Help needed with a laptop

[jojo]

An elderly friend has brought his laptop to me with some serious issues.

It is an ASUS Notebook K40IJ Pentium Dual core T4200 2GHz
4GB RAM 32 bit
Vista Home Premium SP2

He has owned it since I believe 2011

It is very slow. The browder, Chrome, is repeatedly hijacked. When I logged into here, for example, another tab opened, offering me a survey.

IE is blanked out and other browsers are impossible to load

MWB runs for over 3 hours then closes with nothing affected.

I have a HIJACKThis Log and will be grateful for constructive advice. I would dearly love to help this good friend.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.5
Scan saved at 04:57:22, on 24/06/2014
Platform: Windows Vista SP2 (WinNT 6.00.1906)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v9.00 (9.00.8112.16555)


Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\ASUS Live Update\ALU.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\SmartLogon\sensorsrv.exe
C:\Program files\P4G\BatteryLife.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\ASUS CopyProtect\aspg.exe
C:\Program Files\Motorola\MotoHelper\MotoHelperAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\VIA\VIAudioi\VDeck\VDECK.EXE
C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATK Hotkey\HControlUser.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATKOSD2\ATKOSD2.exe
C:\Windows\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATK Media\DMedia.exe
C:\Windows\AsScrPro.exe
C:\Windows\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\Program Files\Elantech\ETDCtrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpnscfg.exe
C:\Program Files\SilverCrest OMC807 Driver\MouClient_FD2_9063RL.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\Windows\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Digital Home Support\DHSClient.exe
C:\Windows\System32\Atwtusb.exe
C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Service Manager\ServiceManager.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\msseces.exe
C:\Program Files\Samsung\Kies\KiesTrayAgent.exe
C:\Windows\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\SRS Labs\SRS Premium Sound\SRSPremiumSoundBig_Small.exe
C:\Program Files\Samsung\Kies\Kies.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Windows\ehome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IELowutil.exe
C:\Users\tony\Saved Games\Downloads\HijackThis (1).exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = speedial.com/?f=1&a=spd_cmi_14_25_ch&cd=2XzuyEtN2Y1L1QzutDtDtByCtCzztBtBtAyB0DtC0BtC0FtDtN0D0Tzu0SzytDtBtN1L2XzutBtFtBtCtFyEtFtDtN1L1CzutCyEtBzytDyD1V1TtN1L1G1B1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2StDyEyBtDyDzzyEtBtG0B0BzyyBtGzy0EyC0CtGzz0CyDtCtGyEyCtB0FtCyB0EtD0D0CzzyC2QtN1M1F1B2Z1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2StB0F0EyD0EtAyBzztG0BzytC0EtGtC0FyB0EtGyEyCzyyEtGtAzzyBzy0DyC0ByC0ByDzy0E2Q&cr=736033709&ir=
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = speedial.com/?f=1&a=spd_cmi_14_25_ch&cd=2XzuyEtN2Y1L1QzutDtDtByCtCzztBtBtAyB0DtC0BtC0FtDtN0D0Tzu0SzytDtBtN1L2XzutBtFtBtCtFyEtFtDtN1L1CzutCyEtBzytDyD1V1TtN1L1G1B1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2StDyEyBtDyDzzyEtBtG0B0BzyyBtGzy0EyC0CtGzz0CyDtCtGyEyCtB0FtCyB0EtD0D0CzzyC2QtN1M1F1B2Z1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2StB0F0EyD0EtAyBzztG0BzytC0EtGtC0FyB0EtGyEyCzyyEtGtAzzyBzy0DyC0ByC0ByDzy0E2Q&cr=736033709&ir=
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: Trend Micro NSC BHO - {1CA1377B-DC1D-4A52-9585-6E06050FAC53} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: RealNetworks Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\ProgramData\RealNetworks\RealDownloader\BrowserPlugins\IE\rndlbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Family Safety Browser Helper - {4f3ed5cd-0726-42a9-87f5-d13f3d2976ac} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live ID Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Messenger Companion Helper - {9FDDE16B-836F-4806-AB1F-1455CBEFF289} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Companion\companioncore.dll
O2 - BHO: SkypeIEPluginBHO - {AE805869-2E5C-4ED4-8F7B-F1F7851A4497} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\skypeieplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: TmBpIeBHO - {BBACBAFD-FA5E-4079-8B33-00EB9F13D4AC} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HDAudDeck] C:\Program Files\VIA\VIAudioi\VDeck\VDeck.exe -r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HControlUser] C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATK Hotkey\HControlUser.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATKOSD2] C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATKOSD2\ATKOSD2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATKMEDIA] C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATK Media\DMedia.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ACMON] C:\Program Files\ASUS\Splendid\ACMON.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Wireless Console 3] C:\Program Files\ASUS\Wireless Console 3\wcourier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Screen Saver Protector] C:\Windows\AsScrPro.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Camera ScreenSaver] C:\Windows\AsScrProlog.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ETDWare] C:\Program Files\Elantech\ETDCtrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "c:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office X4\Programs\QFSCHD140.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launch SilverCrest OMC807] C:\Program Files\SilverCrest OMC807 Driver\MouClient_FD2_9063RL.exe
