slow folders

[Dan]

lately, after operating for awhile (sometimes just a short while), my folders seem to take forever to open...if I have several subfolders to browse through this is especially so. any ideas what might be causing this, and what to do to fix it? (I've tried running scandisc, defragment)

[TheMajor]

what's your OS and system specs?

[TwoRails]

Often if your memory (including page file) gets full, it takes extra time to "flush" it out and get the new data in. I have the same "problem." For example, say I use Windows Explorer, and then open up my graphics editor and edit some photos, then re-open Windows Explorer, I'll get that time lag (which at times is bad enough for the search "flashlight" to come out).

[TheMajor]

in this case there's a tweak in your registry wich flushes your pagefile while shutting down...maybe this would help? http://xteq.com

[EzyStvy]

This is a great tweak for XP & Win2k. Have no idea if you can do it in 98 or ME.


Automatically Refresh File Lists in Explorer

Change the value of UpdateMode in HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update from 01 to 00.

[TheMajor]

these and a lot more tweaks can be done using http://www.xteq.com

[glc]

TheMajor: Let's try to focus on the specific issue rather than just pointing someone to a general tweak site, please. Thanks.

Dan, you probably have a process that's hogging the CPU. Time to check everything that's running in the background - and check for viruses and spyware too.

[Dan]

thanks all,
I'm running win98se....I've a Tyan S2095A motherboard with 500mb of DDR...Radeon 7500 graphics, Soundblaster....the only things that I have runniing in the background are apps for my keyboard and mouse, adwatch (but this was happening before I loaded that). I've recently had a real boxing match with about 6 viruses that, thank the pc gods, I've rid myself of...but the problem was there before the virus.

[TwoRails]

How many files / drives do you have?

If you open WE (Windows Explorer), then close it, and do Nothing for while (like have lunch or the like), then reopen WE, does it open as quickly as the first time?

Also, have you removed all disks from your optical drive(s) and floppy? (those can take a while to read...)

[GaryRouth]

Dan, did you ever hear any news about that odd mshmoq file? I'm wondering if the parent of that fella might've mucked around in the system files. If you've got a Windows Security Update CD handy (which helps catch up on the patches after system work), you could try an over-the-top - though that might seem extreme for this situation [but it only takes about 40 minutes!]. Or try another online double-check - if HouseCall says you're clean, maybe triple check with Pest Patrol or Panda.
. . . Gary

[Dan]

thanks guys
I don't have any discs in my drives, so we can rule that out...but I think the longer I have the pc on, the slower things open.
Gary-
The tale of the mshmoq file is an epic to say the least. After removing it, housecall found 6 new viruses. I had a registry backup that was 5 days old, restoring that version stopped all of the autodialing. In short I raked out the muck for days. I just found another worm with housecall today, and four other trojans. I'm not certain where all this came from, I'm always very careful of not opening anything that I'm not sure of.
Will you please leave a link for the other virus detection sites...I'd like another "opinion" as to whether or not I have all of the bugs out.....
(but this folder slow down has been around for much longer than the infestation).

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

The link to Panda "Active Scan" is on their home page, towards the bottom of the column on the left-hand side: http://www.pandasoftware.com/home/default.asp

Pest Patrol works much the same way, with a link right in the middle of their homepage, which is "sunbelt software" = their software authoring house: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=911

What firewall are you using? Some trojans can arrive by port-scanning for vulnerable systems [vulnerable = those a hacker can attack via an exploit on an open port on the computer]. Some vulnerabilities have been patched by Microsoft, but there are a few that aren't patched yet - and who knows how many undiscovered ones there are. Some Security sites are recommending that all ActiveX and Java in IE be turned off [using Internet Tools: you can start by setting Security to "High". Some pages won't display some areas anymore, and some just won't work at all: but you'll spend less time removing troublemakers. Several exasperated Security sites have recommended trying an alternate browser, at least until IE's security is improved. Firefox and Opera get the most recommendations.

You'll probably want to disconnect your 4 computers from each other for a little while, and just clean one at a time. Then connect them again when each has passed an online double-check scan. Otherwise the network-aware worms are going to jump back on.

No fun is it. This whole summer has just been a security nightmare.
. . . Gary

[Dan]

thanks Gary,
I'm not usinga firewall, but have Norton Personal somewhere.
Maybe it's time to install it....do you have a recommendation for a better one?
I guess it's time to get out the big guns....

[GaryRouth]

Most firewalls are pretty good. Some are a lot easier to use than others, and some have extra features (such as filters for families who need to block things kids shouldn't see). Zone Alarm 4.5, Kerio, and SyGate get a lot of recommendations among the free-for-personal use group.

My wife has Norton on her Sony notebook, and it seems to work fine. It's very easy to use.

If you are networking with a router purchased in the last year, you might have a hardware firewall built-in to the router. Since the last rash of exploits, I've started recommending a software firewall as well, to monitor outgoing connections [to guard against things like spyware, trojans, and identity theft --> sending personal data out].

You might check over in the Security forum, they might have a few threads on recommended firewalls.
. . . Gary

[Dan]

thanks Gary, I checked my router info and there is a hardwall...maybe this is why none of my other boxes got hit...most likely it's because they were disconnected for most of while this was happening. I installed Norton Personal Firewall a couple hours ago and already it has caught a couple attempts to invade, so I guess it's working ok.
I posted about this in the security section...like I mentioned there, this barrage was so invasive it even kept me from connecting here until I stopped the last few bugs that got in. Thanks again for all the help...this place is just the greatest...and all of you that help out here!!

[GaryRouth]

Good luck, Dan, hope it's smooth sailing for a while!