XP Startup glitch and slow downloads

[Lex]

Hello, I was hoping someone here could help me with this problem I'm
having.

Firstly my system specs:

OS: WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 1
PROCESSOR: AMD64 3200+
MOTHERBOARD: MSI NEO PLATINUM K8N
RAM: 1GB KINGSTON 3700
HARDRIVES: 74 GB WESTERN DIGITAL RAPTOR and 80GB WD CAVIAR
VIDEO CARD: MSI RADEON 9800XT
SOUNDCARD: TURTLE BEACH SANTA CRUZ
ROUTER: DLINK DI-784
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD: DLINK DWL-AG530
CABLE MODEM: RCA DCM305R
OTHER: NORTON SECURITY AND ANTIVIRUS 2004 WITH LATEST UPDATES

Here's the problem:

On startup, when I get to the logon screen if I don't hit ok right
away and sometimes when I do I will have problems with starting
Windows correctly. It will go to the desktop, load my icons, and the
only item in the system tray will be the remove hardware icon. The
one with the green arrow pointing left.

I can tell this is an abnormal startup right away because it should
load Norton Security and Antivirus along with the speak icon for
volume control. For some strange reason that safely remove hardware
icon is always in system tray. If I open it up the only item listed
is my WD Raptor hardrive. Besides not loading programs correctly it
seems to just lock up and won't respond to any input aside form alt
ctrl del. I try to open task manager and it just stalls and never
does. The only thing I'm able to do is restart or shutdown. I'm
forced to restart. I put this system together a few months ago and I
have been having this problem daily since.

I have heard that AMD processors are picky about their calibration
with your system RAM. Could this be the culprit? If so, how do I
calibrate it?

Another problem, possibly related: My arrangement with the hardrives
is to install all programs on my faster Raptor drive and store data
files on my older 80GB caviar drive. When I right click the desktop
or within folders to create new folders or adjust things I get a
delay. This delay averages about 4 seconds. It can get very annoying
to say the least. It seems even with all this firepower of a system I
am having the worst performance I have ever gotten from one.

It seems the longer I keep it running, the more tasks I do, the slower
and laggier the system starts to become until finally something causes
it to freeze up and force me to reboot. I was wondering if perhaps
there are too many services running in the background that are eating
up my memory and causing conflicts. I used to run Windows 2000 and
never had any problems like this. That system seemed rock solid
compared to this.

In addition to this, I'm also having a problem with slow downloads
when using peer to peer programs like kazaalite or shareaza. It shows
in the program logs that most of my connections are lost or closed.
Most that do initiate decay to a rate of 0kb/sec and close. Another
older computer downstairs running Win2000 has the same problem even
when connected directly to the cable modem. A Mac Laptop we have
seems to work alright when connected directly to the modem but shows
the same problem when connected wirelessly. Browsing the internet and
downloading large files from an internet server works fine, but not
peer to peer connections. Does anybody know why this is? I see that
the Mac uses a network protocol called IPv6. I tried to replicate the
success on my windows machines by installing this protocol but no such
luck. I opened up the necessary ports in the router and I know it
should work because it was working at a previous time with these same
router settings.

I found a similar thread in another google
group:http://groups.google.com/[email protected]&rnum=1

The person seemed to fix the problem with a cable switch. But isn't
the router supposed to do the job of a cable switch? It seems like
yet another thing that can go wrong to me. If worse comes to worse I
may try this route though.

I was getting this same exact problem with a different router and card
made by LINKSYS. The strangest thing about this problem is that it
was working on my new system just a few weeks ago. All of a sudden
it's not working. Previously I was getting total rates with all
transfers of up to 1MB per sec on shareaza. Shareaza and WinMX would
work but kazaalite wouldn't. Now none are working. I called my ISP
and they did a ping test which averaged 5ms. They said everything is
fine on their side and that I can theoretically have 3MB of bandwidth.
I asked them if they block P2P transfers and they said no. So I'm
truly baffled now, I don't know what is the problem.

I've tried a registry cleanup program, defragmenting my hardrives, and
removing some background services with an XP tweak program. All to no
avail though I've noticed some significant performance increases. It
seems strange to me that a new system with all this power can be more
sluggish and laggy than systems many years older and a mac laptop with
far less power. All the power is worth nothing without efficiency.

Lastly, is there a tweak or windows xp guide that you could recommend
that may help me alleviate my issues? After spending the money and
time building this system I would like to get the performance I know
it's capable of. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chuck]

Hello, I was hoping someone here could help me with this problem I'm
having.

Firstly my system specs:

OS: WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 1
PROCESSOR: AMD64 3200+
MOTHERBOARD: MSI NEO PLATINUM K8N
RAM: 1GB KINGSTON 3700
HARDRIVES: 74 GB WESTERN DIGITAL RAPTOR and 80GB WD CAVIAR
VIDEO CARD: MSI RADEON 9800XT
SOUNDCARD: TURTLE BEACH SANTA CRUZ
ROUTER: DLINK DI-784
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD: DLINK DWL-AG530
CABLE MODEM: RCA DCM305R
OTHER: NORTON SECURITY AND ANTIVIRUS 2004 WITH LATEST UPDATES

It seems the longer I keep it running, the more tasks I do, the slower
and laggier the system starts to become until finally something causes
it to freeze up and force me to reboot. I was wondering if perhaps
there are too many services running in the background that are eating
up my memory and causing conflicts. I used to run Windows 2000 and
never had any problems like this. That system seemed rock solid
compared to this.

