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Other => Viruses and worms => Topic started by: Interista on February 11, 2014, 04:56:28 PM

Title: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 11, 2014, 04:56:28 PM
My computer is very sluggish but there is no malware nor viruses.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Pondus on February 11, 2014, 05:03:27 PM
Attach OTL diagnostic log.    http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 11, 2014, 06:02:22 PM
Scans attached.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 11, 2014, 07:04:36 PM
Anyone know what's wrong with it?

I have a feeling it might be something to do with an adblocker or youtube downloader firefox add-on, but I download them from the official firefox add-on page so I would hope that they are sound.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 11, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
Hi could you temporarily uninstall Trusteer and let me know if that cures the speed problem
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 11, 2014, 08:13:11 PM
That's better thanks but its still a little sluggish, what's wrong with Trusteer?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 11, 2014, 08:35:02 PM
Nothing really, it is just that it is a low level system driver and can conflict/slow down other programmes

At what stage is it becoming sluggish > I.e. boot, opening programmes or using the net
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 11, 2014, 11:08:56 PM
Opening programs, typing and especially when watching youtube/listening to the radio. If I listen to the radio and then use another window for a website then the sound breaks up all the time.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 11, 2014, 11:17:58 PM
As you have windows 8 I have not yet created an instruction set for clean boot.  But, if you could follow the steps here  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135  and then run a clean boot could you let me know how it behaves then
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 13, 2014, 09:37:39 AM
It seems much quicker in clean boot.

Another problem I have is every so often it will crash and it gives an error report something like:
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL{smb_driver_intel.sys}.

A few weeks ago I did something silly. As it was running so slowly I thought I'd try CHKDSK and I ran it with /x /f /r. A friend who is a computer programmer told me I shouldn't do that so I switched the computer off, then he told me I shouldn't have switched the computer off - why he couldn't have told me at the same time I don't know. It took a while to get the computer working again afterwards but I did eventually manage to get it working. Have I knackered something?

The crashing problem has only started with Windows 8.1. It wasn't crashing, even after the CHKDSK issue, whilst I was still on Windows 8.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 13, 2014, 03:20:09 PM
OK run chkdsk again but only use the chkdsk /r command

Then see if there is an update for the intel driver, if you cannot find it let me know
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 16, 2014, 09:36:03 PM
I ran CHKDSK using /r. It seems a bit quicker already, though it did freeze a bit. What do I do about CHKDSK now?

I can't find that INTEL update.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 17, 2014, 10:13:34 AM
The speed is now terrible. Really really slow.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 17, 2014, 03:52:10 PM
OK next step will be a clean boot to determine which services are responsible

In the search box type Msconfig and select the programme that appears at the top

1.In the System Configuration Utility dialog box, click Selective Startup on the General tab.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/Cleanboot1.JPG)
2.Click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.
NoteThe Use Original Boot.ini check box is unavailable.
3.Click the Services tab.
4.Click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/cleanboot2.JPG)
5.Click Disable All, and then click OK.
6.When you are prompted, click Restart.

Does the system now behave as it should ?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 17, 2014, 07:27:28 PM
Yeah, its faster with selective start-up.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 17, 2014, 07:46:23 PM
Actually its much much faster with selective start up.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 17, 2014, 07:57:12 PM
OK now the boring bit to find the culprit

Re-enable half of the services and reboot
Does the system still run well ?  If so then enable half the remaining services.   The idea is to narrow it down to the one causing the blockage by a process of elimination
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 18, 2014, 11:13:19 AM
This seems to be the culprit...

The one I've drawn the box around, not the ones that are ticked.

Its a bit slow with the flexnet one as well though, though it doesn't freeze with this one.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 18, 2014, 03:27:45 PM
You can disable flexnet as well as it is not important.  The intel one is a waste of space for the normal user, so you will have no ill effects with it disabled.. 

