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windows vista unresponsive after 10 minutes

wfr37 · 2015-08-06T21:40:59+00:00

Running Windows Vista 32 bit version SP2. Windows Vista becomes unresponsive after about 10 minutes. Problem seems to be related to time rather than which or how many applications are or have been running. Boots normally, CPU using 100-50% typically (view with taskmaster). Soon the CPU usage lessens to zero, windows freeze, cursor freezes, and only shutdown method is to force close via power button. SAFE restart but often computer fails to proceed to the login screen. Just stops with black screen showing a cursor. I can usually restart normally and the freeze occurs again. My major worry is that my PC will not stay active long enough to complete the scans, paste logs and reply as I have seen requested as method to a solution on other posts. For some reason I was able to coax the PC to run long enough for Malwarebytes, but found no malware. Recently when i make a change requiring computing power (using configsys to enable all services or run dds.com scan for example) i am getting the bl

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wannabeageek MRU Master

August 28, 2015, 2:37 AM UTC

wfr37,

In your opening post you describe the issues you are having, but do not state how long ago these characteristics started prior to Aug 6, or if it correlates to installing or removing any program(s).

FYI- I am running McAfee virus and firewall software provided by my ISP, Cox Communications.

What were you running/using prior to this?
Personally I am not very fond of McAfee as it has caused me more issues than resolved.

wfr37

August 28, 2015, 12:20 PM UTC

I tried unsuccessfully to get help from the Microsoft community starting around July 19th and had been having trouble approximately 3 weeks before. I don't remember installation of any programs that happened around that time.

Have been running the McAfee for more than a year. Did have a problem with it recently where the protection would not stay on. The folks at Cox said it needed to be reinstalled and walked me through the steps. I cannot be sure about the exact timing of the problem and the reinstall but the reinstall had to have happened first.

Last program I remember running was one the Kapersky suites.

wfr37

August 28, 2015, 6:14 PM UTC

I have had problems even starting up in the safe mode. I thought in that case the computer would only run Windows programs. I don't understand how programs I have installed would affect the unresponsiveness of the computer when started in safe mode. In some cases the computer became unresponsive before reaching the login screen( perhaps I became too impatient before forcing a shutdown ) and in other cases the computer became unresponsive a very very short time after login. Do I miss understand the safe startup mode works?

wannabeageek MRU Master

August 29, 2015, 4:33 PM UTC

Do I miss understand the way safe startup mode works?

Yes wfr37,
I believe you do have a misunderstanding of what "Safe Mode" is for. Safe mode is for diagnostics only.
Also, you should never boot into Safe Mode with Networking to connect to the internet. No safety protocols or Anti-Virus protection is working.
If you have booted into safe mode with networking and connected to the internet to surf the web, your machine is very likely infected with something that by now is well embedded and undetectable. The reason I say this is that I am not finding any malware that would cause the issues you are having.

Therefor the only recourse you may have is to format and reinstall Vista.

Safe mode for Vista - Microsoft

safe mode - Wikipedia

wfr37

August 31, 2015, 1:28 AM UTC

Thanks for your advice and analysis. I haven't surfed in SAFE mode and only used it while working with you to download designated programs for testing or logging into malwareremoval.com for posts in the cases when I wasn't able to make my computer run long enough to accomplish the requested tasks. I'll work on the formating and reinstall Vista. Best regards.

NonSuch Administrator

September 1, 2015, 1:17 AM UTC

Reformatting and reinstalling your Vista operating system is a good choice. It will allow you to start over with a clean slate. :thumbleft:

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