strange lag after connection + svchost hog(Resolved)

[jholland1964]

Ok, have gone through your HJT log, I really don't see anything that looks like malware or spyware. You obviously do a good job in trying to protect your computer and that is certainly a plus and as you can see it seems to be working.

We really believe here that "less is more" when it comes to security programs. Use too many and it can slow your surfing, use too much of your resources and, at times, actually lessen your security because having too many security programs running all the time can actually cause them to end up fighting each other and let something through that you don't want on the computer. PhilliePhan has what we feel is the best set up to keep your computer running smoothly and safely in his thread here so read through it. You will see you are doing pretty much what he recommends. I would suggest, in addition to my recommendations in my post above that you also add SpywareBlaster
As you will see it is on his list of "must haves". It is an excellent free program and really offers super protection.

Now to control those Auto-Starting programs I recommend using another little, FREE program, Mike Lin's StartUpControl Panel
Download and install it and from then on your will find it located in your Control Panel with a small computer icon labeled StartUp.
Open the program and just remove the checkmarks from the programs that you do not want to auto start. Then reboot the computer and those items you disabled with the program will not start unless you start them manually.

Here is a list of programs auto-starting from your HJT log that you can turn off using Mike Lin's program, now these are all your choice, if you wish to have them continue to start automatically that is fine but none of these are required to run the computer OR run that particular program, all can be started manually if needed;

ehTray>>>Enables the user to access Windows Messenger from within Windows Media Center Edition
igfxtray>>>Part of Intels Common User Interface for chipsets with integrated graphics controllers - which allows user to change different driver properties through Windows User Interface. Quick access to the control panel via a System Tray icon. EASILY Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
SigmatelSysTrayApp>>>Related to Sigmatel_Audio_sound_card This program is not required to start automatically as you can run it when you need to
DMXLauncher>>>Part of Dell's Media Experience, a multimedia suite which offers the user functionality to organise and play music and digital video files
Dell QuickSet>>>Dell taskbar icon allowing you to quickly change settings
CTSVolFE.exe>>>Related to Volume_Control from Creative Technology Ltd. Note: Located in C:\Program Files\Creative\Mixer\
ISUSPM Startup>>>InstallShield Update Service related; Automatically searches for and performs any updates to the software. Not required.
ISUSScheduler>>>InstallShield Update Service Scheduler; automatically searches for and performs any updates to the software so you’re always working with the most current version. Not required.
******************
(These five programs below all are used to ease the input of Asian characters in MS Office, IE, Outlook and Word. If you use these often then I would leave them. If you DON'T use them often then I would disable them from auto-start.)
IMJPMIG8.1
IMEKRMIG6.1
MSPY2002
PHIME2002ASync
PHIME2002A
******************
SunJavaUpdateSched>>>Checks with Sun's Java updates site to see if newer Java versions are available. Visit http://java.sun.com or just run the Java Plug-In Control Panel. You can do this manually, and obviously this is NOT doing it's job because there has been a java update recently and you are one update behind.
iTunesHelper>>>Installed with Apple's iTunes for Windows. Uses ~3-4MB of memory. Now if disabled it WILL put itself back into auto start when you use it, so you will have to be sure to remove from auto start after using with Mike Lin's program or it will start with your next reboot.

I also suggest you read How to configure Windows Services in XP
posted by our own Turcoloco. Turning off a lot of unnecessary things that run automatically in XP can also really speed things up.

Try these suggestions and see how things go. If you feel things have improved OR are still having problems please check back here and we will see what else we can do to speed things up a bit.
Judy

[helpt3hn00b]

Thanks so much Judy! I followed your instructions re: ZoneAlarm and Spybot's Tea Timer, and the computer no longer freezes up after connecting to the internet! Have been considering switching back to AAW SE for some time, but recently heard that Lavasoft is going to stop offering support for it sometime soon. Have you heard anything about this?

Also downloaded SpywareBlaster and Startup Control Panel (disabling quite a few of those listed), as well as updating Java. Thanks

Would you recommend that I add any other anti-spyware or other programs from PhilliePhan's list?

[pheonix73]

I am in the process of reinstalling SE myself.I had the files or system corrupt itself and no longer connect to the download server.In my case I uninstalled all the components.As for the no longer offering updates,I have not seen anything myself to this note.Keep up with Judy and all will run smoothly.

[helpt3hn00b]

Huh, strange. It's been difficult to find sources to verify my claim, and all I was able to find was this, from 2005 no less!

http://discussions.virtualdr.com/arc.../t-187484.html

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Pheonix, mind letting us know if you're still receiving updates for AAW SE Personal?

[jholland1964]

Thanks so much Judy! I followed your instructions re: ZoneAlarm and Spybot's Tea Timer, and the computer no longer freezes up after connecting to the internet! Have been considering switching back to AAW SE for some time, but recently heard that Lavasoft is going to stop offering support for it sometime soon. Have you heard anything about this?

Also downloaded SpywareBlaster and Startup Control Panel (disabling quite a few of those listed), as well as updating Java. Thanks

Would you recommend that I add any other anti-spyware or other programs from PhilliePhan's list?

