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General discussion

Computer Running Slow

Feb 18, 2004 8:50PM PST

I am running a Compaq Presario 5000. It has 512 MB of Ram and a P4, running Windows XP. It is from around 2001. It has done fine till latley. Now it is getting really slow for about ten seconds, then normal. I just replaced the whole power supply and I though that would solve the problem. It doesnt get slow as often but it still does every now and then when a lot of programs are running. There are 47 running processes in the task manager and the cpu usage is usuall around 60 or 70. But sometimes it will stay around 90%. Is this normal? I have Ad Aware and it hasnt solved the problem. Please Help! Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Re:Computer Running Slow
Feb 18, 2004 9:58PM PST

There is a nuisance item worth noting. Some may put a GIF or some on the desktop background and Windows seems to eat its CPU. Try NONE for the background picture to dismiss this item.

1. Open a command window and type the command TASKLIST and supply the forum the output.

2. Use a web based Virus scan like Housecall to be sure no new bugs are playing.

3. Perform the procedure at http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwdev/tech/storage/IDE-DMA.mspx to assure yourself that DMA is working. Don't LOOK AT IT! The issue is that Microsoft admits that it can indicate it incorrectly so you set to PIO than back to DMA as noted.

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Re:Re:Computer Running Slow
Feb 19, 2004 5:55AM PST

I am not sure how do do the tasklist thing. I opened the Command Prompt adn typed it, nothing happened. I am running house call and it has found 2 viruses so far(JS NOCLOSE.E/A). I unchecked some start up programs that run in the background. I will update you on what happens. Any other suggestions would be appreicated!!!

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Re:Computer Running Slow
Feb 19, 2004 12:42AM PST

Stauter,

Try shutting down some of those unnecessary background programs and clean out the junk on the hard drive and it should help a lot. Please follow the procedures in the link below (Parts 1-4). Although the post was designed for Windows 98/ME, most of the information can be used for Windows XP as well.:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6122-0.html?forumID=44&threadID=2966&messageID=35611

After that, read the information at the link below to shut down more of the "Services" that aren't needed:

http://aumha.org/a/loads.htm

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re:Computer Running Slow
Feb 19, 2004 8:52AM PST

It only found those two viruses. No changes. I unchecked like 10 start up programs. Still running 41 programs. I am starting to think this is beacause of all the programs runnin in the background. AOL 9.0 uses us alot of cpu too!I cant understand it. I still cant figure out how to do the command thing... My Dad uses this computer alot b/c he works outta the house. Please someone help!! Thanks

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If you can't get the list of running programs ...
Feb 19, 2004 8:27PM PST

into the forum automatically, consider just typing it in a post. You should be able to type 41 program names in less than 5 minutes, I think. Do it carefully, typos will cause people here to not recognise the program.

Kees

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Kees!
Feb 19, 2004 10:18PM PST

A user can always open Msinfo32, click File, Export, name the file and put it where they want. Afterwards, open the file and then search down to those items wanted, cut and paste.

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(NT) Didn't know that. And apparently I'm not the only one.
Feb 20, 2004 2:58AM PST

.

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Re:Computer Running Slow
Feb 19, 2004 8:38PM PST

Okay, In order from using the greatest amount of cpu to the least-
WAOL
SVCHOST
EXPLORER
NAVAP32
SESSMGR
COMPAQ-RBA
SPOOLSV
SVCHOST
TASKMGR
ALG
WUAUCLT
SERVICES
CSRSS
AOLTRAY
AOLAWEBSPD
SVCHOST
SVCHOST
SMTRAY
ADSERVICE
CMPDPSERV
SVCHOST
RUNDLL32
RUNDLL32
NVSVC32
NAVAPSVC
SHELLMON
PACKETHSCV
APPSERVICES
ISASS
SCARDSRV
ACSD
WINLOGON
CISVC
SMSS
CIDAEMON
SYSTEM
WANMPSVC
SYSTEM IDLE PROCESS

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Re:Re:Computer Running Slow
Feb 19, 2004 10:28PM PST

1. "Pacs-Porta", "Whidbey.com", and "3FeetUnder.com" are all pretty good sites for identifying what loaded items are. I believe it's up to you to decide.

2. Use the registry editor (Regedit.exe) to disable registry entries for startup programs (which usually do not take effect until the computer is restarted) to remove or prevent startup programs from running, or use the Recovery Console to temporarily move shortcuts from the following folders to another location:

systemdrive\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

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That first item WAOL is my first clue.
Feb 20, 2004 3:17AM PST

AOL 7.0 is known to peg the CPU meter. About version 8 is where they fixed a lot of items.

Sorry to see it take so long to get that list in a post...

Bob

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Re:That first item WAOL is my first clue.
Feb 20, 2004 3:54AM PST

So I should stop, using AOL 9.0? Even when it isnt runnung the cpu usage is around 50%.

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Just working with what is listed.
Feb 20, 2004 4:09AM PST

No version numbers were noted, but you are correct that AOL is a busy thing.

I don't use it and if you have issues like this with it, AOL doesn't share their support articles with the world. At the end of this, you call AOL support (you paid for it) and work it out with them.

If you uninstall AOL, does it work proper?

Bob

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Re:Just working with what is listed.
Feb 20, 2004 5:06AM PST

Uninstalled AOL while back, nothing. What is average CPU usage? Mine is like 50% when doing nothing.

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Re:Re:Just working with what is listed.
Feb 20, 2004 5:08AM PST

Did I mention the power supply fan is blowing really hard, it changes speed alot.

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Re:Re:Re:Just working with what is listed.
Feb 20, 2004 5:13AM PST

System Idle process uses up alot of CPU too. What is this?

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Re:Re:Re:Just working with what is listed.
Feb 20, 2004 5:22AM PST
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Re:Re:Re:Just working with what is listed.
Feb 20, 2004 5:35AM PST

System idle process is using alot of cpu. 74! I think this is it.

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System idle = ...
Feb 20, 2004 5:54AM PST

just the system having nothing useful (i.e. running other programs) to do.
I don't have Windows XP here, to check, but I'm inclined to say: the more idle time, the better.

Kees

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Re:System idle = ...
Feb 20, 2004 6:12AM PST

Im not sure I understand your response. The system idle process on my computer in task manager is using up 74 CPU. Whats the normal amount? My total CPU usage is around 50%. Whats the norm on that?

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Re:Re:System idle = IDLE...
Feb 20, 2004 6:53AM PST

NEW users of Windows NT, 2000, XP and beyond always get messed up or misunderstand that any CPU cycles that are not used up go to the SYSTEM IDLE process. The more % you see there, the less busy a system is.

Bob