Hi, ive recently been having problems with my processor constantly running, doing something other than what it is telling me. According to my startup and the task manager, only required programs are running in the background. Yet, when i am either idle or trying to play some game, my system constantly chunks out. I went to the system moniter in the control panel/accesories/system tools and it tells me that my processor is almost always running at 100% and it is writing to my harddrive from time to time in large amounts (.5 megs to 3.8 megs per second). I have 768 megs of SDRAM, so i dont think the problem is there, and no extra programs seem to be running... HELP!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Check this list of - Fixes.

Most apply. You most likely have Spyware installed.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Good Work! That was worth way more than 2 cents.


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 6:59 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

Check this list of -
>
>Fixes.
>

Most apply. You most likely have Spyware installed.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

dang, beautiful. my computer hasnt run this smoothly since i formatted three weeks ago, hehe. thanks a ton Sheldon Lee


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 6:59 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

Check this list of -
>
>Fixes.
>

Most apply. You most likely have Spyware installed.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Great job Jack,a masterpiece---jabuck


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 6:05 pm, Sheldon Lee wrote:
> Hi, ive recently been having problems with my processor constantly running, doing
>something other than what it is telling me.
> According to my startup and the task manager, only required programs are running
>in the background. Yet, when i am either idle or trying to play some game, my system
>constantly chunks out.
> I went to the system moniter in the control panel/accesories/system tools and
>it tells me that my processor is almost always running at 100% and it is writing
>to my harddrive from time to time in large amounts (.5 megs to 3.8 megs per second).
> I have 768 megs of SDRAM, so i dont think the problem is there, and no extra programs
>seem to be running... HELP!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

...I have 768 megs of SDRAM...

Sheldon, as strange as it may seem, that is too much for Windows Me and can cause problems, have a look at this Microsoft article:

"Out of Memory" Error Messages With Large Amounts of RAM Installed (253912)

Carl

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

With that kind of response, I should have put my updated two cents worth version here. My Windows ME is now very stable with all these changes. What the hay. I'll post it again anyway.

..Jack Gulley..

Actually, Windows ME is very stable (well can be) if you remove a few default software modules from memory, clean up your disk drive, remove any/all Spyware_AD-ware, virus, worms and trojans, update all device drivers, install all Windows Updates and make sure your hardware is OK.

For example: memory failures can cause program hanging symptoms. Or if you are overclocking and there is a random failure problem. This can be happening without you realizing it on most system boards running Windows. So you must test memory outside of Windows. Having memory problems can also cause corrupted program files on the disk during a Defrag. A common memory problem is a BIOS setting of "CLK SDRAM Cycle Length" of CL=2 when you may have a CL=3 rated SDRAM module added to the machine. So use your CMOS Setup function to set memory values to default or standard settings, and the CL setting to 3 (unless you know for a fact your memory is rated CL=2). Then run a standalone memory test from a DOS boot diskette. Get both DocMemory_v2.0 and MemTest86_v3.0, and make their boot diskettes. You should be able to run both for at least 12 hours without errors to test your hardware, before you suspect Windows ME is the cause of problems.

If a Windows ME system has more than 512MB of RAM, then to work around a bug in the vcache management, per Q253912, you must add the following to the [vcache] section of C:\Windows\SYSTEM.INI file:

[vcache]
MaxFileCache=524288

If more than 1024MB (1GB) RAM, then a second entry in SYSTEM.INI may be required in the [386Enh] section per Q304943 to limit Windows ME to using just 1GB of physical RAM:

[386Enh]
MaxPhysPage=40000

For more information see Memory Management_vcache.

Standard approach to this type of problem is to clean up the disk drive, run a full up to date virus scan, check for and remove Spyware - Ad-ware - Browser Hijackers, and then remove some unnecessary programs.

First, run ScanDisk to make sure the drive is OK. If problems running ScanDisk, then reboot the system into SAFE MODE (hold Ctrl when rebooting, before the Windows splash screen) and run Scandisk. In some cases it may be necessary to boot from a Windows ME boot diskette and run from the DOS prompt: SCANDISK C: to clear errors.

To do a quick Disk CleanUp and clean out temp files that you do not need, run (Start - Programs - Accessories - System Tools -Disk CleanUp) on your C: drive. Run this every week to keep system clean.

If you do not have a good up to date virus scan utility installed or there are problems with it, do a free online AV scan at HouseCall_AV by TrendMicro. This will take a while to run but worth it to know that you do not have a virus or common Trojan. If any are found and not removed, go to either PC-cillin or Symantec Removal Tools or McAfee_AV sites for information on the specific virus and removal tools and instructions.

Next, and most important step, is to download and install the SpyBot Search_&_Destroy tool to delete any Spyware/AD-ware/hijacker found. Read about this type of junk at Spyware_etc. These programs come hidden in "free" software, like KaZaA, and can corrupt or slow down your system. Or can be installed by some hijack web sites that hijack your browser settings. After installing SpyBot, use the ONLINE feature to update the software and its reference lists, then run a scan and delete any checked items found. Leave the un-checked items alone for now. Advanced users can do additional cookie, history list and Registry deleting with SpyBot later by using the un-checked items.

Another good Spyware-Adware remover is Lavasoft's_Ad-Aware. Purchase versions include real-time detecting and blocking of Spyware-Adware. Download the free version at Ad-Aware_6 to scan for and remove Spyware-Adware.

Additional information on Spyware and Browser Hijack removal tools, prevention tools, links and forums can be found at SpywareInfo. Here you can get help identifying new hijackers, related programs and current news.

To understand what tasks and programs are running on your machine, may be causing problems and taking up the processor bandwidth, download WinTop, one of the free Micro$oft Kernel Toys. It gives accurate % CPU usage by program. Also use the Windows ME System Tools - System Information utility to find all programs running and all programs, DLLs and Drivers loaded into memory.

To remove two Windows ME Startup tasks that often cause performance problems and hangs, use (Start - RUN - msconfig - OK, Startup tab) to un-check and remove PCHealth and TaskMonitor from your Windows ME startup list. They are not needed and if their data files are corrupted, they can slow down your system. PCHealth collects system configuration changes for use in remote problem analysis by Enterprise Network $upport desks. Are you paying for that kind of online support? TaskMonitor collects information on what parts of programs are being loaded and Tune-UP uses it to tell Defrag which 10 programs to leave fragmented. Drives are fast and you do not need this minor tweak for loading a select few programs, one time. Un-check the "show message box" when the system boots. Once this is done, reboot and go to System Tools - Scheduled Tasks and delete the icons for PCHealth and Tune-UP applications, the second part of these programs, again unneeded. Defrag will now run a little faster.

The LexMark Z, A & P series printer drivers cause random program and shutdown hangs. If not sharing Lexmark printer to the network, its problem drivers can be removed without effecting normal operation. Use MSCONFIG to remove Lexstart.exe from the Startup tab list (keep LexmarkPrintTray), and then rename or delete the file \Windows\System\Lexpps.exe using Safe Mode or a boot diskette DOS prompt. The file, Lexpps.exe, may also exist with some low end HP and Compaq printers that were OEM'ed by Lexmark, so search for it and rename. See AnswersThatWork - Lexpps.exe.