In addition to this, I'm also having a problem with slow downloads
when using peer to peer programs like kazaalite or shareaza. It shows
in the program logs that most of my connections are lost or closed.
Most that do initiate decay to a rate of 0kb/sec and close. Another
older computer downstairs running Win2000 has the same problem even
when connected directly to the cable modem. A Mac Laptop we have
seems to work alright when connected directly to the modem but shows
the same problem when connected wirelessly. Browsing the internet and
downloading large files from an internet server works fine, but not
peer to peer connections. Does anybody know why this is? I see that
the Mac uses a network protocol called IPv6. I tried to replicate the
success on my windows machines by installing this protocol but no such
luck. I opened up the necessary ports in the router and I know it
should work because it was working at a previous time with these same
router settings.

Lastly, is there a tweak or windows xp guide that you could recommend
that may help me alleviate my issues? After spending the money and
time building this system I would like to get the performance I know
it's capable of. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Lex,

For an overall diagnosis, try <http://www.pcpitstop.com/default.asp>.

You would also do well for yourself by running a comprehensive virus and spyware
scan.

Try one or more of these free online virus scans, which should complement your
current protection:
<http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/license.php>
<http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan>
<http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/>
<http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp>
<http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp>

Now check for, and learn to defend against, additional problems - adware,
crapware, spyware.

Start by downloading each of the following additional free tools:
AdAware <http://www.lavasoftusa.com/>
CWShredder <http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4086.html>
HijackThis <http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=3155>
LSP-Fix <http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm>
WinsockXPFix <http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html>
Spybot S&D <http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download>
Stinger <http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=stinger>
TrendMicro Engine <http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp>
TrendMicro Signatures <http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp>
TrendMicro Instructions <http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/tsc/readme.txt>

Create a separate folder for HijackThis, such as C:\HijackThis - copy the
downloaded file there. Create a separate folder for the two TrendMicro files,
such as C:\TrendMicro - copy the downloaded files there (unzipped if necessary).
AdAware, CWShredder, and Spybot S&D have install routines - run them. The other
downloaded programs can be copied into, and run from, any convenient folder.

First, run Stinger. Have it remove any problems found.

Next, close all Internet Explorer and Outlook windows, and run CWShredder. Have
it fix all problems found.

Next, disable System Restore.
<http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDocs/DisableSysRestore.htm>
Boot your computer into Safe Mode.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=315222
Run C:\TrendMicro\Sysclean.com. Delete any infectors found. Reboot your
computer, and re enable System Restore.

Next, run AdAware. First update it ("Check for updates now"), configure for
full scan (<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=11150>), then
scan. When scanning finishes, remove all Critical Objects found.

Next, run Spybot S&D. First update it ("Search for updates"), then run a scan
("Check for problems"). Trust Spybot, and delete everything ("Fix Problems")
that is displayed in Red.

Then, run HijackThis ("Scan"). Do NOT make any changes immediately. Save the
HJT Log.
<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=227>
<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=11150>

Finally, have your HJT log interpreted by experts at one or more of the
following security forums (and please post a link to your forum posts, here):
Aumha: <http://forum.aumha.org/index.php>
Net-Integration: <http://forums.net-integration.net/>
Spyware Info: <http://forums.spywareinfo.com/>
Spyware Warrior: <http://spywarewarrior.com/index.php>
Tom Coyote: <http://forums.tomcoyote.org/>

If removal of any spyware affects your ability to access the internet (some
spyware builds itself into the network software, and its removal may damage your
network), run LSP-Fix and / or WinsockXPFIx.

Finally, improve your chances for the future.

Harden your browser. There are various websites which will check for
vulnerabilities, here are three which I use.
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/
https://testzone.secunia.com/browser_checker/

Block Internet Explorer ActiveX scripting from hostile websites (Restricted
Zone).
<https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/main.htm> (IE-SpyAd)

Block known dangerous scripts from installing.
<http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html>

Block known spyware from installing.
<http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html>

Make sure that the spyware detection / protection products that you use are
reliable:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Harden your operating system. Check at least monthly for security updates.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Block possibly dangerous websites with a Hosts file. Three Hosts file sources I
use:
http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(The third is included, and updated, with Spybot (see above)).

Maintain your Hosts file (merge / eliminate duplicate entries) with:
eDexter <http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html>
Hostess <http://accs-net.com/hostess/>

Secure your operating system, and applications. Don't use, or leave activated,
any accounts with names or passwords with trivial (guessable) values. Don't use
an account with administrative authority, except when you're intentionally doing
administrative tasks.

Use common sense. Yours. Don't install software based upon advice from unknown
sources. Don't install free software, without researching it carefully. Don't
open email unless you know who it's from, and how and why it was sent.

