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About Lorry
Expertise
I can answer most questions regarding viruses/Trojans and help to remove them.

Experience
This happens to be of interest to me as it boggles my mind that people have nothing better to do than to write a virus. Wish these people, the ones who write viruses would put the knowledge to good use instead. My job as a local tech involves removing viruses and/or spyware.
 
   

You are here:  Experts > Computing/Technology > Internet/Network Security > Computer Security & Viruses > computer

Computer Security & Viruses - computer


Expert: Lorry - 6/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: Every 6 months or so my computer starts running really slow as it does now. Also, everyday a rectangular dialogue box says "your virtual memory is too low increase the size of your memory immediately" or something like that. When I press "ok" some open websites closes. Also, my antispyware program always says "no spyware found" yet the machines runs super slow. If I download new antispyware programs they all interfere and the machine runs even slower. Is there anything I can do rather than paying a tech person again? The latest problem started when I tried to download a music mp3. I also use registry cleaner/fixer.

ANSWER: Hi Al,

Not knowing which anti-spyware program you use, I would suggest disabling it, download Spybot from:

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html

Check for updates before running a scan.

Using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

You can check Windows memory by using one of the following:

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

Hope this helps!
Lorry


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, the virtual memory part seems too complicated so I'll try the other thiings.

Answer
Hi Al,

I thought the same thing the first time I did it also. Have no fear, just follow the directions given for whichever one you use, Microsoft or Memtest.

Try the scans first for spyware and virus. Another thing you could do which I didn't mention and I apologize for, would be to defrag the drive. Open My Computer, right click the Local Drive - C, click Properties, under the Tools tab click Defragment Now.

How much memory is installed on the computer? Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information, click System Summary, on the right side look for Available Virtual Memory.

If still running slow, use Memtest or Microsoft to find out if there is a problem with the memory.

Hope this helps!
Lorry


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