# Older Computer - Slowing & Other Problems - Tips?? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 31, 2010, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152 "2010-08-31T16:14:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/21 "2010-08-31T23:39:18Z")
first, get [ccleaner here](http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner) and run it for both the “cleaner” and “registry” options (left column). This should fix some of the glitches you are having since they are probably due to broken registry entries. It will also clean up some of the junk on your hard drive. next, defrag your hard drive. If you right click the drive in windows explorer (not internet explorer) and select properties, you will get a new window. Click on the “tools” tab and select defragmentation. Although, you should probably start with the first option - “error-checking” and then do the defrag. Now that things are nice and tidy, see if there is any improvement. There should be some and it should be noticeable. BTW, I would advice setting a restore point before doing anything just in case. [Here are the instructions from Microsoft.](http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx) If you’re not comfortable adding more memory to the pc, then you can try adding flash memory either as a USB thumb drive or PCMCIA (PC Card 16) card. When you insert it, if it has fast enough write speeds, XP should let you use it for “ready boost”. This creates a storage area of up to 4gigabytes that is faster than disk access but slower than DRAM. XP will offload things to the ready boost memory instead of sending them to the hard drive (pagefile). However you have to be sure that the PCMCIA card or flash drive will be fast enough for XP to use and I don’t recall what that needs to be. Hopefully someone here does or can look it up. ---
**Author:** ![GHO57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df788c/32.png) [@GHO57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GHO57)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/22 "2010-08-31T23:39:29Z")
Sorry… 63 processes? I’m running 28. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/23 "2010-08-31T23:46:50Z")
> [@GHO57](#): > > Sorry… 63 processes? I’m running 28. I thought that was strange too. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/24 "2010-09-01T03:38:58Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > Sounds great! My question would be whether I can preserve Word, Excel, Outlook, [Stamps.com](http://Stamps.com), Quicken, and Timeslips in the process. Unless you have the install programs, then no. The software I have is a disk image which, once applied, will return the M45 (I still need to check on compatibility) to a fresh Toshiba XP factory install which only includes the OS and some accessory programs. If you do not have the install disks (or downloads) for the programs you mentioned they will not be on the newly re-imaged drive. The re-imaging procedure blows everything off the drive before the disk image is applied. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/25 "2010-09-01T08:26:12Z")
> [@astro](#): > > While XP can address a 4 gig space, in operational terms (based strictly on my observations in adding RAM) XP is not that great at making use of RAM past 1 gig or so. Getting past 1 gig of RAM in XP is not really going to add all that much additional horsepower to a 5 year old XP system for browsing or general office suite use. In fact it’s quite possible that a 5 year notebook can’t be upgraded past 1 gig. You will get some additional kick by going from 512 to 1 gig in XP, but you have rapidly diminishing returns beyond that. Past one gig it’s typically not going to be a huge performance increase in XP. My experience differs. It depends upon the applications you use. The OP should be able to replace the faulty CD drive quite cheaply. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/26 "2010-09-01T08:47:05Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > > [@GHO57](#): > > > > Sorry… 63 processes? I’m running 28. > > I thought that was strange too. One thing that could be happening here… it seems like every software manufacturer feels they have to include some unnecessary program that constantly runs in the background when you install their software. For example, Adobe insists that some little utility be running at all times for Acrobat Reader. So, it’s likely that every time you install some new piece of software, you’re adding another unneeded process that eats up your RAM. I’m always vigilant about this kind of crap when I install software, and take steps to remove/disable these annoyances. You might want to look at the list of stuff running in the Task Manager, both under processes and services, and if you think an item might not be necessary, Google it to see what it is/if it’s needed/how it can be disabled. ETA: This is a never-ending process. Most likely, upgrading a particular piece of software will reinstall or re-enable the unneeded component. This is certainly the case with Adobe Reader. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/27 "2010-09-01T08:56:49Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > This is certainly the case with Adobe Reader. So get rid of it and install [Foxit Reader](http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/addons.php). All of the PDF’s with none of the hassle. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/28 "2010-09-01T13:15:48Z")
