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extremely slow computer [Solved]


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#16
Nevan

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So you've tried clean boot and it was the same?

Both CPU and RAM usage are low, so it looks like it's not the case.

As for disk defragmentation, I'm personally using PerfectDisk Free Defrag, which also has an option to defrag boot time.

You can also try xbootmgr. You'll find the instructions below.

xbootmgr

Download the SDK web installer from here
Run the installer and select the following:

Leave the location to default
wdk%20location.JPG

Windows Performance Toolkit
Wintoolkitselect.JPG

You must reboot on completion of the install

After reboot set aside about 30 minutes when you will not need the computer

When ready start an elevated command prompt :

Go Start > All Programs > Accessories
Right click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator

Then copy and paste the following command into the black box :

xbootmgr -trace boot -prepSystem -verboseReadyBoot

sdk%20command.JPG

Now your PC will be restarted 6 times. With a two minute pause before the tool runs after the desktop loads
After the second reboot the MS defragmentation program is running and is placing the files into an optimized layout, so that Windows will boot up faster
The last Reboots are training of readyBoot. After the training is finished, you'll notice a huge improvement in startup.

Readyboot


The logical prefetching described above is used when the system has less than 512MB of memory. If the system has 700MB or more then an in-RAM cache is used to further optimize the boot process (its not clear from the book whether or not this ReadyBoot cache completely replaces the logical prefetching approach or just builds on it, my assumption is that both work together).
After each boot the system generates a boot caching plan for the next boot using file trace information from up to the five previous boots which contains details of which files were accessed and where on the disk they were located. These traces are stored as .fx files in the


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#17
bbj

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Yeah, it was still really slow. Firefox taking a long time to load. Avast giving me messages about sluggish performance.

 

I started the Auslogics defrag 11+ hours ago and it is done with the defrag and is now optimizing. I'm not using the computer while it is grinding away but it already feels better. Firefox opened quickly and hasn't crashed yet so I could check this thread.

 

Should I still do the xbootmgr or the PerfectDisk defrag after the Auslogics is done? Or should I cancel the Auslogics and do one of the other options?


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#18
bbj

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Well, the Auslogics defrag got done. It took 7 minutes to cold start after that, including dropbox file list sync. I clicked Firefox and that took so long to load that I thought it hadn't registered the click so I ended up clicking a second and third time before FF actually loaded and then of course I had 3 or 4 instances of FF running.

 

I know that there are a lot of background programs running but I don't understand what is so slow. Should I do the Xbootmgr or PD defrag?

 

*edit - I thought it was running better after the Auslogics defrag but I guess not.


Edited by bbj, 14 August 2015 - 12:25 AM.

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#19
Nevan

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This information is put at the tutorial for xbootmgr:

Note! DON'T USE OTHER DEFRAGMENTATION PROGRAMS AFTER THE OPTIMIZATION, USE ONLY THE INCLUDED MS TOOL, BECAUSE EVERY TOOL PLACES THE FILES AT A DIFFERENT OFFSET ON YOUR HDD, BECAUSE ALL TOOL THINK THEY KNOW IT BETTER!


So you either use xbootmgr or a defrag tool. Personally I would give xbootmgr a try.
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#20
bbj

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I'm getting this error with xbootmgr.

 

http://i.imgur.com/9FOBlHx.png


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#21
Nevan

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The tutorial says that you have to install 3 updates which you can find here.
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#22
bbj

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My window of time is rapidly drawing to a close. My friends are on their way back from vacation and the computer is needed. I guess the only option that is left is to reinstall Windows at some time soon when there is time.

 

I am going to stop all the programs that are starting with Windows. That will help some.

 

Thanks for the help, Nevan. Is any cleanup needed beyond deleting FRST, etc?


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#23
Nevan

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Hello again, bbj.

As you're planning to reinstall the system then our work is done here.

Your system looks clean and we can delete the tools that we've used. I've also prepared some tips for you to stay safe in the future.

 
DelFix
Now that your system looks clean, we can clear system restore points and malware removal tools that we've used. To do that, download and run Delfix.
  • Note: Make sure that the following options are checked:
    • Remove disinfection tools
    • Create registry backup
    • Purge system restore
    • Reset System Settings
k0dPuvD.png
After the cleaning is done, DelFix.txt will be opened in Notepad. If it won't, you can find it in C:\ directory. Select all (CTRL+A) the content of the log, copy it (CTRL+C) and paste (CTRL+V) it into your next reply.

Also, delete any other .exe .txt, .bat .reg or .zip files that we used and are remaining and empty the Recycle bin.

 
Uninstalling programs

Go to Start Menu>Control Panel>Programs>Uninstall a program (or Control Panel>Programs and Features if using icon view) and remove ESET Online Scanner v3

 
Preventing Re-Infection

As prevention is better than cure, I have listed some tips for you to stay safe on the internet in the future. Make a good use of them.

 
WARNING!: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java.
Read this article.
I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to disable Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser)

If you still want to keep Java
  • Click the Start button
  • Click Control Panel
  • Double Click Java - Looks like a coffee cup. You may have to switch to Classical View on the upper left of the Control Panel to see it.
  • Click the Update tab
  • Click Update Now
  • Allow any updates to be downloaded and installed
  • Warning!: Make sure to uncheck Optional offer box when downloading Java or you will install an adware on your computer.
 
Adobe products have to always be updated, because they also are being used to infect your computer.
  • If you want to update Adobe Flash Player, visit this site.
  • If you want to update Adobe Reader, visit this site.
  • Warning!: Make sure to uncheck Optional offer box when downloading Adobe products or you will install an adware on your computer.
 
Turning on Automatic Updates is a crucial security measure. Keeping them out-of-date is like begging to get your system infected.
  • Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update
  • Under Windows Update click Turn automatic updating on or off
  • Make sure that your settings are set so that you will receive updates automatically and click OK.
 
Heimdal Free is one of programs that can check for out-of-date programs on your computer. You can get it here.

 
Recommendations for security programs
  • Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a new and powerful anti-malware tool. It is totally free but for real-time protection you will have to pay a small one-time fee.
  • WinPatrol as a robust security monitor will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. WinPatrol takes a snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge.
  • NoScript is a Firefox add-on that increases safety during surfing online by blocking malicious scripts.
  • Unchecky will help you to avoid adware and PUPs by automatically removing checkmarks for these when installing programs.
  • Web of Trust is an add-on for multiple browsers that warns you before entering websites with bad reputation.
 
Cryptolocker prevention
Cryptolocker is a new ransomware that heavily encrypts your important files. At the moment there are no programs that can decrypt these files. You can read how to protect against it here.

 
For some good tips about how to prevent infection in the future, visit this site.

 

Remember to post the Delfix log :)


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#24
Essexboy

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Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help. :)

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.


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