If your system _RESTORE files are corrupted, contain a virus or have grown too large, it can cause system slowdown problems. Often the STMGR.exe task will start running at 50% or more in the background. This can be corrected by Disabling System Restore and then re-enabling System Restore, to delete all the old restore points. Go to (Start - Settings - Control Panel - System - Performance tab - File System - Troubleshooting tab), and check the box for "Disable System Restore", click Apply and exit. System will reboot. Allow STMGR time to delete all the old system restore files, wait for no disk activity for at least a minute. Then run DEFRAG on the drive. Next go back into the Troubleshooting tab and un-check the box to enable System Restore again. Then use the Hard Disk tab to set the "System Restore disk space use:" slide bar to only use about 1000MB (or less) of disk space to limit how much of the drive it might use. - - Also, make sure system is up to date on the Windows UpDate site, as there is a year old fix for System Restore not working correctly.

If system slowdowns only start after logging on to the Internet, then disable Automatic Windows and IE updates. Again, if their files are corrupted it can cause system slowdowns. Go to Control Panel - Automatic Updates and under Options, set "Turn off automatic updating. I will update my computer manually." Check this every so often as Windows will turn it back on sometimes. Then in Internet Explorer, click Tools - Internet Options line - Advanced tab, and un-check the box "Automatically Check for IE updates" and then click Apply. Then use the Windows UpDate site to update manually.

To really clean out unneeded Windows ME temp files, the IE temp files, cookies and index files (which have a history of every web site you have visited), and corrupted work files, get a copy of the DELINDEX.BAT file and place it on your C:\ drive. Then boot from a Windows ME Startup boot diskette and run the batch file per its instructions. It will clear out INDEX.DAT files junk and free up disk space, so that the system and IE can run better.

To improve Security and help protect your system from Trojans and Worms, first remove SSDPSRV which leaves port 1900 and 5000 open, as part of Universal Plug and Play. Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs - Widows Setup tab - select Communications - Details - and un-check "Universal Plug and Play". Click OK, OK and reboot system.
- Next go to the Windows UpDate site and download the Security updates for Windows ME and your version of IE.
- Then go to GRC.com and run Shields UP tests. Read about security there and try to follow advice on closing your ports.
- Additional advanced security testing, worm and trojan information and Firewall testing can be found at PC Flank.com.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

What more could ME users need here? They don't need to post their problems!  

My ME fixes, by Jack Gulley, This is required reading by all ME users, I will say. Thanks


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 10:19 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

With that kind of response, I should have put my updated two cents worth
>version here. My Windows ME is now very stable with all these changes. What the hay.
>I'll post it again anyway.
>

>
> >face="Comic Sans MS"size=+1 color=#2200EE>..Jack Gulley..
>

> Intro - Windows ME >
> Actually, Windows
>ME is very stable (well can be) if you remove
>a few default software modules from memory, clean up your disk drive, remove any/all
> Spyware_AD-ware,
>virus, worms and trojans, update all device drivers, install all Windows Updates
>and make sure your hardware is OK.
>

---

>Memory hardware problems:
> > Memory Tests >
>For example: memory failures can cause program hanging symptoms. Or if you are overclocking
>and there is a random failure problem. This can be happening without you realizing
>it on most system boards running Windows. So you must test memory outside of Windows.
>Having memory problems can also cause corrupted program files on the disk during
>a Defrag. A common memory problem is a BIOS setting of "CLK SDRAM Cycle Length" of
>CL=2 when you may have a CL=3 rated SDRAM module added to the machine. So use your
>CMOS Setup function to set memory values to default or standard settings, and the
>CL setting to 3 (unless you know for a fact your memory is rated CL=2). Then run
>a standalone memory test from a DOS boot diskette. Get both >target="_blank"> DocMemory_v2.0 and >target="_blank"> MemTest86_v3.0, and make their boot
>diskettes. You should be able to run both for at least 12 hours without errors
>to test your hardware, before you suspect Windows ME is the cause of problems.
>

> 512 MB Limits >
> If a Windows ME
>system has more than 512MB of RAM, then to work around a bug in the
>vcache management, per >target="_blank">Q253912, you must add the following
>to the [vcache] section of C:\Windows\SYSTEM.INI file:
>

>[vcache]
>MaxFileCache=524288

>

>If more than 1024MB (1GB) RAM, then a second entry in SYSTEM.INI may
>be required in the [386Enh] section per >target="_blank">Q304943 to limit Windows ME to using
>just 1GB of physical RAM:
>

>[386Enh]
>MaxPhysPage=40000

>

>For more information see
> Memory Management_vcache.
>

---

>Slowdown and hang problems:
> > Standard Intro >
> Standard
>approach to this type of problem is to clean up the disk drive, run a full up to
>date virus scan, check for and remove Spyware - Ad-ware
>- Browser Hijackers, and then remove some unnecessary programs.
> > SCANDISK >
> First, run ScanDisk to make
>sure the drive is OK. If problems running ScanDisk, then reboot the system into SAFE
>MODE (hold Ctrl when rebooting, before the Windows splash screen) and
>run Scandisk. In some cases it may be necessary to boot from a Windows ME
>boot diskette and run from the DOS prompt: SCANDISK C: to clear errors.
> > Disk CleanUp >
> To do a quick Disk
>CleanUp and clean out temp files that you do not need, run (Start - Programs -
>Accessories - System Tools -Disk CleanUp) on your C: drive. Run this every
>week to keep system clean.
> > Virus Scan >
> If you do
>not have a good up to date virus scan utility installed or there are
>problems with it, do a free online AV scan at >target="_blank"> HouseCall_AV by TrendMicro.
>This will take a while to run but worth it to know that you do not have a virus or
>common Trojan. If any are found and not removed, go to either >target="_blank"> PC-cillin or >target="_blank"> Symantec Removal Tools or >target="_blank"> McAfee_AV sites for information on
>the specific virus and removal tools and instructions.
>

> Spyware - SpyBot >
> Next, and
>most important step, is to download and install the >target="_blank">SpyBot Search_&_Destroy
>tool to delete any Spyware/AD-ware/hijacker found. Read about this type of junk at
>Spyware_etc.
>These programs come hidden in "free" software, like KaZaA, and can corrupt or slow
>down your system. Or can be installed by some hijack web sites that hijack your browser
>settings. After installing SpyBot, use the ONLINE feature to update
>the software and its reference lists, then run a scan and delete any checked items
>found. Leave the un-checked items alone for now. Advanced users can do additional
>cookie, history list and Registry deleting with >target="_blank">SpyBot later by using the un-checked
>items.
> > Ad-Aware - Lavasoft >
> Another good
>Spyware-Adware remover is >color=#2200FF>Lavasoft's_Ad-Aware. Purchase versions include real-time
>detecting and blocking of Spyware-Adware. Download the free version at >target="_blank"> Ad-Aware_6 to scan for and remove
>Spyware-Adware.
> > Spywareinfo >
> Additional information on Spyware
>and Browser Hijack removal tools, prevention tools, links and forums can be found
>at SpywareInfo.
>Here you can get help identifying new hijackers, related programs and current news.
> > WINTOP tool >
> To understand
>what tasks and programs are running on your machine, may be causing problems and
>taking up the processor bandwidth, download >target="_blank"> WinTop, one of the free Micro$oft Kernel Toys. It gives accurate
>% CPU usage by program. Also use the Windows ME System Tools - System Information
>utility to find all programs running and all programs, DLLs and Drivers loaded into
>memory.
>

