Snail Alert!

Finally! Been here three times...been having a few problems lately...pages taking an extremely long time to load...or not completely loading at all...errors on firefox...no data errors...page errors...

AVG reports nothing
AdWareSE reports nothing
Disk Defrag does not need defragging
Disk clean-up...tried twice...either it was taking a very long time to work ( I didn't have the patience to wait )...or it wasn't scanning at all ( it said it was scanning but that little brush was not sweeping )
just cleared my browswer cache and history yesterday
ran hijackthis and nothing unusual...

C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (smss.exe)
Systemprozess - Anwendung, die benutzt wird um Sitzungen zu starten, verwalten und löschen.
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (winlogon.exe)
Systemprozess - Windows Login Routine
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (services.exe)
Systemprozess - Verwaltet die Systemdienste.
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (lsass.exe)
Systemprozess
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (svchost.exe)
Systemprozess - Allgemeiner Hostprozessname für Dienste.
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE Safe.
Safe. running process. (LEXBCES.EXE)
Lexmark LexBce Service
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXPPS.EXE Safe.
Safe. running process. (LEXPPS.EXE)

C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (spoolsv.exe)
Systemprozess
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe AV-Scanner
Safe. running process. (avgamsvr.exe)
Antivirensoftware
Possibly nasty! According to our database this process runs normally in c:\program files\grisoft\avg free! Check if you know this process and arrange a viruscheck where required.
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe AV-Scanner
Safe. running process. (avgupsvc.exe)
Antivirensoftware
Possibly nasty! According to our database this process runs normally in c:\progra~1\grisoft\avgfre~1! Check if you know this process and arrange a viruscheck where required.
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (svchost.exe)
Systemprozess - Allgemeiner Hostprozessname für Dienste.
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (MSTask.exe)
Gehört zu den Windows Powertoys von MS.
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (stisvc.exe)

C:\WINNT\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe Firewall
Safe. running process. (vsmon.exe)
ZoneAlarm Firewall
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE Safe.
Safe. running process. (Explorer.EXE)
Systemprozess für Desktop und Taskleiste.
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (WinMgmt.exe)

C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (svchost.exe)
Systemprozess - Allgemeiner Hostprozessname für Dienste.
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (realsched.exe)

C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmgr.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (lxbkbmgr.exe)

C:\WINNT\essspk.exe Unknown
Unknown running process. (essspk.exe)
ESS Technologies Call waiting, which gets installed by the drivers for V92 modems based on ESS Technologies chipsets This is a unknown process.
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (qttask.exe)
Part of QuickTime
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe AV-Scanner
Safe. running process. (avgcc.exe)
Antivirensoftware
Possibly nasty! According to our database this process runs normally in c:\program files\grisoft\avg free! Check if you know this process and arrange a viruscheck where required.
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmon.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (lxbkbmon.exe)

C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe AV-Scanner
Safe. running process. (avgemc.exe)
Antivirensoftware
Possibly nasty! According to our database this process runs normally in c:\program files\grisoft\avg free! Check if you know this process and arrange a viruscheck where required.
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\jusched.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (jusched.exe)
Java Runtime
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (zlclient.exe)
Zone Alarm
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (svchost.exe)
Systemprozess - Allgemeiner Hostprozessname für Dienste.
C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (wuauclt.exe)
Windows Update AutoUpdate Client
C:\WINNT\system32\cleanmgr.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (cleanmgr.exe)
Windows Cleanmanager
C:\WINNT\system32\cleanmgr.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (cleanmgr.exe)
Windows Cleanmanager
D:\WinZip\WINZIP32.EXE Safe.
Safe. running process. (WINZIP32.EXE)

