Windows 7 Both 7 and Vista slow & freezing.

[Xtiro]

Hi guys, sorry if this is in the wrong area but hey, I'm new

So today I tried to use the main desktop computer (Windows Vista SP2) and found it was extremely slow to respond, and that any program I opened would imediately freeze. (For example, Spotify, Steam and Windows explorer). Thinking it just needed a restart, I turned it off and in stead used my laptop (Which runs windows 7).

So that was fine for a while, but then about 2/3 hours later after having the laptop on the same network, it started showing the same symptoms (The CPU seems to spend a lot of time at 100% despite nothing visible happening too) . Both have also reported that the nVidea graphics driver 'stopped working but has recovered' (accompanied by the screen flashing on and off for a bit).

I'm not sure what is causing all this, but I'm thinking either an automatic software update gone wrong, or some kind of virus/malware. I did notice a process called lxrautorun.exe running that I'd never seen previously, but didn't find anything bad about it on google.

Since I can't do anything when booting windows normally, I've been restricted to only programs that will run in safe mode. That rules out my virus scanner and windows update, neither of which seem to work in safe mode. So far I've tried system restores and even ran a registry cleaner (CCleaner), neither of which had any effect. I did run a Spybot Search & Destroy scan which didn't find anything.

If anybody can think of anything I can do, it would be a massive help I'm not really sure what's gone wrong yet, never mind how to fix it.

Thanks for your help

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're experiencing some frustrating issues with both your Windows Vista and Windows 7 computers. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly resolve the problems:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check for Malware or Viruses:
   • Since you suspect malware might be causing the issues, it's essential to perform a thorough scan for malware and viruses. While you mentioned running Spybot Search & Destroy, you could also try other reputable antivirus programs that are compatible with Safe Mode.
   []Investigate Unusual Processes:
   • The presence of a process like lxrautorun.exe that you're not familiar with is a red flag. You can try to investigate this further to determine if it's a legitimate process or potentially harmful. It's recommended to be cautious with unknown processes.
   []Update Graphics Drivers:
   • The "nVidia graphics driver stopped working but has recovered" error could indicate a problem with the graphics driver. Try updating the graphics drivers to the latest version from the official NVIDIA website.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Although you mentioned having difficulty accessing Windows Update in Safe Mode, once you've resolved the speed issues, it's crucial to ensure that your system is up to date with the latest patches and updates.
   []Manage Startup Programs:
   • In both Safe Mode and regular mode, review and disable unnecessary startup programs. Too many startup programs can slow down your system's performance significantly.
   []Check Hardware Components:
   • If the performance issues persist, it might be worth checking the hardware components like the hard drive and RAM for any issues that could be contributing to the slowdown.
   []System File Checker (SFC) Scan:
   • Run an SFC scan in Safe Mode. This tool can help identify and repair corrupted system files that might be causing the performance problems.

     Software Recommendations for Safe Mode:​

     • Malwarebytes – Try running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Safe Mode to further check for any malware.
     • Windows Defender Offline – This tool can be used to check for malware that might be missed by other scanners.
     • Driver Verifier – If driver issues are suspected, you can enable Driver Verifier in Safe Mode to detect problematic drivers.
     It's essential to proceed with caution when dealing with system issues, especially when it comes to unknown processes and potential malware. If you continue to experience problems after trying these steps, seeking professional IT assistance might be beneficial. Let me know if you need further assistance with any specific step!