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Slow computer, 100% CPU usage, virus/adware free


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#1
sirvice

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Hello,
For a number of months my computer has been running slow, especially after it has been on for a while and is hot. I've tested for viruses and adware using TrendMicro and Microsoft Defender (I used to use Ad Aware but now it freezes), but nothing has turned up. For the past few days however, my computer has been running even slower than normal. I have not added any new programs or made any changes that I can think of. My CPU usage is up at 100% when I first start my computer. Sometimes it will lower after a few minutes but overall, this is an ongoing problem. Can you please help? Thank you in advance.
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#2
Titan8990

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Heat is a major cause of hardware slowdown and failure. Dust is a major cause of heat. Start with trying to clean the dust from the inside of your computer. They sell cans of air at most computer and office stores for about $6. If there is a whole lot you will probably want to remove what you can with your hands first. Also remeber that most of your parts are static senstive and I wouldn't do this on your carpet.

You can check you temperatures in your system BIOS (F2 or del on startup). Alternatively you can download speedfan here: http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php. Speedfan is not compatable with all systems.

Edited by Titan8990, 05 May 2007 - 06:32 PM.

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#3
sirvice

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Thanks for the info. I have a laptop. Can I clean it myself? Will the fan work with it?
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#4
Titan8990

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I'm sorry I didn't see your reply. Yes you can do it with a laptop but it does make it more tricky. Be extremely careful with taking it apart. If your laptop is under warrenty it would be best just to send it in because with some companies opening up the laptop voids the warrenty.

SpeedFan is not an actual fan. It is simply a program that reads your tempatures, voltages, and fan speed. In some cases it allows you to adjust the fan speed.

Edited by Titan8990, 07 May 2007 - 03:00 PM.

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#5
sirvice

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Thanks again for the response. I went to link you provided and d/led and installed the program. It seems to be showing up under the names "System Information" on the Start menu or "initdebug" on the shortcut. I don't see anything named Speedfan with the exception of the original executable file I d/led. Once the program opens, it gives me the following error message:

"System Information cannot open this NFO file. It might be corrupted or an unrecognized version."

What, if anything, am I doing wrong and where do I go from here? Thanks in advance.
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#6
zbd

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You could try downloading from another site.

http://www.majorgeek...oad.php?det=337

Also general speed up information.

http://computercleanup.blogspot.com/
http://www.bleepingc...utorial118.html
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#7
Titan8990

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After rereading your original post I think you should go to the malware forum here: http://www.geekstogo...o-Here-f37.html. Read this first even though you have already followed a few of the preliminary steps: http://www.geekstogo...o-Here-f37.html. Even with the best anti-virus and anti-spyware programs you can never be sure.

After found to be completly clean then return to this thread and we will help you get rid of any programs that are not needed and taking up system resources. I'm tagging this thread and will be watching for it.

Edited by Titan8990, 08 May 2007 - 01:48 PM.

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#8
sirvice

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Thanks again for the reply. I went to the Malware forum you directed me to and I found quite a few articles and topics. Which one(s) do you want me to read and which instructions would you like me to follow? Would you be kind enough to provide the exact link?
Also, I am assuming you intend for this step (malware removal) to be taken before downloading Speedfan again at the alternate site you listed. Is this correct?
Thanks!

Edited by sirvice, 10 May 2007 - 06:19 AM.

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#9
Titan8990

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Very sorry for the delay it didn't send me a e-mail notification like it was suppossed to. Start here: http://www.geekstogo...-Log-t2852.html.

A few of the steps I know you have already followed. The key one is #5. You will post a HiJackThis log on the malware forums and they will walk you through everything you will need to do to clean your computer.

It doesn't matter at what time you download and use speedfan. I orgianlly thought that it might be a heat issue but now I'm definatly leaning towards it being a malware issue. It never hurts to monitor your tempature so I still recommend that you download and check your temps from time to time.

Edited by Titan8990, 11 May 2007 - 02:21 PM.

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#10
sirvice

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Thanks again. No worries for the delay. I have run Hijack This and saved the log. Would you like me to cut and paste it here in a reply or should I follow the instructions on the page you directed me to? Also, FYI, I used to use AVG and liked it very much. Unfortunately, it stalls (in about the same spot) and I haven't figured out how to correct it. That was going to be my next topic to post.
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#11
Titan8990

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Follow the instructions and paste it in a new topic on the malware forums. I personally can't help with malware related issues because I'm still in training. I can however identify that your problem is malware related and direct you to the malware forums which I have done.

AVG is a very nice program, especially since it is free. As far as it freezing I would try an uninstall/reinstall. I see you also mentioned that ad-aware freezes also. Again if you are still having these issues with your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs after you are clean just let us know in a reply and that will be another thing we will work on.
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#12
sirvice

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Sorry, my mistake. I used to use AVG. I was troubled though that it didn't find more. Ad Aware worked great until it froze. I'll post to the Malware forum and keep you updated. Thanks again.
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#13
Titan8990

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I recieved your PM. Glad to hear that you got your malware issue resolved. You say that you are still having troubles with scanning programs freezing.

Lets start off by testing your RAM.

Here is a guide to using memtest: http://keith.geekstogo.com/memtest.htm

Memtest can be downloaded here: http://www.memtest.org/.

Let me know the results.
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