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: [AdobeAAMUpdater-1.0] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\UWA\UpdaterStartupUtility.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DHSClient.exe] "C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Digital Home Support\DHSClient.exe" /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SwitchBoard] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\SwitchBoard\SwitchBoard.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdobeCS6ServiceManager] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\CS6ServiceManager\CS6ServiceManager.exe" -launchedbylogin
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TrustInstaller] E:\Setup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [atwtusb] atwtusb.exe beta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ServiceManager.exe] "C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Service Manager\ServiceManager.exe" /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSC] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\msseces.exe" -hide -runkey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KiesTrayAgent] C:\Program Files\Samsung\Kies\KiesTrayAgent.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ehTray.exe] C:\Windows\ehome\ehTray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SRS Premium Sound] "C:\Program Files\SRS Labs\SRS Premium Sound\SRSPremiumSoundBig_Small.exe" /hideme
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus SX400 Series] C:\Windows\system32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIEGE.EXE /FU "C:\Windows\TEMP\E_SE35C.tmp" /EF "HKCU"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [KiesPreload] C:\Program Files\Samsung\Kies\Kies.exe /preload
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /minimized /regrun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O8 - Extra context menu item: Copy to &Lightning Note - C:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Lightning\Programs\WPLightningCopyToNote.hta
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open with WordPerfect - c:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office X4\Programs\WPLauncher.hta
O9 - Extra button: @c:\Program Files\Windows Live\Companion\companionlang.dll,-600 - {0000036B-C524-4050-81A0-243669A86B9F} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Companion\companioncore.dll
O9 - Extra button: @c:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WindowsLiveWriterShortcuts.dll,-1004 - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @c:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WindowsLiveWriterShortcuts.dll,-1003 - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra button: Skype Click to Call - {898EA8C8-E7FF-479B-8935-AEC46303B9E5} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\skypeieplugin.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O11 - Options group: [ACCELERATED_GRAPHICS] Accelerated graphics
O18 - Protocol: tmbp - {1A77E7DC-C9A0-4110-8A37-2F36BAE71ECF} - (no file)
O18 - Protocol: tmpx - {0E526CB5-7446-41D1-A403-19BFE95E8C23} - (no file)
O18 - Protocol: tmtbim - {0B37915C-8B98-4B9E-80D4-464D2C830D10} - (no file)
O18 - Protocol: wlpg - {E43EF6CD-A37A-4A9B-9E6F-83F89B8E6324} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\AlbumDownloadProtocolHandler.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\Windows\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe Active File Monitor V9 (AdobeActiveFileMonitor9.0) - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Elements 9 Organizer\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe Acrobat Update Service (AdobeARMservice) - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\armsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe Flash Player Update Service (AdobeFlashPlayerUpdateSvc) - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerUpdateService.exe
O23 - Service: ASLDR Service (ASLDRService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\ASUS\ATK Hotkey\ASLDRSrv.exe
O23 - Service: ATKGFNEX Service (ATKGFNEXSrv) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\ATKGFNEX\GFNEXSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Canon Camera Access Library 8 (CCALib8) - Canon Inc. - C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Acresso Software Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: HsdService - Virgin Media - C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Digital Home Support\HsdService.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: MotoHelper Service (MotoHelper) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Motorola\MotoHelper\MotoHelperService.exe
O23 - Service: ProtexisLicensing - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\PSIService.exe
O23 - Service: Protexis Licensing V2 (PSI_SVC_2) - Protexis Inc. - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Protexis\License Service\PsiService_2.exe
O23 - Service: RealNetworks Downloader Resolver Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\RealNetworks\RealDownloader\rndlresolversvc.exe
O23 - Service: Reimage Real Time Protection (ReimageRealTimeProtection) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Reimage\Reimage Repair\ReiGuard.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: ServicepointService - Radialpoint SafeCare Inc. - C:\Program Files\Virgin Media\Service Manager\ServicepointService.exe
O23 - Service: Skype Updater (SkypeUpdate) - Skype Technologies - C:\Program Files\Skype\Updater\Updater.exe
O23 - Service: Stuffit Archive Name Service - Smith Micro Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Smith Micro\StuffIt 2009\ArcNameService.exe
O23 - Service: SwitchBoard - Adobe Systems Incorporated - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\SwitchBoard\SwitchBoard.exe
O23 - Service: Update focusbase - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\focusbase\updatefocusbase.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: vxlsnyaiet32 - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\003\vxlsnyaiet32.exe (file missing)