Possibly nasty! According to our database this process runs normally in c:\programme\winzip\! Check if you know this process and arrange a viruscheck where required.
C:\unzipped\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe Safe.
Safe. running process. (HijackThis.exe)
Tool, mit dem sie dieses Logfile erzeugt haben. Remember that Hijackthis must be run in an own folder. Only if Hijackthis run in an own folder it will create backups!
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx Safe.
Safe. Entries found in this registry zone are potentially nasty. This application ([06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3] - Result: 06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3) has been checked. Hit rate: 99 %
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll Safe.
Safe. Entries found in this registry zone are potentially nasty. This application ([AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7] - Result: AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7) has been checked. Hit rate: 99 %
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\system32\msdxm.ocx Safe.
Safe. Entries found in this registry zone are potentially nasty. This application ([8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467] - Result: 8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467) has been checked. If the name is made up of random letters, found in the folder 'Application Data' and the kind is 'Unknown' , it should be fixed. Hit rate: 99 %
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll Safe.
Safe. Entries found in this registry zone are potentially nasty. This application ([2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F] - Result: 2318C2B1-4965-11D4-9B18-009027A5CD4F) has been checked. If the name is made up of random letters, found in the folder 'Application Data' and the kind is 'Unknown' , it should be fixed. Hit rate: 96 %
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon Safe.
Safe. Find more information about its use here
Hit rate: 99 % (result) Not dangerous, but unnecessary.
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot Safe.
Safe. Part of RealPlayer
Hit rate: 99 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINNT\system32\\NeroCheck.exe Safe.
Safe. Associated with "Nero Burning Rom" CD writing software. Checks for driver issues
Hit rate: 91 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X1100 Series] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmgr.exe" Safe.
Safe. Lexmark X1100 Series
Hit rate: 99 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EssSpkPhone] essspk.exe Safe.
Safe. ESS Technologies Call waiting, which gets installed by the drivers for V92 modems based on ESS Technologies chipsets
Hit rate: 99 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime Safe.
Safe. QuickTime
Hit rate: 99 % (result) Not dangerous, but unnecessary.
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP Safe.
Safe. AVG Anti-Virus 7.0 Control Center. Allows you to manage and control all AVG Anti-Virus components, settings and updates
Hit rate: 71 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe Safe.
Safe. AVG Anti-Virus 7.0 Email Cleaner. Scans incoming and outgoing email for viruses
Hit rate: 69 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\jusched.exe Safe.
Safe. Java von Sun
Hit rate: 99 % (result)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe" Safe.
Safe. Firewall program from Zonelabs. Pro version inlcudes other online security options
Hit rate: 85 % (result)
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE Safe.
Safe.
Hit rate: 93 % (result)
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = D:\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE Safe.
Safe. Added with WinZip version 8.1. "The new WinZip Quick Pick taskbar tray icon gives you instant access to WinZip and your Zip files. Just left click the icon to open WinZip, or right click it to instantly reopen recently used Zip files, access your Favorite Zip Folders, open WinZip Help, or start WinZip itself.". You can right-click and close it - choosing to not re-load it at start-up
Hit rate: 93 % (result) Not dangerous, but unnecessary.
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html Safe.
Safe. The entry &Google Search has been identified as safe. If the entry '&Google Search ' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html Safe.
Safe. The entry Backward Links has been identified as safe. If the entry 'Backward Links ' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html Safe.
Safe. The entry Cached Snapshot of Page has been identified as safe. If the entry 'Cached Snapshot of Page ' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html Safe.
Safe. The entry Similar Pages has been identified as safe. If the entry 'Similar Pages ' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html Safe.
Safe. The entry Translate into English has been identified as safe. If the entry 'Translate into English ' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\npjpi142_06.dll Safe.
Safe. The entry has been identified as safe. If the entry '' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\npjpi142_06.dll Safe.
Safe. The entry Sun Java Console has been identified as safe. If the entry 'Sun Java Console ' is not needed anymore, it should be fixed.
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll Safe.
Safe. Most of the entries present in this registry area are safe. Only OnFlow adds an unwanted plugins can be found here. OnFlow-Plugins have the following extension *.ofb.
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/24080c34...p/RdxIE601.cab Safe.
Safe. This entry has been identified as safe.
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe AV-Scanner
Safe. These entries shows all services which are not from Microsoft. Often malware is starting as a systemservice and it's not easy to detect it. This service (avgamsvr.exe) was identified as a good one.
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe AV-Scanner
Safe. These entries shows all services which are not from Microsoft. Often malware is starting as a systemservice and it's not easy to detect it. This service (avgupsvc.exe) was identified as a good one.
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe Safe.
Safe. These entries shows all services which are not from Microsoft. Often malware is starting as a systemservice and it's not easy to detect it. This service (dmadmin.exe) was identified as a good one.
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE Safe.
Safe. These entries shows all services which are not from Microsoft. Often malware is starting as a systemservice and it's not easy to detect it. This service (LEXBCES.EXE) was identified as a good one.
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs LLC - C:\WINNT\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe Firewall
Safe. These entries shows all services which are not from Microsoft. Often malware is starting as a systemservice and it's not easy to detect it. This service (vsmon.exe) was identified as a good one.

