I'm running very SLOOOOOOOOOW - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Warf Rat · 08-31-2009, 04:09 PM

I'm running windows XP Media center edition Version 2002, service pack 2

I see and hear ads for programs to clean up my system and make it fast again. I don't trust anybody, but you folks. I have an exteral hard drive that's brand new. I have moved a lot of media files it has 365 GB, so I can move almost everything, but I don't know how to prevent moving the wrong file.
My conmputer is an HP with 224 GB with 42 GB free space. Is that my problem? If I back it up manually to the external hard drive, would that help?

Is there a safe program that will clean up my system and increase the speed. I really can't afford a new maching right now.

I know there are a lot of questions here, but I am hoping someone will help me get started.

Thanks

Dan

tenchi069 · 08-31-2009, 04:12 PM

Best way to make your system run top notch again is to back up everything important and reinstall. Time/money spent vs performace, this is the easiest way.

Warf Rat · 08-31-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenchi069

Best way to make your system run top notch again is to back up everything important and reinstall. Time/money spent vs performace, this is the easiest way.

How do I know what's important. If I back up the c drive to my external, will it carry all files hidden or not (where all my good porn is). then I can go find anything I need later. Will that also bring any bugs or bad programs with it. I use Macafee from comcast and I think it's up to date.

If that is the way. How do I reinstall. I don't have the discs??

Xerxys · 08-31-2009, 05:38 PM

Whats important is only your files and stuff you don't want to loose like ebooks, movies and all that jazz. As long as you have internet you will be able to download everyting else back.

Invest $400 in another new computer. Not expensive if you ask me.

Warf Rat · 08-31-2009, 06:18 PM

I'm trying to back up all files and folders for all users. I have a profile for my daughter.
It says it's a 10 hour project. The first time I tried to back up everything it threw up an error message about space, but there's plenty of space.
This time, I'm only backing up files and folders. Does that sound right to you.??
Then I can buy a new box.

---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:04 AM ----------

Here's the error I get when try to back up files and folders.

You have either run out of space, or the backup file (.bkf) is to large for this disk.
Note: If this disk is formatted with FAT32, the maximum size of backup file is limited to 4 GB

Any thoughts?????????????

Halx · 08-31-2009, 07:21 PM

Here, run CCleaner

1. Do the "Cleaner" part of it first
2. Go to Tools and Uninstall all programs that you do not use. Be careful because there may be programs in there that are not named very clearly that are actually components of things that you use all the time, so only remove things that you can identify as unused.
3. In the Startup section of Tools, disable everything on the list, except for the things that you specifically want to run at startup
4. Go to the Registry section and have it scan and fix all of the registry problems.

This should help.

Lasereth · 09-01-2009, 05:09 AM

Go here: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Reviews and free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware downloads at Download.com

Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware, install it, update it, then run the full scan, after that hit remove problems. This will get rid of a lot of the bad stuff on your PC.

Hain · 09-01-2009, 08:57 AM

@ Lasereth
One shouldn't run the full scan right away. It has been my experience with badly infected machines that one should use the quick scan first, let it detect and remove the bulk of problems, then (most certainly after a required restart) run the full scan. I've found that malware can often "mask" other forms of malware from scans, and requires two scans. In the beginning of using Malwarebytes, I never found a machine that needed a second full scan after the quick then full combo. So quick then full should take care of it.

This is similar to running a Ccleaner Registry scan twice and still finding errors. The reason is one entry was dependent on another and not seen as an error.

@ Warf Rat
The error you received while moving files to your external was certainly the result of trying to move a file larger larger than 4GB to the FAT32-formatted external. The filesystem FAT32 can only handle files smaller than 4GB. If there is nothing yet of value on it, since it sounds like your backup attempts have been frivilous, go to My Computer and format the hard drive to NTFS (right click on the external drive and Format).

There are program settings and browser bookmarks, but I would not worry about these. I do not consider these important. You should make sure YOU KNOW THE PASSWORDS TO YOUR EMAILS AND IMPORTANT WEBSITES. Not "I know them" and then find out it was your browser the whole time that remembered them. I only worry about documents (ie in your My Documents folder). I'd recommend moving the location of your's and your daughter's documents location to the external hard drive. To do this make a folder called Users Documents on the external. Inside that make two folders, one named for you, the other for your daughter. Go to Start and right click on the My Documents icon, Properties. Look Target Folder Location and tell it to move. Navigate it to the folder you just made for yourself on the external, and there you have it. Do the same for your daughters account. Even if your computer craps out, your documents are always saved to the external.

