S-L-O-W win2000pro

[Leslie]

I have win2000pro with sp4 that is running slowly from
the time I turn it on. It takes ten minutes to boot up!
Every program runs like that - several minutes for each
screen to come up. My memory on boot up comes up
correctly, my norton antivirus scans clean. What should
I do?

Thanks. Leslie

 

[Peter Forster [MVP]]

Howdie,

My memory on boot up comes up
correctly, my norton antivirus scans clean. What should
I do?

Whats your hardware configuration? Processor, RAM?

 

[dcdon]

Hi,

Has it been running okay, before this incident?
If so, are you sure it is freee of infection?
Have you installed and programs recently?

Let's try getting it all back in order first...
Start
Run...
"type" CMD /K<enter>
CD\<enter>
SFC /SCANNOW
(may require your OS CD)
will take 5 minutes

Restart, and see if it is any quicker
Then
Start
Run...
"type" CMD /K<enter>
CD\<enter>
CHKDSK /R<enter>
"Y" for yes
Restart
Checkdisk will take about 15 minutes.

When booted up after checkdisk, go ahead and run defrag...

Is your OS and upgrade?
How long has it been inplace?

Restart

Any better?

If you can get online, try to run and online virus scan at
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/ .
Look under virus definitions for Online virus and security scan...
Run the virus scan.

At the end, if you have any problems at all print the list, go to Google and
do a search for each virus, print the Symantec fix sheets and do exactly
what they say in the order that they say to do it, or you be in deep caca
again velly soon.

If you had not problems and your computer still starts slow...
Do this
Restart, tapping the delete key to enter the BIOS. Find and change the
first boot device to CD ROM (floptical) from Floppy. F10 out. Place your CD
in tray. Restart, tapping the Spacebar (anykey will do) for boot up will CD.
After it loads your Boor disk(s) files, you are ask to "repair" or Run a new
Setup. Choose "new' setup. After a coupla questions it will ask you again to
go ahead with the new installation or "repair". This time choose "repair".
Follow the prompts.

You need Administrative privileges to do all of this.

Here is a coupla KB's that explain, in case you have a question.

How to Perform an Inplace Upgrade:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=292175

What this does and does not effect:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=306952

How to expand the Boot Partition while performing and Inplace Upgrade:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q289876

Must have Administrator Privileges

Good Computing,
don


I have win2000pro with sp4 that is running slowly from
the time I turn it on. It takes ten minutes to boot up!
Every program runs like that - several minutes for each
screen to come up. My memory on boot up comes up
correctly, my norton antivirus scans clean. What should
I do?

Thanks. Leslie

 

[dcdon]

Might have a looks at this KB

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/search.mspx

don
I have win2000pro with sp4 that is running slowly from
the time I turn it on. It takes ten minutes to boot up!
Every program runs like that - several minutes for each
screen to come up. My memory on boot up comes up
correctly, my norton antivirus scans clean. What should
I do?

Thanks. Leslie

 

[Roger Parr]

Howdie,



Whats your hardware configuration? Processor, RAM?

Also tell us what your disks are and how they attach.
(A quick check of the Properties for the IDE channels (via for example
Settings - Control Panel - System - Hardware - Device Manager) might pay
dividends - make sure the devices on both primary and secondary IDE are
set to "DMA if available" for the Transfer Mode. Tell us what the
Current Transfer Mode is set to.

 

[Leslie]

I have spent yesterday and today re-installing win2000pro
in the hopes it would fix the problem. It has taken
hours (overnight) to reinstall. It isn't that it won't
work, it just takes ten or more minutes to go from one
screen or another. BIOS easy to get into and all seems
ok. Beginning to wonder if it is a hard disk problem.
May try new hard drive.
Motherboard is new as of 1-04, a shuttle ak32vn v3.1 with
an athlon xp 2200 and 512 megs ddr pc2100.
Only thing I had done recently is install DSL with
speedstream 5100 modem. Uninstalled all that and it
still had same problems. Last on-line scan for virus was
clear, but will do again as soon as this repair
installation finishes.
Thanks for your help Don.
Leslie

 

[dcdon]

Leslie,

To start with, I hadn't thought to ask if you have all this on say a 500va
UPS. If not, one time on the electrical surge can be the culprit. And you
know that a surge suppresser is good for only ONE time. I messed with a HP
for three weeks, used their 8 CD set, and after all of it, the guy told em,
"you know this started after a storm". I never did format FDISK, and format
/u/c/s to at least try to have it count passing over the bad sectors on the
HDD. All I would have had to do was use a W98 boot diskette, run FDISK, and
format, and the first OS installation would have at least a 50-50 chance
of stopping the problem I had. Every other time had to hit F10 to repair,
and cancel out to force it to even start. It was XP Home. Installed 5 times.

