PC slowing down to a crawl

[windu190]

Recently my PC has been getting a problem that just randomly shows up, sometimes immediately on startup, sometimes a while after. 

 

One moment I'm just browsing on the internet, the next thing I know is that my PC is getting extremely slow. It can take minutes just to open another web page or open open anything else. Then it keeps going slower and slower until it becomes unresponsive altogether. Then I'm forced to shut it down by holding the off button. 

All throughout this I'm still able to use the cursor though, I just can't click on anything anymore (or I can but it simply doesn't do anything). 

 

I'm really hoping this isn't anything hardware related since this is something I know little about, nor do I have the money to replace anything. Not to mention I only have this PC for like 5 months now. My previous PC had terrible hardware issues and I had to cope with those for over a year because I could not afford another system, and the exact problem was never found. 

 

So whenever my PC starts showing problems, I panic immediately...

 

Does anyone know what the cause of this could be?

[Guest endgameaddiction]

Are you fixing your registry errors? And it's always good to clean out your cookies and cache.

 

Defrag and clean disk is always highly important too.

[doomcat9]

sounds to me like there is a program running int he background hogging up all the cpu's resources use Process Explorer and see whats gong on with your pc with your background processes

[windu190]

sounds to me like there is a program running int he background hogging up all the cpu's resources use Process Explorer and see whats gong on with your pc with your background processes

 

One of the first things I did, unfortunately I could find nothing out of the ordinary. 

[Storms of Superior]

Malware bloat.

[windu190]

Malware bloat.

 

I'm sorry but I'm not sure what you mean. 

Are you saying it could be a virus? 

[Rayblue]

Yeah, it's possible. Do you have an antivirus utility installed? 

[windu190]

I use ESET Antivirus. Running a scan atm

[Chaos63]

Eset won't find shit, it's absolutely worthless for modern malware detection. Take my advice, use spybot s&d.

[RitualClarity]

Make a good clean back up of the most important data just to be sure that it is safe. If at all possible make it a separate back up from what you already have ( new data changed data etc.) Then continue.

 

1. Make sure your antivirus is working correctly and fully updated and current. If it is a security suite then run the suite. If not get malware bytes or the like and run that as well in case it is maleware or such. Antivirus only scans for viruses.

 

2. Defrag any mechanical hard drive. ( SSDs don't need defrag)

 

3. Make sure your OS is fully updated ( also helps protect it)

 

4. Msconfig in the run or start command section by the start button. Select "Startup" and look through that. There really shouldn't be any programs ( that have a click or active in that panel unless you really want them running from the very start. Antivirus, maleware programs are two such examples). If there are random programs like windows Office or the such you can test and unlick those and see if that helps. Chances are that isnt' the case. Most proper programs will manage their memory correctly and properly. It is the maleware that won't.

 

More advanced.

 

Run a hard drive utility to check the "smart status" of the hard drive. I am not sure of the current versions to use that would be actually useful for you but do a search f possible. This will test if there are any errors witht he built in diagnostics on modern harddrives. If there is it will give an error and then you can worry.

 

There are many diagnostic tools to test processor.. memory ( one such beast of problem ) and even gpu. Memtest is one that many use to test the memory. Could be that heat is the culprit. If that is the case it can be anything from the processor to the motherboard chipsets that are giving out with heat.

 

If possible and it is a desktop .. open it up and spray the dust and garbage out and get it all nice and clean. There are surely videos on how to do that on the net. Next is disconnect and reconnect ( one thing at a time unless you know what you are doing) starting with the wires to the motherboard, Hard drives and the such.. Then move to the memory removal and resiting and then perhaps if you have the skill remove the processor and resit the procesor with new heat sink paste. If your computer is 3, 4, 5, 6 or more years old it is possible that it dried and not performing properly but not bad enough to cause it to shut down.

[RitualClarity]

Eset won't find shit, it's absolutely worthless for modern malware detection. Take my advice, use spybot s&d.

