computer help

mustangjoe

Active member
May 16, 2004
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I’m one of those guys who knows shit all about computers. Maybe someone here can help me out.

I'm on Shaw high speed and up until a few weeks ago things were running tip top. Now when open up explorer, it's fast as hell for 2-3 minutes or so. After that, it becomes slower then Dana Murzan. The temporary fix is to just close the window, go back to my desktop and open explorer up again. This gets things moving faster for a while again, then the cycle repeats it’s self. I’m running Norton, but running that virus scan has come up with dick all. Opening and closing is becoming a nuisance, plus video clips are now choppy. I just want to watch my porn clips in peace.

Any suggestions other then chucking this damn computer in the trash?
 

_Ruffian_

New member
Jun 10, 2004
353
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Michigan
Spyware is making everything lag probably.

Download THIS

Install and Run the program. Check for problems and delete all the spyware that comes up after it scans.


And besides...what the fuck are you using Internet Explorer for?

Firefox is a much better web browser

get it HERE
 

wolverine

Hard Throbbing Member
Nov 11, 2002
6,388
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E-Town
If you are using Internet Explorer, it's also a good idea to clear your cache files and your cookies on a regular basis...too many of them can slow down your computer, and some of the cookies may be spyware. Here's how to do it:

Right-mouse click on the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop.
Select Properties. A window called "Internet Properties" will open.
Click on the "Delete Files..." button, then check the "Delete all offline content" box and then "OK". This may take a while.
Click on the "Delete Cookies..." button, then "OK".
Click on the "Clear History" button, then "Yes".
Click on the "OK" button at the bottom of the window and you are done.
 

wolverine

Hard Throbbing Member
Nov 11, 2002
6,388
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Also, you may want to run your Disk Defragmenter.
Should be under Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools
 

mustangjoe

Active member
May 16, 2004
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well, I've done everything y'all suggested. I ran that spyware program, and it deteceted and removed 671 files. Is that a lot?

I dumped Norton.. Even tho I paid $80 for it a few months ago. I installed that Shaw one. Shaw says it's important to remove all your old anti virus crap, so I uninstalled Norton. I still have 'Windows security' installed. Should I dump this too?

I used explorer because that's what came with the computer when I bought it! I just downloaded this FireFox stuff (first time I've heard of it) and so far it looks pretty much the same as explorer.

I'm happy to report that my computer seems to be unconstapated now, and it's running faster than ever.

Thanks to all y'all for all your help. Excuse me now, as I have some wanking to do.
 

hitrack

I'LL KILL YA ALL!!
Feb 25, 2003
3,883
0
0
Surrey
Well my work is done here.

If the computer is still acting up you may have to format. Over time the HDD can suffer from bit rot, Programs writing and rewriting the same dll's, to many fonts, and shit.

Do a search in windows for the "prefetch" folder. Ctrl-a to hi-light everything in the folder and delete it. This folder can get clogged up.
 

tom25

what's up doc?
Oct 7, 2003
1,203
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61
Winnipeg
winslow said:
arrggghh.. my 2 month old Dell broke down this morning. When I turned it on, the fan made this really loud ( sounds like a vaccum cleaner ) noice. Called Dell, ( bunch of idiots working there... ) I have to wait the next 48 hrs for some repair guy in vancouver to call and make appt for them to come over and change the fan. I know someone is going to write.. why didnt you get a computer built instead.... i went with dell so I could go on a monthly installments..

And also because they have that oh so helpful complete care package!!!! :p

Sorry ... not fair I know. You could probably take it to a shop and get it fixed in a couple of hours.
 

RobBC

<Insert goofy tag here>
Oct 27, 2002
677
328
63
Victoria
hitrack said:
Well my work is done here.

If the computer is still acting up you may have to format. Over time the HDD can suffer from bit rot, Programs writing and rewriting the same dll's, to many fonts, and shit.
I just reinstalled XP on my laptop about a week ago. I hadn't done this since I got the machine *4 YEARS AGO*!!! What a difference, it's so much smoother now.

hitrack said:
Do a search in windows for the "prefetch" folder. Ctrl-a to hi-light everything in the folder and delete it. This folder can get clogged up.
A page with some info on the Prefetch folder and a link to a download for a handy little utility for managing it can be found at:

http://www.charliesources.net/nieuwe%20winxp/windows_xp_performance_tweaking.htm

Just scroll down about halfway to the line that reads "Clean your prefetch to improve performance".
 

edmontonexplore

New member
Mar 14, 2004
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I don't know much about Firefox but have heard of it a lot. Do I have to uninstall explorer first? I'm concerned just in case I want to go back to IE because Firefox isn't what I want or maybe I'm just not computer savy enough. Can I try it and go back to IE if it turns out to be too complicated? As well, just what are the advantages of Firefox?
Thanks everyone!
EE
 

wolverine

Hard Throbbing Member
Nov 11, 2002
6,388
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E-Town
No, you don't have to uninstall IE if you are using Firefox. You can use them both at the same time if you want. And if you happen to not like Firefox then it's a snap to uninstall.
 

carefulone

caring but cautious
Nov 5, 2003
68
0
6
Delta
You may want to leave Internet Explorer as your "default" browser - otherwise I think it can be difficult to take advantage of many "automatic update" options - including for Windows XP
 

hitrack

I'LL KILL YA ALL!!
Feb 25, 2003
3,883
0
0
Surrey
You can't really uninstall IE, infact you need IE for updates. Like someone else said.

The reason IE is so dangerious is because it's so powerful, It supports Active X and Active script, which Firefox doesn't.

Personally I like Mozilla better. I like the download interface, and a few other picky little details, but Firefox is better. I'm just old skool.

Does anyone have a copy of NCSA Mosiac around?? :p
 

Discombobbled

Banned
Mar 12, 2005
729
0
0
I use my computer to make my living so I can't afford any down time or performance problems. My work is also sensitive so my computer must be secure. To keep it running top notch this is what I've discovered:

1. For Spyware, Spybot is good but it doesn't get everything. You should also use Adaware (there is a free version) and Microsoft Antispyware (also free).

2. For Trojans, if your computer/technical knowledge is limited use Ewido (there is a free version).

3. For viruses, I use AVG anti-virus (it's not a resource hog) in combination with occasional PCcillin online scans (these scans are free).

4. If your computer's registry isn't cleared of redundant and useless file extensions it will slow down significantly. If your computer/technical knowledge is limited use Tuneup Utilities, it doesn't delete required files like some other programs. There is a 30 day trial or something.

5. Cache, cookies etc., Ultrawipe is a free program that will automatically find and delete most temporary and unwanted files. You can also configure it to delete files securely.

6. Do not run two firewalls at once. If you are using Shaw Secure's firewall and Window's XP firewall at the same time, one of them should be disabled.

7. Create restore points when you are sure your computer is virus/spyware free. Formating and re-installing is a time-consuming pain in the a**.

I know this may seem like overkill, but all these programs are small and in conjunction do a good job of both security and maintenance. In the end, using them will save you time and headaches.

To get any of these programs, just Google them. :)
 
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RobBC

<Insert goofy tag here>
Oct 27, 2002
677
328
63
Victoria
carefulone said:
You may want to leave Internet Explorer as your "default" browser - otherwise I think it can be difficult to take advantage of many "automatic update" options - including for Windows XP
No, that's false. If you click "Windows Update" it will launch IE irregardless of your browser settings.

RobBC
 
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