Basically, if you have hardware problems, you will need to cull through it.
Usually new Shuttle MoBo with everything rigged correctly, should eliminate
hardware issues. One thing, if you get hacked, and leave data on drive,
there are many possibilities to tag regenerative commands from the data. Not
saying you aren't moxy about the dangers out there. But leave the data off
the system.

One of my boxes is Shuttle. I've had gremlins in the box, even though I
practice safe hex. Found a 3 gig file and got rid of all that I knew of with
the help of Pegasus (he's great). Maybe it's time to strip it clean, and
write down everything in the order that you need to execute. You can d/l
diagnostics from your HDD manfr. to check its functionality.

If you do this, get all your drivers and security updates from d/l and burn
them. You can actually slipstream the SP4 into installing W2K. I also
suggest you changing I.P. if possible. I have several connections, but the
cable is dynamic. Only way to get it rotated is to disconnect the modem
during working hours for new accounts. If modem is offline long enough,
it will assign your I.P. to someone else. When you go back on line, it will
assign you a new one. It's heck to be paranoid, but either knowledge or
incursions will make you safe before it is over with. I get irritated
because it's kids between 10 and 14 mostly doing this like I used to
aggravate brother and sisters. They just no idea of the gravity of what
they do.

Here is the way I would do it.

Run a diagnostic on the HDD. If you have any need for another say 20gig,
7,200rpm, say to put a pagefile on, go ahead and get it and see it you can
see if it has the same problem. If you are sure the MoBo is okay, but you
still may want to check with where you got it, to find out how to check it.
Sometime they are bullet proof, and sometimes not using a static strap,
and/or touching the power supply each time you are going to work on it first
with the power cord attached to make use of the ground on the cord, then
unplugging it. And sometime a very small charge can change the board to
drive the best nutz. If you have integrated, video adapter try using
another, if you have access. The modem is external, and shouldn't be the
problem, but use as few pieces of hardware as possible on initial boots to
eliminate things you basically wouldn't normally give a second thought to at
all. Leave any extra cards or pieces out to lad the OS.

Get all drivers and newest BIOS on one CD.
Make a slipstream OS CD, or d/l the network version of SP4 on CD with d/l of
all security updates. Have your AVP, firewall, AdAware, SpyBot S&D,
HijackThis, CWShredder, and any others you like on one CD. Also would use
router even a standalone workstation, and learn how to set it up and remove
the default password on installation.
Place all Address books, Favorites Bookmarks, *.ini files for mIRC, etcetra
onto floppy, pen drive, or CD.
If you use I.E./O.E. upgrade when you have all basic security in place.

Load the OS and immediately check the IRQ's to see where they are. When
anything is added, note the IRQ. The do some new defaults, so I kinda keep
up with where they should be. I'm no champion of forcing them, but sometime
it make all well. Keep good notes and in one notebook.

I'm getting nutz and it's past 2 a.m. Been doing yours for almost an hour.
G'luck,

don
8-/

I have spent yesterday and today re-installing win2000pro
in the hopes it would fix the problem. It has taken
hours (overnight) to reinstall. It isn't that it won't
work, it just takes ten or more minutes to go from one
screen or another. BIOS easy to get into and all seems
ok. Beginning to wonder if it is a hard disk problem.
May try new hard drive.
Motherboard is new as of 1-04, a shuttle ak32vn v3.1 with
an athlon xp 2200 and 512 megs ddr pc2100.
Only thing I had done recently is install DSL with
speedstream 5100 modem. Uninstalled all that and it
still had same problems. Last on-line scan for virus was
clear, but will do again as soon as this repair
installation finishes.
Thanks for your help Don.
Leslie

 

[Leslie]

Don;
Sure do appreciate all the help. I had a new hd handy
and was able to install win2000pro with all current
updates. Can get on internet fine, can use iomega hotburn
to back up data, norton system works installed and runs
fine. I installed my specialized program, and restored
the database from the 2nd hard drive in system (got
message that said restore was successful). However, now I
get an error message that says "runtime error 429 Active
x component can't create object" when I double click on
the program icon on the desktop or try to start it via
programs or off of the list in my computer c drive. The
win2000 help states the program should have installed the
correct components. I guess it's also possible that this
installation didn't install activex properly. Could this
be a mo problem? Seems odd to me. I'll have to call the
company that wrote the program Mon., but don't have much
faith in their help.

