Windows XP going nuts. Complaining of low memory when there's heaps.

[Tails]

Hi.
Last night I did a fresh install of Windows XP. I updated everything, isntalled Norton Internet Security 2006 and scanned my hard drive. No viruses or malware. I didn't do anything after that, I didn't download bad stuff, go to bad websites or anything, that;s all I did.
Whenever I would load file explorer it would take about 10 seconds for the window to appear rather than instantly. Gradually, the longer I leave the computer on, the longer that time gap gets. Now it takes about 1 minutes for file explorer to load.
I did a full reformat (not the quick one) of my local hard drive and reinstalled windows xp, downloading updates and isntalling norton 2006.
The same thing is happening.
Whenever I try to load file explorer, it freezes the entire explorer process so the start menu and its toolbar is completely inoperable for about 2 minutes until, if im lucky, file explorer finally loads otherwise it just hangs for an unbareable amount of time so i kill it with Task Manager and run a new explorer process to restore it.
I try open another window, the same thing happens. After opening about 5 windows I get graphical distortions.

Other graphical glitches include scroll bars not loading and other things not loading properly depending on the program.


When I just downloaded hijackthis just then, the first time I tried opening it I got a low memory error. While in the task manager performance window it shows clearly I should have enough memory.

I had to shut down tons of programs before it would work.

If anyone can give suggestions as to how I can fix this problem they would be much appreciated. It seems no matter what I do after reformatting and reinstalling stuff, I keep getting this memory problem and It's like I'm using 256megs of ram or something. A lot of programs don't load anymore such as winamp and my TV tuner and stuff.

Just in case I've included a hijack this report.
I didnt put this in the hijackthis thread because I dont believe it's a spyware problem/malware problem. I'm just doing it to show you what programs i've got on to help diagnose this problem.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 1:11:02 PM, on 9/21/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.20861)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CTAudSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\DLLML.exe
C:\WINDOWS\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\VolumeTouch\VolumeTouch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CTXFISPI.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\Entertainment Center\EAXLoadr.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CADI\NotiMan.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\lcdmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDClock.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDCountdown.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDMedia.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDPop3.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\G-series Software\LGDCore.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\SetPoint.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logishrd\KHAL2\KHALMNPR.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\LU\LULnchr.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\LU\LogitechUpdate.exe
C:\Program Files\Azureus\Azureus.exe
C:\Program Files\LcdStudio\LcdStudio.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\usnsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLLoginProxy.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Ashley\Desktop\HiJackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74005
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Norton Internet Security 2006 - {9ECB9560-04F9-4bbc-943D-298DDF1699E1} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AdBlocking\NISShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {A8F38D8D-E480-4D52-B7A2-731BB6995FDD} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton Internet Security 2006 - {0B53EAC3-8D69-4b9e-9B19-A37C9A5676A7} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AdBlocking\NISShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {C4069E3A-68F1-403E-B40E-20066696354B} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDET] "C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RCSystem] "C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\DLLML.exe" RCSystem * -Startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AudioDrvEmulator] "C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\DLLML.exe" -1 AudioDrvEmulator "C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\Audio Emulator\AudDrvEm.dll"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VolumeTouch] "C:\Program Files\VolumeTouch\VolumeTouch.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTxfiHlp] CTXFIHLP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launch LCDMon] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\LCDMon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launch LGDCore] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\G-series Software\LGDCore.exe" /SHOWHIDE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Kernel and Hardware Abstraction Layer] KHALMNPR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [LogiSPSetupNeedReboot] rundll32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech SetPoint.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\SetPoint.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0) - http://dl8-cdn-01.sun.com/s/ESD44/J...fa/&filename=jinstall-6u7-windows-i586-jc.cab
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Internet Security Password Validation (ccISPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Proxy (ccProxy) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\comHost.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Audio Engine Licensing Service - Creative Labs - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Creative Labs Shared\Service\CTAELicensing.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Audio Service (CTAudSvcService) - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CTAudSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Logitech Bluetooth Service (LBTServ) - Logitech, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logishrd\Bluetooth\LBTServ.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Protection Center Service (NSCService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrB - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AVScan (SAVScan) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

--
End of file - 10100 bytes

In case anyone wanted to know stuff about my system, I just copied and pasted from a DXDIAG report.