So pleased all worked out so well.
I myself still use AdAwareSE Free version and am able to receive updates without trouble. By stopping support I believe they mean they will not offer support...i.e. if you are having problems with it but for now at least I am certainly able to update the program with new definitions. They also still have support questions and answers for AdAwareSE Free on their website here
I would imagine that sooner or later the newer version will be required but as of yet it is not. I will personally stay with AdAwareSE until they no longer offer definition updates for it, for now they do.
As far as additional anti-spyware programs from PP's list I also use AVG Anti-Spyware version 7.5 for scanning, not background protection and I also use the ATF-Cleaner. Other than that I myself don't use anything else other than those all ready noted. I also keep my browser cache set at no higher than 10 to 50mb. I also use Firefox as my default browser, it is more secure, I only use Internet Explorer for Windows updates, which I do manually not automatically.
Be sure to take a look at ~TL's link on configuring services in Windows XP. There are lots of great tips there for speeding up XP.
Just watch where you surf, use pop up blockers, don't open mail from somebody you don't know and you should continue to have good luck.
Judy

[pheonix73]

After making sure to get rid of everything from the previous installation.I was able to reinstall and have confirmed that adaware works perfectly once again.I am still unaware why the program crapped out in the first place,but that's why call them gliches.They show up and disappear with nary a reason why.Hope all works out on your end of things.

[jholland1964]

pheonix73
I am still unaware why the program crapped out in the first place,but that's why call them gliches.They show up and disappear with nary a reason why.

You probably never will know either unless it should happen again and the occurance triggers a memory about this time. Sometimes as you say, gliches...could be anything. Glad you got it working again. This version has served me very well and I, for one, will continue to use it as long as updates are available.
Judy

[jholland1964]

helpt3hn00b
Would you recommend that I add any other anti-spyware or other programs from PhilliePhan's list?

Don't forget to use a firewall of course. If you don't want to try the Zone Alarm Free again you might look at the other two noted in PhilliePhan's list.

Remember too that XP DOES have it's own built-in firewall if you choose to use it. To be honest, this is what I use.....
Windows Firewall blocks only incoming stuff whereas third-party firewalls (such as Zonealarm, Kerio, Outpost, etal. ) block both incoming and outgoing stuff. This means that were you to inadvertently allow a trojan to be installed, WF would not prevent it from calling home with whatever information it had managed to harvest from your computer (passwords, monitored keystrokes, etc, etc). So, in theory, a third-party utility will offer a greater level of security than WF. However ...

... simply adopting safe surfing practices (not downloading applications from warez sites or via file-sharing utilities, not installing no-cost applications from little-known developers, etc, etc, etc) and running a good antivirus utility should usually be sufficient to prevent any trojans or other unwanted items from finding their way onto your computer and so a bi-directional firewall is, IMO, of less importance than many people seem to think.

Furthermore, look back over old threads and you'll find few (if any) instances of a person being "stung" as a result of using WF - but you'll find significantly more threads relating to problems caused by the use of a third-party firewall (botched updates, etc).

There is, however, no "one size fits all" answer here. Should you use your computer for online banking/shopping and should it be shared with file-sharing children, then it might not be a bad idea to install a third-party firewall. OTOH, if you trust the other users to surf sensibly, then WF may very well be sufficient for your needs. The choice is yours just be sure to make one.
Judy

[helpt3hn00b]

Don't forget to use a firewall of course. If you don't want to try the Zone Alarm Free again you might look at the other two noted in PhilliePhan's list.

Remember too that XP DOES have it's own built-in firewall if you choose to use it. To be honest, this is what I use.....
Windows Firewall blocks only incoming stuff whereas third-party firewalls (such as Zonealarm, Kerio, Outpost, etal. ) block both incoming and outgoing stuff. This means that were you to inadvertently allow a trojan to be installed, WF would not prevent it from calling home with whatever information it had managed to harvest from your computer (passwords, monitored keystrokes, etc, etc). So, in theory, a third-party utility will offer a greater level of security than WF. However ...

... simply adopting safe surfing practices (not downloading applications from warez sites or via file-sharing utilities, not installing no-cost applications from little-known developers, etc, etc, etc) and running a good antivirus utility should usually be sufficient to prevent any trojans or other unwanted items from finding their way onto your computer and so a bi-directional firewall is, IMO, of less importance than many people seem to think.

Furthermore, look back over old threads and you'll find few (if any) instances of a person being "stung" as a result of using WF - but you'll find significantly more threads relating to problems caused by the use of a third-party firewall (botched updates, etc).

There is, however, no "one size fits all" answer here. Should you use your computer for online banking/shopping and should it be shared with file-sharing children, then it might not be a bad idea to install a third-party firewall. OTOH, if you trust the other users to surf sensibly, then WF may very well be sufficient for your needs. The choice is yours just be sure to make one.
Judy

Ah, I've never even thought about the potential dangers of using a third-party firewall. I'll keep your advice in mind, but for now I think I'll stick with ZoneAlarm, just to be "safe" (in regards to a trojan sending sensitive information). Thanks again!

[helpt3hn00b]

So pleased all worked out so well.
I myself still use AdAwareSE Free version and am able to receive updates without trouble. By stopping support I believe they mean they will not offer support...i.e. if you are having problems with it but for now at least I am certainly able to update the program with new definitions. They also still have support questions and answers for AdAwareSE Free on their website here
I would imagine that sooner or later the newer version will be required but as of yet it is not. I will personally stay with AdAwareSE until they no longer offer definition updates for it, for now they do.
As far as additional anti-spyware programs from PP's list I also use AVG Anti-Spyware version 7.5 for scanning, not background protection and I also use the ATF-Cleaner. Other than that I myself don't use anything else other than those all ready noted. I also keep my browser cache set at no higher than 10 to 50mb. I also use Firefox as my default browser, it is more secure, I only use Internet Explorer for Windows updates, which I do manually not automatically.
Be sure to take a look at ~TL's link on configuring services in Windows XP. There are lots of great tips there for speeding up XP.
Just watch where you surf, use pop up blockers, don't open mail from somebody you don't know and you should continue to have good luck.
Judy

One question -- would having two anti-virus programs cause the same (or similar) problems as having two firewalls? Good advice though (again). :P Thanks!