Online videos play choppy. It's getting worse, and I don't know how to fix it.

[Starbreeze]

It never did this before, but for a few weeks, all online videos play choppy, even when fully loaded.  They'll almost like sputter.
I don't have the nicest computer in the world, but it never did this before.  I use firefox.  I have the latest version of flash.  Have updated the drivers.  I really don't know what else to do, and I watch online videos all the time.  It's not just one site.  It's every video site that I've tried.  Any help would be appreciated as I am out of ideas.  Thanks.

[truenorth]

Have you changed any hardware or software coincident to the change? Have you been getting any kind of error messages when doing tasks on the computer? What occurs re this phenomenon if you use another browser? How do non web videos perform such as dvd's or stored videos on your HDD? truenorth

[Starbreeze]

No.  I haven't changed anything at all.  There have been do error messages.  I have tried 3 different web browsers.  DVDs and stored videos seem to play fine.

[truenorth]

What type of ISP connection are you using? What kind of speeds are you getting on it? Have you installed all the updates for the XP  O/S particularly SP3? truenorth

[Raptor]

Hard drive running out of space, causing caching to slow everything down?
Too many programs running in the background causing the CPU to be busy all the time?

[Starbreeze]

I have DSL at the same speed it's always been.  I'm not running out of hard drive space.  It's basically acting as though there are a lot of other programs running at the same time that I'm trying to watch a video, like a scan or something.  The thing is,  there isn't anything running in the background to use up CPU.  I have been trying to figure this out for about three weeks now, and am completely stumped. 

[Raptor]

You tried emptying the cache on all your browsers?
Reinstalling and/or updating Flash?

[Starbreeze]

Yup, all cache's been emptied.  I've uninstalled, reinstalled flash.  Even installed earlier versions, but nothing.  It's actually been worse today than it has been.

[patio]

Sounding more and more like a connection issue to me...
Travel to SpeedTest.net and see what your results are...compare them to what your ISP says they should be...

PS if you have wireless setup in your home your neighbors may be stealing signal...which will result in slower speeds...
Review your security settings if the above is the case.

[jason2074]

Download Minitool box from this link http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic398507.html
Checkmark only List Installed Programs and List Users, Partitions and Memory size and click Go. Follow the instruction to copy/paste the result here.

[Starbreeze]

The speed test is the same that it's always been, and I have a wired connection. 

[Starbreeze]

MiniToolBox by Farbar
Ran by Compaq_Owner (administrator) on 10-01-2012 at 04:22:00
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (X86)
Boot Mode: Normal
***************************************************************************