 

Correction ESET will find it but isn't very good at removing it ( malware.) One nice thing about it besides the blocking ( not removing) is it has the lowest false positives out of many of the highest rated antiviruses on the market currently. If it tells you have a problem file..You very likely have a problem file.

http://anti-malware-software-review.toptenreviews.com/eset-nod32-antivirus-review.html

 

In most cases if installed on a clean system it can help maintain that system completely safe for the most part. In fact I I bought a Laptop from Microcenter and the Warranty and had ESET properly installed and running If I catch something.. They will remove it or re image the computer for FREE. During the lifetime of the warranty.

 

I perferr Kapersky and some tech friends perfer ESET, Norton or the Paid AVAST or is that AVG. .( not sure on that last one ) One even perfer what comes with Windows 7 and 8 with a simple manual maleware program ran on occasion.

 

 

It isn't the best but it isn't the worst either. For this case if it is the complete security essentials that they sell that should be good enough at this time to check to see if there is something there. the OP is so slowed down that it would likely be many malware programs running at this time and if that is the case ESET would catch it. Now afterwards might not remove it but if there is alot. I would just recommend a good backup and nuke the install, low level format the drive and a clean install of the OS or from a confirmed clean backup.

 

I use malwarebytes for my malware issues and protections. It seems to be doing a fair job.

[windu190]

Found TrojanDropper:Win32/Rotbrow.E

 

It's in quarantine now. Though I doubt that could have caused all the problems I'm having. 

 

EDIT: Spybot also found this, along with a lot of low threat things:

 

 

 

[ItalianDragon]

I second Chaos63's statement. I also recommend to you Malwarebytes Anti Malware. It helped me getting rid of a ransomware that hit my PC a few years back

[windu190]

Would the free version of Malwarebytes be enough or do I need the premium version?

[RitualClarity]

try the free version to start. If it cleans things good enough than you don't need the premium. However that being said it couldn't hurt considering that you do have quite a few malware programs running. I have the full or premium version and haven't had a problem. It works great along ESET antivirus and even their Security Essentials program package. It is fast and very effective.

 

That being said if you have very many problems you might consider backing up and then reinstalling windows from scratch, fully updated it to the most current version ( all the updates) make a backup using ACronis or such. Install your software that you will always use.. Office, Photoshop and the such. Updated as needed. Disable the built in malware protection in Windows and create a second backup.. longer time this time you will have to wait for it to finish. Finally install your antivirus and malware programs. Make sure they work together. Can't have to antivirus running at the same time as they will fight each other and slow down the computer. In your case ESET and Malware bytes works together well and can run as they don't compete. Now the final part. Import your various files back into the computer after scanning it with both ESET and Malware bytes and cleaning anything left over. Notice I am not telling you to back up this part. The only major change on the system would be the ESET and Malware bytes added. You can change your mind, backup your personal data at any time and restore from the Programs backup and then use a different protection system. It would really only take a few minutes to an hour depending on your data backed up. Your personal data would be kept backed up on different drives ( from the image) and can be restored, removed or otherwise altered as needed not effecting your imagining and no real need to make another image. Oh and verify any backup image you create before storage as sometimes they get bad during the process of backing up.

 

If the above is done. You will have:

A clean base system you can restore to ( separate image)

A clean base program and system you can restore to. (separate image)

Cleaned files imported back and proper protection set up.( part of your normal backups anyway)

 

If anything goes wrong:

Scan with ESET and then Malware bytes.

Remove the offending files.

If problem persist. restore from the confirmed clean backup image. ( kept off the computer safe on an external dvd, blu-ray or even a hard drive. )

 

If you change your programs in the future and your "programs" backup gets different and needs changes no problem. Reinstall the "base" and then install the various programs needed and you will have a nice new "programs" backup again. This minimizes registry issues and fragmentation ( especially useful for mechanical drives) and provides a stable image for restoration. Yes you can use "differential" or incremental images however sometimes they become bad and can lead to a problem restoring. With this you can use either or of the two backups. Later if you have to "restore" just update the fresh restore with the needed files and make a new image again. You will end up with versions datging back to when you first started this.