> PCHealth - TaskMonitor >
> To remove
>two Windows ME Startup tasks that often cause performance problems and hangs, use
>(Start - RUN - msconfig - OK, Startup tab) to un-check and remove PCHealth
>and TaskMonitor from your Windows ME startup list. They are not needed and
>if their data files are corrupted, they can slow down your system. PCHealth collects
>system configuration changes for use in remote problem analysis by Enterprise Network
>$upport desks. Are you paying for that kind of online support?
>TaskMonitor collects information on what parts of programs are being loaded and Tune-UP
>uses it to tell Defrag which 10 programs to leave fragmented. Drives
>are fast and you do not need this minor tweak for loading a select few programs,
>one time. Un-check the "show message box" when the system boots. Once this
>is done, reboot and go to System Tools - Scheduled Tasks and delete
>the icons for PCHealth and Tune-UP applications, the second part of
>these programs, again unneeded. Defrag will now run a little faster.
> > LexMark Drivers >
> The LexMark
>Z, A & P series printer drivers cause random program and shutdown hangs. If not sharing
>Lexmark printer to the network, its problem drivers can be removed without effecting
>normal operation. Use MSCONFIG to remove Lexstart.exe from the Startup tab
>list (keep LexmarkPrintTray), and then rename or delete the file \Windows\System\Lexpps.exe
>using Safe Mode or a boot diskette DOS prompt. The file, Lexpps.exe, may also
>exist with some low end HP and Compaq printers that were OEM'ed by Lexmark, so search
>for it and rename. See >target="_blank"> AnswersThatWork - Lexpps.exe.
> > System _RESTORE >
> If your system _RESTORE
>files are corrupted, contain a virus or have grown too large, it can cause system
>slowdown problems. Often the STMGR.exe task will start running at 50% or more in
>the background. This can be corrected by >target="_blank"> Disabling System Restore and then
>re-enabling System Restore, to delete all the old restore points. Go to (Start
>- Settings - Control Panel - System - Performance tab - File System - Troubleshooting
>tab), and check the box for "Disable System Restore", click Apply and
>exit. System will reboot. Allow STMGR time to delete all the old system restore files,
>wait for no disk activity for at least a minute. Then run DEFRAG on the drive. Next
>go back into the Troubleshooting tab and un-check the box to enable System
>Restore again. Then use the Hard Disk tab to set the "System Restore disk space
>use:" slide bar to only use about 1000MB (or less) of disk space to limit how
>much of the drive it might use. - - Also, make sure system is up to date on the >href="http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com" target="_blank">Windows
>UpDate site, as there is a year old fix for System Restore not working
>correctly.
> > Automatic Updates >
> If system slowdowns only start after
>logging on to the Internet, then disable Automatic Windows and IE updates.
>Again, if their files are corrupted it can cause system slowdowns. Go to Control
>Panel - Automatic Updates and under Options, set "Turn off automatic
>updating. I will update my computer manually." Check this every so often as Windows
>will turn it back on sometimes. Then in Internet Explorer, click Tools - Internet
>Options line - Advanced tab, and un-check the box "Automatically Check for IE
>updates" and then click Apply. Then use the >target="_blank">Windows UpDate site to update
>manually.
> > DELINDEX.bat >
> To really clean out unneeded Windows
>ME temp files, the IE temp files, cookies and index files (which have a history
>of every web site you have visited), and corrupted work files, get a copy of the
>
>DELINDEX.BAT file and place it on your C:\ drive. Then boot from a Windows
>ME Startup boot diskette and run the batch file per its instructions. It will
>clear out INDEX.DAT files junk and free up disk space, so that the system and IE
>can run better.
> > Security - SSDPRSRV - GRC - PcFlank >
>
>To improve Security and help protect your system from Trojans and Worms, first remove
>SSDPSRV which leaves port 1900 and 5000 open, as part of Universal Plug and
>Play. Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs - Widows Setup
>tab - select Communications - Details - and un-check "Universal Plug
>and Play". Click OK, OK and reboot system.
- Next go to the >target="_blank"> Windows UpDate site and download
>the Security updates for Windows ME and your version of IE.
- Then go to
> GRC.com and run >target="_blank"> Shields UP tests. Read about security there and try to
>follow advice on closing
>your ports.
- Additional advanced
>security testing, worm and trojan information and Firewall testing can be found at
> PC Flank.com.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have had this occur on my system. after noodling around about it I discovered that an old immage program I was running was conflicting wth the system backup feature in ME. It was causing sbu to fill up my hard drive with backed up what ever and then informing me that I was running out of resourses. I turned off sbu and bingo. no more random disk chatter. check it out. you can always use go back or some other to do that task.


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 6:05 pm, Sheldon Lee wrote:
> Hi, ive recently been having problems with my processor constantly running, doing
>something other than what it is telling me.
> According to my startup and the task manager, only required programs are running
>in the background. Yet, when i am either idle or trying to play some game, my system
>constantly chunks out.
> I went to the system moniter in the control panel/accesories/system tools and
>it tells me that my processor is almost always running at 100% and it is writing
>to my harddrive from time to time in large amounts (.5 megs to 3.8 megs per second).
> I have 768 megs of SDRAM, so i dont think the problem is there, and no extra programs
>seem to be running... HELP!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

My goodness Jack,I am quite overwhelmed with all your advice,but I am quite a newcomer to cyberspace,so I doubt if I could manage to do all the things that you recommend,I will however try..... Many thanks and regards, Geraldine.


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 10:19 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

With that kind of response, I should have put my updated two cents worth
>version here. My Windows ME is now very stable with all these changes. What the hay.
>I'll post it again anyway.
>

>
> >face="Comic Sans MS"size=+1 color=#2200EE>..Jack Gulley..
>

> Intro - Windows ME >
> Actually, Windows
>ME is very stable (well can be) if you remove
>a few default software modules from memory, clean up your disk drive, remove any/all
> Spyware_AD-ware,
>virus, worms and trojans, update all device drivers, install all Windows Updates
>and make sure your hardware is OK.
>

---

>Memory hardware problems:
> > Memory Tests >
>For example: memory failures can cause program hanging symptoms. Or if you are overclocking
>and there is a random failure problem. This can be happening without you realizing
>it on most system boards running Windows. So you must test memory outside of Windows.
>Having memory problems can also cause corrupted program files on the disk during
>a Defrag. A common memory problem is a BIOS setting of "CLK SDRAM Cycle Length" of
>CL=2 when you may have a CL=3 rated SDRAM module added to the machine. So use your
>CMOS Setup function to set memory values to default or standard settings, and the
>CL setting to 3 (unless you know for a fact your memory is rated CL=2). Then run
>a standalone memory test from a DOS boot diskette. Get both >target="_blank"> DocMemory_v2.0 and >target="_blank"> MemTest86_v3.0, and make their boot
>diskettes. You should be able to run both for at least 12 hours without errors
>to test your hardware, before you suspect Windows ME is the cause of problems.
>

> 512 MB Limits >
> If a Windows ME
>system has more than 512MB of RAM, then to work around a bug in the
>vcache management, per >target="_blank">Q253912, you must add the following
>to the [vcache] section of C:\Windows\SYSTEM.INI file:
>

>[vcache]
>MaxFileCache=524288

>

>If more than 1024MB (1GB) RAM, then a second entry in SYSTEM.INI may
>be required in the [386Enh] section per >target="_blank">Q304943 to limit Windows ME to using
>just 1GB of physical RAM:
>

