Help with infected computer

[Broni]

Open HJT, and checkmark following entries:

- O2 - BHO: (no name) - {d4c94b02-4ba8-4193-97ea-f5a0034cfd0c} - (no file)

- O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - (no file)

Now, we will disable some unnecessary startups (no program will be uninstalled\deleted).
Checkmark these:
- O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
- O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
- O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
(unless you're using more then one language in M$ Office; in addition, you have to disable it manually: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282599)
- O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
(free version doesn't have real time protection, so there is no reason to run it at startup)

Click "Fix checked" button.

Restart computer, and...
1. Download, and install CCleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/
2. Read CCleaner instruction from here: http://www.jahewi.nl/ccleaner/ccleaner.html, and run CCleaner
If I didn't ask you to run it on your computer, do it, as well.

[southern_boy1975]

OK, all that is done. Is there anything else I can try or do that might help? It is still running way to slow.

[Broni]

What are the computer specs? This is desktop?

[southern_boy1975]

No, it is a Toshiba laptop.
Celeron 1.5 GHz
192 MB of RAM

Windows XP

[Broni]

She definitely needs more RAM. She'll see the difference.

[southern_boy1975]

I believe so too. It seems to do good sometimes when it is booted up for a minute and running but waiting on it to get booted up from restart can be a nightmare. Is the memory install hard on a laptop? I have never installed memory on anything other than a desktop in the past.

[Broni]

Is the memory install hard on a laptop?

Not at all. In many cases, you don't even need a screwdriver. Turn your laptop up side down, and you may see some sliding door bays (depending, of course on laptop model).
Make sure, you buy not only right type of RAM, but also right size, because usually the space is tight.

[southern_boy1975]

Broni,
I would like to thank you for all your help... I am going to pick up a 1GB memory stick today for her laptop. My desktop seems to be running great now thanks to you. I have even noticed a better performance in her laptop this morning too. I am sure the extra memory will talk care of the rest!

I have not been keeping up with technology for several years since I built my desktop. I am just wondering how much out of date it really is.

As you know it is a Pentium 4 3.2Ghz with 1GB of Ram, 120 GB Hard Drive, and a Radeon 9800 Pro Video Card. It runs really smooth now and as fast as I need it to. I know things have changed a lot in the last 4 years or so with hardware.

My question is that I have a Dell Inspiron 5150 3.06 GHz HT with 512 MB of Ram, 64 MB Ge-force FX Go5200 Video Card, and a 40GB Hard Drive... It did run really smooth up until 2 months ago when it seemed like something with the screen was shutting it down. Looks like it will cost a couple hundred $'s to send it to dell and have it fixed. I payed a pretty penny for it around 4 years ago but I know things have changed a lot and come down in price allot also.

Is it really worth having it repaired you think and am I really that far out of date with my desktop hardware?
It seems like money was always going out the door for this stuff when I was younger and was just wondering in your professional opinion what my best options are for what I have right now.

Again thank you for everything!!!! It means a lot to me and you are the best!!!! 

Jeremy

[patio]

That Dell unit may be worth resuscitating...DLoad and run Everest Home and post the Computer Summary portion of the report and we'll take a looksee...

[southern_boy1975]

Hi, here it is.....

[file cleanup - saving space - attachment deleted by admin]

[Broni]

In my opinion:
- you need to install Service Pack 2 on it
- your RAM says 256MB, not 512MB, so I'd add something here (another 256MB, or just 1GB)
- 64MB of video sucks little bit, but what can you do with laptop (I can see, that 64MB is the top, you can get)
- hard drive 40GB? you still have almost 30GB free, so you should be Ok

[southern_boy1975]

Hi all,
I just wanted to post a link to what I found out about my Dell laptop. It seems the 5150 had a defect from Dell which was causing the shutdown problem i was having. I did the posted fix I found this weekend and it is working great now. Thank you for all your help as all of my pc's are now up and running great

Thanks again,
Jeremy

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/43678/

[Broni]

Good to know. Thanks for posting back.