I noticed AdAware has something running ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/29 "2010-09-01T18:00:43Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > > [@GESancMan](#): > > > > This is certainly the case with Adobe Reader. > > So get rid of it and install [Foxit Reader](http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/addons.php). All of the PDF’s with none of the hassle. Nice. Thank you. To the OP: That’s one down. Unfortunately, Adobe is just one of many in the Unnecessary Programs department. NVIDIA is also famous for this, if you use their graphics cards. I no longer do, and this is one of the reasons. I forgot to say in my earlier post: check msconfig often (by typing ‘msconfig’ in the run bar of your start menu). Click the Startup tab. Anything that isn’t necessary can be unchecked, but of course you’ll want to make sure something isn’t needed first. On my system I allow only two items: the OS and Microsoft Security Essentials. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/30 "2010-09-01T18:37:23Z")
Uninstall Avast, install [MSE](http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/) Get [this](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145068) and install it yourself, it’s dead simple. Run [HijackThis](http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/), create a log file, and post it. ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/31 "2010-09-01T18:52:55Z")
For the CDR, [this](http://www.getpartsonline.com/v000080410.html) or [this](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135206). The internal is also super easy to replace. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/32 "2010-09-01T20:41:12Z")
Here’s another tip I just figured out. A lot of people have complained that their PC’s were getting really(!!) slow, especially for the first half hour or so in the morning. (Windows XP) What I found, thanks to an online tip, was this: disable Windows updates, and just make a point of doing them manually every so often. After years of applying windows updates, you accumulate a huge list. It seems that every so often, but especially on boot, the Windows Update AutoUpdate Client(wuauclt.exe in task manager) checks all the updates on your PC and all the updates Microsoft lists to determine what’s outstanding. Just guessing, it rebuilds this list and chugs away for half an hour or more, and meanwhile your PC slows to a crawl if it has limited resources. if you’re like me, you have a gig or more of update uninstall folders accumulated in the Windows directory, waiting for a day that may never come where you want to uninstall an XP service patch. The search algorithm must be particularly inefficient or the huge number of recent updates is taxing the program. Go to Control Panel -Automatic Updates and disable them. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/33 "2010-09-03T05:45:17Z")
OK, I added 1G RAM. That seems to be helping a lot. I still want to delete unwanted crap though. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/34 "2010-09-03T06:19:14Z")
^Then Hijack this is definitely your friend. the log file will tell you everything that automatically runs on your computer. And don’t leave Automatic updates disabled–they are there for a reason. Just use CCleaner to remove clean out the uninstallers. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/35 "2010-09-03T06:41:51Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > > [@GESancMan](#): > > > > This is certainly the case with Adobe Reader. > > So get rid of it and install [Foxit Reader](http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/addons.php). All of the PDF’s with none of the hassle. Done. Thanks. Had to uninstall a Foxit toolbar afterward, but OK so far. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/36 "2010-09-03T06:43:02Z")
> [@yoyodyne](#): > > Uninstall Avast, install [MSE](http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/) > … > Run [HijackThis](http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/), create a log file, and post it. Next up… ---
**Author:** ![The\_Piranha\_Brothers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/aca169/32.png) [@The\_Piranha\_Brothers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Piranha_Brothers)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/37 "2010-09-03T09:19:05Z")
> [@dzero](#): > > (…)defrag your hard drive. If you right click the drive in windows explorer (not internet explorer) and select properties, you will get a new window. Click on the “tools” tab and select defragmentation. Although, you should probably start with the first option - “error-checking” and then do the defrag.(…) Yes, defragging will probably help. I can’t believe it came up only once. Although, as I understand, the hard disc is still half empty (or half full, depending on how you look at it)? Defragmentation may not be absolutely necessary, but it’s not a bad idea to make sure. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/38 "2010-09-04T19:18:34Z")
> [@yoyodyne](#): > > Uninstall Avast, install [MSE](http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/) Done. No viruses detected. Outlook opens faster now that the Avast Outlook Plug-In is gone. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/39 "2010-09-04T19:24:41Z")