Any suggestions why my normal snail seems to be facing gail force winds?

For those who don't know...

Windows 2000 Pro
80GB with 93% free space
384MB Ram with 170MB free at last look
service pack 4

Thanks,


Eg ;)

Run a memory checker on the system. Sounds hardware related to me.

Could these problems be stemming from my ISP ?

About a week ago their phone line was down and I couldn't even get on the net...everytime I would try I would get the phone message " this line is not in service " they said they fixed the problem and the line was back up in an hour.

P.S. Does my log look OK ?

Thanks,

Eg ;)

Ok, first check the obvious -
Clear browser cache, clean out the cookies, clear history, defrag, try again.

If this isn't successful, since you've let us know you're on dialup, try rebuilding your dialup adaptor/disabling re-enabling tcp/ip. Sometimes it needs a swift kick to get it up and running right again. If you're using one of the 'big' isp's that has their own software (aohell, earthlink, etc) just delete the adaptor entirely but have your cd on hand when you restart it - the software will rebuild the adaptor for you.

If this isn't successful, it could be a browser issue (any changes to your browser lately?) or a hardware issue like Zenger suggested - hardware is the last check in the chain on this, but if you get that far, check memory, check video drivers then video card. Good luck!

[edit]oh, from what I read your log looks fine. I still hate that bloody Google toolbar though...

Here's the other thing to suspect:
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio -

Again, I'm suspicious of all toolbars and bho's not pertaining to software I've directly installed. If that toolbar is something you want, you're clean.
[/edit]

[moredit] I saw where you were having probs with disk cleanup - this is usually indicative of a lot of stuff to be cleaned or a problem with that software. Try cleaning your cache manually through firefox>tools>options, and your cookies manually (search: cookie), and try it again. There might be more to this than just slow browsing.[/moredit]

Yeah, log looks good. I took a second look through your stuff. Are you saying you're only have problem web browsing? I took it initially that your machine was running slow. If its just web browsing I would say an ISP problem is a high possiblity.

How is the RAM configured ?
256 + 128 ??

If so, remove ONE stick, and try to boot.
Then replace stick, and remove OTHER one.

Boot and see if there is any NOTICABLE differences ........

Speed of OS load
response time for Apps to load

Now re-instate ALL RAM, check its in properly.
boot and check as above.

Possibly RAM is failing / unseated

HDD's also fail, although you would expect some other indictions [noisy whine etc]

[edit]
was here as it first appeared ................... post #6 !!!!
My typing, and my diagnostic skill by the look of the thread :D are, up to their usual standard ..................

Who is your ISP? I have comcast and I know that they have been having a LOT of dns problems as of late. I had to use an alternate public DNS server so that i could get pages to resolve for me. May be your problem. Try adding a new DNS server other than the one your ISP is using.

Cheers

Amen to that! Comcast DNS blows hard, see if you can still get to webpages by putting in there ip addresses.

Could very well be a memory issue as was stated above.

I'll try to do half now and half later ( in ten minutes I have to pick up one of my daughters from school )...

Hi l3lacklce,

Already cleared cache.

Not AOL or other major ISP...on Primus...and no CD...connected via phone through a walk-through with their techs.

No recent changes to browser. Did however recently download three Windows 2000 updates from the Update Ctr.

According to System Specs there are no conflicts with drivers, video, or memory...and says system healthy.