As to the original hard drive with the five or ten
minutes response to every mouse click or keyboard input,
I reinstalled win2000pro with repair, but had the same
problem. Took it out, set up the new hd, which worked,
then I pulled new hd out and replaced it with the
original problem hd and tried various ways with the os cd
(win2000 safe mode)to access it but can't get it to even
boot up now. Get the blue screen with stop error on it.
Checked it with the cd that came with the hard drive but
it states no errors found.

It is very possible that this is storm related or surge
related. This computer is in an office and I could just
have not been told about it. And I am embarassed to say
that I did not know that the ups was good for only ONE
time! At the rate electrical problems seem to happen in
this office, I may need to stockpile ups. I am assuming
that the mo is ok, since this new hd is working. (as well
as the periphs).

As for the internet exposure, I am going to set up a
second computer with access to internet only on it. If
it gets infected, then no loss, just fdisk and
reinstall. I will use one keyboard/mouse/monitor via a
belkin switch with cables between the two. I can set it
to use port 2. Would this expose my main computer to
threats from the internet?

I truely appreciate the time you have spent helping me,
and will follow your advice.

Hope you slept well!

Leslie

 

[dcdon]

hi Leslie,

I may have misspoke. Didn't go back and read through what I tried to relay.

A surge protector will only work one time. Most UPS are built to protect for
power failures and power spikes caused by mostly lightning, but happens more
than folks know under other conditions. Most new UPS will pay for damages by
failure to protect against surges, and actually most have software to
automatically shutdown when power failure occurs.

If you had some bad clusters caused by what ever, try formatting with a W98
Boot Diskette using this command and switches.
Note*- Make sure to look at the summary at the end of formatting the floppy
to make sure it has no bad sectors.
Format the floppy on a W2000 box, and do not use a quick format.
-------------------------------------
Formatting Your Hard Disk

To remove all partitions use the FDISK command prior to FORMAT.
NEW HDD - You can use your hard disk, only after you format it.
Existing HDD - All data will be lost by executing a FORMAT.


Format as follows:

1. Boot computer into W98se using your Boot Disk. (www.bootdisk.com)

2. At the "A" prompt (A:\) type the following:

format c: /U /C /S (assuming C:\ is the assigned drive letter)

Command Legend:
/U= Unconditional Format - ignores deleted cluster fragments
/C= Re-tests currently marked bad clusters for recovery
/S= Transfers necessary system files so disk can boot


3. Type "Y" for yes, press Enter to proceed with format.

4. Once format is complete, type a volume label if you want one and press
ENTER.
(Note: Volume Label can be like 020101 for the date, or "Basic" for the
type partition, or "DC" initials installer, or "Music" type data)


good computing,
don
-----------
I have a feeling that you have a better than 50% chance of making the old
HDD useable with the fdisk and format /u/c/s.
-----------
good luck,
don
)
-----------
Don;
Sure do appreciate all the help. I had a new hd handy
and was able to install win2000pro with all current
updates. Can get on internet fine, can use iomega hotburn
to back up data, norton system works installed and runs
fine. I installed my specialized program, and restored
the database from the 2nd hard drive in system (got
message that said restore was successful). However, now I
get an error message that says "runtime error 429 Active
x component can't create object" when I double click on
the program icon on the desktop or try to start it via
programs or off of the list in my computer c drive. The
win2000 help states the program should have installed the
correct components. I guess it's also possible that this
installation didn't install activex properly. Could this
be a mo problem? Seems odd to me. I'll have to call the
company that wrote the program Mon., but don't have much
faith in their help.

As to the original hard drive with the five or ten
minutes response to every mouse click or keyboard input,
I reinstalled win2000pro with repair, but had the same
problem. Took it out, set up the new hd, which worked,
then I pulled new hd out and replaced it with the
original problem hd and tried various ways with the os cd
(win2000 safe mode)to access it but can't get it to even
boot up now. Get the blue screen with stop error on it.
Checked it with the cd that came with the hard drive but
it states no errors found.

It is very possible that this is storm related or surge
related. This computer is in an office and I could just
have not been told about it. And I am embarassed to say
that I did not know that the ups was good for only ONE
time! At the rate electrical problems seem to happen in
this office, I may need to stockpile ups. I am assuming
that the mo is ok, since this new hd is working. (as well
as the periphs).