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 9/21/2008, 13:15:28
Machine name: FIREBIRD
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp.080413-2111)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: GBT___
System Model: GBTUACPI
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 737MB used, 3201MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8800 GTS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0193&SUBSYS_22511682&REV_A2
Display Memory: 640.0 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7519 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/16/2008 14:01:00, 6108928 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/16/2008 14:01:00, 6557408 bytes

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: SB X-Fi Audio [B000]
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00211102&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1284 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 7/15/2008 18:07:18, 527384 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Creative
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: Yes
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

 

[Automata]

to the forums!

C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe

O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrB - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe

Those listed there bother me. I don't see any reason why those should be running.

Honestly, my guess is that you have an infection or a seriously messed up install.

EDIT: pnkbstr might be the Punkbuster program, but I can't verify, never had the program.

EDIT2: Reinstall and DO NOT install norton, see what happens.

 

[wolfy1220]

those punkbuster entries should be there, it is part of the anti cheat software in many games. If you were to disable the entries you would not be able to play on punkbuster enabled game servers.

 

[SeanBest]

those punkbuster entries should be there, it is part of the anti cheat software in many games. If you were to disable the entries you would not be able to play on punkbuster enabled game servers.

+1

Sounds weird, after a fresh install I could only suggest powering it all off and make sure everything is plugged in nice and tight...

 

[Automata]

those punkbuster entries should be there, it is part of the anti cheat software in many games. If you were to disable the entries you would not be able to play on punkbuster enabled game servers.

That is where I'm confused though. They might be that, but the OP said he did a complete reinstall and they are there. That doesn't make sense to me.

 

[vlaszlo]

Sound to me like bad HDD or PIO mode.
Check if the disk is running in PIO mode,
disconnect any CD rom, try another HDD.

 

[Tails]

Hi everyone
Thanks for your input

I just reformatted my XP and updated it and haven't installed anything yet.
I had punkbuster on my old installation because I had Battlefield 2 on there.

Sound to me like bad HDD or PIO mode.
Check if the disk is running in PIO mode,
disconnect any CD rom, try another HDD.

What do you mean bad PIO mode?
If the problem persists I'll try install Windows XP onto a new hard drive.

 

[aja]

Sound to me like bad HDD or PIO mode.
Check if the disk is running in PIO mode,
disconnect any CD rom, try another HDD.

Don't you mean DMA mode? PIO is going back a while

 

[JamesXP]

.Thats what he's saying, if the drive is in PIO mode, make it DMA.

 

[Tails]

Hi.
So far everything has been going great.
This time I didn't install any Norton Security programs. Instead I opted for Comodo firewall and AVG antivirus which are both free.
Yep thanks a lot everyone. Everythings running really fast again.
Also, how would I change my drive from PIO into DMA if it was in PIO mode?


-edit-
oh I also got this McAfee siteadvisor. its a neat free program that tells you what sites potentially have spyware, addware stuff on it before u click on them.

-edit-
oh and i found this site http://www.onthegosoft.com/dma_setting_nt.htm
it told me how to change into DMA mode but I checked and all the drives are already in DMA so I guess the problem was caused by norton internet security.

 

[Italidonian]

Follow these steps to enable DMA mode:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/storage/IDE-DMA.mspx

Edit: lol OP beat me

 

[RJARRRPCGP]

Sounds like the pagefile is way too small!

And the other symptoms you mentioned remind me of the Windows 95 days when they're wasn't virtual memory. (The symptoms would be an application yells at you about being out of memory and then Windows does nothing but flash the mouse pointer when clicking on an application)

 

[RJARRRPCGP]

Sound to me like bad HDD or PIO mode.
Check if the disk is running in PIO mode,
disconnect any CD rom, try another HDD.

That would be true if Windows was literally slow like a 486. Including the mouse pointer jerking.

But the thread starter is complaning about it pretty much being as slow as a 486!

 

[Tails]

yeah guys I was getting symptoms like the 486 running windows 95

XP just goes nuts in every which way

 

[bldegle2]

Norton.....

that about sums it up....

good choice on the AVG runnings, been using the free version for years, i am running behind a router, so I just use the regular windows firewallski.....

sounds like you are back in business...

laterzzzz..............

 

[Vengance_01]

Avast is also a nice free AV program.