>[386Enh]
>MaxPhysPage=40000

>

>For more information see
> Memory Management_vcache.
>

---

>Slowdown and hang problems:
> > Standard Intro >
> Standard
>approach to this type of problem is to clean up the disk drive, run a full up to
>date virus scan, check for and remove Spyware - Ad-ware
>- Browser Hijackers, and then remove some unnecessary programs.
> > SCANDISK >
> First, run ScanDisk to make
>sure the drive is OK. If problems running ScanDisk, then reboot the system into SAFE
>MODE (hold Ctrl when rebooting, before the Windows splash screen) and
>run Scandisk. In some cases it may be necessary to boot from a Windows ME
>boot diskette and run from the DOS prompt: SCANDISK C: to clear errors.
> > Disk CleanUp >
> To do a quick Disk
>CleanUp and clean out temp files that you do not need, run (Start - Programs -
>Accessories - System Tools -Disk CleanUp) on your C: drive. Run this every
>week to keep system clean.
> > Virus Scan >
> If you do
>not have a good up to date virus scan utility installed or there are
>problems with it, do a free online AV scan at >target="_blank"> HouseCall_AV by TrendMicro.
>This will take a while to run but worth it to know that you do not have a virus or
>common Trojan. If any are found and not removed, go to either >target="_blank"> PC-cillin or >target="_blank"> Symantec Removal Tools or >target="_blank"> McAfee_AV sites for information on
>the specific virus and removal tools and instructions.
>

> Spyware - SpyBot >
> Next, and
>most important step, is to download and install the >target="_blank">SpyBot Search_&_Destroy
>tool to delete any Spyware/AD-ware/hijacker found. Read about this type of junk at
>Spyware_etc.
>These programs come hidden in "free" software, like KaZaA, and can corrupt or slow
>down your system. Or can be installed by some hijack web sites that hijack your browser
>settings. After installing SpyBot, use the ONLINE feature to update
>the software and its reference lists, then run a scan and delete any checked items
>found. Leave the un-checked items alone for now. Advanced users can do additional
>cookie, history list and Registry deleting with >target="_blank">SpyBot later by using the un-checked
>items.
> > Ad-Aware - Lavasoft >
> Another good
>Spyware-Adware remover is >color=#2200FF>Lavasoft's_Ad-Aware. Purchase versions include real-time
>detecting and blocking of Spyware-Adware. Download the free version at >target="_blank"> Ad-Aware_6 to scan for and remove
>Spyware-Adware.
> > Spywareinfo >
> Additional information on Spyware
>and Browser Hijack removal tools, prevention tools, links and forums can be found
>at SpywareInfo.
>Here you can get help identifying new hijackers, related programs and current news.
> > WINTOP tool >
> To understand
>what tasks and programs are running on your machine, may be causing problems and
>taking up the processor bandwidth, download >target="_blank"> WinTop, one of the free Micro$oft Kernel Toys. It gives accurate
>% CPU usage by program. Also use the Windows ME System Tools - System Information
>utility to find all programs running and all programs, DLLs and Drivers loaded into
>memory.
>

> PCHealth - TaskMonitor >
> To remove
>two Windows ME Startup tasks that often cause performance problems and hangs, use
>(Start - RUN - msconfig - OK, Startup tab) to un-check and remove PCHealth
>and TaskMonitor from your Windows ME startup list. They are not needed and
>if their data files are corrupted, they can slow down your system. PCHealth collects
>system configuration changes for use in remote problem analysis by Enterprise Network
>$upport desks. Are you paying for that kind of online support?
>TaskMonitor collects information on what parts of programs are being loaded and Tune-UP
>uses it to tell Defrag which 10 programs to leave fragmented. Drives
>are fast and you do not need this minor tweak for loading a select few programs,
>one time. Un-check the "show message box" when the system boots. Once this
>is done, reboot and go to System Tools - Scheduled Tasks and delete
>the icons for PCHealth and Tune-UP applications, the second part of
>these programs, again unneeded. Defrag will now run a little faster.
> > LexMark Drivers >
> The LexMark
>Z, A & P series printer drivers cause random program and shutdown hangs. If not sharing
>Lexmark printer to the network, its problem drivers can be removed without effecting
>normal operation. Use MSCONFIG to remove Lexstart.exe from the Startup tab
>list (keep LexmarkPrintTray), and then rename or delete the file \Windows\System\Lexpps.exe
>using Safe Mode or a boot diskette DOS prompt. The file, Lexpps.exe, may also
>exist with some low end HP and Compaq printers that were OEM'ed by Lexmark, so search
>for it and rename. See >target="_blank"> AnswersThatWork - Lexpps.exe.
> > System _RESTORE >
> If your system _RESTORE
>files are corrupted, contain a virus or have grown too large, it can cause system
>slowdown problems. Often the STMGR.exe task will start running at 50% or more in
>the background. This can be corrected by >target="_blank"> Disabling System Restore and then
>re-enabling System Restore, to delete all the old restore points. Go to (Start
>- Settings - Control Panel - System - Performance tab - File System - Troubleshooting
>tab), and check the box for "Disable System Restore", click Apply and
>exit. System will reboot. Allow STMGR time to delete all the old system restore files,
>wait for no disk activity for at least a minute. Then run DEFRAG on the drive. Next
>go back into the Troubleshooting tab and un-check the box to enable System
>Restore again. Then use the Hard Disk tab to set the "System Restore disk space
>use:" slide bar to only use about 1000MB (or less) of disk space to limit how
>much of the drive it might use. - - Also, make sure system is up to date on the >href="http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com" target="_blank">Windows
>UpDate site, as there is a year old fix for System Restore not working
>correctly.
> > Automatic Updates >
> If system slowdowns only start after
>logging on to the Internet, then disable Automatic Windows and IE updates.
>Again, if their files are corrupted it can cause system slowdowns. Go to Control
>Panel - Automatic Updates and under Options, set "Turn off automatic
>updating. I will update my computer manually." Check this every so often as Windows
>will turn it back on sometimes. Then in Internet Explorer, click Tools - Internet
>Options line - Advanced tab, and un-check the box "Automatically Check for IE
>updates" and then click Apply. Then use the >target="_blank">Windows UpDate site to update
>manually.
> > DELINDEX.bat >
> To really clean out unneeded Windows
>ME temp files, the IE temp files, cookies and index files (which have a history
>of every web site you have visited), and corrupted work files, get a copy of the
>
>DELINDEX.BAT file and place it on your C:\ drive. Then boot from a Windows
>ME Startup boot diskette and run the batch file per its instructions. It will
>clear out INDEX.DAT files junk and free up disk space, so that the system and IE
>can run better.
> > Security - SSDPRSRV - GRC - PcFlank >
>
>To improve Security and help protect your system from Trojans and Worms, first remove
>SSDPSRV which leaves port 1900 and 5000 open, as part of Universal Plug and
>Play. Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs - Widows Setup
>tab - select Communications - Details - and un-check "Universal Plug
>and Play". Click OK, OK and reboot system.
- Next go to the >target="_blank"> Windows UpDate site and download
>the Security updates for Windows ME and your version of IE.
- Then go to
> GRC.com and run >target="_blank"> Shields UP tests. Read about security there and try to
>follow advice on closing
>your ports.
- Additional advanced
>security testing, worm and trojan information and Firewall testing can be found at
> PC Flank.com.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I did these steps. But under the troubleshooting tab it will allow me to uncheck the disable restore but will not save the settings. What do I need to do?? Thanks


