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
    2011-12-29T17:17:48+00:00

    Hi,

    Before you run the next programs remove the printer and reboot. The printer is probably

    not involved however will not hurt to be sure.

    Hope this helps.

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

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T17:13:26+00:00

    I also plan to run Process Explorer and see what is taking the most CPU.

    Something I notice while looking for Windows updates is that the driver update is set to Yes and I have only received other regular updates as of 3/11.  I think I may have had problems with Windows updates before so stopped them from coming.  Should I reset that and download and install all updates? 

    Also, I have disconnected most devices, but not the network cable and the printer is wireless and I can still use it from this computer.  I haven't tried printing from the other computer since the problem happened.  Should I turn the printer off and try a reboot ?

    Thanks so much for your help, both of you!

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T17:09:24+00:00

    Hi,

    That is a very long time to be running the MRT.

    Did you check with AVG Support and forums about those ghost issues?

    Have you removed all the external devices that you can?

    The quick easy way to check memory is to remove some and then swap it in and out

    in different patterns (of course remove ALL power). Try 4 GB in various combinations

    to see if the issue follow any particular module.

    If needed also run memory tests :

    Memory tests do not catch all errors such as mismatched memory (possible even for sticks

    that appear to be identical) and when faster memory is placed in system behind slower memory.

    So it is best to also swap sticks in and out to check for those even if all memory tests fail to show

    a problem.

    To test RAM check here - let it run 4+ hours or so.   <-- best methodwww.memtest.org

    For the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.

    Start - type in Search box ->  Memory - find Memory Diagnostics tool at top of list - Right Click -

    RUN AS ADMIN follow the instructions

    Windows Vista: How to Scan / Test your RAM or Memory with Windows Vista Memory Diagnostic

    Tool

    http://www.shivaranjan.com/2007/11/01/windows-vista-how-to-scan-test-your-ram-or-memory-with-windows-vista-memory-diagnostic-tool/

    How to Run the Memory Diagnostics Tool in Windows 7

    http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/715-memory-diagnostics-tool.html

    Hope this helps.

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

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-12-29T16:53:15+00:00

    The MS MRT has been running for 15 hours and is nearly 1/4th complete.  After it runs, I will rerun TDSSKiller with the two boxes checked.

    How can I rule out memory cards?  I have 4 cards installed for a total of 6GB.

    Thanks!

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