Please help improve my computer’s performance!

My 3.5 year old laptop is starting to show its age, but is still very usable for my purposes. I do not want to replace it, but I do want to improve its performance. My knowledge of computer use is pretty good, but my knowledge of computer maintenance is pretty limited. The main problem that I have with it is that it is starting to run quite slowly when running multiple applications (for example, playing 4 tables of poker, running an antivirus scan, downloading a video, all at the same time). It also boots very slowly.

Some background –
The computer is a Toshiba Satellite A100, running Windows XP. I got the following info from crucial.com’s scan – 1GB currently installed memory, 4096 MB maximum memory capacity, CPU speed 1052 MHz. I use Zone Alarm’s free firewall, have AVG Antivirus Free (scanning daily), run CCleaner at the end of all online activity, scan for problems with Spybot’s and Malwarebyte’s free scanners every 1-2 weeks, and de-fragment whenever necessary (checking every couple of months).

Is there a way for me to diagnose whether or not upgrading memory will significantly improve performance? A computer tech I spoke with (but who never saw the machine) recommended backing up all of my files externally, then reformatting the computer from scratch. I don’t want to do this if I can avoid it, but will if necessary.

Also, is the protection that I am currently running sufficient for security when playing online poker, and doing online banking?

Any feedback would be very helpful.

Adding another GB of RAM won't hurt, and will probably be very effective in improving your system performance. RAM is pretty darn cheap these days, especially for an older laptop. I'm not sure if Windows XP will recognize 4GB unless you're running the 64-bit version.

i thonk max 4gb works fine. no more

As others have said, you'd probably see some benefits from more RAM, and it's an easy upgrade so worth doing.

I wouldn't reinstall Windows, that's not going to do much for you, if anything.

Post a HiJackThis log and uninstall log.

http://www.download.com/Trend-Micro-...-10227353.html

HJT>scan and save logfile>copy and post

HJT>open the misc tools section>open uninstall manager>save list>save to desktop>copy and post

Thanks for the advice folks. I have upgrade to 2.5 G of RAM, but I haven't really had a chance to test how this is affecting the system yet.

Here is the log files from HijackThis:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 8:18:41 AM, on 10/1/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
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\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft LifeCam\MSCamS32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Applet\TAPPSRV.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLACTRLW.EXE
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Zooming Utility\SmoothView.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Tvs\TvsTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Toshiba Applet\thotkey.exe
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Controls\TFncKy.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\bin\ZCfgSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ifrmewrk.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\Toshiba.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\TPSBattM.exe
C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\Shared Files\Programs\USBTip\USBTip.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\vVX3000.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Wireless\Bin\Dot1XCfg.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe
C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\soffice.exe
C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\soffice.bin
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = https://webmail.sfu.ca/emumail.cgi
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\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = proxy.sd40.bc.ca:8080
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLASHX_W.DLL
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.1.1309.3572\s wg.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NDSTray.exe] NDSTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DLA] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLACTRLW.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmoothView] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Zooming Utility\SmoothView.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tvs] C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Tvs\TvsTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [THotkey] C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Toshiba Applet\thotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TFncKy] TFncKy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TDispVol] TDispVol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelZeroConfig] "C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\bin\ZCfgSvc.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelWireless] "C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ifrmewrk.exe" /tf Intel PROSet/Wireless
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxtray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxhkcmd] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPSMain] TPSMain.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\WordPerfect Office X3\Programs\QFSCHD130.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCLEUSBTip] C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\Shared Files\Programs\USBTip\USBTip.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USB2Check] RUNDLL32.EXE "C:\WINDOWS\system32\PCLECoInst.dll",CheckUSBContr oller
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBToolTip] "C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\Shared Files\\Programs\USBTip\USBTip.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LifeCam] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft LifeCam\LifeExp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VX3000] C:\WINDOWS\vVX3000.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (reboot)] "C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe" /runcleanupscript
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-1371686487-3746954725-3076449139-1007\..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe (User 'postgres')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-1371686487-3746954725-3076449139-1007\..\RunOnce: [NeroHomeFirstStart] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMFirstStart.exe (User 'postgres')
O4 - S-1-5-21-1371686487-3746954725-3076449139-1007 Startup: IEHOME.LNK = C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Local Settings\Temp\iehome.bat (User 'postgres')
O4 - S-1-5-21-1371686487-3746954725-3076449139-1007 User Startup: IEHOME.LNK = C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Local Settings\Temp\iehome.bat (User 'postgres')
O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: IEHOME.LNK = C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Local Settings\Temp\iehome.bat (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: OpenOffice.org 3.1.lnk = C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\quickstart.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: RAMASST.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open with WordPerfect - C:\Program Files\WordPerfect Office X3\Programs\WPLauncher.hta
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: PartyCasino.com - {B4B52284-A248-4c51-9F7C-F0A0C67FCC9D} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyCasino\RunCasino.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyCasino.com - {B4B52284-A248-4c51-9F7C-F0A0C67FCC9D} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyCasino\RunCasino.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe
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: PartyPoker.net - {F4430FE8-2638-42e5-B849-800749B94EED} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming.Net\PartyPokerNet\RunPF.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.net - {F4430FE8-2638-42e5-B849-800749B94EED} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming.Net\PartyPokerNet\RunPF.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Bodog Poker - {F47C1DB5-ED21-4dc1-853E-D1495792D4C5} - C:\Program Files\Bodog Poker\BPGame.exe (file missing)
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
O9 - Extra button: UltimateBet - {3EB3B7E8-1466-405A-B5BC-44513AF85E34} - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\UltimateBet\UltimateBet.lnk (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: UltimateBet - {3EB3B7E8-1466-405A-B5BC-44513AF85E34} - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\UltimateBet\UltimateBet.lnk (file missing) (HKCU)
O16 - DPF: {1E3F888F-96D7-4A1B-8514-8991264E8B7D} (iSite 3D Renderer Class) - http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dci/src/bin/iS3dSetup.exe
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/...toUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {D8089245-3211-40F6-819B-9E5E92CD61A2} (FlashXControl Object) - https://signin3.valueactive.com/Regi...18/flashax.cab
O16 - DPF: {F7EDBBEA-1AD2-4EBF-AA07-D453CC29EE65} (Flash Casino Helper Object) - https://casinoclassic.microgaming.co...c/FlashAX2.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: c:\windows\
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: ConfigFree Service (CFSvcs) - TOSHIBA CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\ConfigFree\CFSvcs.exe
O23 - Service: DVD-RAM_Service - Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Event Log (EvtEng) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: PostgreSQL Database Server 8.3 (pgsql-8.3) - PostgreSQL Global Development Group - C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\8.3\bin\pg_ctl.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Registry Service (RegSrvc) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Service (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: TOSHIBA Application Service (TAPPSRV) - TOSHIBA Corp. - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Applet\TAPPSRV.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Check Point Software Technologies LTD - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