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 10:19 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

With that kind of response, I should have put my updated two cents worth
>version here. My Windows ME is now very stable with all these changes. What the hay.
>I'll post it again anyway.
>

>
> >face="Comic Sans MS"size=+1 color=#2200EE>..Jack Gulley..
>

> Intro - Windows ME >
> Actually, Windows
>ME is very stable (well can be) if you remove
>a few default software modules from memory, clean up your disk drive, remove any/all
> Spyware_AD-ware,
>virus, worms and trojans, update all device drivers, install all Windows Updates
>and make sure your hardware is OK.
>

---

>Memory hardware problems:
> > Memory Tests >
>For example: memory failures can cause program hanging symptoms. Or if you are overclocking
>and there is a random failure problem. This can be happening without you realizing
>it on most system boards running Windows. So you must test memory outside of Windows.
>Having memory problems can also cause corrupted program files on the disk during
>a Defrag. A common memory problem is a BIOS setting of "CLK SDRAM Cycle Length" of
>CL=2 when you may have a CL=3 rated SDRAM module added to the machine. So use your
>CMOS Setup function to set memory values to default or standard settings, and the
>CL setting to 3 (unless you know for a fact your memory is rated CL=2). Then run
>a standalone memory test from a DOS boot diskette. Get both >target="_blank"> DocMemory_v2.0 and >target="_blank"> MemTest86_v3.0, and make their boot
>diskettes. You should be able to run both for at least 12 hours without errors
>to test your hardware, before you suspect Windows ME is the cause of problems.
>

> 512 MB Limits >
> If a Windows ME
>system has more than 512MB of RAM, then to work around a bug in the
>vcache management, per >target="_blank">Q253912, you must add the following
>to the [vcache] section of C:\Windows\SYSTEM.INI file:
>

>[vcache]
>MaxFileCache=524288

>

>If more than 1024MB (1GB) RAM, then a second entry in SYSTEM.INI may
>be required in the [386Enh] section per >target="_blank">Q304943 to limit Windows ME to using
>just 1GB of physical RAM:
>

>[386Enh]
>MaxPhysPage=40000

>

>For more information see
> Memory Management_vcache.
>

---

>Slowdown and hang problems:
> > Standard Intro >
> Standard
>approach to this type of problem is to clean up the disk drive, run a full up to
>date virus scan, check for and remove Spyware - Ad-ware
>- Browser Hijackers, and then remove some unnecessary programs.
> > SCANDISK >
> First, run ScanDisk to make
>sure the drive is OK. If problems running ScanDisk, then reboot the system into SAFE
>MODE (hold Ctrl when rebooting, before the Windows splash screen) and
>run Scandisk. In some cases it may be necessary to boot from a Windows ME
>boot diskette and run from the DOS prompt: SCANDISK C: to clear errors.
> > Disk CleanUp >
> To do a quick Disk
>CleanUp and clean out temp files that you do not need, run (Start - Programs -
>Accessories - System Tools -Disk CleanUp) on your C: drive. Run this every
>week to keep system clean.
> > Virus Scan >
> If you do
>not have a good up to date virus scan utility installed or there are
>problems with it, do a free online AV scan at >target="_blank"> HouseCall_AV by TrendMicro.
>This will take a while to run but worth it to know that you do not have a virus or
>common Trojan. If any are found and not removed, go to either >target="_blank"> PC-cillin or >target="_blank"> Symantec Removal Tools or >target="_blank"> McAfee_AV sites for information on
>the specific virus and removal tools and instructions.
>

> Spyware - SpyBot >
> Next, and
>most important step, is to download and install the >target="_blank">SpyBot Search_&_Destroy
>tool to delete any Spyware/AD-ware/hijacker found. Read about this type of junk at
>Spyware_etc.
>These programs come hidden in "free" software, like KaZaA, and can corrupt or slow
>down your system. Or can be installed by some hijack web sites that hijack your browser
>settings. After installing SpyBot, use the ONLINE feature to update
>the software and its reference lists, then run a scan and delete any checked items
>found. Leave the un-checked items alone for now. Advanced users can do additional
>cookie, history list and Registry deleting with >target="_blank">SpyBot later by using the un-checked
>items.
> > Ad-Aware - Lavasoft >
> Another good
>Spyware-Adware remover is >color=#2200FF>Lavasoft's_Ad-Aware. Purchase versions include real-time
>detecting and blocking of Spyware-Adware. Download the free version at >target="_blank"> Ad-Aware_6 to scan for and remove
>Spyware-Adware.
> > Spywareinfo >
> Additional information on Spyware
>and Browser Hijack removal tools, prevention tools, links and forums can be found
>at SpywareInfo.
>Here you can get help identifying new hijackers, related programs and current news.
> > WINTOP tool >
> To understand
>what tasks and programs are running on your machine, may be causing problems and
>taking up the processor bandwidth, download >target="_blank"> WinTop, one of the free Micro$oft Kernel Toys. It gives accurate
>% CPU usage by program. Also use the Windows ME System Tools - System Information
>utility to find all programs running and all programs, DLLs and Drivers loaded into
>memory.
>

> PCHealth - TaskMonitor >
> To remove
>two Windows ME Startup tasks that often cause performance problems and hangs, use
>(Start - RUN - msconfig - OK, Startup tab) to un-check and remove PCHealth
>and TaskMonitor from your Windows ME startup list. They are not needed and
>if their data files are corrupted, they can slow down your system. PCHealth collects
>system configuration changes for use in remote problem analysis by Enterprise Network
>$upport desks. Are you paying for that kind of online support?
>TaskMonitor collects information on what parts of programs are being loaded and Tune-UP
>uses it to tell Defrag which 10 programs to leave fragmented. Drives
>are fast and you do not need this minor tweak for loading a select few programs,
>one time. Un-check the "show message box" when the system boots. Once this
>is done, reboot and go to System Tools - Scheduled Tasks and delete
>the icons for PCHealth and Tune-UP applications, the second part of
>these programs, again unneeded. Defrag will now run a little faster.
> > LexMark Drivers >
> The LexMark
>Z, A & P series printer drivers cause random program and shutdown hangs. If not sharing
>Lexmark printer to the network, its problem drivers can be removed without effecting
>normal operation. Use MSCONFIG to remove Lexstart.exe from the Startup tab
>list (keep LexmarkPrintTray), and then rename or delete the file \Windows\System\Lexpps.exe
>using Safe Mode or a boot diskette DOS prompt. The file, Lexpps.exe, may also
>exist with some low end HP and Compaq printers that were OEM'ed by Lexmark, so search
>for it and rename. See >target="_blank"> AnswersThatWork - Lexpps.exe.
> > System _RESTORE >
> If your system _RESTORE
>files are corrupted, contain a virus or have grown too large, it can cause system
>slowdown problems. Often the STMGR.exe task will start running at 50% or more in
>the background. This can be corrected by >target="_blank"> Disabling System Restore and then
>re-enabling System Restore, to delete all the old restore points. Go to (Start
>- Settings - Control Panel - System - Performance tab - File System - Troubleshooting
>tab), and check the box for "Disable System Restore", click Apply and
>exit. System will reboot. Allow STMGR time to delete all the old system restore files,
>wait for no disk activity for at least a minute. Then run DEFRAG on the drive. Next
>go back into the Troubleshooting tab and un-check the box to enable System
>Restore again. Then use the Hard Disk tab to set the "System Restore disk space
>use:" slide bar to only use about 1000MB (or less) of disk space to limit how
>much of the drive it might use. - - Also, make sure system is up to date on the >href="http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com" target="_blank">Windows
>UpDate site, as there is a year old fix for System Restore not working
>correctly.
> > Automatic Updates >
> If system slowdowns only start after
>logging on to the Internet, then disable Automatic Windows and IE updates.
>Again, if their files are corrupted it can cause system slowdowns. Go to Control
>Panel - Automatic Updates and under Options, set "Turn off automatic
>updating. I will update my computer manually." Check this every so often as Windows
>will turn it back on sometimes. Then in Internet Explorer, click Tools - Internet
>Options line - Advanced tab, and un-check the box "Automatically Check for IE
>updates" and then click Apply. Then use the >target="_blank">Windows UpDate site to update
>manually.
> > DELINDEX.bat >
> To really clean out unneeded Windows
>ME temp files, the IE temp files, cookies and index files (which have a history
>of every web site you have visited), and corrupted work files, get a copy of the
>
>DELINDEX.BAT file and place it on your C:\ drive. Then boot from a Windows
>ME Startup boot diskette and run the batch file per its instructions. It will
>clear out INDEX.DAT files junk and free up disk space, so that the system and IE
>can run better.
> > Security - SSDPRSRV - GRC - PcFlank >
>
>To improve Security and help protect your system from Trojans and Worms, first remove
>SSDPSRV which leaves port 1900 and 5000 open, as part of Universal Plug and
>Play. Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs - Widows Setup
>tab - select Communications - Details - and un-check "Universal Plug
>and Play". Click OK, OK and reboot system.
- Next go to the >target="_blank"> Windows UpDate site and download
>the Security updates for Windows ME and your version of IE.
- Then go to
> GRC.com and run >target="_blank"> Shields UP tests. Read about security there and try to
>follow advice on closing
>your ports.
- Additional advanced
>security testing, worm and trojan information and Firewall testing can be found at
> PC Flank.com.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I am also currently having this problem. Anybody know what might be the cause?

