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everything is sluggish

10 min read

This thread's last reply is from August 19, 2010, 9:57 PM UTC. Software, malware, and removal-tool advice below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

sanbearsden
August 11, 2010, 11:57 PM UTC
Hi,
I'm really new at this. My system has become increasingly slow since about 5 months ago. I notice that the PF Usage is much higher than it used to be, (average 600 MB but often goes over 1200) but I'm not sure which programs should or should not be running. I de-fragmented the disk and tried a few things with the virtual memory settings. I'm worried that I might have something trying to take over. Gratitude to anyone who can make some sense of this.

Here's my Hijack This Logfile:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 6:24:39 PM, on 8/11/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.17055)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\bcmwltry.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\NICCONFIGSVC\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\SigmaTel\C-Major Audio\WDM\stsystra.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee Security Scan\2.0.181\SSScheduler.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Broadcom Wireless Manager UI] C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShowLOMControl] 
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDLauncher] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] %ProgramFiles%\SigmaTel\C-Major Audio\WDM\stsystra.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Google Update] "C:\Documents and Settings\Dan\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe" /c
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [RunNarrator] Narrator.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [RunNarrator] Narrator.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: McAfee Security Scan Plus.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: VerbAce-Pro Startup Agent.lnk = C:\Program Files\VerbAce Research\VerbAce-Pro\VerbAce-Pro.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1212610909546
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Security Scan Component Host Service (McComponentHostService) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\McAfee Security Scan\2.0.181\McCHSvc.exe
O23 - Service: NICCONFIGSVC - Dell Inc. - C:\Program Files\Dell\NICCONFIGSVC\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Dell Wireless WLAN Tray Service (wltrysvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE

--
End of file - 6332 bytes
MWR 3 day Mod
August 15, 2010, 5:30 AM UTC
[3days:2nxgtqha][/3days:2nxgtqha]
Wingman
August 16, 2010, 1:26 PM UTC
Hello sanbearsden... Welcome to the forum.

I apologize for the delay getting to your log... the forum is very busy.

My name is Wingman, and I'll be helping you with any malware problems.
The logs I request can take a while to research, so please be patient.

Before we begin...please read and follow these important guidelines, so things will proceed smoothly.
  1. The instructions being given are for YOUR computer and system only!
    Using these instructions on a different computer can cause damage to that computer and possibly render it inoperable!
  2. DO NOT run any other fix or removal tools unless instructed to do so!
  3. DO NOT install any other software (or hardware) during the cleaning process. This adds more items to be researched.
  4. Only- post your problem at (1) one help site. Applying fixes from multiple help sites can cause problems.
  5. Print each set of instructions...if possible...your Internet connection will not be available during some fix processes.
  6. Only- reply to this thread, do not start another ... Please, continue responding, until I give you the "All Clean"

Please take time to read the Malware Removal Forum Guidelines and Rules where the conditions for receiving help at this forum are explained.

The steps presented in these posts are for this person and machine ONLY. Do not apply these steps to your own system, without the guidance of a trained malware removal helper. Doing so, may possibly damage your system, preventing it from starting.

Please read all instructions carefully before executing and perform the steps, in the order given.
lf, you have any questions or problems, executing these instructions, <<STOP>> do not proceed, post back with the question or problem.

Step 1.
ERUNT - Emergency Recovery Utility NT
If you already have this program installed, please proceed to the Run: portion of these instructions.
Modifying the Registry can create unforeseen problems, so it's always wise to create a backup before doing so.
This is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.
ERUNT utility program
Download:
  1. Please download ERUNT...by Lars Hederer. Save it to your desktop.
  2. Double-click erunt-setup-exe to run the install process. Install ERUNT by following the prompts.
  3. Use the default install settings...
  4. Make sure the first two check boxes -> (Create ERUNT and NTREGOPT desktop icons) are checked.
    Say "NO" if prompted or asked if you want to add ERUNT to the Start-Up folder. You can enable this later.
  5. Start ERUNT either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup process.
  6. Choose a location for the backup. Note: the default location is C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT which is fine.
  7. Click on OK ... then click on "YES" to create the folder.
Run:
This will create a full backup of your registry... ERUNT can be used to restore the registry from this backup, if needed.
  1. Please navigate to Start >> All Programs >> ERUNT, then double-click ERUNT from the menu.
  2. Click on OK within the pop-up menu.
  3. In the next menu under C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT\DD-MM-YYYY under Backup options make sure both the following are selected:
    • System registry.
    • Current user registry.
  4. Next click on "OK"... at the prompt... reply "Yes".
    After a short duration the Registry backup is complete! pop-up message will appear.
  5. Now click on "OK". A registry backup has now been created.
< STOP > If you did not successfully complete this step. < STOP > Do not continue with any other steps, post back and let me know!

