Random Sluggishness - Memory Problem? Advice??

[Niall]

I recently formatted my computer, reinstalled xp with all the latest
updates, then installed my favourite software. I was hoping that the
new setup would be fast and stable but there seems to be a memory
problem.

When windows loads, the system seems to be very fragile. I have to wait
until all the startup programs such as McAfee have finished loading
before trying to do anything. If I attempt to load another program such
as internet explorer too quickly, the machine often grinds to an
(almost) complete halt.

If I wait a couple of minutes before trying anything, the computer is
very fast. Everything works properly. However, I'm now finding that
similar problems as above can occur after some usage.

I have checked what's going on in task manager and note that the CPU
usage is 100% during the problems. Also, the memory usage by the
programs loaded is often very high - I noted that internet explorer was
taking up 48mb.

I can't work out what's causing the problems!

The only way to resolve the issue seems to be to restart the computer.
I have noticed that it's best to turn the computer off for a few
minutes before trying again. I'm not an expert but this suggests that
there's a physical problem with some of the components?? There is a
strange noise from the fan when I first turn the power on - sounds like
the bearing may be faulty - but this goes after a few seconds once the
bios finishes and the speed of the fan seemingly increases.

Once windows has loaded, I guess there could be a problem with the
wireless connection. I've got an old WAG54G linksys router that has
never worked properly. Could this be the problem? I'm also using AOL to
access an email account although that's not my ISP.

I've defragmented the hard-drive and adjusted the virtual memory
settings without much success. I also turned the appearance settings
down to minimum and noticed a performance boost but the above stalling
problem still occurs.

Please advise!

My computer isn't too bad. P4 3.2 Ghz with 1gb RAM.

Thank you
Niall

 

[Gerry Cornell]

Niall

Please check Event Viewer for Warning / Error Reports in the System
and Application logs for the last boot and post copies.

You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start, Administrative Tools, and
Event Viewer. When researching the meaning of the error, information
regarding Event ID, Source and Description are important.

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308427&sd=tech

Part of the Description of the error will include a link, which you should
double click for further information. You can copy using copy and paste.
Often the link will, however, say there is no further information.
http://go.microsoft.com/fw.link/events.asp
(Please note the hyperlink above is for illustration purposes only)

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double click
on the error you want to copy. In the window, which appears is a button
resembling two pages. Double click the button and close Event Viewer. Now
start your message (email) and do a paste into the body of the message. This
will paste the info from the Event Viewer Error Report complete with links
into the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from Event
Viewer.

Are there any yellow question marks in Device Manager? Right click on
the My Computer icon on your Desktop and select Properties. Hardware,
Device Manager. If yes what is the Device Error code?

Try Start, Run, type "sigverif.exe" without quotes and hit OK. What drivers
are listed as unsigned? Disregard those which are not checked.


--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Niall]

Gerry,

Thanks for your help!

Thanks to your Event Viewer tip, I've discovered that there was a
problem with McAfee Firewall. I've downloaded a patch so hopefully that
will help.

No drivers were found to be unsigned but device manager noted that
there was no driver installed for
i) The ethernet controller
ii) PCI Device

Since I installed the patch for McAfee, I haven't had any trouble. If
problems do arise again, I'll try to find drivers for the above.

Thanks again for your help Gerry - much appreciated!!

Niall

 

[Plato]

What happens if you disable McAfee? Does it work correctly then?

 

[Niall]

What happens if you disable McAfee? Does it work correctly then?

No. I tried disabling McAfee but that didn't help. The problem must be
loaded into windows regardless of whether or not the McAfee software is
active.

The patch was offered when I clicked on the McAfee automatic update
button but Microsoft was able to provide the link when I submitted the
error.

So far, so good. Fingers crossed that it's not a hardware failure!!

Niall