Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: gponym on September 08, 2012, 12:12:43 AM
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I have run Avast happily for a few years on my Thinkpad X40 (Pentium M 1.2 GHz; 2 or 2.5 GB RAM; Win XP SP2) but this summer (either June or early August, I can't recall) it appears that after installing one of the periodic Avast software upgrades, the X40 runs significantly slower at times. I first noticed it when opening Excel, but that's not the only time it slows down.
I want to keep using this X40 for quite awhile (years) to come and I'd like to have some protection. The latest Avast appears to be a bit too heavy for it. I've wondered if the older, faster Avast version could still be utilized. I also stumbled across the "sandbox" products out there but have not really investigated them.
Any thoughts?
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Thinkpad X40 (Pentium M 1.2 GHz; 2 or 2.5 GB RAM; Win XP SP2)
i recomend you upgrade to SP3
Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 ends on July 13, 2010 http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean31
List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480
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I agree: installing SP3 is a good idea. I've put it off and put if off, never wanting to risk the system becoming unavailable due to registering as a false positive on the Windows Genuine Advantage radar. (While all is legal on my system, I bought from a 3rd party way back when and so have no paper trail back to a bona fide retailer.) Just re-researched the WGA and it still sounds like it could become a nightmare. So maybe I'm one more test case of what happens if you do nothing to XP for ten years. :-)
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Have you tried downloading Microsoft essentials from the Microsoft store? It tests for genuine Windows, and I don't believe it will disable anything if it isn't. It just won't allow you to download MSE. IF you can use and download MSE, then I would assume you pass all genuine test.
Also in the past I have run into WGA issues on Windows XP machines, it doesn't lock your desktop, it just has a really annoying constant prompt and blacks out your desktop to let you know you have a problem. You can still rollback via windows restore, and are able to use your computer while you get the license issue sorted out.
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Much obliged for reporting on your experience with MSE. I had just decided to give it a try and wondered about WGA. Just now tried MSE install and it starts by requiring Filter Manager Rollup ('cause I run SP2); decided to retreat until I have time to deal with wherever this might lead. Will do so next month I have finished with some current critical tasks. For about the first time I wish I had a second Windows instance (at home), like a legitimate but cheap XP install CD, would remove a lot of fear, but that's off-topic. Thanks.