--
End of file - 11630 bytes

[jojo]

I posted the above file from the infected computer. I don't want to risk linking mine at this time

If I may add, there is loads of stuff on this laptop. I think much of it came bundled. I am going to suggest that a lot is removed. But a lot simply refuses to un install returning errors.

Hijack this refuses to work from the desktop icon. I had to find the file and run as administrator.

Among the stubborn files are these:
AmIcoSingLun
Buzzdock
PCMover Professional
Speedial
PCSync Laplink

A rather more disturbing problem is the machine refuses to turn off, going into a hibernation state only.

[mikkh]

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSC] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\msseces.exe" -hide -runkey

This is the only thing that should be in 04 run section - Windows defender is about as much use as a chocolate teapot IMO, so yes that can go too (use MBAM instead)

The virus checker, in this case Microsoft Security Essentials should be the ONLY thing - the rest is unnecessary or hand holding junk that can be started elsewhere if needed

The R0 entries obviously have to go, plus all the BH0 stuff

I posted a list of tools I use a few weeks ago - use them first (in safe mode)

A better solution would be to save what data files he needs and put a fresh install of Linux or Windows 7 on - thus updating it and removing all the Asus junk in one go

[jojo]

Thanks mikkh. I knew you'd be the guy for HijackThis

I've been running these from safe mode as you say.

ADWCleaner. Ran this first and removed 6 files.

MWB Sadly, after several attempts, lasting over 3 hours, it repeatedly crashed. I think I have finally managed to get rid of the problem by letting it reach between 50 and 100 then stopping and deleting what had been found. The last scan took about 30 mins and found nothing!

Anyway, my own feeling is as yours, scrub and start again. At the very least I'd like to remove most of the excess junk then scrub an almost clean installation.(There were 3 different word processing programs) But I can't do very much without consulting the guy.

[vikingken]

If it had Vista on it in 2011, it must have been quite old when he got it. I wouldn't mess with it and reinstall it after a FULL format. Whatever you do dont do a quick format. Better to put XP on than Vista, XP x 64 if you have got it.

[jojo]

Those are my thoughts as well ken. But sadly, not my decision.

