BleepingComputer.com: Terrible, periodic computer lag

Sony Vaio, Windows XP home addition version 2002, service pack 3
mobile amd athlon(xp),1600+, 1.40ghz, 256mb of ram.

I have an older laptop, but it has ran like a dream up until a week or so ago.

There is something wrong with it, as it is taking much longer than normal to start up. Moreover, it is experiencing intermittent spikes in very high usage while i'm surfing the internet. Sometimes the lag lasts upwards of 20 minutes, where I'm unable to do anything on my computer. This is extremely frustrating, and renders my computer useless much of the time.

I originally thought it was a memory issue, as I had added a few moderately sized programs recently, but have since removed all of them and even freed up additional space.

I prefer to play dumb, and go from the square 1 approach. Thus, I'd rather have someone guide me through steps that will solve the problem, rather than me trying things out and then having someone fix those just to get to square 1.

I have had great success with bleeping computer experts getting rid of viruses in the past, and am hopeful someone at this site can remedy this issue as well.

If this is the wrong forum, please move to the correct one if possible. Thank you.

This post has been edited by jdynasty: 07 August 2010 - 09:16 PM

Quote

Your computer may be reinfected...

With the information you have provided I believe you will need help from the malware removal team. I would like you to start a new thread and post a DDS log HERE and include a link to this thread. Please make sure that you read the information about getting started before you start your thread.

It would be helpful if you post a note here once you have completed the steps in the guide and have started your topic in malware removal. Good luck and be patient. Help is on the way!

Thanks for directing me to the proper forum. I have copied/attached my dds reports and am awaiting reply. Thanks again.

REF: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic338221.html

Now that you have posted a malware log in the appropriate BC malware forum (link above) you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a MRT Team member, nor should you ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show in the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the MRT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient.

It may take a while to get a response because the MRT Team members are EXTREMELY busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the MRT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another MRT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

Current backlog on malware situations is running at about 7 days. It may take several days to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible. I advise checking your topic once a day for responses as the e-mail notification system is unreliable.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic. Good luck with your log:).

Louis