, and things just started compounding (which I have seen several times) MSE would be fine, and had them run a program like MBAM every week or so.

The next lightest would be BitDefender Free, which is a better AV, and just a touch more system impact.

As denis280 suggested, the BEST solution would be adding some more memory if they want to continue to use the system.

Oh, and while you have it there, go ahead and do the registry mod to continue security updates:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/registry-hack-enables-continued-updates-for-windows-xp/

 

[GaryGnu]

MSE. That's what I had on there before. Somehow it got out of date, and then chaos ensued. The problem is, I know she visits all the types of websites that are trouble, bouncing smiley faces, cute videos with little songs and whatever else 70+ ladies like to do on their computers.

 

[Ketchup]

MSE. That's what I had on there before. Somehow it got out of date, and then chaos ensued. The problem is, I know she visits all the types of websites that are trouble, bouncing smiley faces, cute videos with little songs and whatever else 70+ year old ladies like to do on their computers.

Ah, yes, I have a couple customers like that. I "upgraded" one to Avast, and it really didn't do much good. It is really hard to help someone who clicks on anything they can find. If you haven't already, you may want to get an AdBlock and Privacy addon for her browser. These can block some things that would get her into trouble. In the end, sometimes you have to tell them to be more careful, and be there for them the next time around.

 

[denis280]

MSE. That's what I had on there before. Somehow it got out of date, and then chaos ensued. The problem is, I know she visits all the types of websites that are trouble, bouncing smiley faces, cute videos with little songs and whatever else 70+ ladies like to do on their computers.

Take the mouse away. No seriously web page are not like they use to be.more adds.and gadget whatever.the best is to add 1gb ram.that will do the trick

 

[GaryGnu]

Thanks for the tip on Bitdefender. That helped.

 

[Charlie98]

Then make an image of the fresh install for when the next time you have to deal with this system.

If this is a recurring problem... and it sounds like it is... this would be a good idea. Reloading XP with all it's updates on a slow PC would be Hell.

Pumping up the RAM a wee bit would help the poor old PC. Even in XP it helps...

I run MSE and SuperAntiSpyware actively, and run MBAM and SpyBot (old v1.6) once a week... but the best AV program is a judicious mouse click. But I understand where you are coming from.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Has anyone suggesting MSE for XP SP3 considered that MS no longer supports XP OR MSE for XP? They won't be allowed to download and install MSE onto that XP.

Best course of action? Get a PIPO X7 for $100-120. Replace the entire box.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2417388

 

[mikeymikec]

Re: MSE on XP - the MSE icon stays red because MS's official line is that they don't support it, however from what I've seen it it still running and gets updated daily.

I haven't set things up like this on a customer's PC for long term use since Apr 2014 though, I didn't like the idea of a customer learning to ignore an icon that basically says that something is wrong, and how would the customer know when something actually is wrong.