Suddenly Slow

  • Thread starter Thread starter BK
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B

BK

I use Windows XP and am trying to help my neighbor who is using Vista.

He system has "suddenly" (don't you hate that??) started running so slowly
that it is even difficult for me to try to analyze what's going on. I was
able to check her startup folder and verify that there isn't anything
unusual in there trying to open.

Tried to bring up task manager but after 8 minutes of watching the little
circle spinning, we tried to move onto something else. The "processing"
light on her CPU continues to flash as though it's doing something, but it
literally takes 7 or 8 minutes for anything to open.

Obviously, something is running in the background, but I don't know how to
detect it and turn it off.

Any suggestions??
 
BK said:
I use Windows XP and am trying to help my neighbor who is using Vista.

He system has "suddenly" (don't you hate that??) started running so slowly
that it is even difficult for me to try to analyze what's going on. I was
able to check her startup folder and verify that there isn't anything
unusual in there trying to open.

Tried to bring up task manager but after 8 minutes of watching the little
circle spinning, we tried to move onto something else. The "processing"
light on her CPU continues to flash as though it's doing something, but it
literally takes 7 or 8 minutes for anything to open.

Obviously, something is running in the background, but I don't know how to
detect it and turn it off.
Click to expand...

What happens in Safe Mode?

Malke
 
I started up in safe mode and was able to move around among programs much
better. In safe mode is where I was able to check her start up folder and
verify there wasn't anything unusual in there. But I didn't seem to be able
to run any diagnostics in safe mode, and I don't know what else to do in
safe mode to fix it for when we open it normally.

Can you help me out?
 
did you install anti-virus lately? or have antivirus pre-installed in your PC?
if yes then that could be one that is causing the problem.
 
She has not installed anything new on her system. She is using the same
antivirus that has been operational on the machine since she purchased it.
 
I simpathise with you. I have a similar problem. I have not loaded any new
software recently but a few days ago, my laptop just started running slow.
Right when I needed it most. I have followed the thread below and tried the
clean boot process but even in the first stage with minimal services and no
startup Items the problem still occurs. Seems, as you say, the light
indicating disk activities just keeps on flashing. I have run task manager
and watched the cpu activity light and it remains constant at around 46 -
60%. Then, after a while, all the "ghost" activitie ceases and the computer
returns to normal operation.

I have disabled defender, anti virus etc.. and still cannot find the problem
software.

Where do we go from here?

RF
 
Hi Maniek,

Thanks for your input. I have checed via msconfig.exe and there is no
prefetch service listed. only superfetch. Is that the same thing?

RF
 
Hi Fello Forum Members,

As previously listed I have the same problem. I have just concluded a call
with MS tech support here in Oz and found that the Computer Associates CA
AntiVirus software I am running may well have been the culprit. Apharently
an update to that software clashes with an update from MS. The tech support
people have "snoozed" CA to determin if this is the real problem.

Will let you know how I go over the next day or so if you want.

Good luck with your problems

Regards
RF
 
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