=========================== Installed Programs ============================

 Sansa Media Converter (Version: 1.0-B4.256)
32 Bit HP CIO Components Installer (Version: 6.1.1)
Actiontec Gateway
Adobe AIR (Version: 2.0.2.12610)
Adobe Flash Player 11 ActiveX (Version: 11.1.102.55)
Adobe Flash Player 11 Plugin (Version: 11.1.102.55)
Adobe Reader 9.4.6 (Version: 9.4.6)
Adobe Shockwave Player 11.5 (Version: 11.5.9.620)
Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem
alightedcmasth.zip
Any DVD Converter Professional 4.2.7
Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus (Version: 10.2.0.704)
Big Fish Games: Game Manager (Version: 3.0.1.60)
BufferChm (Version: 130.0.331.000)
Burger Shop 2
CCleaner (Version: 3.13)
Copy (Version: 130.0.366.000)
Destinations (Version: 130.0.0.0)
DeviceDiscovery (Version: 130.0.372.000)
DJ_AIO_05_F4400_Software_Min (Version: 130.0.448.000)
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
F4400 (Version: 130.0.448.000)
FastStone Photo Resizer 3.1 (Version: 3.1)
Free RAR Extract Frog (Version: 3.23)
GIMP 2.6.11 (Version: 2.6.11)
GoBit Games Plugin v1.5
GPBaseService2 (Version: 130.0.371.000)
GSplit 3 (Version: 3.0.1.0)
Help and Support Additions
HP Customer Participation Program 13.0 (Version: 13.0)
HP Deskjet F4400 Printer Driver Software 13.0 Rel .5 (Version: 13.0)
HP Imaging Device Functions 13.0 (Version: 13.0)
HP Print Projects 1.0 (Version: 1.0)
HP Smart Web Printing 4.5 (Version: 4.5)
HP Solution Center 13.0 (Version: 13.0)
HP Update (Version: 5.002.005.003)
hpPrintProjects (Version: 130.0.303.000)
HPProductAssistant (Version: 130.0.371.000)
HpSdpAppCoreApp (Version: 3.00.0000)
hpWLPGInstaller (Version: 130.0.303.000)
ieSpell (Version: 2.5.1 (build 106))
InterVideo WinDVD Player (Version: 5.0-B11.533)
Java Auto Updater (Version: 2.0.6.1)
Java(TM) 6 Update 30 (Version: 6.0.300)
KBD
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware version 1.60.0.1800 (Version: 1.60.0.1800)
MarketResearch (Version: 130.0.374.000)
Media Player Utilities 5.22 (Version: 5.22)
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 (Version: 1.1.4322)
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB2572067)
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB979906)
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 (Version: 2.2.30729)
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2 (Version: 3.2.30729)
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (Version: 3.5.30729)
Microsoft Application Error Reporting (Version: 12.0.6012.5000)
Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.7
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 ATL Update kb973923 - x86 8.0.50727.4053 (Version: 8.0.50727.4053)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (Version: 8.0.61001)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.21022 (Version: 9.0.21022)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17 (Version: 9.0.30729)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.4148 (Version: 9.0.30729.4148)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161 (Version: 9.0.30729.6161)
Microsoft WinUsb 1.0
Mozilla Firefox 9.0.1 (x86 en-US) (Version: 9.0.1)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430) (Version: 4.20.9870.0)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688) (Version: 4.20.9876.0)
PC-Doctor for Windows (Version: 1.06.002)
PS2
Python 2.2 combined Win32 extensions
Python 2.2.1 (Version: 2.2.1)
QuickConnect (Version: 3.5)
S3 S3Display
S3 S3Gamma2
S3 S3Info2
S3 S3Overlay
S3GSetup (Version: 2.00.07.0709)
Scan (Version: 13.0.0.0)
Security Task Manager 1.7h (Version: 1.7h)
Simple Adblock (Version: 1.1.0)
SmartWebPrinting (Version: 130.0.373.000)
SolutionCenter (Version: 130.0.373.000)
Status (Version: 130.0.373.000)
SUPERAntiSpyware (Version: 5.0.1118)
Toolbox (Version: 130.0.648.000)
TrayApp (Version: 130.0.376.000)
TuxGuitar (Version: 1.2)
VC 9.0 Runtime (Version: 1.0.0)
Veoh Web Player (Version: 1.1.2.0000)
VIA Rhine-Family Fast-Ethernet Adapter
VIA/S3G Display Driver
VistaMizer 3.3.0.0 (Version: 3.3.0.0)
Visual C++ 2008 x86 Runtime - (v9.0.30729) (Version: 9.0.30729)
Visual C++ 2008 x86 Runtime - v9.0.30729.01 (Version: 9.0.30729.01)
VLC media player 1.1.11 (Version: 1.1.11)
WebFldrs XP (Version: 9.50.7523)
WebReg (Version: 130.0.132.017)
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Player 11
WinRAR 4.01 (32-bit) (Version: 4.01.0)
WinX Free DVD Ripper 4.5.14
WinX Free PSP Video Converter 3.2.21

========================= Memory info: ===================================

Percentage of memory in use: 55%
Total physical RAM: 959.48 MB
Available physical RAM: 423.63 MB
Total Pagefile: 1549.91 MB
Available Pagefile: 937.24 MB
Total Virtual: 2047.88 MB
Available Virtual: 1965.93 MB

========================= Partitions: =====================================

1 Drive c: (PRESARIO) (Fixed) (Total:31.93 GB) (Free:16.96 GB) NTFS
2 Drive d: (PRESARIO_RP) (Fixed) (Total:5.32 GB) (Free:0.89 GB) FAT32

========================= Users: ========================================

User accounts for \\TOKYO

Administrator            ASPNET                   Compaq_Owner             
Guest                    HelpAssistant            SUPPORT_388945a0         
SUPPORT_fddfa904         


**** End of log ****

[Raptor]

You need to run a spyware scan and get rid of some of those entries. Use Microsoft Security Essentials.

[truenorth]

Also if i might suggest you need to free up some space on your Fat 32 drive "D" as it is very low on available space. truenorth

[patio]

Also if i might suggest you need to free up some space on your Fat 32 drive "D" as it is very low on available space. truenorth

D: is most likely the Recovery partition and shouldn't be modified...

[Starbreeze]

OK.  I ran the spyware scan, and it came back clean

[truenorth]

Give us a general picture of what is on your "D" drive? truenorth

[Starbreeze]

OK.  On my D drive I have 10 folders that I have no idea what they are, but this is what they're called...


cmdcons
I386
OutputFolder
PRELOAD
sys
hp
MiniNT
pic
RECOVERY
TOOLS


That's all that's on the D drive

[Linux711]

I know you said "updated drivers". Video drivers (specifically) updated?