Any further problems ? 
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 20, 2014, 05:17:05 PM
Its still sluggish and freezes a lot. When it freezes there's nothing I can do except turn it off manually and reboot.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 20, 2014, 05:19:57 PM
Could you run a fresh OTL scan please ..  Did this happen gradually over time ?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 20, 2014, 05:26:32 PM
Quote from: essexboy on February 20, 2014, 05:19:57 PM
Could you run a fresh OTL scan please ..  Did this happen gradually over time ?

It seems to have suddenly, but its gotten worse recently.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 20, 2014, 06:19:27 PM
OTL scans.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 20, 2014, 07:13:04 PM
Is this still running in clean boot mode or have you restored all bar the problematic ones
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 20, 2014, 07:25:32 PM
This is running in clean mode.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 20, 2014, 08:44:03 PM
When it starts getting sluggish can you open task manager and see which file is taking up all the CPU
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 20, 2014, 09:02:35 PM
OK, thanks.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 09:57:10 AM
I used CCleaner registry and it found something like 469 issues. It fixed all of them and the computer seems better. I'll give it time though because its been a bit inconsistent lately - running well and then running badly - so I'm holding my breath.

One issue I've found is, I'm running Malwarebytes and it seems to be cycling between a really weird file and doing nothing else. I've attached a picture below, it keeps on the same filename, the only difference is the amount of Zs at the end of it.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 11:08:56 AM
It just froze but it managed to pull itself back without me forcing a restart.

I looked on Task Manager, it says 98-99% of the disk is being used? Could that be the problem? The column is highlighted in red, often dark red.

Its also slow.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 11:37:08 AM
Told you I was holding my breath... Just had to do a manual restart. ******* computer, I only bought it in September and its already destroyed.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 11:56:37 AM
Is there any possibility I'm going to be able to resolve this without chucking the computer in the skip and buying a new one? I'm getting really frustrated at this point. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the computer, avast found nothing, but its still responding really badly.

I don't have a windows 8 disk as the computer came with it installed but I didn't receive a windows 8 disk when I bought it so I can't reinstall the whole system.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 21, 2014, 02:49:59 PM
OK we can try a refresh, this will reset all windows files and allow you to keep all of your data

Follow the steps here  http://www.howtogeek.com/132428/everything-you-need-to-know-about-refreshing-and-resetting-your-windows-8-pc/ if there is anything you are unsure of then stop and ask
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 06:25:12 PM
It initially said that automatic repair couldn't fix the pc, but then it scanned and repaired the C drive. I'm not counting my chickens yet but it seems more responsive.

What do you think is/was wrong with it?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 06:50:13 PM
Its still doing strange things, for example, I click a google link to go to a webpage and it goes straight to the print screen (not all the time, but frequently enough).
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 21, 2014, 06:52:28 PM
You have now refreshed the computer so all windows files should be at default

What browser does this happen in ?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 06:58:16 PM
Chrome, the typing is a bit jumpy as well.

I'm not sure its refreshed, I haven't lost any programs.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 21, 2014, 07:05:53 PM
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/advanced8.JPG)   
Did you see this page and select Refresh ?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 10:00:16 PM
Yes, that's how I selected refresh. There was probably some kind of problem with C drive which is why it went into scanning and repairing mode, so I'll try again.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 10:55:43 PM
Tried refreshing. It refreshed, then went to a screen that said it was setting up a few things. It got to 3% then said Microsoft Windows install couldn't be completed. I restarted it, it said it was setting up a few things, got to 3% then said it couldn't install. I turned it off, turned it back on it rolled back the refresh changes and booted up as normal.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 21, 2014, 11:02:05 PM
Please do not clean the registry as it can cause more problems than it resolves

OK I need you to run a chkdsk now

Use option one on this page http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6221-chkdsk-check-drive-errors-windows-8-a.html
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 21, 2014, 11:53:16 PM
It didn't find any errors.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 22, 2014, 06:49:26 PM
What are the current problems
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 22, 2014, 08:23:30 PM
Quote from: essexboy on February 22, 2014, 06:49:26 PM
What are the current problems

It seems to be running much better, though filehippo makes it freeze so I have to manually restart when I use that app.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 22, 2014, 08:57:01 PM
Chrome just froze and I had to force a restart. Plus, when the computer rebooted, chrome was extremely slow for a minute or two when typing.