I've finished scrubbing out the junk, currently doing a major defrag.

There's loads which I would have preferred to remove, but seemingly, the owner's son (or grandson, not sure), put a lot of the stuff on there.

Anyway, thanks for the support everyone.

[vikingken]

People dont realise that Windows wears itself out, for want of a better way of putting it Jojo. A well used computer needs to be reinstalled about once a year to 18 months. I like to install Windows; all my essential programs and updates, then make a Paragon image. When things get sluggish, I can go back to square one in about 20 minutes. Then all I need to do is update it and that might take an hour or so, with the AV and bits and pieces. Even an hour and a half is better than installing everything bit by bit. I dont keep anything on the C:/ drive longer than I have to. I save to external drives, but copy files back to C:/ while working on them and then resave to an external. Important files are saved to more than one drive. I never lose a file, but it can take me several days to find what I'm looking for.

[mikkh]

I can't agree with the XP suggestion, it doesn't make sense to me. For much older machines it would be a consideration to squeeze some life out of it, but a dual core with 4 GB RAM is more than enough for a modern OS - it could even run Windows 8 (not recommended either)

Getting drivers for XP would be a pain for a start and if you actually like IE and WMP (stranger things have happened!) you've got no chance of running the latest versions, the same would apply to M$office and a host of other Microsoft software. The lack of updates wouldn't worry me, but we're coming to a time when third party security software will refuse to install on XP making a faster system a dangerous road to travel on. For basic day to day computing, the speed difference wouldn't be noticeable anyway. XP is a last resort for single core 1 GB RAM type ancient beasts, not for that machine

[jojo]

Anyone heard of or know what is

Snuffit 2009 from Smith Micro Software?


www.stuffit.com/win-stuffit.html

[vikingken]

I was working on the assumption that they didn't want to spend the money and upgrade it Mikk. I bought a laptop with an Intel Core 2 Duo and 2 GB RAM, running Vista. I stuck another 2 GB memory in and installed XP x 64. When Windows 7 BETA came out, I installed the 64 bit version and ran Windows 7 x 64 right up to SP1. After installing SP1 the graphics packed up, not a good idea on any computer and you cant just change the card on a laptop. There wasn't any way round it, they had given up making 64 bit graphics drivers. I reinstalled it with Windows 7 x 86 and it was running that until a few weeks ago, the only thing that wouldn't work was the card reader. The last few weeks I have used it to experiment with Windows 8, still no drivers for the card reader. Some dual cores are well past it now, they are putting quad cores in bloody mobiles and like my old laptop they are not only governed by the CPU. Much more flexibillity in a desktop of the same era.

Never heard of it Jojo, better off sticking to Winrar, Winzip or something thats been proven. 

[jojo]

It's gone now anyway. I did return it, but shortly after, the problem came back and so did the laptop.

I ended up turning on the admin account and successfully working from that.

I will admit that one of the programs recommended by mikkh, Rkill, I stopped too early the first time. It wasn't too clear what I was supposed to do. The second attempt, from the Admin account, I was having a cup of tea while it was running. Which only goes to demonstrate what my mum used to say, there are few problems in this world that can't be sorted over a cup of tea!

There's still quite a bit I would have liked to do, such as removing the huge amounts of garbage left after removing BingBar and Chrome, plus other similar, but I didn't risk it because I wanted time to make sure nothing crashed as a result. I'm prety sure these are the routes used by malware to get into machines. These bits of left over code and software and and probably does have the ability to chat to the net.

A certain piece of software, installed by his son, which should have cost several hundred and which I was specifically asked to leave is not working now. I didn't do anything to it. But one of the malware programs almost certainly did. Pirating and porn. The two minefields for computers!

This fellow, though a good friend, tried to offer me something for what I'd done. I don't think he understood how much fun it is thinking your way through the tricks and problems of this sort of thing.

The option of changing the OS was never in the running. Firstly because of the 'special software' but also because getting used to a new interface. Which for those with very little interest in computers, is a struggle. I will never understand why all of these vendors insist upon altering their interfaces.