Toolbar? I use firefox...I do have a google toolbar on IE but I never use it except for update.

Hi zENGER,

You know...machines been slow off-line too but maybe it just seems that way because I'm more aware of the slowness now with this...I'll check.

Hi foxyloxley,

Yes 256+128!

:D I never have opened the box and done anything to it...I've always paid a professional to do that...too worried I'd muck it up! :D But if necessary I will.

Hi Spyrus,

Primus...how do you add a new DNS server?

Thanks everybody!!!

Eg ;)

Hi Everybody,

Here's the memory specs...

System Information report written at: 04/14/2005 04:05:05 PM
[Memory]

Range Device Status
0xA0000-0xBFFFF PCI bus OK
0xA0000-0xBFFFF PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge OK
0xA0000-0xBFFFF SiS 530/620 OK
0xC8000-0xDFFFF PCI bus OK
0x17800000-0xFFDFFFFF PCI bus OK
0x81300000-0x81300FFF SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller OK
0x80500000-0x805FFFFF PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge OK
0x80500000-0x805FFFFF SiS 530/620 OK
0x80600000-0x810FFFFF PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge OK
0x80800000-0x80FFFFFF SiS 530/620 OK
0x80100000-0x801000FF AcerLAN ALN-325 10/100 Base-PX Fast Ethernet Adapter OK
0x0000-0x9FFFF Motherboard resources OK
0xE0000-0xFFFFF Motherboard resources OK
0xFFFE0000-0xFFFFFFFF Motherboard resources OK
0x100000-0xFFFFFF Motherboard resources OK
0x1000000-0x177FFFFF Motherboard resources OK

Does this help?

Eg ;)

One thing I LOVE about Eg ...........
Ask him a question. And BOY do you get a reply :)

If only all people with a problem would give this attention to detail.

[edit]this in case people wonder why Eg got green for a reply that only gives DETAILS :cool:

yeh..but give to many details and no bastard will answer your question..

Have been encountering DNS problems of late.. where I can I have made entries in my Hosts file to counter the problem.. those sites load 100%, those that arent it is Russan Roulet.. some time NP, othertimes no find.

Slow machine? yes.. Corrupted Device drivers are a good area to look. A problem just lately in a machine .. fix. updated the Mobo drivers (easier than uninstalling and reinstalling, got wooglies, old driver bugs, kicked out and it worked)

Being windows.. did you check the performance settings? could it be set for priority on Background processes.. seen afew turn into dead slugs on that..

As I say in my Sig.. "Computer Farts and people call the spyware doctor.."..
A slow computer is a matter of perception much of the time.. is it slow.. do some benchmarks..BUT .. benchmarking now is of no quantitive value, you may use it to roughly compare with a similar machine..but it isnt a comparison on your machine..

Thanks foxyloxley! ;)

Hi Und3rtak3r,

Quote:

---

Being windows.. did you check the performance settings? could it be set for priority on Background processes.. seen afew turn into dead slugs on that..

---

I can't find it...I went into system info and computer-management and can't find performance settings...can you tell me where to find it? Thanks! ;)

Hi Everyone,

I think ( don't quote me quite yet! ) the problem may be solved...my machine seems to be back to it's normal slow self...rather than abnormally slow even for a snail...I ditched my previous versions of Firefox and then re-installed 1.0.2. over the existing one...and it seems to be back to it's former self...when I went into the control panel I noticed that both the 1.0.2. and the 1.0.1. were listed as both used today...don't know if that's normal but I thought that it was odd...I'll post later on and tell you if it reverts back to the same problem or not!

Thanks for all your help everyone...l3lacklce and Und3rtak3r and kr5kernel...I'll be back later to take care of that...too many given out today!

Eg ;)

Egal,

One reason your system is slow (despite Internet performance) is that you are running memory eating processes you really don't need, like real player update, like quicktime task update, like Nerocheck, like.....(I saw others)

You have some housecleaning to do, not to mention some other Hijack items I saw.
Does every available option in AVG antivirus need to be running? I didn't count exactly but I thought I saw at least 4 different AVG files loaded.

