Member Avatar for cantes903

I have a HP with Win 98SE and 255 MB of ram with 32-bit virtual memory. My System Resources drain very quickly. Right now it is at 46% free and the last time I restarted my computer was about 45 minutes ago. I have tried looking at the startup items and running processes but for the most part I'm not sure what a lot of them are or if I NEED them or how to permanently stop them. Any help would be appreciated!


Always look beyond the obvious.

Thanks in advance-
Christy

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Dani AI

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Brief, practical summary for (and anyone reading this thread later): Windows 98/98SE reports a single “System Resources” percentage that reflects small, special pools used by the GUI — the User and GDI resource heaps — not general RAM. Those pools are finite and can fall during normal use; a steady, progressive decline usually means a third‑party component is holding handles or graphics objects and not returning them. (apptools.com)

A focused way to isolate the problem (builds on ’s and ’s suggestions):

  • Boot into Safe Mode and note the System Resources value. If it stays high there, the cause is almost certainly a startup/third‑party item. (pchell.com)
  • Use an autostart enumerator to disable nonessential startup items and Internet/Explorer add‑ins (BHOs/shell extensions) one group at a time, then reboot and recheck.
  • Use a process/DLL inspector to watch which process’s handles or memory grow when you reproduce the drain; that points to the offending DLL or tray utility. (learn.microsoft.com)

Short, step‑by‑step checklist to apply now:

  1. Reboot to Safe Mode and record System Resources.
  2. Reboot normally and run an Autoruns/MSConfig-style pass (hide Microsoft entries) and uncheck nonessential items.
  3. Reboot, run Process Explorer (DLL/Handles view) and reproduce the problem; note which process climbs.
  4. If Explorer or a vendor tray app is the culprit, update or uninstall that software, or disable its tray/monitor component. (learn.microsoft.com)

Maintenance and cautions: clear temp files and run a defrag (helps overall responsiveness but won’t fix leaks). Backup the registry or create a restore point before removing startup entries or disabling security components. Be careful when changing real‑time AV hooks; disabling whole protection increases risk — prefer disabling only nonessential resident handlers or scheduling scans for idle times. For background reading on why resources behave this way and basic cleanup guidance see the Win9x maintenance FAQ. (mvps.org)

If more help is wanted, post the Autoruns export and a short Process Explorer snapshot (process name + top loaded non‑Microsoft DLLs) and people here can point to the likely offender.

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Member Avatar for DMR

Windows 9x has a very limited "process manager". Try downloading the StartupList and Itty Bitty Process Manager from the following site; they should give you a better idea of what's going on:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html


If you have questions about which processes you can eliminate, post the log file that StartupList creates and we'll look it over for you.

Member Avatar for cantes903

I downloaded the IttyBitty Process manager and StartUpList and here are the results if you wouldn't mind taking a look for me. IBP is in purpule and Startup is in red.


List from IttyBitty Process Manager:


Process list saved on 8:20:51 PM, on 2/21/05
Platform: Win9x 4.10.2222 A

[pid] [full path to filename] [file version] [company name]
-3197715 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL 4.10.0.2222 Microsoft Corporation
-4023 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE 4.10.0.2222 Microsoft Corporation
-6215 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE 4.10.0.1998 Microsoft Corporation
-30975 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk 4.3.0.1998 Microsoft Corporation
-30231 C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCEVTMGR.EXE Symantec Corporation
-21607 C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCSETMGR.EXE Symantec Corporation
-106687 C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON SYSTEMWORKS\NORTON CLEANSWEEP\CSINJECT.EXE Symantec Corporation
-113683 C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS\DEFWATCH.EXE Symantec Corporation
-76543 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE 4.71.1972.1 Microsoft Corporation
-91475 C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\SYMTRAY.EXE 2 Symantec Corporation
-94135 C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE 4.72.3110.1 Microsoft Corporation
-240379 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE 4.71.3328.0 Microsoft Corporation
-212851 C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCAPP.EXE Symantec Corporation
-306299 C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEXMARK X74-X75\LXBBBMGR.EXE Lexmark International, Inc.
-320999 C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEXMARK X74-X75\LXBBBMON.EXE Lexmark International, Inc.
-276983 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LEXBCES.EXE Lexmark International, Inc.
-270071 C:\PROGRAM FILES\DIGITAL IMAGE\MONITOR.EXE
-276171 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LEXPPS.EXE Lexmark International, Inc.
-387263 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE Microsoft Corporation
-336067 C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YPAGER.EXE 6.0.0.1750 Yahoo! Inc.
-263271 C:\PROGRAM FILES\LOGITECH\WINGMAN SOFTWARE\LWEMON.EXE Logitech Inc.
-831587 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE 4.10.0.1998 Microsoft Corporation
-527519 C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE 6.0.2800.1106 Microsoft Corporation
-796459 C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\SECURITY\IBPROCMAN.EXE Soeperman Enterprises Ltd.