Also, for further reading, check out TFP's Tilted Tech's stickie, http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/tilted-...e-changed.html . I am not on my computer, just on my phone's browser, and will edit this later when I am at my computer.

EDIT: Just made those edits for clarification.

biznatch · 09-07-2009, 11:12 AM

What types of files are on there? I know if you have a lot to back up, this computer going slow can make it almost impossible to look through all of your files, depending on how slow you really are going.

Defragmenting, using crap cleaner, making sure to get rid of what you don't need is very important

But also, maybe too many programs are running at once. It is possible that too many applications are running at start-up, and a good way to find out is to see how much resources they are eating up. The Task Manager (Start-> Run: taskmgr.exe) will let you see what applications are running, how much memory they're eating up, how demanding they are vis-a-vis the CPU. You should also check the "Performance" tab to get a visual on how much resources you're using.

If you see any processes running with fishy names, check them here by typing the name of the process (ex: explorer.exe) in the search bar on the right. The site will tell you what the process does, whether it's dangerous/necessary/useless.

Warf Rat · 09-07-2009, 05:59 PM

Alright. Thanks to all. I'm getting there.
I backed up all ducuments, pics, vids and stuff to external. Then deleted most of them from my machine. Increased the free space to 74GB, almost twice what I had before. Ran CClean, it semmed to do a lot of work, kept rebooting, Thanks to Hain, It's getting better but still very slow. Ran the scan disc and defregment process.
Now I need to address applications running with start up and when browsing. Is there a "guide for Dummies". I'll use your suggestion biznatch if that's the best way.
As for uninstalling applications, I have no idea where to start. I got rid of old games and such, but I don't recognize 80% of what I see.

Thoughts please.

Hain · 09-07-2009, 09:32 PM

Sadly, no one can really come up with a super, fixer-upper computer procedure. Everyone uses their computers for different reasons and it takes time for a professional to figure out what the user needs, is accustomed to, and what the user can learn.

In that TFP thread I linked is a description of how to use Hijack-This! by Cynthetiq, http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/2473635-post71.html . You can download Hijack-This! from Filehippo.com Download HijackThis 2.0.2 - FileHippo.com . Install it, run the scan and create a log file. You can post the log file here and we can look at your computer's processes.

In the mean time, I suggest you visit PortableApps.com (PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives) and get some essentials from there:
* Firefox Portable -- Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a browser independent of Windows. Look for the NoScript and Better Privacy add-ons for Firefox. NoScript prevents flash- and java-based web elements from running without confirmation. Better Privacy deletes the temporary flash cookies that get left behind, ones Ccleaner
doesn't even get
* Pidgin Portable -- Pidgin Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a multi-protocol instant messenger. Works with AIM, MSN, Yahoo, pretty much everything
* ClamWin Portable -- ClamWin Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a manual antivirus scanner
* Command Prompt Portable -- Command Prompt Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a command line window independent from Windows
Since all these programs are portable, they can be "installed" (technically extracted, like a ZIP or RAR archive) anywhere and run from there--even USB flash drives. I say make a folder on your C drive called PortableApps.com and direct the installers to extract the programs there. You need only click on the AppNamePortable.exe and it runs from there. Move the folder, and it still all works. There is nothing inherently safer to using PA.c, but you can delete the app and get a new one if you suspect trouble. Applications from PA.c do not have administrative rights to run (in Vista) and can not do as much damage to a system.

TheProf · 09-10-2009, 08:59 AM

For me I've found two things that were very useful:

1) Update the definitions for your various anti-virus / anti-spyware programs and then reboot and run them in Safe Mode. Often running them in regular Windows mode will not eliminate the problem as the malicious program is already loaded into memory / may be actively blocking attempts to remove it. By running it in Safe mode that problem is resolved. Realize of course that because of all the other enhancements that are turned off in Safe mode, these scans will take much longer in Safe mode

2) Use Revo Uninstaller to get rid of anything you don't want. Revo uninstaller has a great feature to uninstall a program, then remove anything that the regular un-installer that came with the program didn't remove. I've used it countless times and it helps speed up any machine.

Hope those tips help.