Despite all this, please check your entire system, including hidden files and system files for "autoload.exe". See if that file is present. Please let me know if it is and where it is.

Also your system will run better if AVG is not scanning/filtering all files being used all the time, at least exclude some from run-time scanning and setup a nightly schedule scan instead.

Also if I had your system I would also add a 256MB or more stick.

Last but not least:

Is your video card an "on the motherboard" type?

Thanks.

Hi ZT3000,

I'll try to break this down...

1.

Quote:

---

don't need, like real player update, like quicktime task update, like Nerocheck,

---

I don't think they can get past the firewall without it notifying me...but anyways...how do I disable the updates without affecting their performance?

2. Are you sure I don't need them?

3. I checked, there is no such file found in search.

4. again, are you sure that eliminating services won't compromise the integrity of the system?

5. I only have two slots so the most I could add would be to upgrade the 128 to 256...giving me 512MB

6. I think so...I didn't install any separate video other than what's already there.

Thanks,

Eg ;)

Hey there!

With a normal system like this

Windows 2000 Pro
80GB with 93% free space
384MB Ram with 170MB free at last look
service pack 4

-It should at least perform above normal (mine is 256MB with built-in video with most of your SW stuff in it and performs fine enough in dial-up). Let me see… Before suggesting update of RAM in a 384MB (already), check your built-in Video card, how many MBs? (32MB, 64MB ?).

Quote:

---

errors on firefox...no data errors...page errors...

---

- OK, it is funny sometime suggesting this, have you tried IE or other alternative browser lately (i.e. Opera - just to check maybe IE and Firefox has almost same settings)? Same slowness? Check that you can access the website in other browsers. If it is the same error messages, next move.

Quote:

---

machines been slow off-line too

---

- So, if it is slow offline, it is not with the ISP provider, maybe in the box only. How about PC performance? The usual, try to play with other software and assess it compared to it’s previous performance. It could only be with the browser issue even if offline.

-GONE

Egal,

Und3ertak3r asked you to check the performance settings, and you asked where to find it, well here it is:
Right Click "My Computer, Properties, Advanced, Performance settings, Advanced. Ensure both dots are in the respective "Programs" radio button.

While you are there click on "Virtual memory change button", tell me what size of your page file and how is it managed (custom, system or No?).

[Before you start]
Before I start any maintenance, I perform a scandisk on bootup, reboot and let scandisk fix file anomalies.
Scandisk fixes those file anomalies before you find yourself chasing problems that are really file system related.

After scandisk, head to event viewer, look at the "Winlogon" entry in Applications sections. See what scandisk found and repaired. After event viewer, scan all three event viewer logs getting a feeling of what's going on.
If your machine is like mine, I have nothing but information entries. If you have warnings or errors, it's best to check em out before they get more troublesome.

Once I've got a sufficient handle on what may be going on, I clean out all 3 event viewer logs and immediately head for reboot. After reboot, I head right back to event viewer to see what kind of messages I have in the 3 logs.

Oh....and let the system boot fully up before you head over there. Once the desktop appears, give the machine another 30-45 seconds (or even one minute since yours is slow) for it to finish booting. Now check your event logs, see how that differs from your last look inside.

Okay....at this point I'm typing my little fingers off so I'm going to head into answering some of your questions.

Answers to your numbered questions:

1. Those loaded modules for the mentioned "update" services are eating some of your processor time and memory. Removing them will not affect their performance since they are merely there to check on and download their respective programs updates, which update you can perform manually if ever needed.

To make this process the easiest, you can download, install and run a FREE program called "Codestuff Starter" or if you wish "A2hijackfree".
Both programs are startup program stoppers. Using those programs, it's your choice to delete the startup entries or simply disable them temporarily.
(At this point somebody may tell you to use HijackThis for this purpose, and if you know how to use it, then go for it. I have HijackThis but I don't use it much (maybe I should start)).

2. Absolutely YES. You don't need them. If you only disable them from running, you will see that fact later.

3. Glad you don't have upload.exe, it's a trojan that I caught trying to sneak it's way into my system, either from some link on this forum or from somewhere very closely related. Don't remember right now.