> [@yoyodyne](#): > > Run [HijackThis](http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/), create a log file, and post it. Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4 Scan saved at 12:21:17 PM, on 9/4/2010 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\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ZcfgSvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Wireless\Bin\1XConfig.exe C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\Sync\FreeAgentService.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\RaMaint.exe C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LogMeIn.exe C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LMIGuardian.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\LxrJD31s.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\OProtSvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe c:\TOSHIBA\IVP\swupdate\swupdtmr.exe C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Applet\TAPPSRV.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\TSSchBkpService.exe C:\PROGRA~1\iLinc\Client77\bin\llpush.exe C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.2\Apps\apdproxy.exe C:\Program Files\HP\ToolBoxFX\bin\HPTLBXFX.exe C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update\_OB\realsched.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\FreeAgent Status\StxMenuMgr.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD oscdspd.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\MsMpEng.exe C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\HiJackThis.exe R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = [Ask.com - What's Your Question?](http://www.ask.com/?gcht=HC&o=101706&l=dis) R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default\_Page\_URL = [MSN](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157) R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default\_Search\_URL = [Search - Microsoft Bing](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896) R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = [Search - Microsoft Bing](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896) R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = [MSN](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157) R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = \*.local O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla fswshx.dll O2 - BHO: West Group CiteLink Microsoft IE Shell - {80230FFE-53DD-11D2-AE5F-0000832F3A64} - C:\Program Files\West Group\CiteLink\clie\clie.dll O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs\_plugin.dll O4 - HKLM..\Run: [LLPush] C:\PROGRA~1\iLinc\Client77\bin\llpush.exe O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Adobe Photo Downloader] “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.2\Apps\apdproxy.exe” O4 - HKLM..\Run: [ToolBoxFX] “c:\Program Files\HP\ToolBoxFX\bin\HPTLBXFX.exe” /enum:on /alerts:on /notifications:on /fl:on /fr:on /appData:on /tmcp:on O4 - HKLM..\Run: [RoxWatchTray] “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatchTray9.exe” O4 - HKLM..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe O4 - HKLM..\Run: [QuickTime Task] “C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe” -atboottime O4 - HKLM..\Run: [TkBellExe] “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update\_OB\realsched.exe” -osboot O4 - HKLM..\Run: [4shared Update] “C:\Program Files\4shared Desktop\checkUpdate.exe” O4 - HKLM..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe” O4 - HKLM..\Run: [CarboniteSetupLite] “C:\Program Files\Carbonite\CarbonitePreinstaller.exe” /preinstalled /showonfirst /reshowat=900 O4 - HKLM..\Run: [MaxMenuMgr] “C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\FreeAgent Status\StxMenuMgr.exe” O4 - HKLM..\Run: [MSSE] “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe” -hide -runkey O4 - HKCU..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe O4 - HKCU..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD oscdspd.exe O4 - Global Startup: Desktop Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\DesktopMgr.exe O4 - Global Startup: RAMASST.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download All using 4shared Desktop - C:\Program Files\4shared Desktop\down\_all.htm O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download using 4shared Desktop - C:\Program Files\4shared Desktop\down\_link.htm O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000 O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file) 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 O14 - IERESET.INF: START\_PAGE\_URL=[http://www.toshibadirect.com/dpdstart](http://www.toshibadirect.com/dpdstart) O16 - DPF: {8FEFF364-6A5F-4966-A917-A3AC28411659} (SopCore Control) - [Redirecting...](http://download.sopcast.com/download/SOPCORE.CAB) O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - [http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab](http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab) 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: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe O23 - Service: ConfigFree Service (CFSvcs) - TOSHIBA CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe O23 - Service: DVD-RAM\_Service - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe O23 - Service: Seagate Service (FreeAgentGoNext Service) - Seagate Technology LLC - C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\Sync\FreeAgentService.exe O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe O23 - Service: LogMeIn Maintenance Service (LMIMaint) - LogMeIn, Inc. - C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\RaMaint.exe O23 - Service: LogMeIn - LogMeIn, Inc. - C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LogMeIn.exe O23 - Service: Lexar JD31 (LxrJD31s) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\LxrJD31s.exe O23 - Service: OwnershipProtocol - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\OProtSvc.exe O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe O23 - Service: Roxio UPnP Renderer 9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Roxio\Digital Home 9\RoxioUPnPRenderer9.exe O23 - Service: Roxio Upnp Server 