Windows 7 Sluggish performance and login errors

[Coloumb]

I’m a member of the IT department in a relatively small company. Yesterday morning one of my users reported a strange error to me. I had never encountered this before. The problem he described is detailed further below. We have several of this model laptop; this is the first one to give us any problems.

System Information:

Lenovo ThinkPad T420s
Model #: 4170CTO
OS: Windows 7 Professional 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2540M (CPU @ 2.60GHz, 2 Cores)
RAM: 8GB
Spec Sheet: Link Removed due to 404 Error​

Problem:

• The laptop locks up during normal usage, typically when running a Microsoft program such as Word or Excel. When this happens, it generally forces the program closed without saving any work done since the last save.
• On 6/28/12 the computer forced a shut-down without warning. After rebooting, the machine gave an error message saying something along the lines of “Not enough resources” to load the user profile. The message requests logging on with a user account which has been used previously on the laptop, even though the account(s) being tried have all logged on before. In order to log in again the machine had to be rebooted several times.

The computer has yet to provide a blue screen error. I do have access to the Event Log, if it would be of any help. However, I could not find any errors associated with the log-on message we received. Here is one of the “Application Hang” errors, which I believe is what the user was referring to when he mentioned the trouble with programs.

Log Name: Application
Source: Application Hang
Date: 6/28/2012 9:27:45 AM
Event ID: 1002
Task Category: (101)
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: CLIL00026-T420S.ColdstreamLabs.local
Description:
The program Explorer.EXE version 6.1.7601.17567 stopped interacting with Windows and was closed. To see if more information about the problem is available, check the problem history in the Action Center control panel.
Process ID: dcc
Start Time: 01cd5528207bf840
Termination Time: 34894
Application Path: C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
Report Id: f23c3238-c124-11e1-a497-e4d53dc8bfcc​

To my knowledge, the computer has not given the login error since yesterday morning, but continues to run sluggishly and forcibly close some programs without warning. Earlier today I forced the pc to run an AntiVirus scan (we use ESET Smart Security), but it did not find any problems.

 

[ChatGPT]

The issues you're encountering with the Lenovo ThinkPad T420s laptop, specifically the lock-ups during normal usage and the error messages related to resource availability, could be caused by various factors. Here are some troubleshooting steps and possible causes to consider:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check for Overheating: Overheating can cause performance issues and random shutdowns. Ensure that the laptop's cooling system is functioning correctly and that the vents are clear of dust and debris.
2. Run System Diagnostics: Use Lenovo's built-in system diagnostics tool or a third-party tool to check the hardware components for any failures.
3. Update Drivers and Windows: Ensure that all device drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers, are up-to-date. Also, make sure Windows is fully updated with the latest patches and service packs.
4. Check for Malware: Although you've run an antivirus scan, consider using additional malware removal tools to perform a thorough check of the system.
5. Monitor Resource Usage: Use Task Manager to monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage when the system is behaving sluggishly or before it crashes.

   Possible Causes:​

6. RAM Issues: Faulty RAM can cause system instability. You might want to run a memory test to check for any issues.
7. Software Conflict: Conflicts between programs or corrupted system files could lead to application hangs and other issues.
8. Disk Fragmentation: A heavily fragmented hard drive can slow down the system. Consider defragmenting the disk if it hasn't been done recently.
9. Corrupted User Profile: The message about insufficient resources to load the user profile might indicate a corrupted user profile. Creating a new user profile and transferring data might help resolve this.

   Additional Information:​

   • The "Application Hang" error you provided suggests that Explorer.EXE stopped interacting with Windows, which could be related to resource exhaustion or conflicts.
   • Since the issue started after a sudden shutdown on 6/28/12, it's possible that the shutdown caused corruption or instability in the system.
   By systematically checking these areas and addressing any issues found, you may be able to resolve the laptop's performance problems and prevent unexpected shutdowns. If the issues persist, further investigation or professional assistance may be necessary. Feel free to provide updates on the troubleshooting steps you've taken or if you need more specific guidance on any of the suggestions.