[Starbreeze]

I updated every driver that had an update available, which took forever, btw

[JJ 3000]

I updated every driver that had an update available, which took forever, btw

Did you get them from the HP website? Here?
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/support-drivers.html

Have you tried uninstalling/reinstalling flash?

[Raptor]

I'm not familiar with that piece of software you used to list all the installed programs but why does it mention device discovery and help and support?

That's not an installed program and you shouldn't be able to see those from add/remove software. If you can see them in the list there, it's most likely adware masquerading as a legitimate program.

There are also some entries like Veoh web Player which may interfere with the operation of Flash if they're browser based plug-ins.

Did you try running Firefox with only Flash enabled and nothing else?

[Raptor]

OK.  I ran the spyware scan, and it came back clean

With what did you run a spyware scan?

[Linux711]

Here is an idea. Open up a video that lags and then pause it. Open taskmanager and go to the performance tab and then play the video. What is the percentage of CPU usage?

[patio]

I updated every driver that had an update available, which took forever, btw

This troubles me and sends up a red flag...
Driver updates should NOT take long to load.

[Starbreeze]

I have uninstalled and reinstalled flash. 

I have scanned my computer with several different scanners,  Microsoft Security Essentials, super anti spyware, spybot, Avira, etc.

veoh player is installed, but I rarely use it, so it's never running. 

Yes, I have run firefox with just flash.

CPU is at 100%

[JJ 3000]

Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira


CPU is at 100%

Having more than one antivirus running on your computer can be just as bad, if not worse than none at all. You should only have one antivirus running resident. Uninstall one of those programs.

I updated every driver that had an update available, which took forever, btw

Did you get those drivers from your computer manufacturer's website?

Try doing a clean boot to see if a background program is causing this problem. See here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796

[Raptor]

veoh player is installed, but I rarely use it, so it's never running. 

Isn't Veoh Player a plug-in?

You should cut down to just Microsoft Security Essentials, by the way. The rest has become irrelevant with this superior piece of software.

Did you disable everything from the add-on menu in Firefox?

[Raptor]

You know, I still find these entries a bit weird.

You should verify that they're not adware or programs that interfer with the operation of your browser. Use a search machine for that.

• Security Task Manager 1.7h
• WebReg
• Toolbox
• Status
• PS2
• KBD
• ieSpell
• Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
• F4400
• DeviceDiscovery
• Destinations
• Copy
• BufferChm
• alightedcmasth.zip
• Actiontec Gateway

Like I said before, I'm not sure what this program does that you used to list these programs but "copy" is not a windows program that should be listed. Neither is "DeviceDiscovery".

[Linux711]

CPU is at 100%

Ok, first off I think you should remove some of those extra anti-virus programs like everyone suggested. So is the CPU only at 100% while watching a video or not? If it is only during the video, then the most likely problem is a insufficient graphics card (because the computer is forced to render the video with the CPU instead of the graphics card). What is your graphics card?

[Starbreeze]

OK.  I removed the extra anti-virus'.  I just downloaded them to make sure that my computer was clean.  Yes.  It is only at 100% when watching videos.  I believe the graphics card is called VIA/S3G unichrome IGP.  I wasn't completely sure if that is what you're talking about or not.  Yes.  I have disabled every add-on for firefox.  Yes, I got the updates on the official site. 

[Raptor]

Did you examine the programs  I mentioned?

[Linux711]

VIA/S3G unichrome IGP

That is your problem. You will need a better graphics card. That card only supports up to DirectX 7. Can you post make and model of your system so we can figure out if you can upgrade your graphics?

[Raptor]

That is your problem. You will need a better graphics card. That card only supports up to DirectX 7. Can you post make and model of your system so we can figure out if you can upgrade your graphics?

Isn't flash mostly a CPU thing? And if it worked fine before, why would it stop working now? Videocard doesn't suddenly degrade.
I also don't think Flash is in any way influenced by DirectX. If it was, it wouldn't work on Linux ...

[Linux711]

I know. Just trying to get the point across that that graphics card is ancient.

Isn't flash mostly a CPU thing? And if it worked fine before, why would it stop working now? Videocard doesn't suddenly degrade.

No the newer versions of flash use hardware acceleration. No it doesn't suddenly degrade. It could have gotten worse because of all the antivirus programs using up the CPU.

[Raptor]

I guess the question should then be "have you recently upgraded to a new version of Flash?"

[Starbreeze]

I have the latest version of flash

[jason2074]

Try uninstalling spybot from your system.

[Starbreeze]

spybot is uninstalled.  Today, the problem has been the worst.  A 1:00 minute video on youtube in 240 quality will barely load, and when it does, it is so choppy that I have to stop it.  It seems to be getting worse by the day.