I switched off System Restore some time back but am getting short of disk space (2 
Gb left out of 30 Gb) and have discovered that there is 1.5 Gb taken up in C:\_RESTORE 
- mainly CPY files in sub-directory \TEMP).

TIA

Malcolm






On Friday, May 30, 2003 at 12:42 pm, Robert wrote:
>I did these steps. But under the troubleshooting tab
>it will allow me to uncheck the disable restore but will not save the settings. 
What 
>do I need to do??
>Thanks 
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Repeat the step suggested about running DELINDEX.BAT from a boot diskette. It should clear all of the System Restore files. Then if you have all of the Windows Updates installed (including the one to fix problems with System Restore), it should solve the problem of these files taking up space and the ability to enable and disable System Restore.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Perhaps you can keep me from going crazy. I have done everything you say, tried reducing load to 8 processes, and still show cpu usage of 60 to 70 percent. When I used wintop, "Idle" used 99 percent of usage. The system has been de-virused, de-trojaned, dewormed and all known spyware has been removed. The disk is not fragmented or damaged. I cannot understand this. I also did every hardware check I know of. No matter what I do or remove, it stays the same. The only processes running are those vital to windows. If anyone can help, I sure would appreciate it.


On Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 10:19 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

With that kind of response, I should have put my updated two cents worth
>version here. My Windows ME is now very stable with all these changes. What the hay.
>I'll post it again anyway.
>

>
> >face="Comic Sans MS"size=+1 color=#2200EE>..Jack Gulley..
>

> Intro - Windows ME >
> Actually, Windows
>ME is very stable (well can be) if you remove
>a few default software modules from memory, clean up your disk drive, remove any/all
> Spyware_AD-ware,
>virus, worms and trojans, update all device drivers, install all Windows Updates
>and make sure your hardware is OK.
>

---

>Memory hardware problems:
> > Memory Tests >
>For example: memory failures can cause program hanging symptoms. Or if you are overclocking
>and there is a random failure problem. This can be happening without you realizing
>it on most system boards running Windows. So you must test memory outside of Windows.
>Having memory problems can also cause corrupted program files on the disk during
>a Defrag. A common memory problem is a BIOS setting of "CLK SDRAM Cycle Length" of
>CL=2 when you may have a CL=3 rated SDRAM module added to the machine. So use your
>CMOS Setup function to set memory values to default or standard settings, and the
>CL setting to 3 (unless you know for a fact your memory is rated CL=2). Then run
>a standalone memory test from a DOS boot diskette. Get both >target="_blank"> DocMemory_v2.0 and >target="_blank"> MemTest86_v3.0, and make their boot
>diskettes. You should be able to run both for at least 12 hours without errors
>to test your hardware, before you suspect Windows ME is the cause of problems.
>

> 512 MB Limits >
> If a Windows ME
>system has more than 512MB of RAM, then to work around a bug in the
>vcache management, per >target="_blank">Q253912, you must add the following
>to the [vcache] section of C:\Windows\SYSTEM.INI file:
>

>[vcache]
>MaxFileCache=524288

>

>If more than 1024MB (1GB) RAM, then a second entry in SYSTEM.INI may
>be required in the [386Enh] section per >target="_blank">Q304943 to limit Windows ME to using
>just 1GB of physical RAM:
>

>[386Enh]
>MaxPhysPage=40000

>

>For more information see
> Memory Management_vcache.
>

---

>Slowdown and hang problems:
> > Standard Intro >
> Standard
>approach to this type of problem is to clean up the disk drive, run a full up to
>date virus scan, check for and remove Spyware - Ad-ware
>- Browser Hijackers, and then remove some unnecessary programs.
> > SCANDISK >
> First, run ScanDisk to make
>sure the drive is OK. If problems running ScanDisk, then reboot the system into SAFE
>MODE (hold Ctrl when rebooting, before the Windows splash screen) and
>run Scandisk. In some cases it may be necessary to boot from a Windows ME
>boot diskette and run from the DOS prompt: SCANDISK C: to clear errors.
> > Disk CleanUp >
> To do a quick Disk
>CleanUp and clean out temp files that you do not need, run (Start - Programs -
>Accessories - System Tools -Disk CleanUp) on your C: drive. Run this every
>week to keep system clean.
> > Virus Scan >
> If you do
>not have a good up to date virus scan utility installed or there are
>problems with it, do a free online AV scan at >target="_blank"> HouseCall_AV by TrendMicro.
>This will take a while to run but worth it to know that you do not have a virus or
>common Trojan. If any are found and not removed, go to either >target="_blank"> PC-cillin or >target="_blank"> Symantec Removal Tools or >target="_blank"> McAfee_AV sites for information on
>the specific virus and removal tools and instructions.
>