 

One note. I prefer to re-image back about every 6 months just to keep the bitrot from my windows installation low. My computer is quite responsive and performs quite well and ... if there was something that did sneak in.. it goes bye bye then...

[Chaos63]

I'd also recommend having more than one malware removal tool like spybot and malwarebytes on your system. Such software is really only as good as their latest update, so if they fall behind, you might just end up getting fucked. I know it might sound like I'm exaggerating, but I got screwed pretty badly on one occasion and I'll be damned if I let it happen again.

Take care.

[sorsharavenwing]

I'd also recommend having more than one malware removal tool like spybot and malwarebytes on your system. Such software is really only as good as their latest update, so if they fall behind, you might just end up getting fucked. I know it might sound like I'm exaggerating, but I got screwed pretty badly on one occasion and I'll be damned if I let it happen again.

Take care.

 

I second this!!!! ^-- Combo Fix is another good utility. I always have the latest versions of Spybot, Malwarebytes, and Combo Fix close at hand for when friends come crying about being infected with some crap or other. There are other tools that are more for advanced users like Hijack This, which is another program I'll use on a really badly hosed system.

[RitualClarity]

 

I'd also recommend having more than one malware removal tool like spybot and malwarebytes on your system. Such software is really only as good as their latest update, so if they fall behind, you might just end up getting fucked. I know it might sound like I'm exaggerating, but I got screwed pretty badly on one occasion and I'll be damned if I let it happen again.

Take care.

 

I second this!!!! ^-- Combo Fix is another good utility. I always have the latest versions of Spybot, Malwarebytes, and Combo Fix close at hand for when friends come crying about being infected with some crap or other. There are other tools that are more for advanced users like Hijack This, which is another program I'll use on a really badly hosed system.

 

 

Yes I agree it is good to have mulitple tools to use in case of problems like these provided you use these tools appropriately. these along with image tools, File transfer tools like unstoppable copier and such are great add ons to your computer toolbox. I prefer portable apps over installed ones in this case. This way I can have them on an external thumb drive / portable HD and run them when I need to.

 

[Guest endgameaddiction]

If you are running windows, I'd pick up Microsoft Essentials.

 

I use that malwarebytes (free version) maleware fighters and Advance System Care both by IOBit. And their Smart Defrag is really nice too.

 

 

 

 

 

[...0...]

Do a clean instal alot better then any thing else then go read up some guides how to behave on the internet .

 

I have sinds 2002 no anti virus program at all and maybe in last 12 years a one time a small virus.

 

If you know how to use PC and what or what not to do on the internet your save.

 

This also go for register at any godamn site most of you do and use same password a hackers dream.

 

Don't use IE CHROME or any of those evil browers use a independed non profit one like firefox(waterfox is better if you want 64bit browser) use a search engine like START PAGE(which don't store your IP EVER) and use ghostery SO NO BLOODY GOOGLE or any of those crooks can follow or analyse you(google-facebook are criminals don't use it). Then make sure your privacy in your browser and protection is set to not follow dont except cookies fro third and make sure they can't follow you.

 

Dont click on every damn link you see or go to all vague sites and click on every god damn picture because you get horney. You safe.

 

Don't open all your emails be very careful withthat. Better use protonmail.

 

Educate yourself and it safe alot of irritations and trouble and posible money.

 

Sound all bit harsh sorry but thats reality why your PC runs slow.

 

Good luck.

[zxcvb999]

Well, format does not seem to be the most educated advice one could give. I only drop a f-bomb on my PC when i admit that i completely lost all power over my computer. And i dont like admitting it, so i do a clean install only when new Windows shows up . Plus, if that particular PC was infected through flash drive that owner uses frequently (or any other non-stationary memory storage or unsafe web service) it is quite possible that format will help only for a short while.