The problem with installing XP, though, isn't the drivers, since these are available as a package from M$. www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=41929

It's getting M$ to activate it, which is necessary before installing anything.

Think about it. M$ have never actually said XP is insecure, only that there will be no more hotfixes. Yet many of the hotfixes released have been bordering on the hypothetical, when you read the accompanying notes. I strongly suspect that many were simply released so M$ could legitimately say they were doing something, when all they really needed to do was turn off the huge number of network services which most users don't use anyway.

I suggest the problem with XP is that it is currently the most stable OS M$ has yet released. Mine never crashes and is faster than a speeding bullet. Such problems are there were have long since been fixed. It is upwardly compatible with almost all software. That may change, eventually though. SSDs and RAM limitations, plus the eventual difficulties in replacing worn parts are a dark hardware cloud approaching.

The problem remains, a legal workaround for Activation which won't bring M$ lawyers down onto you.

So, they won't sell it. They won't activate it. They will almost certainly destroy anyone who tries to produce a workaround.

[mikkh]

I don't know about 'fun' but there is a certain enjoyment in solving a problem. It get's to be less fun when they keep coming back because they don't learn from their mistakes and don't really care, because they know they've got a free (or cheap) cure. I have lots of 'friends' like that unfortunately.

The 'special software' is almost certainly underused, could be replaced by something cheaper or free and is wanted more as a shiny toy rather than anything genuinely useful. I know several people who aren't happy unless they've got thousands of pounds of industry standard software installed but hardly ever (or never) use it because a) They barely know how to use it but if it should cost x amount of pounds, then it must be good right? b) They like saying Oh I always use megabucks ultracool software because they use it in Hollywood/NASA/Other impressive sounding business. c) I used it in college/university and I might use it again in the next decade - probably!

The usual line I get is " I *MUST* have Microsoft Office on" and if it's one left with me, I can't resist having a quick nosey at the files particularly the file types more than the content to see why they MUST have it. Is there a swathe of databases, spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations and outlook notes? Of course there isn't, just a handful of doc(x) files, maybe an attempt at doing the family accounts on excel but long since abandoned and one or two powerpoint presentations they've downloaded off the internet.

I had one joker who was most insistent I didn't lose autocad and I found a few half assed attempts at doing his name in 3D on the drive - impressive!

Talking of Autocad, I just did a quick google to see what the current version costs nowadays. Not only is the price eye watering, but there's an option to rent it for a mere £255 a month or you could simply upgrade from the last version for a bargain £2700 instead. Where's my credit card?

[vikingken]

If MS are refusing to activate XP, they must have dumped it. As far as I'm concerned, pirate copies are now just an Open Source OS that belongs to anybody who wants to run it. If they still claim to own it, I dont see how they can legally stop you from using it. If I rent you a house, I'm breaking the law if I prevent you from living in it. Same difference.

[jojo]

I love that logic ken.

Have a feeling we might end up in Gitmo with such rebellious individualism.

[jojo]

Addition.

I think I've figured out how Hirens and Falcon got round the activation problem.

Since the activation files are so machine specific it's dawned on me that neither actually did. Both are working on the 30 day M$ trial period, but since the system isn't write-able, it simply starts from zero, each time it's loaded.

Kinda obvious now that I think about it. Doh!

[vikingken]

Using Jojo's benchmarker, I thought I would show you what to expect if you install Windows 8 on a Intel Core 2 Duo with 4 GB RAM.

This is my old laptop with its experimental Windows 8.1 x 86 installation

This is it compared to a larger Core 2 with a dedicated graphics card and an i5 with a graphics card.

_

This is my modern laptop running Windows 7 Pro x 64 and is let down by not having a dedicated graphics card.

It just happens that the next scan was another Core 2 Duo, with a dedicated card. TheThird one is an old AMD laptop

[vikingken]

Had to add a post for the last capture, I had reached my limit on the last post.