9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Roxio\Digital Home 9\RoxioUpnpService9.exe O23 - Service: LiveShare P2P Server 9 (RoxLiveShare9) - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxLiveShare9.exe O23 - Service: RoxMediaDB9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxMediaDB9.exe O23 - Service: Roxio Hard Drive Watcher 9 (RoxWatch9) - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatch9.exe O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe O23 - Service: Swupdtmr - Unknown owner - c:\TOSHIBA\IVP\swupdate\swupdtmr.exe O23 - Service: TOSHIBA Application Service (TAPPSRV) - TOSHIBA Corp. - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Applet\TAPPSRV.exe O23 - Service: TimeslipsBackup (TSScheduleBackup) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\TSSchBkpService.exe – End of file - 9993 bytes ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152/40 "2010-09-04T19:44:58Z")
Made some comments below. As a general note, in looking at some of the installed programs at the very end of your list you appear to have a lot of programs installed that are set to search for updates while online. Enough of these searching and system response can slow to a crawl. It would be useful for you to go in and check that your installed programs are actually useful to you and needed. If not it would make sense to remove them. > [@Bearflag70](#): > > > [@yoyodyne](#): > > > > Run [HijackThis](http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/), create a log file, and post it. > > Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4 > Scan saved at 12:21:17 PM, on 9/4/2010 > 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\svchost.exe > C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe > C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe > C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe > C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ZcfgSvc.exe > C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE > > C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe \*\*(really don’t need ad aware up all the time, it chews memory and newer browsers have built in ad blocking) \*\* > > C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe > C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Wireless\Bin\1XConfig.exe > > C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe **(if you are not on AOL dialup or using AOL messaging this is a memory hog)** > C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe > C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe > C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe > C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe > > C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\Sync\FreeAgentService.exe \*\*(if you are not using this this applet to sync with a portable drive you might want to remove these services) \*\* > C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe > C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe > > C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\RaMaint.exe > C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LogMeIn.exe > C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LMIGuardian.exe > \*\*(if you are not using remote access on your notebook these are chewing memory) \*\* > > C:\WINDOWS\system32\LxrJD31s.exe > C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe > C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\OProtSvc.exe > C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe > C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe > C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe > C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe > c:\TOSHIBA\IVP\swupdate\swupdtmr.exe > C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Applet\TAPPSRV.exe > C:\WINDOWS\system32\TSSchBkpService.exe > C:\PROGRA~1\iLinc\Client77\bin\llpush.exe > C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.2\Apps\apdproxy.exe > C:\Program Files\HP\ToolBoxFX\bin\HPTLBXFX.exe > C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe > C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update\_OB\realsched.exe > C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe > C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\FreeAgent Status\StxMenuMgr.exe > C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe > C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD oscdspd.exe > C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe > C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe > C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe > C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\MsMpEng.exe > C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe > C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE > C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe > C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\HiJackThis.exe > > R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = [Ask.com - What's Your Question?](http://www.ask.com/?gcht=HC&o=101706&l=dis) > R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default\_Page\_URL = [MSN](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157) > R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default\_Search\_URL = [Search - Microsoft Bing](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896) > R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = [Search - Microsoft Bing](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896) > R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = [MSN](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157) > R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = \*.local > O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla fswshx.dll > O2 - BHO: West Group CiteLink Microsoft IE Shell - {80230FFE-53DD-11D2-AE5F-0000832F3A64} - C:\Program Files\West Group\CiteLink\clie\clie.dll > O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll > O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs\_plugin.dll > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [LLPush] C:\PROGRA~1\iLinc\Client77\bin\llpush.exe > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Adobe Photo Downloader] “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.2\Apps\apdproxy.exe” > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [ToolBoxFX] “c:\Program Files\HP\ToolBoxFX\bin\HPTLBXFX.exe” /enum:on /alerts:on /notifications:on /fl:on /fr:on /appData:on /tmcp:on > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [RoxWatchTray] “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatchTray9.exe” > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [QuickTime Task] “C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe” -atboottime > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [TkBellExe] “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update\_OB\realsched.exe” -osboot > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [4shared Update] “C:\Program Files\4shared Desktop\checkUpdate.exe” > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe” > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [CarboniteSetupLite] “C:\Program Files\Carbonite\CarbonitePreinstaller.exe” /preinstalled /showonfirst /reshowat=900 > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [MaxMenuMgr] “C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\FreeAgent Status\StxMenuMgr.exe” > O4 - HKLM..\Run: [MSSE] “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe” -hide -runkey > O4 - HKCU..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe > O4 - HKCU..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD oscdspd.exe > O4 - Global Startup: Desktop Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\DesktopMgr.exe > O4 - Global Startup: RAMASST.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe > O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download All using 4shared Desktop - C:\Program Files\4shared Desktop\down\_all.htm > O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download using 4shared Desktop - C:\Program Files\4shared Desktop\down\_link.htm > O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000 > O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL > O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file) > 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 > O14 - IERESET.INF: START\_PAGE\_URL=[http://www.toshibadirect.com/dpdstart](http://www.toshibadirect.com/dpdstart) > O16 - DPF: {8FEFF364-6A5F-4966-A917-A3AC28411659} (SopCore Control) - [Redirecting...](http://download.sopcast.com/download/SOPCORE.CAB) > O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - [http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab](http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab) > 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: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe > O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe > O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe > O23 - Service: ConfigFree Service (CFSvcs) - TOSHIBA CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe > O23 - Service: DVD-RAM\_Service - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe > O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe > O23 - Service: Seagate Service (FreeAgentGoNext Service) - Seagate Technology LLC - C:\Program Files\Seagate\SeagateManager\Sync\FreeAgentService.exe > O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe > O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe > O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe > O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe > O23 - Service: LogMeIn Maintenance Service (LMIMaint) - LogMeIn, Inc. - C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\RaMaint.exe > O23 - Service: LogMeIn - LogMeIn, Inc. - C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LogMeIn.exe > O23 - Service: Lexar JD31 (LxrJD31s) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\LxrJD31s.exe > O23 - Service: OwnershipProtocol - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\OProtSvc.exe > O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe > O23 - Service: Roxio UPnP Renderer 9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Roxio\Digital Home 9\RoxioUPnPRenderer9.exe > O23 - Service: Roxio Upnp Server 9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Roxio\Digital Home 9\RoxioUpnpService9.exe > O23 - Service: LiveShare P2P Server 9 (RoxLiveShare9) - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxLiveShare9.exe > O23 - Service: RoxMediaDB9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxMediaDB9.exe > O23 - Service: Roxio Hard Drive Watcher 9 (RoxWatch9) - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatch9.exe > O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe > O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe > O23 - Service: Swupdtmr - Unknown owner - c:\TOSHIBA\IVP\swupdate\swupdtmr.exe > O23 - Service: TOSHIBA Application Service (TAPPSRV) - TOSHIBA Corp. - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Applet\TAPPSRV.exe > O23 - Service: TimeslipsBackup (TSScheduleBackup) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\TSSchBkpService.exe > > – > End of file - 9993 bytes [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152.md?page=3)