Not sure what is wrong?

[devilincarnate]

I'am not very technically minded (so please bear this in mind). I'am using a Zoostorm pc and now it has seemed to become unresponsive, It is saying that all the window's update's are failing. Also it has become very sluggish in browsing as well (we are on 50MB).
When we first turn on the comp it say configuring updates for a while and then lets us log on?

I hope that someone can help? IF ANY MORE INFO NEEDED WILL TRY MY BEST TO HELP.
TIA

[Dai]

Please post:

Windows version and approximate time installed.
Any anti-virus installed.
Other anti-malware programs installed.

Details of any error codes seen when 'stuff' fails.

Thx.

This is a broad area with all sorts of possible faults so any clues are useful.

[devilincarnate]

Windows Vista home premium 32 bit service pack 2. Not sure when installed? where could I find out?

Windows DEFENDER, Virgin media security, Malwarebyte's, Spybot.

And where do I find the error codes?

[budwieser]

What Antivirus software are you running mate?
Have you run a full system scan with Malwarebytes in safe mode?

[Peter_]

Start your computer in safe mode

Taken from the Microsoft website.

Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs don't run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. For more information, see What is safe mode?
Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that's causing the problem. For more information about troubleshooting problems in safe mode, see Diagnostic tools to use in safe mode.

1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
   Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Shut Down button , and then click Restart.
2. Do one of the following:
   • If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you'll need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
   • If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.
3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the safe mode option you want,which will be Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights

When your computer is in safe mode, you'll see the words Safe Mode in the corners of your monitor. To exit safe mode, restart your computer and let Windows start normally.

Go online and download the free versions of Malwarebytes and Superantispyware and run them.

[devilincarnate]

Thank you Masque as after doing what you have suggested it seem to be running a lot better than it did.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by devilincarnate

Thank you Masque as after doing what you have suggested it seem to be running a lot better than it did.

It clears a lot of rubbish from your system especially some nasties, try CCleaner as well http://www.piriform.com/CCLEANER

[Dai]

2nd vote for ccleaner but just use the cleaning option to remove temp and junk files. Bear in mind that if you leave the 'cookie' option ticked you will probably lose most automatic login information for forums and suchlike.

Personally I'd recommend that you stay away from the registry cleaner part of this program.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

2nd vote for ccleaner but just use the cleaning option to remove temp and junk files. Bear in mind that if you leave the 'cookie' option ticked you will probably lose most automatic login information for forums and suchlike.

To true especially with these kind of issues.

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

Personally I'd recommend that you stay away from the registry cleaner part of this program.

That would sting.

[Dai]

I'm with you so far Masque. More or less what I would have suggested or done myself.

Next step possibly is SFC /scannow to check key files. Think that's worth it?

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

I'm with you so far Masque. More or less what I would have suggested or done myself.

Next step possibly is SFC /scannow to check key files. Think that's worth it?

That is a little advanced and could be well out of the comfort zone for many people, you would need to quite happy to run such a tool.

[Dai]

OK. For the benefit of Devilincarnate, since we seem to be speaking as if you're not in the room..

What you've done so far, running Malwarebytes and Superantispyware. These programs run in addition to your normal anti-virus programs and check for spyware or malware that the AV might not find.

The next step I suggested is SFC or "System File Checker". This is a tool built into Windows that checks the integrity of key Windows files and replaces them if necessary. Just open the 'Run' function from the Start button and type "sfc /scannow" without the quotes and hit 'Return'

This should spend some time checking your files then finish without any messages.

Worth a try IMHO. If anything has been damaged by spyware it can put you back to a clean slate.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

OK. For the benefit of Devilincarnate, since we seem to be speaking as if you're not in the room..

What you've done so far, running Malwarebytes and Superantispyware. These programs run in addition to your normal anti-virus programs and check for spyware or malware that the AV might not find.

The next step I suggested is SFC or "System File Checker". This is a tool built into Windows that checks the integrity of key Windows files and replaces them if necessary. Just open the 'Run' function from the Start button and type "sfc /scannow" without the quotes and hit 'Return'

This should spend some time checking your files then finish without any messages.

Worth a try IMHO. If anything has been damaged by spyware it can put you back to a clean slate.

The are instructions here for Windows 7 if required just some people are not comfortable doing this thats all.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...e-checker.html

[devilincarnate]

Thank you for all your help it now seems to be back up and running fully.

Thanks