Anyway I think this shows that the Intel Core 2 Duo is getting past its sell by date. After a massive burst of speed for a couple of years, technology advancement seems to have come almost to a halt.

[mikkh]

I just rescued an old atom notebook (1600 cpu 1 GB RAM) being choked to death on the Windows 7 starter edition it came with
That was crying out for XP or Linux and normally I'd use one of my external USB CD drives to put XP on, but I decided to investigate using a pen/thumb drive instead

I came across this h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-Systems-and-Software/How-to-install-Windows-XP-from-USB-flash-drive/td-p/529005

which is a bit convoluted, but does work thanks to the USB multiboot 10 software mentioned

and the XP drivers were surprisingly easy to find too

www.odrivers.com/2012/06/samsung-n150-drivers-windows-xp.html

(looks a decent site for other drivers)

So, a pile of garbage turned into a useful machine again. Just tried iPlayer on it and it's fine

[vikingken]

My little HP Netbook came with Windows 7 Starter, its a pretty useless OS and I installed Windows 7 Pro. Its got the twin screw 150 MHz Atom and I upped the RAM to 2 GB, thats all it will take. Although it scores less than Core 2 Duo, in fact it is faster. Not a lot, although it boots faster and dont hang like the Windows 8.1. It is running a pure SSD and the Core 2 is running a hybrid.

[jojo]

I regret not having this tool earlier, as it would have made a before and after comparison more than subjective.

I have compared my wife's computer to mine. Not really a fair comparison, but it might make a point.

Her's is a laptop, with all services unchanged from default.

Her score is 440 novabench.com/view/630677

Mine is a desktop, with unnecessary services, ie, all the networking, turned off.

My score is 516 novabench.com/view/630337

Together with other evidence here, it does suggest that most machines are running with their handbrakes on.


The sited referred to by mikkh describing transfer of XP from flash drive looks good. I'll take a look.

If I may, does anyone know why I get error messages when accessing the Novabench site using Firefox, but not IE7?

[vikingken]

Your benchmarker isn't very accurate Jojo. I didn't take much notice of my drive score when I posted it. It was only when I was reading through it again, I noticed your wifes HDD scored better than my SSD. That had me panicing I can tell ya. I ran the Windows benchmark and my drive scored 7.9 and it dont go any higher. Then I went to PCPitstop; which I have been using for years, but not lately. My score went from 48 Mb/s to 199 Mb/s, a slight difference. Your benchmarker will give you some idea, but I wouldn't take it too seriously. Its probably not been updated to take account of SSDs.

Here is my PCPitstop benchmark, not bad for a laptop and a bit different to what your benchmarker suggested.

 

[jojo]

I think you're dead right there ken.

I originally was looking for a benchmark program to check before and after for any work or installations.

As a comparison it's perhaps useful. I'll probably hold onto it for that. As a bit of friendly banter, it's a laugh. As a serious tool...? Probably more Black and Decker than Metabo

At the end of the day, it's all down to preference really. Someone on another XP site asked, what if they like Eyecandy?

A perfectly reasonably point. Turn it off to get more power, but where's the fun in that?

The same can be said about the Start up program from Lynnrose in the Utilities section. My wife likes to have Skype loaded and running in the background in case one of her (enormous )circle of friends happens to call. OK, so it means her startup takes ages.

Buzzy's jigsaw is another bit of fun.

Thanks for reminding me about PC Pitstop. I haven't been in there in ages. I'll have a wander after I make another attempt to do Buzzy's jigsaw is less than the 'Average' time!

[vikingken]

The other good thing about PCPitstop Jojo, they tell you whats wrong and what to do to to fix it.

Its not a good idea to have Skype running except when you intend to use it.

[jojo]

Ah, yes, it isn't a good idea to have skype running all the time.

But interfering with a woman's computer is up there with disagreeing with her sister and not noticing her latest hair do.

And that includes a woman to whom you've been married over 30 years.