List from StartupList:

StartupList report, 2/21/05, 8:20:29 PM
StartupList version: 1.52
Started from : C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\SECURITY\STARTUPLIST.EXE
Detected: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
Detected: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
* Using default options
==================================================

Running processes:

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCEVTMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCSETMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON SYSTEMWORKS\NORTON CLEANSWEEP\CSINJECT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS\DEFWATCH.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\SYMTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEXMARK X74-X75\LXBBBMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEXMARK X74-X75\LXBBBMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\DIGITAL IMAGE\MONITOR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YPAGER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LOGITECH\WINGMAN SOFTWARE\LWEMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\SECURITY\STARTUPLIST.EXE

--------------------------------------------------

Listing of startup folders:

Shell folders Startup:
[C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp]
Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
Digital Image Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\Digital Image\Monitor.exe

--------------------------------------------------

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

ccApp = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
ccRegVfy = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe
Lexmark X74-X75 = "C:\Program Files\Lexmark X74-X75\lxbbbmgr.exe"
LexStart = lexstart.exe
mswspl =

--------------------------------------------------

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices

ccEvtMgr = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
ccSetMgr = "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe"
CSINJECT.EXE = c:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton CleanSweep\CSINJECT.EXE
defwatch = C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\DEFWATCH.EXE
rtvscn95 = C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\RTVSCN95.EXE
SchedulingAgent = mstask.exe
SymTray - Norton SystemWorks = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SymTray.exe "Norton SystemWorks"

--------------------------------------------------

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Start WingMan Profiler = "c:\Program Files\Logitech\WingMan Software\lwtest.exe" /detect /quiet /launch "c:\Program Files\Logitech\WingMan Software\lwemon.exe /noui"

--------------------------------------------------

Shell & screensaver key from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI:

Shell=Explorer.exe
SCRNSAVE.EXE=
drivers=mmsystem.dll power.drv

--------------------------------------------------

C:\WINDOWS\WININIT.BAK listing:
(Created 21/2/2005, 18:16:2)

[Rename]
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\BROWSEUI.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\BROWSEUI.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0C5.TMP
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\IEPEERS.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\IEPEERS.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0D0.TMP
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSHTML.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSHTML.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0D1.TMP
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHDOCVW.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHDOCVW.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0D2.TMP
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHLWAPI.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHLWAPI.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0D3.TMP
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\URLMON.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\URLMON.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0D4.TMP
NUL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WININET.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WININET.DLL=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SETE0D5.TMP
c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\CULTURE.NLP=c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\TBMF2F0.TMP
c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\FUSION.DLL=c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\TBMF2F1.TMP
c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSCOREE.DLL=c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TBMF300.TMP
c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\MSCORJIT.DLL=c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\TBMF324.TMP
c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\MSCORLIB.DLL=c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\TBMF333.TMP
c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\MSCORWKS.DLL=c:\WINDOWS\MICROS~1.NET\FRAMEW~1\V11~1.432\TBM21.TMP

--------------------------------------------------


Enumerating Browser Helper Objects:

(no name) - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN0\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670}
(no name) - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F}
(no name) - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3}

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating Task Scheduler jobs:

Symantec NetDetect.job
Norton SystemWorks One Button Checkup.job
Norton AntiVirus - Scan my computer.job

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating Download Program Files:

[Shockwave Flash Object]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MACROMED\FLASH\FLASH.OCX
CODEBASE = http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

[Update Class]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\IUCTL.DLL
CODEBASE =

[Shockwave ActiveX Control]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MACROMED\DIRECTOR\SWDIR.DLL
CODEBASE =

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad items:

WebCheck: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WEBCHECK.DLL

--------------------------------------------------
End of report, 6,671 bytes
Report generated in 0.162 seconds

Command line options:
/verbose - to add additional info on each section
/complete - to include empty sections and unsuspicious data
/full - to include several rarely-important sections
/force9x - to include Win9x-only startups even if running on WinNT
/forcent - to include WinNT-only startups even if running on Win9x
/forceall - to include all Win9x and WinNT startups, regardless of platform
/history - to list version history only

Member Avatar for DMR

OK- thanks for the logs.

I need to log off for the night, but I'll get back to this tomorrow late AM.

Member Avatar for HeddaLora

Having too many temp files can also mess with Windows' ability to operate properly. Here's my little "regular maintenance checklist". It might help, along with what you're already doing. By the way, certain programs just leak memory like mad. What apps do you regularly run?

Maintenance Checklist:

-- Delete all temp files (c:\windows\temp\*.tmp, or on XP C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp)

-- Delete temporary internet files (c:\windows\temporary internet files\*.*, or on XP C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files)

-- If you use I.E., click on Tools, Internet Options, Delete Files, select "delete all off-line content", click OK

-- Click on Start, Programs, Accessories, Systems Tools, Disk Cleanup

-- Download , check for updates, run it and remove whatever it finds

-- Download Diskeeper and defrag

-- Download, update and turn on SpywareBlaster and (or your spyware removal tool of choice).

Member Avatar for DMR

Here's my little "regular maintenance checklist"... By the way, certain programs just leak memory like mad.

Both good points, especially considering the fact that cantes903 doesn't have many non-essential processes running at all. Unfortunately, the Norton/Symantec components are probably the biggest resource hogs in the list, but there's not much that can be done about those ; the protection they provide is necessary.

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