Computer actin all screwy

[Redhunter]

Ok I don't know if I'm posting this in the right forum but a friend suggested I try posting this in this one.

Anyways I havea a 1.8ghz with 512mb 333mhz DDR and a 40 gig hard drive. My computer's always run smoothly no matter what until recently when my brother downloaded kazaa. I uninstalled it shortly afterwards but now my computer is running slower then hell. It used to take a few seconds to load windows up but now it can take a couple of minutes. Not only this but when I try installing a game or something the install can take up to 5 times longer then it should've (currently I'm trying to install sims online to play the trial with some friends but it takes up to a half hour to extract the files before it just stops responding).

I've tried scanning with norton antivirus 2004 for viruses and spybot search and destroy but neither of these have helped. I know that you'll tell me to format my computer but I'd like to try to avoid that if possible. Any suggestions or ideas?

[Dracul]

maybe try adaware... on hardocp's comparison it found stuff spybot didn't..

also try a defrag.. or if you have system restore on you could probably just revert back to before kazaa was installed..

[Redhunter]

Unfortunately doing a system restore didn't work. I guess I'll give adaware and defragging a try. The real pissoff is how this is the second time this has happened to my computer (last time I had to format) and I still have no idea what could be causing it.

[ameoba]

stop letting the brother install stuff on your machine. beat him with a cluestick.

[dc_firedrake]

Ooohh yeeeaaaahhhh

Probably a mix of virii and spyware ^_^

My nextdoor neighbors have the same problem.

Suggestions? Here:

I recomend trying these apps:

CWShredder - Freeware
Scans and removes a certain class of browser hijacker. If when you search google and you click a link it goes to somewhere other than where it should definately try this out. (get it even if you don't, chances are you have a version of CW)
Get it here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4086.html

Spybot Search & Destroy - Freeware
A good spyware scanner. Finds alot of the more popular programs... But doesn't sniff out everything. You need this if you're running Windows!!
Get it here: http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download

Adaware - Shareware (can use for free without some features)
Another great spyware finder... It's not my favorite, but it does work. Use this in conjunction with Spybot! Since this finds some stuff spybot wont!!
Get it here: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Fore more info on Spyware programs and the lot check this site out:
http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml

It is also a good idea to use a good Anti-Viral program (of course!)
And if you don't want to get anymore spyware do the following:

1. Pull the RJ-45 cable out of your computer
2. Chop it up into slices about 1/2 - 1 inch long
3. Put the pieces into a large pot of boiling water (about 4 cups)
4. Let boil for 3 minutes
5. Mix with your favorite falvour of Ramen and ENJOY
(6.) If you want a bit extra: Also put your modem into the over and let bake for 20 - 35 minutes. Makes for a great addition to any CAT5 Ramen!

^_^
<SK>

[Redhunter]

Thanks for the links!
I'm going to be sure and try them. As for the last one about cutting my cable up and eating it....I think I'd rather leave the pieces of it in my brother's bed >: -)

[Redhunter]

Well I tried all those programs that were suggested, and they did find some spyware. Unfortunately for me though, that didn't solve this annoying problem :mad:

It's getting kind of bad now. When I try to play some games they kind of lag at first and it took my computer the better part of 5 minutes to start up just now which definately shouldn't be happeneing. Any other ideas? :confused:
I'd still like to avoid formatting for the time being.

[edsbar60]

Assuming your running XP, Did you try running MSCONFIG and unchecking a few of the apps running in the background?

Also check your services under Administrative Tools and see what's running in the background. If you do a search on google there's a few good sites about which services to disable. I also think there's a thread here about it.

[dc_firedrake]

Originally posted by Redhunter
Well I tried all those programs that were suggested, and they did find some spyware. Unfortunately for me though, that didn't solve this annoying problem :mad:

It's getting kind of bad now. When I try to play some games they kind of lag at first and it took my computer the better part of 5 minutes to start up just now which definately shouldn't be happeneing. Any other ideas? :confused:
I'd still like to avoid formatting for the time being.

Hrmm... yeah spyware is a huge pain. I would suggest that you do as edsbar60 suggested and go to RUN -> MSCONFIG -> STARTUP -> and uncheck any thing that looks unfamiliar / you don't want to run at start up. Keep in mind that the apps there are the listed file names not application names.

eg: "type32" is the program that is needed in order for me to use my office keyboard features.

However, I *highly* recomend that you reformat. Since it is nice to have a clean system every now and then. And no matter what you do you will always have a little spyware left. So do your best to keep you system working as it is... but back up all your data ASAP! And reformat as soon as you have a free weekend.

Just my suggestions! Sorry those apps didn't work for you man!
«SK»