> Spyware - SpyBot >
> Next, and
>most important step, is to download and install the >target="_blank">SpyBot Search_&_Destroy
>tool to delete any Spyware/AD-ware/hijacker found. Read about this type of junk at
>Spyware_etc.
>These programs come hidden in "free" software, like KaZaA, and can corrupt or slow
>down your system. Or can be installed by some hijack web sites that hijack your browser
>settings. After installing SpyBot, use the ONLINE feature to update
>the software and its reference lists, then run a scan and delete any checked items
>found. Leave the un-checked items alone for now. Advanced users can do additional
>cookie, history list and Registry deleting with >target="_blank">SpyBot later by using the un-checked
>items.
> > Ad-Aware - Lavasoft >
> Another good
>Spyware-Adware remover is >color=#2200FF>Lavasoft's_Ad-Aware. Purchase versions include real-time
>detecting and blocking of Spyware-Adware. Download the free version at >target="_blank"> Ad-Aware_6 to scan for and remove
>Spyware-Adware.
> > Spywareinfo >
> Additional information on Spyware
>and Browser Hijack removal tools, prevention tools, links and forums can be found
>at SpywareInfo.
>Here you can get help identifying new hijackers, related programs and current news.
> > WINTOP tool >
> To understand
>what tasks and programs are running on your machine, may be causing problems and
>taking up the processor bandwidth, download >target="_blank"> WinTop, one of the free Micro$oft Kernel Toys. It gives accurate
>% CPU usage by program. Also use the Windows ME System Tools - System Information
>utility to find all programs running and all programs, DLLs and Drivers loaded into
>memory.
>

> PCHealth - TaskMonitor >
> To remove
>two Windows ME Startup tasks that often cause performance problems and hangs, use
>(Start - RUN - msconfig - OK, Startup tab) to un-check and remove PCHealth
>and TaskMonitor from your Windows ME startup list. They are not needed and
>if their data files are corrupted, they can slow down your system. PCHealth collects
>system configuration changes for use in remote problem analysis by Enterprise Network
>$upport desks. Are you paying for that kind of online support?
>TaskMonitor collects information on what parts of programs are being loaded and Tune-UP
>uses it to tell Defrag which 10 programs to leave fragmented. Drives
>are fast and you do not need this minor tweak for loading a select few programs,
>one time. Un-check the "show message box" when the system boots. Once this
>is done, reboot and go to System Tools - Scheduled Tasks and delete
>the icons for PCHealth and Tune-UP applications, the second part of
>these programs, again unneeded. Defrag will now run a little faster.
> > LexMark Drivers >
> The LexMark
>Z, A & P series printer drivers cause random program and shutdown hangs. If not sharing
>Lexmark printer to the network, its problem drivers can be removed without effecting
>normal operation. Use MSCONFIG to remove Lexstart.exe from the Startup tab
>list (keep LexmarkPrintTray), and then rename or delete the file \Windows\System\Lexpps.exe
>using Safe Mode or a boot diskette DOS prompt. The file, Lexpps.exe, may also
>exist with some low end HP and Compaq printers that were OEM'ed by Lexmark, so search
>for it and rename. See >target="_blank"> AnswersThatWork - Lexpps.exe.
> > System _RESTORE >
> If your system _RESTORE
>files are corrupted, contain a virus or have grown too large, it can cause system
>slowdown problems. Often the STMGR.exe task will start running at 50% or more in
>the background. This can be corrected by >target="_blank"> Disabling System Restore and then
>re-enabling System Restore, to delete all the old restore points. Go to (Start
>- Settings - Control Panel - System - Performance tab - File System - Troubleshooting
>tab), and check the box for "Disable System Restore", click Apply and
>exit. System will reboot. Allow STMGR time to delete all the old system restore files,
>wait for no disk activity for at least a minute. Then run DEFRAG on the drive. Next
>go back into the Troubleshooting tab and un-check the box to enable System
>Restore again. Then use the Hard Disk tab to set the "System Restore disk space
>use:" slide bar to only use about 1000MB (or less) of disk space to limit how
>much of the drive it might use. - - Also, make sure system is up to date on the >href="http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com" target="_blank">Windows
>UpDate site, as there is a year old fix for System Restore not working
>correctly.
> > Automatic Updates >
> If system slowdowns only start after
>logging on to the Internet, then disable Automatic Windows and IE updates.
>Again, if their files are corrupted it can cause system slowdowns. Go to Control
>Panel - Automatic Updates and under Options, set "Turn off automatic
>updating. I will update my computer manually." Check this every so often as Windows
>will turn it back on sometimes. Then in Internet Explorer, click Tools - Internet
>Options line - Advanced tab, and un-check the box "Automatically Check for IE
>updates" and then click Apply. Then use the >target="_blank">Windows UpDate site to update
>manually.
> > DELINDEX.bat >
> To really clean out unneeded Windows
>ME temp files, the IE temp files, cookies and index files (which have a history
>of every web site you have visited), and corrupted work files, get a copy of the
>
>DELINDEX.BAT file and place it on your C:\ drive. Then boot from a Windows
>ME Startup boot diskette and run the batch file per its instructions. It will
>clear out INDEX.DAT files junk and free up disk space, so that the system and IE
>can run better.
> > Security - SSDPRSRV - GRC - PcFlank >
>
>To improve Security and help protect your system from Trojans and Worms, first remove
>SSDPSRV which leaves port 1900 and 5000 open, as part of Universal Plug and
>Play. Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs - Widows Setup
>tab - select Communications - Details - and un-check "Universal Plug
>and Play". Click OK, OK and reboot system.
- Next go to the >target="_blank"> Windows UpDate site and download
>the Security updates for Windows ME and your version of IE.
- Then go to
> GRC.com and run >target="_blank"> Shields UP tests. Read about security there and try to
>follow advice on closing
>your ports.
- Additional advanced
>security testing, worm and trojan information and Firewall testing can be found at
> PC Flank.com.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

"still show cpu usage of 60 to 70 percent. When I used wintop, "Idle" used 99 percent 
of usage"

Are you talking about CPU usage being 60-70 or System Resources?
From Wintop your CPU is doing nothing 99% of the time.

Also, what is the exact problem that you are trying to resolve?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I am trying to find out why 70-80% of my 1.8 ghz processor is constantly in use. With 8 processes running, all essential to windows, just sitting there idling, my processor use as reported by a diagnostic is 65-85% and I would like to know why. Pc pitstop alerted me to the problem and I have spent the last week trying to find out where the resource hog is without results other than having the leanest machine in town. Amdxp 2200' 512 mb of memory kt400 chipset. I can free 430 mb of memory, so that isnt the problem nor is the swap file (500 mb) full.


On Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at 8:15 pm, Jack Gulley wrote:
>

Repeat the step suggested about running DELINDEX.BAT from a boot diskette. It
>should clear all of the System Restore files. Then if you have all of the Windows
>Updates installed (including the one to fix problems with System Restore), it should
>solve the problem of these files taking up space and the ability to enable and disable
>System Restore.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I think you are having a common misunderstanding of processor usage.

But first, a few points about using this forum. If you can, always clear the edit box of the post you are replying to. This prevents it from being displayed again and getting messed up anyway. Helps and looks neater. Second, avoid posting to real old threads like this. People don't go back and look at them that often and your post will normally not be seen. I only saw it because I have the thread marked to send me an e-mail when and if someone posts to it. Something I and most others seldom do. Old threads here do not roll to the top of the list when new posts are made.

What you should do in this form is start a new post with your problem and include a link to the old forum thread or specific post you are referring to, so people can click on it and see what you are talking about. This places your problem at the top of the current list so everyone will see it.

Now back to the problem you do not have.

On any Windows computer, the processor is always 100% busy doing something, even if it is just setting in an "idle" loop waiting for something to do. That is just how computers work and Widows is designed. Some laptops can slow their processor down and use less power if the hardware detects it is in this idle loop, but that is not the issue here.