Step 2.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Please save any items you were working on... close any open programs. You may be asked to reboot your machine.
Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop. If needed...Tutorial w/screenshots
Alternate download sites available here or here.
  1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  2. Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  3. When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
  4. When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
    • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware <<---Important!
    • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
    • Then click Finish.
    MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan.
    • If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself.
    • Press the OK button to close that box and continue.
    • Problems downloading the updates? Manually download them from here and double-click on "mbam-rules.exe" to install.
On the Scanner tab:
  1. Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
  2. Then click on the Scan button.
  3. If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
    The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
    When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
  4. Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.
Back at the main Scanner screen:
  1. Click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
  2. Check all items except any items (if present) in the C:\System Volume Information folder... then click on Remove Selected.
    We will take care of the System Volume Information items later.
    When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to restart your computer. (see Note below)
    The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM. The log can also be found here:
    C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs\mbam-log-date (time).txt
  3. Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts. Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.
  • If Malwarebytes Anti-Malware results in any error messages, check the Help file's list of error codes within its program folder first. If you do not find any information, please refer to Common Issues, Questions, and their Solutions, Frequently Asked Questions. If the error you are receiving is not in the list, please report it here so the research team can investigate.
  • Some types of malware will target Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and other security tools to keep them from running properly. If that's the case, please refer to the suggestions provided in For those having trouble running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.


Step 3.
GMER
The downloaded file will have a random name... this prevents malware from detecting and blocking it.
Please download GMER... random file name.exe by GMER. An alternate (zip file) download site.
Note: Do not run any programs while Gmer is running.
**Caution** Rootkit scans often produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<--- ROOKIT" entries
  1. Double click on the random named.exe to execute. If asked, allow the gmer.sys driver load.
  2. If it gives you a warning about rootkit activity and asks if you want to run scan...click on NO <--- Important!
  3. On the right side panel, several boxes have been checked. Please UNCHECK the following: (see image below)
    • IAT/EAT
    • Drives/Partition other than Systemdrive (typically C:\)
    • Show All <-- don't miss this one



    Click on image to enlarge

  4. If you don't get a warning then... Click the Rootkit/Malware tab at the top of the GMER window.
  5. Click the Scan button.
  6. Once the scan has finished... click Save. The Save... window will open.
  7. Save the scan results as gmerroot.log, save it to your Desktop.
  8. Double click on the desktop "gmerroot.log" file, to open in Notepad.
  9. Copy and paste the contents of the file gmerroot.log in your next reply.
    Note: If GMER hangs or crashes your computer, Re-run it and UNCHECK "Devices" along with the other items mentioned.


Step 4.
RSIT (Random's System Information Tool)
Please download RSIT by random/random... save it to your desktop.
You need to be connected to the Internet, so RSIT can download HijackThis, if needed.
  1. Double click on RSIT.exe to run it... read the disclaimer... click on Continue.
  2. RSIT will start running. When done... 2 logs files...will be produced.
    The first one, "log.txt", <<will be maximized... the second one, "info.txt", <<will be minimized.
    These log files can be found in the C:\RSIT folder
  3. Please post both... "log.txt" and "info.txt", file contents in your next reply.


Step 5.
Please include in your next reply:
  1. Any problem executing the instructions?
  2. MBAM scan results.
  3. GMER - gmerroot.log file contents.
  4. RSIT - log.txt and info.txt file contents.
  5. How is the computer behaving?
Thanks,
Wingman
Wingman
August 18, 2010, 8:31 PM UTC
3 Day Response
Hello...
It has been 2 days since my last post to you.
  • Do you still need help with this problem?
  • Are you having problems understanding or following my instructions?
  • Did you find help elsewhere, for your problem?
Just let me know what's going on otherwise...
After 24 hrs., if you have not replied to this thread... it will be closed!
Dakeyras
August 19, 2010, 9:57 PM UTC
lack of activity,