[jojo]

Just finished a PC Pitstop scan. Everything seems OK, but rather surprised they say ZoneAlarm is a craplet and should be turned off.

There's something I didn't know I didn't know!



Quite surprised mine is so high up the world rankings!!

[mikkh]

This is where these benchmarks fall down quite badly (the nova one in particular)

I tested mine for curiosity value and scored a fraction over 600 and compared to your 516 score for the XP machine, that doesn't seem a great deal better

Now how do I put this delicately.... There's no way your machine is even close in speed or performance to mine and having seen Ken's 1200+ score for his i7 laptop I seriously doubt it's twice as good in real World applications and everyday use - so what do these numbers really mean?

I haven't run PCpitstop in a while, but I'd be pretty disappointed if I didn't at least double your score, which makes the nova benchmark seem rather suspect to say the least

There seems to be a distinct bias towards Intel CPU's as well. I know they're better (at a price) than AMD, but not by the margins those figures suggest

My main machine is a couple of years old now, but I did future proof it as much as possible by buying a decent AMD quad core CPU, a top end motherboard and have recently doubled the RAM to 8 GB as well as upgrading to a 2GB graphics card. I'm still using an old fashioned mechanical drive because I'm having difficulty in convincing myself I need to go any faster than I already am

I did look on pcpitstop last night as it happens, but it's changed a lot and obviously it doesn't work in Linux either. Might boot Windows and try it later

[jojo]

You don't need to be delicate mikkh. I hope I'm not that insecure.  My machine is a 2007 model after all and is used almost every day!

But your point about interpretation is well made I think.

As a before and after tool, to measure performance changes in a specific machine, I think Novabench, being quick and portable, is ideal.

But anything else is just a bit of a laugh.

I will say though, that a major reason for the performance of my machine is the networking and animation services are all switched off. If someone needs or simply likes these then any machine will slow down.

It's still an old beast though.

[mikkh]

Ouch, just ran pcpitstop on the Windows 7 partition and it turns out Nova isn't that far off. I scored under 10,000 and scraped into the top 25%
Obviously I know technology moves quickly, but that is quite a shock even to me. I seem to remember testing it when I first built it and it was in the top 10%

I rarely use Windows, so I haven't streamlined it like I would if it was my main OS and my 'upgrade' graphics card was only a cheap £40 thing I bought on a whim. Turns out my old 512 MB was much better, but since I stopped playing installable games, FPS isn't a consideration any more.

I have a few issues with PCpitstop. First it tries to tell me IE is the most popular browser (it's actually the least popular and has been for years) and basically I've got to use it, if I want to run the tests. Then after running the tests, it declares I only have one problem - a fragmented hard drive. This is based solely on the fact I've never scheduled a disk defrag, and why would I when I use the excellent Auslogics disk defrag instead. Then I tried the trial version of PC checkit or whatever it's called and suddenly I've got a dozen or more problems and the chance to pay money to fix them! [insert favourite expletive here]


...Oh yeah and I was marked down for having a small Windows partition, which is 80% empty anyway and therefore doesn't impact on performance at all. It's obviously blind to the Linux partitions and hasn't considered I might have an external hard drive for backups/storage that wasn't switched on. I used to respect pcpitstop, but it just seems to be a money making scheme now

[vikingken]

PCPitstop never stop trying to sell you their Optomize, but their newsletter can be quite informative.

The main reason I have an SSD in the laptop; if it was run for more than a short while, it got very hot with a HDD and it runs cold with a SSD. It scored pretty good on PCPitstop with a HDD.

[vikingken]

I have to agree that PCPitstop are a bit one sided and Intel core are their favorites. This is my score for my main computer, powered by an AMD V8 Bulldozer engine with 32 GB RAM. The C:/ scores pretty good; no SSD, just 2 x 500 GB 10,000 rpm HDDs in a suicide RAID array. It must be about 4 years old now, built when the 8 core Bulldozer first came out.

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