Chrome is actually dreadful. Its like a browser from twenty years ago.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 22, 2014, 09:22:21 PM
Personally I would not use it but stick to IE as the better option.  It can hide some nasty stuff 
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 23, 2014, 01:05:44 PM
IE? I thought IE was supposed to be dangerous.

What do you think is wrong with my computer?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 23, 2014, 01:28:05 PM
IE11 on windows 8.1 is very secure, in my opinion more secure than FF or Chrome

The problem appears to be windows related as there is no sign of malware as it stands
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 23, 2014, 02:09:58 PM
Is there anything I can do apart from reloading windows onto the computer?

And is there any way to do that without having a windows disk?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 23, 2014, 03:35:08 PM
Now funnily enough I had to reset my windows 8 yesterday as a programme I was playing with messed the registry up.   

The next option will be to run the reset option, this will replace all windows files, you should not need a disk for that.  You will end up with a fresh install so back everything up first 

http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-restore-and-reset-windows-8-to-factory-settings/
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 23, 2014, 05:41:43 PM
OK, thanks :).
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 23, 2014, 10:58:10 PM
Its working much better now, and once I'd backed up the files it required very little effort actually. Thanks!

One problem I do have now though is that because I've had to redownload a number of (legitimate) programs, almost exclusively from filehippo, I now have a wealth of malware - 105 items. I'm now running an avast scan. I will attach the mbam and other scans once I have them complete.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Secondmineboy on February 23, 2014, 11:01:45 PM
You most probaply have Adware cause you werent paying attention and just clicked next, next,next.........

Always use custom installation and uncheck everything that you dont need.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 23, 2014, 11:24:13 PM
Go direct to an AdwCleaner scan

Please download AdwCleaner (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/) by Xplode onto your desktop.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 23, 2014, 11:46:18 PM
I'm attaching the mbam and adwcleaner logs.

Avast didn't find anything.

I'm running the OTL scan at the moment in case you need that.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 23, 2014, 11:53:54 PM
OTL scans.

RESTOREPOINT seemed to drop off the end of the custom scans. I'm sure I put it in. Is this normal?

Also, when I load up chrome or firefox it goes to some rubbish called trivogo search engine or something. I've already changed the homepage to google.com. How can I change this?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 24, 2014, 02:48:16 PM
You did not attach the OTL log :)
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 24, 2014, 05:38:48 PM
Quote from: essexboy on February 24, 2014, 02:48:16 PM
You did not attach the OTL log :)

Sorry.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 24, 2014, 07:29:17 PM
Looks like Adwcleaner got it all

A small tool that may help when you download programmes

http://unchecky.com/

Click on the link above to be taken to Unchecky.com
click the very large Download button.
click Save
Click Open folder


Right click on the Unchecky_setup(http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t432/cinjo23/uncheckysetupicon.png) or folder and choose to Run as Administrator

Once open click the Install button.

(http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t432/cinjo23/uncheckysetupwindow.png)

Then click on Finish

(http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t432/cinjo23/uncheckyfinishsetupwindow.png)

Unchecky is now installed and will help you keep unwanted check boxes unchecked ;)


How is the computer behaving now ?
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 24, 2014, 08:41:43 PM
Great, thanks. How can I get rid of that rubbish site that opens whenever I open chrome or firefox?

Computer is great now, just that rubbish site is the only problem.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 24, 2014, 08:47:26 PM
Are you able to reset chrome to defaults and that should clear it https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/3296214?hl=en-GB

The run Delfix again to clear the tools
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: Interista on February 27, 2014, 05:34:24 PM
Perfect, thanks.
Title: Re: Computer Very Sluggish but No Malware Nor Viruses
Post by: essexboy on February 27, 2014, 06:30:07 PM
Nice :)