08-31-2009, 04:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Warf Rat Psycho Location: Philadelphia	I'm running very SLOOOOOOOOOW I'm running windows XP Media center edition Version 2002, service pack 2 I see and hear ads for programs to clean up my system and make it fast again. I don't trust anybody, but you folks. I have an exteral hard drive that's brand new. I have moved a lot of media files it has 365 GB, so I can move almost everything, but I don't know how to prevent moving the wrong file. My conmputer is an HP with 224 GB with 42 GB free space. Is that my problem? If I back it up manually to the external hard drive, would that help? Is there a safe program that will clean up my system and increase the speed. I really can't afford a new maching right now. I know there are a lot of questions here, but I am hoping someone will help me get started. Thanks Dan __________________ A day late, and a dollar short.

08-31-2009, 04:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
tenchi069 Lost Location: One step closer to the padded cell...	Best way to make your system run top notch again is to back up everything important and reinstall. Time/money spent vs performace, this is the easiest way. __________________ ERROR- PLBSAK Problem Lies Between Seat and Keyboard.

08-31-2009, 06:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Warf Rat Psycho Location: Philadelphia	I'm trying to back up all files and folders for all users. I have a profile for my daughter. It says it's a 10 hour project. The first time I tried to back up everything it threw up an error message about space, but there's plenty of space. This time, I'm only backing up files and folders. Does that sound right to you.?? Then I can buy a new box. ---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:04 AM ---------- Here's the error I get when try to back up files and folders. You have either run out of space, or the backup file (.bkf) is to large for this disk. Note: If this disk is formatted with FAT32, the maximum size of backup file is limited to 4 GB Any thoughts????????????? __________________ A day late, and a dollar short.

08-31-2009, 07:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Here, run CCleaner 1. Do the "Cleaner" part of it first 2. Go to Tools and Uninstall all programs that you do not use. Be careful because there may be programs in there that are not named very clearly that are actually components of things that you use all the time, so only remove things that you can identify as unused. 3. In the Startup section of Tools, disable everything on the list, except for the things that you specifically want to run at startup 4. Go to the Registry section and have it scan and fix all of the registry problems. This should help. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

09-01-2009, 05:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Go here: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Reviews and free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware downloads at Download.com Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware, install it, update it, then run the full scan, after that hit remove problems. This will get rid of a lot of the bad stuff on your PC. __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

08-31-2009, 05:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	Whats important is only your files and stuff you don't want to loose like ebooks, movies and all that jazz. As long as you have internet you will be able to download everyting else back. Invest $400 in another new computer. Not expensive if you ask me.

09-01-2009, 08:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
Hain has a plan Location: middle of Whywouldanyonebethere	@ Lasereth One shouldn't run the full scan right away. It has been my experience with badly infected machines that one should use the quick scan first, let it detect and remove the bulk of problems, then (most certainly after a required restart) run the full scan. I've found that malware can often "mask" other forms of malware from scans, and requires two scans. In the beginning of using Malwarebytes, I never found a machine that needed a second full scan after the quick then full combo. So quick then full should take care of it. This is similar to running a Ccleaner Registry scan twice and still finding errors. The reason is one entry was dependent on another and not seen as an error. @ Warf Rat The error you received while moving files to your external was certainly the result of trying to move a file larger larger than 4GB to the FAT32-formatted external. The filesystem FAT32 can only handle files smaller than 4GB. If there is nothing yet of value on it, since it sounds like your backup attempts have been frivilous, go to My Computer and format the hard drive to NTFS (right click on the external drive and Format). There are program settings and browser bookmarks, but I would not worry about these. I do not consider these important. You should make sure YOU KNOW THE PASSWORDS TO YOUR EMAILS AND IMPORTANT WEBSITES. Not "I know them" and then find out it was your browser the whole time that remembered them. I only worry about documents (ie in your My Documents folder). I'd recommend moving the location of your's and your daughter's documents location to the external hard drive. To do this make a folder called Users Documents on the external. Inside that make two folders, one named for you, the other for your daughter. Go to Start and right click on the My Documents icon, Properties. Look Target Folder Location and tell it to move. Navigate it to the folder you just made for yourself on the external, and there you have it. Do the same for your daughters account. Even if your computer craps out, your documents are always saved to the external. Also, for further reading, check out TFP's Tilted Tech's stickie, http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/tilted-...e-changed.html . I am not on my computer, just on my phone's browser, and will edit this later when I am at my computer. EDIT: Just made those edits for clarification. Last edited by Hain; 09-01-2009 at 12:22 PM..

