Windows 7 desktop computer extremely slow

Anonymous
2011-12-22T20:30:58+00:00

I have a problem with my Gateway DX4831-01e desktop computer (1 1/2 years old) which is running Windows 7. 

Last week, something happened (I don't know if it was an upgrade or a virus) but Windows 7 (64) started running extremely sluggish.  I restarted and it was extremely slow on start up.  I can get into Safe mode but it takes a couple of hours to load all.  I can still access my hard drive and files there and I can plug devices into my USB ports (to allow backups and to load files for running)

On start up it goes from the Gateway screen to the Bios screen and then starts acting slow.  Pressing F8 over and over gets me into Safe mode but it is very slow and during driver loading, it seems to hang up on the ClassPNP.sys file, but it eventually loads all(after an hour or so). 

 I have tried many things including running System restore and repair and running sfc /scannow (took overnight), removing AVG 2011 free (my virus scanner) and all of the folders that the AVG removal tool didn't remove, and deleting Temp files. 

One other strange thing I noticed is that in my Start up programs (I use selective start up) there were three checkboxes for starting up a Java update, and Adobe reader and Adobe acrobat.)  I removed all checkboxes but the system gets slow before I even get to the start up files, but it was strange and might point to the cause of the big problem.

 My questions are, what is happening between the Bios screen and the driver loading screen that would slow it down?  Could it be prefetch or start up file loading?  I don't think so because I haven't even gotten to the Safe mode choice screen before the slow down happens.   

Should I erase Prefetch or remove and reinstall the button cell battery to reset Bios?  Will it ask me for a password on restart that I know I don't have? 

Thanks in advance!

Gwen

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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Anonymous
2012-01-06T07:22:19+00:00

HI,

Gateway should have documentation on installing Windows on a new drive. And

they will sell the installation media cheap, if you need it, since you already own

Windows. Once you have the correct disk the installation is very straight forward.

The Repair Disk you made is not an installation disk.

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T18:15:13+00:00

    Jerry,

    I had thought about BIOS reset by taking the button cell battery out but was afraid I would need a password to get back in.

    How do I go into BIOS and set the SATA controller into IDE mode and would I need to set it back to whatever other mode it was in after that?

    Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T18:13:45+00:00

    I tried to see the printer in Control Panels View Devices and Printers and its not there.  Maybe because I'm in safe mode?  I do see the PC and the wireless keyboard/mouse.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T18:00:08+00:00

    Try going into BIOS and setting the SATA controller into IDE mode.

    Jerry

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T17:22:25+00:00

    Hi,

    Try making these on another computer - then boot from them and run their malware

    checks. If they find nothing and run as slow as the previous programs then hardware

    is likely involved.

    These can be made on any computer with a CD burner.

    Setup/Settings (BIOS/CMOS) often F2 as you boot so watch the screen - setthe boot order to CD/DVD first and boot with THESE to run malware checks and removals. Be sure to set the boot order back when complete.

    Make a Bootable CD with the Trinity Rescue Kit - free - which comes with 5 antivirus programs

    built-in - Hirem's is another choice - others can be found using Google.

    Trinity Rescue Kit - Download on upper right of page

    http://trinityhome.org/Home/index.php?wpid=1&front\_id=12

    Hirem's Boot CD is another good choice

    http://www.hirensbootcd.net/download.html

    http://www.hirensbootcd.net/cd-contents/138-hbcd-111.html

    System Rescue CD

    http://sysresccd.org/Main\_Page

    Scan a Windows PC for Viruses from a Ubuntu Live CD

    http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/14434/scan-a-windows-pc-for-viruses-from-a-ubuntu-live-cd/

    Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer

    http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer

    ========================================================

    What is Windows Defender Offline Beta? <- this is the new replacement forStandalone Sweeper - you can use either.http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/what-is-windows-defender-offline

    Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Beta is not a replacement for a full

    antivirus solution providing ongoing protection; it is meant to be used in

    situations where you cannot start your PC due to a virus or other malware

    infection.

    To get started, please make sure that you have a blank CD, DVD, or USB

    drive with at least 250 MB of space. Next, download and run the tool – the

    tool will help you to create the bootable media required to run the software

    on your PC.

    https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

    Microsoft Support - Virus and Security Solution Center

    http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_virsec_master?ws=support#tab0

    Hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

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