 

From my personal experience - kaspersky is pretty bad at detection - ive got paid subscription for a really long time and it's nearly useless against modern viruses. Whenever i check my PC with various AVs, kaspersky always seem to be the last in terms of both detection and removal. Heck, i even tried infecting my PC on purpose to see if its of any use and since then i have stopped to put any faith in that tool (it was few years back, when Darkcomet was one of more popular RATs over internet). Eset is quite good at detecting but it not best and it has hard time removing very malicious malware. Im quite happy using spyhunter now for occasional clean-up - it has a free version that can detect most of the malware but automatic removal is disabled and you have to do it by hand).

 

I had similar problem like yours not very long ago, when i downloaded malicious file from facebook and it turned my computer into bitcoin zombie-miner. That malware was really fresh at the moment so i was on my own with removal and somehow i made it without formatting (however i knew from very beggining which file was malicious and after decompiling that file i was able too google parts of its code and find solutions - whole case was just an example of my sick curiosity - i wanted to check if any of my AV can prevent computer from being infected and it all failed miserably). Trying as many portable system scanners as possible is probably your best chance.

 

As for compulsive fighting for privacy in internet (from the post above) - i gave it all up. Trying to fix every hole that browsers and systems have is beyond my will and i decided not to overreact on this matter. It's not really possible to be entirely safe and anonymous in the web, since the weakest link every security system have are always the people (and mistakes that they make). Half of the bad stuff over the web that you can get starts with some social engineering and there are currently no antiviruses to cure naive mindset of common web user Some precaution is required but dont ever count on being completely anonymous or completely safe. It's just a lie that certain assholes people wish you to believe.

 

So, to wrap it all up - dont format your computer unless you are absolutely sure you not gonna regret it. Instead, download compilation of most recent AVs and try scanning your PC from various angles. If possible, plug it out of the net during some scans - if someone has control over ur system and is active at the moment of scanning, he may try to hide his software. However there is possibility that some malware will be harder to find when inactive, so also perform some additional scans while plugged into the web. The most important part is always to identify the threat, if you can do that it is rarely the case when deleting malicious registry records and/or file deletion wont fix the issue. After all you dont really have to eradicate viruses, you just need to make then non-dangerous (disable, break them, etc).

 

If its possible, try NOT to use all antiviruses from only one provider (like one person above admited to do - it is just an educated guess, but i would assume that they are likely to have somewhat similar detection methodology). Instead try to differentiate origin of the software - the more the better. Finding non competing pack of AV is also great advice mentioned few posts above.

[Rayblue]

 

 

Don't use IE CHROME or any of those evil browers use a independed non profit one like firefox(waterfox is better if you want 64bit browser) use a search engine like START PAGE(which don't store your IP EVER) and use ghostery SO NO BLOODY GOOGLE or any of those crooks can follow or analyse you(google-facebook are criminals don't use it). Then make sure your privacy in your browser and protection is set to not follow dont except cookies fro third and make sure they can't follow you.

 

Or just common sense -- one doesn't have to wear a fucking tinfoil hat. I've got ABE, Greasemonkey (with some countermeasures) and Ghostery active right now.

• On files, read comments before downloading.
• Go check out bleepingcomputer if you need solutions to deal with malware pricks.
• Don't dare to use warez -- it's for stupid fucks.

BTW, some lesser-known (fake) porn sites (and other questionable sites, especially warez) have admins trying to use Crytolocker clones to leech out victims for unfair embezzlement of wealth.

[windu190]

I don't see whats wrong with using Chrome tbh. 

[Rayblue]

I don't see whats wrong with using Chrome tbh. 

 

Ditto. Besides, I don't do my bank transactions online or keep financial and personal records of sorts in digital form. The only pron I access is xHamster and that certain hentai image bank.

[Darkwisdom]

I use Tor and the Tor Browser. Viruses are pretty uncommon since they don't know my IP address. I also use Malwarebytes, which I schedule once a week. I've had this computer running for about 3 years, a couple of sneaky viruses got through but were instantly taken care of. 

 

As for your computer running slowly, try using chkdsk and Windows memory diagnostic to try and find any problems with your drives or RAM. Your problem could be overheating, download a utility like core temp and keep an eye on your temps.