PC Help

[davejackoParticipant]

I am having problems with my PC I dont know much about then so I was hoping that someone could help me. I AVG anti virus but my PC is taking ages to connect to the internet & when I finally get on it runs very slow but if I disconnect & reconnect it runs fine, Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[TF_Glenn Archer]

That does sound weird.

What is your PC setup?
Do you use a laptop over wi-fi (wireless)?
If you have another computer wired into the router for internet access does this have the same problem?

When you say disconnect and reconnect do you mean internet explorer (web browser) or are you physically restarting the router (the internet connection box)?

Some more info required to have a guess at the problem.

I would recommend you scan your computer for malware, I use a very good free piece of software to do this called malwarebytes anti-malware. Download it via the website link I will give you and then use the ‘Update’ option to get the latest virus and malware definitions onto your computer. After that, use the Scan option and ‘tick’ the Full Scan option and let it check your entire computer for malware. After its done press the ‘Show Results’ button and choose option to Remove any that are found.

I also recommend using Tuneup Utilities 2010 for keeping your PC in a workable state.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

http://www.tuneup-software.co.uk/download/
(30 day free full usage)

[TF_Gary]

Glenn, are there any other spyware, malware, etc tools that I should be using, or will those two cover everything? I used to be all over this stuff with AdAware, SpyBot, Windows Defender, etc 4 or 5 years ago, but I have to admit, I have been very lax with my new laptop and have never downloaded any of this stuff. Thanks in advance.

[davejackoParticipant]

Thanks for that Glenn Yes I mean disconnect & reconnect to internet explorer. I am just using a single PC no wireless or laptop. When I first connect it says there are 2 programmes running but when I reconnect there is only 1 programme running does that mean there is something dodgy running in the background at the start? I will try the software you recommended Thanks

[TF_afccamokiParticipant]

Hi Mate,

I’m a IT Infrastructure engineer, basically AVG is a load of crap, here’s some links to the free products I’ve been using for around a year and not had any issues.

Avast – http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button

Malwarebytes – http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Make sure once installed you let it scan these locations to otherwise you wont get rid of the viruses etc on your machine.

1.
– Go to My Documents > Click on Tools > Folder Options > View:
– Then tick Show hidden files and folders
– untick Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
– Then click OK.

2.

– Click on Start
– Right click My Computer > Properties
– Click on system restore
– Click turn off system restore.

3.

– Use both programs to scan your PC, keep repeating scans until no virus etc are detected.

4.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 in reserve.

5.

Sorted.

PM if you get stuck, or need more help

Kind Regards,

Dave

[TF_afccamokiParticipant]

Now if only I could find a decent 16M Pole with loads of tops and not paying a arm and a leg! 🙂

[TF_Glenn Archer]

Interesting Dave, what 2 programs are running?.
What version of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, etc) and what version of internet explorer (6,7,8)?
Who is your ISP (Internet provider) and what phone line connection do you have (cable, BT, etc). It could be a problem with the router, but hard to tell. When you first get the slow response do you get the box ‘diagnose connection’ problems coming up?

Try the malware program first and then see if it removes anything (I am sure it will!).

These 2 programs should be all you need to detect and repair malware problems and perform general maintenance. I do recommend that you buy Tuneup Utilities 2010, but see how you get on with it.

[TF_Glenn Archer]

Just a word of warning, the free AV (anti-virus) software is never as good as the ‘pro’ versions, and just be aware that you are likely to still get infected, and worse still with some AV’s, get disconnected from the internet nearing the end of the trial periods for the one’s you have to pay for (ulitmately).

Incompatibility between different firewall’s and AV can cause lots of grief too.

Sometimes, those of us who work in the IT industry, assume that others know the basics, but a lot of the time they don’t.
So when you buy your shiny new PC, remember that in 12 months time you will have to renew your AV or get an inferior free version.

G

[TF_afccamokiParticipant]

Sorry the two program I was referring to where Malwarebytes and Avast.

Always try to upgrade to the latest browser providing you don’t use your computer for work or is a work machine.

Malwarebytes and Avast works with all Windows operating systems & Browsers.

I understand people may not know alot about PCs, whats why I offered just a quick Virus program solutions. Replying to the previous fella. Rather than telling him to rip apart their PC and routers by either replacing or reconfiguring them for an issue that maybe down to a virus stashed away in the system restore folder..

Avast Home is free because its for home users only, its to detear businesses from using it.

Also if you PC is still running slow try a defrag to clean up your Hard drive that alone will improve performance.

Start > All Programs > Acessories > System Tools.

Cheers,

Dave

[TF_afccamokiParticipant]

Your right some AV and Firewalls lash out at each other.

Though Avast seems to do the trick, I just use that and Malwarebytes.

[TF_afccamokiParticipant]

I’ve had Avast for three years.

From Avast 4 to its upgraded form of Avast Home.

[TF_justin case]

I think after running those apps I would be looking at clearing all the temp files and cookies from my browser a swollen bloated browser will run like a pig I would certainly do that before a defrag

It might also be worth checking your internet connection with one of the third party broadband speed test sites. that will at least give you something to work on, it may well be your ISP is just pants

[TF_Gary]

So do you chaps think it is worth paying for some anti-virus software? I have never done this before and have never had any problems.

[davejackoParticipant]

Glenn I tried the Malware Program and it showed 7 infections including one trojan so I have removed them, closed the PC down twice and things seem to be ok. I am also going to try the tuning program you suggested. Many thanks for your help.

[TF_Gary]

davejacko, sorry for hijacking your thread, by the way! I suspect you are not the only person who is not clued up on spyware/ malware, so it is good to use the knowledge of these experts whilst we can!

[TF_caster robParticipant]

Malware bytes is one of the best free programmes available IMO.

To keep your PC running smoothly this is useful:

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Not an AV, just does an in-house tidy up and throws out the junk.

[Tommy Boy]

something else worth mentioning. avg is o.k. and as good as avast, personal preference/experiences is a big thing when choosing or reccomending a program.

malware bytes is great, spybot search and destroy is a good one also but there are other good free software versions of antivirs and anti-malware/spyware programs available.

alot of issues on a p.c is down to “pilot error!” basically meaning that lack of knowledge in certain areas where what you should and shouldnt do in certain circumstances can mean that your going to get hit with spyware or viruses or not!!

99% of any repairs i do is software related and usually some sort of corruption or similar down to infestation with virus and spyware files.

if your p.c. is always on its adviseable to configure your antivirus to do a scheduled scan daily at say 2.00am and always auto update its self. this means it will not slow your system down when/if you switch it on (due to it running a scan and updating the database)although it will do this if its powered off and switched back on the next day. this is not a bad thing!! its only a pain if your running an older system.

one thing to remember is updates are essential for your antivirus and antimalware programs and dont just hit cancel when an “update is availabe ” sign pops up, check what its for and download it if its for your antivirus or malware program (configuring auto updates is the best option here though as previosuly stated)

so…. avg or avast (avast has know interface issues with certain gaming software and associated programs so may not be the best option for a novice pc. gamer) either will do and is free, malware bytes or similar also is good…but the key is update daily or preferablly auto updates daily and scan regularly…

Happy Days!!~clap

[TF_afccamokiParticipant]

Nah You don’t need to pay for anti virus, yer make sure your temp internet files also cleared out from time to time to. There’s loads of broadband speed test you can do just search on Google then you can elimate if your internet connection is playing up of really slow.

Regards

Dave

[TF_Glenn Archer]

davejacko:
You are welcome, glad to be of some assistance.

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