As for the internet exposure, I am going to set up a
second computer with access to internet only on it. If
it gets infected, then no loss, just fdisk and
reinstall. I will use one keyboard/mouse/monitor via a
belkin switch with cables between the two. I can set it
to use port 2. Would this expose my main computer to
threats from the internet?

I truely appreciate the time you have spent helping me,
and will follow your advice.

Hope you slept well!

Leslie

 

[dcdon]

Good to use Ghost or Drive Image for quick resolutions in the future. After
the initial install and SP and maybe IE/OE upgrade. With broadband, the
Hotpatches and some other is just as well being done with the latest fresh
d/l. Well worth the cost. Just figure how much that time and misery was
worth here.

don
---------------
Don;
Sure do appreciate all the help. I had a new hd handy
and was able to install win2000pro with all current
updates. Can get on internet fine, can use iomega hotburn
to back up data, norton system works installed and runs
fine. I installed my specialized program, and restored
the database from the 2nd hard drive in system (got
message that said restore was successful). However, now I
get an error message that says "runtime error 429 Active
x component can't create object" when I double click on
the program icon on the desktop or try to start it via
programs or off of the list in my computer c drive. The
win2000 help states the program should have installed the
correct components. I guess it's also possible that this
installation didn't install activex properly. Could this
be a mo problem? Seems odd to me. I'll have to call the
company that wrote the program Mon., but don't have much
faith in their help.

As to the original hard drive with the five or ten
minutes response to every mouse click or keyboard input,
I reinstalled win2000pro with repair, but had the same
problem. Took it out, set up the new hd, which worked,
then I pulled new hd out and replaced it with the
original problem hd and tried various ways with the os cd
(win2000 safe mode)to access it but can't get it to even
boot up now. Get the blue screen with stop error on it.
Checked it with the cd that came with the hard drive but
it states no errors found.

It is very possible that this is storm related or surge
related. This computer is in an office and I could just
have not been told about it. And I am embarassed to say
that I did not know that the ups was good for only ONE
time! At the rate electrical problems seem to happen in
this office, I may need to stockpile ups. I am assuming
that the mo is ok, since this new hd is working. (as well
as the periphs).

As for the internet exposure, I am going to set up a
second computer with access to internet only on it. If
it gets infected, then no loss, just fdisk and
reinstall. I will use one keyboard/mouse/monitor via a
belkin switch with cables between the two. I can set it
to use port 2. Would this expose my main computer to
threats from the internet?

I truely appreciate the time you have spent helping me,
and will follow your advice.

Hope you slept well!

Leslie

 

[dcdon]

A UPS is actually a 110v. battery with the battery charger larger enough to
handle the rated usage.

don


hi Leslie,

I may have misspoke. Didn't go back and read through what I tried to relay.

A surge protector will only work one time. Most UPS are built to protect for
power failures and power spikes caused by mostly lightning, but happens more
than folks know under other conditions. Most new UPS will pay for damages by
failure to protect against surges, and actually most have software to
automatically shutdown when power failure occurs.

If you had some bad clusters caused by what ever, try formatting with a W98
Boot Diskette using this command and switches.
Note*- Make sure to look at the summary at the end of formatting the floppy
to make sure it has no bad sectors.
Format the floppy on a W2000 box, and do not use a quick format.
-------------------------------------
Formatting Your Hard Disk

To remove all partitions use the FDISK command prior to FORMAT.
NEW HDD - You can use your hard disk, only after you format it.
Existing HDD - All data will be lost by executing a FORMAT.


Format as follows:

1. Boot computer into W98se using your Boot Disk. (www.bootdisk.com)

2. At the "A" prompt (A:\) type the following:

format c: /U /C /S (assuming C:\ is the assigned drive letter)

Command Legend:
/U= Unconditional Format - ignores deleted cluster fragments
/C= Re-tests currently marked bad clusters for recovery
/S= Transfers necessary system files so disk can boot


3. Type "Y" for yes, press Enter to proceed with format.

4. Once format is complete, type a volume label if you want one and press
ENTER.
(Note: Volume Label can be like 020101 for the date, or "Basic" for the
type partition, or "DC" initials installer, or "Music" type data)


good computing,
don
-----------
I have a feeling that you have a better than 50% chance of making the old
HDD useable with the fdisk and format /u/c/s.
-----------
good luck,
don
)
-----------
Don;
Sure do appreciate all the help. I had a new hd handy
and was able to install win2000pro with all current
updates. Can get on internet fine, can use iomega hotburn
to back up data, norton system works installed and runs
fine. I installed my specialized program, and restored
the database from the 2nd hard drive in system (got
message that said restore was successful). However, now I
get an error message that says "runtime error 429 Active
x component can't create object" when I double click on
the program icon on the desktop or try to start it via
programs or off of the list in my computer c drive. The
win2000 help states the program should have installed the
correct components. I guess it's also possible that this
installation didn't install activex properly. Could this
be a mo problem? Seems odd to me. I'll have to call the
company that wrote the program Mon., but don't have much
faith in their help.