[Raptor]

spybot is uninstalled.  Today, the problem has been the worst.  A 1:00 minute video on youtube in 240 quality will barely load, and when it does, it is so choppy that I have to stop it.  It seems to be getting worse by the day.

You also seem to ignore that list of programs that I mentioned earlier.. Thrice.

[Linux711]

How much CPU is being used while doing nothing? If it's pretty much between 0% and 5%, that's good.

Could you please list the specs of your comp? Right now I am about 90% sure your graphics card is not sufficient and that's the problem.

@Raptor: I looked up that graphics card and found that it was DX7. The reason I said that is because any card that only supports DX7 and a max res of 1440x900 is really old. I mean "Quake" old, before youtube was even invented!

[Raptor]

What kind of CPU is installed, any way? If it's as old as the videochip, I suppose you're onto something.

[Starbreeze]

You also seem to ignore that list of programs that I mentioned earlier.. Thrice.

I'm sorry.  I did check out the programs that you listed, and they all seem legit. 

Something that I should have pointed out that it probably really obvious now is that I have limited computer knowledge, so sometimes I don't fully understand what you guys are asking me to do.  For example, I would like to know what you mean by listed my "computer specs" what information do you need to know?

When doing nothing, CPU is usually between 0% and 5%

I bought my computer in 2005, and the only hardware that I've upgraded was a CD Drive (because mine went out) and I upped the RAM from the 197mb that it came with, and installed 2 500mb ones.  I was told that was the most my (piece of junk) computer could hold.

Another thing that I would like to say is Thank You to everyone who has been helping me.  Nearly 100% when I ask a question to anyone about anything I receive no reply, so it really means a lot when someone has repeatedly come back to help me, so thank you. 

[Raptor]

I'm sorry.  I did check out the programs that you listed, and they all seem legit. 

O.K, I have my doubts but if you think they should be there, they should be there.

I would like to know what you mean by listed my "computer specs" what information do you need to know?

The total amount of RAM, the type and speed of CPU, the total wattage of the power supply installed and any other parts you might be able to identify.

You can use http://www.gtopala.com/ to help you with that.

It sounds to me that Linux711 was onto something. Your computer might be a little too old to handle the latest versions of Flash properly.
Have you right scaling down the quality of the flash videos? You can do so if you right click on 'm.

Another problem with older computers is that their capacitors might start to give in, resulting in performance penalties across the board. Could you check your mainboard for any drooping silver containers? Do a google search on leaking capacitors if you need a reference.

[Linux711]

The total amount of RAM, the type and speed of CPU, the total wattage of the power supply installed and any other parts you might be able to identify.

If you are not able to identify this, you can just give the company and model of your comp (if it is not custom built).

[Starbreeze]

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you.  I hope this information helps as my problem is not getting any better.

This site has the specs for my computer.

Please note that I have 1gb of RAM installed, which is not what it came with.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00280659&dlc=en#N1119

[Raptor]

It's a relatively old computer; Slow hard drive, slow processor, outdated videochip and slow RAM.

Flash is probably never going to run very well again unless you turn down the graphics all the way. This can be achieved by right-clicking in the Flash application and changing the quality of the video.

If your entire Windows installation is slow you might want to consider a re-installation if it hasn't been done in a few years. Could net you a performance gain. Make back-ups before you do so, though.

[soybean]

Your computer has an AGP slot for a video card.  If you want to continue using that computer for awhile, I highly recommend installing an AGP card to replace the onboard video you're currently using.  AGP cards are getting harder to find.  If you're in the U.S., here's one I will suggest: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139028.  But, also determine the output of your power supply first.  This card only requires a 250 Watt power supply, so you might be OK there.

[Linux711]

Yeah, your onboard graphics are likely the biggest limitation in your comp. Here is a link to all of your options for a new graphics card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600007850&IsNodeId=1&name=AGP%204X%2f8X

If you decide to buy one, post here first.

[jason2074]

It never did this before

It wouldn't hurt to reinstall OS after backing up all documents before purchasing a dedicated card.

[garybear]

Hello starbreeze!! I'm brand new to this forum and I'm just reading some of the posts here. I have a fair knowledge of the puter.
You have been given some excellent advise by several members here on the forum.
I have a computer club in a retirement center where I try to help seniors with their PC's.
I just found this forum and I'm very impressed with the helpful answers given on this post and other post that I have read.
It ain't easy to reformat and start over, but it would also be my suggestion before speeding money on more hard ware.
It seems you have an old rig. A fresh start of your OS will help. Be sure you make a back up things you don't want to loose.
You will need a external USB for that. If you have never started with a fresh OS, it's a good learning experience. It sounds like you have the knowledge to do that. If not, I'm sure there is some one here that can help. God luck friend!!
garybear!!