09-07-2009, 11:12 AM	#9 (permalink)
biznatch Junkie Location: France	What types of files are on there? I know if you have a lot to back up, this computer going slow can make it almost impossible to look through all of your files, depending on how slow you really are going. Defragmenting, using crap cleaner, making sure to get rid of what you don't need is very important But also, maybe too many programs are running at once. It is possible that too many applications are running at start-up, and a good way to find out is to see how much resources they are eating up. The Task Manager (Start-> Run: taskmgr.exe) will let you see what applications are running, how much memory they're eating up, how demanding they are vis-a-vis the CPU. You should also check the "Performance" tab to get a visual on how much resources you're using. If you see any processes running with fishy names, check them here by typing the name of the process (ex: explorer.exe) in the search bar on the right. The site will tell you what the process does, whether it's dangerous/necessary/useless. __________________ Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread Last edited by biznatch; 09-07-2009 at 11:16 AM..

09-07-2009, 05:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
Warf Rat Psycho Location: Philadelphia	Alright. Thanks to all. I'm getting there. I backed up all ducuments, pics, vids and stuff to external. Then deleted most of them from my machine. Increased the free space to 74GB, almost twice what I had before. Ran CClean, it semmed to do a lot of work, kept rebooting, Thanks to Hain, It's getting better but still very slow. Ran the scan disc and defregment process. Now I need to address applications running with start up and when browsing. Is there a "guide for Dummies". I'll use your suggestion biznatch if that's the best way. As for uninstalling applications, I have no idea where to start. I got rid of old games and such, but I don't recognize 80% of what I see. Thoughts please. __________________ A day late, and a dollar short.

09-07-2009, 09:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
Hain has a plan Location: middle of Whywouldanyonebethere	Sadly, no one can really come up with a super, fixer-upper computer procedure. Everyone uses their computers for different reasons and it takes time for a professional to figure out what the user needs, is accustomed to, and what the user can learn. In that TFP thread I linked is a description of how to use Hijack-This! by Cynthetiq, http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/2473635-post71.html . You can download Hijack-This! from Filehippo.com Download HijackThis 2.0.2 - FileHippo.com . Install it, run the scan and create a log file. You can post the log file here and we can look at your computer's processes. In the mean time, I suggest you visit PortableApps.com (PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives) and get some essentials from there: * Firefox Portable -- Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition \| PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a browser independent of Windows. Look for the NoScript and Better Privacy add-ons for Firefox. NoScript prevents flash- and java-based web elements from running without confirmation. Better Privacy deletes the temporary flash cookies that get left behind, ones Ccleaner doesn't even get * Pidgin Portable -- Pidgin Portable \| PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a multi-protocol instant messenger. Works with AIM, MSN, Yahoo, pretty much everything * ClamWin Portable -- ClamWin Portable \| PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a manual antivirus scanner * Command Prompt Portable -- Command Prompt Portable \| PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives -- a command line window independent from Windows Since all these programs are portable, they can be "installed" (technically extracted, like a ZIP or RAR archive) anywhere and run from there--even USB flash drives. I say make a folder on your C drive called PortableApps.com and direct the installers to extract the programs there. You need only click on the AppNamePortable.exe and it runs from there. Move the folder, and it still all works. There is nothing inherently safer to using PA.c, but you can delete the app and get a new one if you suspect trouble. Applications from PA.c do not have administrative rights to run (in Vista) and can not do as much damage to a system. Last edited by Hain; 09-10-2009 at 06:40 PM..

09-10-2009, 08:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
TheProf Crazy	For me I've found two things that were very useful: 1) Update the definitions for your various anti-virus / anti-spyware programs and then reboot and run them in Safe Mode. Often running them in regular Windows mode will not eliminate the problem as the malicious program is already loaded into memory / may be actively blocking attempts to remove it. By running it in Safe mode that problem is resolved. Realize of course that because of all the other enhancements that are turned off in Safe mode, these scans will take much longer in Safe mode 2) Use Revo Uninstaller to get rid of anything you don't want. Revo uninstaller has a great feature to uninstall a program, then remove anything that the regular un-installer that came with the program didn't remove. I've used it countless times and it helps speed up any machine. Hope those tips help.