As to the original hard drive with the five or ten
minutes response to every mouse click or keyboard input,
I reinstalled win2000pro with repair, but had the same
problem. Took it out, set up the new hd, which worked,
then I pulled new hd out and replaced it with the
original problem hd and tried various ways with the os cd
(win2000 safe mode)to access it but can't get it to even
boot up now. Get the blue screen with stop error on it.
Checked it with the cd that came with the hard drive but
it states no errors found.

It is very possible that this is storm related or surge
related. This computer is in an office and I could just
have not been told about it. And I am embarassed to say
that I did not know that the ups was good for only ONE
time! At the rate electrical problems seem to happen in
this office, I may need to stockpile ups. I am assuming
that the mo is ok, since this new hd is working. (as well
as the periphs).

As for the internet exposure, I am going to set up a
second computer with access to internet only on it. If
it gets infected, then no loss, just fdisk and
reinstall. I will use one keyboard/mouse/monitor via a
belkin switch with cables between the two. I can set it
to use port 2. Would this expose my main computer to
threats from the internet?

I truely appreciate the time you have spent helping me,
and will follow your advice.

Hope you slept well!

Leslie

 

[w_tom]

Only grossly undersized protectors are good for one event.
Effective protectors are properly sized to earth direct
lightning strikes and remain fully functional. But effective
protectors must also be located at the service entrance where
all incoming utilities enter the building and (this is the
important part) make a less than '10 foot connection' to the
single point earth ground. A surge protector is only as
effective as its earth ground.

A plug-in UPS typically connects computer directly to AC
mains when not in battery backup mode. Where is the
protection? Plug-in UPS claims to protect from transients
that do not typically exist. Plug-in UPS uses same circuit
found in power strip surge protectors. Why do we know? Both
protectors are rated in joules.

Most likely reason for hard disk failure is manufacturing
defect. If a surge damaged the disk drive, then the computer
power supply is missing necessary and essential functions.

Anyone who claims a surge protector is a one time device
does not even read datasheets from the manufacturer who makes
the active component - a Metal Oxide Varistor or MOV. Charts
in those datasheets make it obvious. If it fails on the first
transient, then it was grossly undersized. So small that it
did not even operate within the region of that manufacturer's
charts.

Effective protector 'earth' a direct lightning strike and
remains fully function. They are called 'whole house'
protectors. Many who recommend surge protectors don't even
know what a surge protectors does; don't understand why a
short earthing connection is essential. Ineffective plug-in
protectors - well - notice how few joules those ineffective
protectors contain. No wonder they are one shot devices -
better known as grossly undersized.

 

[dcdon]

U got a head on U
Cabbage?

)
don


Only grossly undersized protectors are good for one event.
Effective protectors are properly sized to earth direct
lightning strikes and remain fully functional. But effective
protectors must also be located at the service entrance where
all incoming utilities enter the building and (this is the
important part) make a less than '10 foot connection' to the
single point earth ground. A surge protector is only as
effective as its earth ground.

A plug-in UPS typically connects computer directly to AC
mains when not in battery backup mode. Where is the
protection? Plug-in UPS claims to protect from transients
that do not typically exist. Plug-in UPS uses same circuit
found in power strip surge protectors. Why do we know? Both
protectors are rated in joules.

Most likely reason for hard disk failure is manufacturing
defect. If a surge damaged the disk drive, then the computer
power supply is missing necessary and essential functions.

Anyone who claims a surge protector is a one time device
does not even read datasheets from the manufacturer who makes
the active component - a Metal Oxide Varistor or MOV. Charts
in those datasheets make it obvious. If it fails on the first
transient, then it was grossly undersized. So small that it
did not even operate within the region of that manufacturer's
charts.

Effective protector 'earth' a direct lightning strike and
remains fully function. They are called 'whole house'
protectors. Many who recommend surge protectors don't even
know what a surge protectors does; don't understand why a
short earthing connection is essential. Ineffective plug-in
protectors - well - notice how few joules those ineffective
protectors contain. No wonder they are one shot devices -
better known as grossly undersized.