Educate yourself. Know what the risks are. Stay informed. Read Usenet, and
various web pages that discuss security problems. Check the logs from the
security products that you use regularly, look for things that don't belong, and
take action when necessary.

How did I get infected in the first place?
http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?showtopic=3051
Essential tips for infection prevention
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=24339

 

[Lex]

Lex,

For an overall diagnosis, try <http://www.pcpitstop.com/default.asp>.

You would also do well for yourself by running a comprehensive virus and spyware
scan.

Try one or more of these free online virus scans, which should complement your
current protection:
<http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/license.php>
<http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan>
<http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/>
<http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp>
<http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp>

Now check for, and learn to defend against, additional problems - adware,
crapware, spyware.

Start by downloading each of the following additional free tools:
AdAware <http://www.lavasoftusa.com/>
CWShredder <http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4086.html>
HijackThis <http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=3155>
LSP-Fix <http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm>
WinsockXPFix <http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html>
Spybot S&D <http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download>
Stinger <http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=stinger>
TrendMicro Engine <http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp>
TrendMicro Signatures <http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp>
TrendMicro Instructions <http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/tsc/readme.txt>

Create a separate folder for HijackThis, such as C:\HijackThis - copy the
downloaded file there. Create a separate folder for the two TrendMicro files,
such as C:\TrendMicro - copy the downloaded files there (unzipped if necessary).
AdAware, CWShredder, and Spybot S&D have install routines - run them. The other
downloaded programs can be copied into, and run from, any convenient folder.

First, run Stinger. Have it remove any problems found.

Next, close all Internet Explorer and Outlook windows, and run CWShredder. Have
it fix all problems found.

Next, disable System Restore.
<http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDocs/DisableSysRestore.htm>
Boot your computer into Safe Mode.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=315222
Run C:\TrendMicro\Sysclean.com. Delete any infectors found. Reboot your
computer, and re enable System Restore.

Next, run AdAware. First update it ("Check for updates now"), configure for
full scan (<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=11150>), then
scan. When scanning finishes, remove all Critical Objects found.

Next, run Spybot S&D. First update it ("Search for updates"), then run a scan
("Check for problems"). Trust Spybot, and delete everything ("Fix Problems")
that is displayed in Red.

Then, run HijackThis ("Scan"). Do NOT make any changes immediately. Save the
HJT Log.
<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=227>
<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=11150>

Finally, have your HJT log interpreted by experts at one or more of the
following security forums (and please post a link to your forum posts, here):
Aumha: <http://forum.aumha.org/index.php>
Net-Integration: <http://forums.net-integration.net/>
Spyware Info: <http://forums.spywareinfo.com/>
Spyware Warrior: <http://spywarewarrior.com/index.php>
Tom Coyote: <http://forums.tomcoyote.org/>

If removal of any spyware affects your ability to access the internet (some
spyware builds itself into the network software, and its removal may damage your
network), run LSP-Fix and / or WinsockXPFIx.

Finally, improve your chances for the future.

Harden your browser. There are various websites which will check for
vulnerabilities, here are three which I use.
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/
https://testzone.secunia.com/browser_checker/

Block Internet Explorer ActiveX scripting from hostile websites (Restricted
Zone).
<https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/main.htm> (IE-SpyAd)

Block known dangerous scripts from installing.
<http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html>

Block known spyware from installing.
<http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html>

Make sure that the spyware detection / protection products that you use are
reliable:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Harden your operating system. Check at least monthly for security updates.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Block possibly dangerous websites with a Hosts file. Three Hosts file sources I
use:
http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(The third is included, and updated, with Spybot (see above)).

Maintain your Hosts file (merge / eliminate duplicate entries) with:
eDexter <http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html>
Hostess <http://accs-net.com/hostess/>

Secure your operating system, and applications. Don't use, or leave activated,
any accounts with names or passwords with trivial (guessable) values. Don't use
an account with administrative authority, except when you're intentionally doing
administrative tasks.

Use common sense. Yours. Don't install software based upon advice from unknown
sources. Don't install free software, without researching it carefully. Don't
open email unless you know who it's from, and how and why it was sent.

Educate yourself. Know what the risks are. Stay informed. Read Usenet, and
various web pages that discuss security problems. Check the logs from the
security products that you use regularly, look for things that don't belong, and
take action when necessary.

How did I get infected in the first place?
http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?showtopic=3051
Essential tips for infection prevention
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=24339

Thanks Chuck. I am going to try all these to see if it fixes it.

 

[Chuck]

On 4 Dec 2004 13:58:27 -0800, *email_address_deleted* (Lex) wrote:

Thanks Chuck. I am going to try all these to see if it fixes it.

YW, Lex. The key to finding your problem, IMHO, is HijackThis and expert
advice. Please post a link to your forum (expert advice) posts here, so we can
see how it goes.

And please don't contribute to the spread and success of email address mining
viruses. Posting your email address openly will get you more unwanted email,
than wanted email. Learn to munge your email address properly, to keep yourself
a bit safer when posting to open forums. Protect yourself and the rest of the
internet - read this article.
http://www.mailmsg.com/SPAM_munging.htm