Use ctrl+alt+del and go to the processes screen. What are the top few processes requiring the most cpu usage (dragging it down to 100%)?

Also, go to run and then type "msconfig"
Go to the startup tab and do a print screen of everything you have running at startup

need to know which windows O.S your using
you probably need this application STARTER Its like a advanced ctrl+alt+delete
Post what CSCgal said first and then will help you turn off some services (resource hoggs)DOWNLOAD HERE

There's a thread by him right below this one in the forum listing.

I would assume Windows XP.

And there's no reason to download a third party program to disable services. if it's XP, there's an .msc snap-in that lets you do whatever you desire concerning services.

Steve, you've got one (of many) variant of the Blaster worm. When you CTRL+ALT+DEL, go to the "Processes" tab and look for msblast.exe. If that's running (sounds like it) then post back.

Running XP Pro - think I've sussed it - went to Symnatec(?) and got rid of the worm - I think. Is there any programme or web based thing that anyone knows about so I can test my system to make sure it's running at it's optimum???

You would do well to go to windowsupdate.com and download all the current critical updates, so you don’t keep getting the blaster or welch worm.

If you already have Norton Anti-Virus then keep it updated. If you only used the Norton fix, and don't want to purchase an antivirus program, AVG offers a free version of anti-virus software:

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

There are also a few programs (PCMark2002-$20, SiSoft Sandra-$39) that you could run to test your performance. Both of these programs have trial versions you can use. They may be a little too much in the way of information (especially Sandra) if you are fairly new to the computer world, but can serve your purpose.

Links to Benchmark software eairler quoted:

SiSoftware Sandra:
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.ht...86&langx=en&a=

PCMark 2002
http://futuremark.com/download/

have fun!!!!!

Yeah - the thing with the automatic updates from windows is....for my sins im using someone elses copy (shock horror!) so I can't download critical updates as (obviously) the product key I'm using has already been registered! I know I'm v v naughty - anyway gettin round this?!?

Yeah there are a few ways (naughty). Shoot me your email address and I'll ffd you the instructions.

jjorgensen626@hotmail.com

I hope i dont get booted for this

I know that I'm coming a little late to this party, but some important new information has come to light. It turns out that even with the MS patches applied, there are still DCOM/RPC vunerabilities. Go to Gibson Research Corp at http://www.GRC.com and download DCOMbobulator and ShootTheMessenger. The first shuts down DCOM, and the second shuts down the Windows Messenger Service, useful only as a source of spam pop-ups, most selling "services" to stop spam pop-ups...

It's also good to use Gibson's UPnP utility to shut off Universal Plug and Play, another useless feature. All of these utilities are reversible, as well.