What good is a fast processor if it is not doing "something" all the time and all of memory is not being used for "something". Windows ME manages all this quite well, freeing up resources when they are needed for more important processes.

Second there is a well documented BUG in Windows 98/ME with their Registry based processor usage indicator. You see this in almost all tools that show you processor usage. Instead of being down around 2% when not doing anything, some Windows systems (kind of random what system will do this and when) will show usage of 50% to 70% and work up to 100% when doing nothing. This is a bug in Windows, Micro$oft acknowledges it in Q227131. Click on that link and read it. You know that is the bug you are seeing if the usage drops down below 20% if you just move the mouse around on the screen real fast.

In addition, if you run two such monitoring programs at the same time, they will both show 100% usage, yet another unfixed bug in Windows. So in other words, all these "nice" to look at usage programs are really useless and should be removed from your system.

Third. The WINTOP program does NOT uses this broken indicator. It was written by Micro$oft, works well and is even nice enough to show you how much of the processor it is taking up while running. It replaces processor or Kernel usage with its own "idle" count and a breakdown of what each loaded Task is using. A much more useful set of information. When the WINTOP "idle" get up to 90% range, it is telling you that the processor can not find any thing useful to do. It is setting there idle. My 1Gh processor is setting at 98.92% idle as I type this because IEXPLORER.EXE and all other tasks running are only using 1% of the processor.

You might notice the KERNEL32.DLL jump in and show usage. That is because it IS the Windows Operating System and does things like display the Windows on the screen, drives all the hardware, handles the network connection, etc.

STMGR.EXE jumps in there all the time, because it is what protects all of the Operating system files from being corrupted or changed when they should not be. And it helps manage memory usage.

So if WINTOP is showing above idle = 95% most of the time, then your machine is doing nothing and you paid for a lot more processor power than you are using. OK, you want that power or speed for quick response when you are doing something. But keep in mind, 99% of the time your system is not doing anything. In addition, you should not use any other program that tries to monitor kennel usage at the same time. The built in System Tools - System Monitor is good enough for any needs. Any of these other programs are just taking up memory and using the processor and not really helping at all. Windows ME has all the tools built into it to do the best possible job of managing the processor, memory and disk Swap file (virtual memory) the best way, buy default. No tweaking required, beyond what I recommend in my Windows Fixes note.

Now, keep WINTOP handy. When you see idle dropping below 90%, something is up. You can then look and see what is running. Problem is, most Spyware/Adware don't really take up that much processor bandwidth. They only cause a problem because they have such bad code, but sometimes they hog the processor due to bugs. They do take up your Internet connection bandwidth, which is a different issue and is hard to measure and detect.

The advantage of WinTop is that it also shows you most of the HIDDEN TASKS that are running, something that the Ctrl-Alt-Del Task Manager does not show you. Most Spyware, Adware and Trojans try to hide from you. WinTop will show most of them. (Trojans are better at hiding and often are not active TASKs that show up even in WinTop, but attach as device drivers.)

Suggest you kick back and watch WinTop run and don't worry about it. Start a DEFRAG and watch idle drop, because DEFRAG uses a lot of processor bandwidth. Get to know the normal programs that run all the time and start from time to time. Learn to love it.

Note: if you see WINMGMT.EXE run and not go away after it is used by programs like System Information, that is yet another Windows BUG and you can use WinTop or Task Manager to kill the task. Another bug you might run it, is if you use Adobe Acrobat Reader from inside an IE window to open an PDF file, you might see its ACRoRD32.EXE program left running after you exit the PDF file and even IE. This is a bug in Adobe/IE. You can kill it in Task Manger, or just start Acrobat Reader from its Icon and exit it, and it will go away. Sometimes the two minor bugs will cause their programs to take up a chunk of the processor bandwidth doing nothing.

To keep my processor busy 24/7 I run Seti@Home analyzing signals from Arecibo looking for possible signals from ET. It gets the 99% of my processor bandwidth that was in the "idle" loop and is doing something useful instead of just setting "idle" when I read post like this.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

"just sitting there idling, my processor use as reported by a diagnostic is 65-85%"

What diagnostic are you using?
WinTop has indicated that your CPU is idle

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I have used system mechanic 4 and ams fast defrag. Also I went to pcpitstop who indicated my resources were low. Even after taking everything out, I never had more than 65% available resources. (Windows ->settings->system information.)


On Saturday, November 8, 2003 at 4:35 am, Ian O'Neill wrote:
> Perhaps you can keep me from going crazy. I have done everything you say, tried
>reducing load to 8 processes, and still show cpu usage of 60 to 70 percent. When
>I used wintop, "Idle" used 99 percent of usage. The system has been de-virused,
>de-trojaned, dewormed and all known spyware has been removed. The disk is not fragmented
>or damaged. I cannot understand this. I also did every hardware check I know of.
> No matter what I do or remove, it stays the same. The only processes running are
>those vital to windows. If anyone can help, I sure would appreciate it.
>
>

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

So, just to be clear

We ARE talking about System Resources and NOT CPU usage??

If so, are you getting out of memory errors, or low on system resource errors?
If not, don't worry about the percentage. A higher one does not translate to improved 
performance.

BTW Fast defrag claims to defrag ram. Yes? It's architecturally impossible to do 
so you are wasting your time running it.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thank you so much!!!!!! M

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I've experienced slowdowns in Windows ME also. When I run wintop, it shows explorer.exe using 84-87% of cpu time. At that point, my mouse jerks along and cascading menus are very slow to open. I've done the usual clean, defrag, spyware cleanout, delindex cleanup, etc. but nothing seems to help.

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>To really clean out unneeded Windows ME temp files,
>the IE temp files, cookies and index files (which have
>history of every web site you have visited), and
>corrupted work files, get a copy of the DELINDEX.BAT
>file and place it on your C:\ drive.

My McAcfee software labeled this file as being infected with a trojan!!!

Wouldn't run this if I were you guys...

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

That is your preference! I bet you either have not looked at the DELINDEX.BAT file or you do not understand DOS commands.

But the fact that McAfee flags the file as a possible Trojan does not make it one. The DelIndex.bat file has been in use, for about two years. It was only four or five months ago that McAfee suddenly started flagging and DELETING the DelIndex.bat file as being "bad". It does it because the file contains an unusual form of the DOS DelTree command. It just so happens that one minor Trojan also uses this DOS command, and McAfee AV decided to use that as a signature of a virus.

Their rational is that Windows users do not use DOS commands and they do not need to be using DOS DelTree commands.

The first time, after that particular McAfee update, that I ran a full scan on my local server, it deleted without warning most of my maintenance batch files, plus it deleted hundreds of archived files for old programs and batch files that I had written many years ago. I lost a lot of work, it took me weeks to recreate the files.

I no longer run or recommend McAfee AV for this reason and have had people take it off of their systems. It now deletes valid DOS Batch files with specific DOS commands in them. It even deleted a number of documentation files on DOS usage from my archives.

And if you will bother to look at the more recent updates to the Windows ME Fixes files, you will note that its is now point out that McAfee will now flag the file as having a Trojan, something that most of the other AV programs do not do.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

great job, jack!! the list of fixes is one of the most complete ones that i can find on the web, i wonder why isn't there more. keep up the good work!!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thanx much, I have been having numerous PC annoyances and saw your suggestion to scan for virus with House Call Trend Micro - I did this and discovered several virus that Norton did not catch - My system is running better then it has in months -thanx again

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