4. Those programs are not services. They are updates waiting to happen.

5. Okay

6. It seems you have an onboard video card. Probably 32MB taken from your system memory. Huge performance increase by adding a separate 64MB or larger video card. (and disabling the onboard video through BIOS.)

Here are the registry startup lines you can consider to disable/remove: (don't remove the actual files though)

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe [Real music player updater]
C:\WINNT\essspk.exe [ESS call waiting popup, don't remove if you need this capability]
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe [Quick time tray icon]
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\jusched.exe [Java update scheduler]

O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\system32\msdxm.ocx [IE uses this to integrate Windows Media player inside your browser so it plays audio and video. Leave it be.]

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon [Offline page synchronizer, you decide if you want this]
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot [Silly Real player update scheduler]
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINNT\system32\\NeroCheck.exe [Constantly checks for known drivers that can conflict with Nero]
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_06\bin\jusched.exe [Java update scheduler]
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe [You run the disk manager all the time?]
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
[Definitely a resource hog, partial loads Office program so it's two seconds faster when you do start it, whoopie]
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = D:\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE [Winzip easy taskbar access, Why? How much time has this saved you?]

There is more I would do. But hey...this is free help, so you only get so much.
:D

Egal,

Oh...and your internet slowness could be due to DNS issues. Use a generic DNS like 4.2.2.2
(actually it's not generic but it's DNS for GTEI.net, a big ol' honking DNS USA server)

Hi Again,

Well..everything seems to be back to...cough...normal like I said...seems getting rid of the old Firefox versions did the trick...but to answer further questions...

Hi GONEin62nd,

Quote:

---

check your built-in Video card, how many MBs? (32MB, 64MB ?).

---

Would if I knew how?! ;)

Hi ZT3000,

Checked performance and there are two dot circle's...for Applications and Background...only the Applications was dotted.

Virtual memory...after I had the new memory installed I remember changing the page file space to match the new situation...it's set at the recommended amount 562MB...

over 73000 free space
recommended 562
set 562 (to 843 )

Event Logs:

There is absolutely nothing in my security log
Of the hundreds of items listed in my System log going back only to the 1st of March...there are only three warnings listed...2 for Automatic update and 1 for dnscache...all the rest are information alerts for that period
In my Apploication log for the same period beginning March there is only 1 warning for WinMgmt and an error for Event system...the rest again are information alerts

Only went back as far as March 1st ...because I don't see the point going through all of it listed.

By the way...my RAM is the old kind...if that matters?

As for the registry...for the most part I have it configured to Black Viper's Windows 2000 specs...the last time I was in there there were none of these global things to my recollection...
this is what's on my startup programs menu in system information...

System Information report written at: 04/14/2005 06:29:27 PM
[Startup Programs]

Program Command User Name

AVG7_Run
Microsoft Office
Synchronization Manager
TkBellExe
NeroCheck
Lexmark X1100 Series
EssSpkPhone
QuickTime Task
AVG7_CC
AVG7_EMC
SunJavaUpdateSched
Zone Labs Client

If I missed anything let me know.

Thanks,

Eg






;)

Eg, if you don't know how to stop aps from eating your resources on start up, download this ap called Start up control panel. For instance I have no things starting up on my comp, then again I run on a limited account and use neither AV protection nor any firewall aps etc.. But I'm sure you can kill almost all of those aps and get away with it.

There is a version of MSCONFIG for Win2k.. (it is the XP version I think.. :) )
I do have a copy here if ya would like it..

I've Install it on all the w2k systems at work and forget myself sometimes..

With the Fire fox issue.. It dosent remove itself corectly from the registry on the upgrade.. .havent had problems with uninstalling then installing the upgrade..

Hi Everybody,

It's been almost 24 hours since my snail returned to it's normal state of sloth...so...I thank-you all for your help and your advice! :D

I'll try to catch up on your other advice ( tweaks and such ) and see if I can't put this snail into hyper-drive! :D

Eg ;)