--
End of file - 13713 bytes

And here is the uninstall log:


Acrobat.com
Ad-Aware
Adobe AIR
Adobe AIR
Adobe Flash Player 10 Plugin
Adobe Flash Player 9 ActiveX
Adobe Flash Player ActiveX
Adobe Reader 9.1.3
Apple Application Support
Apple Mobile Device Support
Apple Software Update
AVG 8.5
Betsafe Poker (remove only)
Betsson Poker
BitTorrent 4.22.1
Bluetooth Stack for Windows by Toshiba
Bonjour
CCleaner (remove only)
CD/DVD Drive Acoustic Silencer
CelebPoker
Critical Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB959772)
DiscAPI (Studio 10)
DivX
DVD Decrypter (Remove Only)
DVD-RAM Driver
FirstClass® Client
FLV Player 2.0, build 23
Full Tilt Poker
Google Earth
Google Updater
High Definition Audio Driver Package - KB888111
HijackThis 2.0.2
Holdem Manager
Hotfix for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB953595)
Hotfix for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB958484)
Hotfix for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB947864)
Hotfix for Windows Media Format 11 SDK (KB929399)
Hotfix for Windows Media Player 11 (KB939683)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB952287)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB961118)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB970653-v3)
HP Customer Participation Program 7.0
HP Imaging Device Functions 7.0
HP Photosmart and Deskjet 7.0 Software
HP Photosmart Essential
HP Product Assistant
HP Solution Center 7.0
HP Update
i3dctrl 4.5
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator Driver
Intel(R) PRO Network Connections Drivers
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Software
InterVideo WinDVD Creator 2
InterVideo WinDVD for TOSHIBA
iTunes
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 4
Java(TM) 6 Update 13
Java(TM) 6 Update 15
Java(TM) 6 Update 2
Java(TM) 6 Update 3
Java(TM) 6 Update 5
Java(TM) 6 Update 7
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1
Kudo® Catalog Reader 3.0
LoggerNet 3.4.1
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
mCore
mDrWiFi
mHelp
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Hotfix (KB928366)
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft Compression Client Pack 1.0 for Windows XP
Microsoft Internationalized Domain Names Mitigation APIs
Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.5
Microsoft LifeCam
Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs
Microsoft Office OneNote 2003
Microsoft Silverlight
Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
mIWA
mLogView
mMHouse
MobileMe Control Panel
Mozilla Firefox (3.5.3)
MP3 Rocket
mPfMgr
mPfWiz
mProSafe
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB927978)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
mWlsSafe
mXML
mZConfig
NewzToolz v2.0.1
Opell FLV to WMV MPEG MOV AVI iPod PSP 3GP MP4 Zune Converter V
OpenOffice.org 3.1
PartyPoker
PC200W 3.3
PC294W
PC294W (c:\Program Files\Campbellsci\)
PDFCreator
Picasa 2
Pinnacle Instant DVD Recorder
Poker Tracker Omaha Version 1.10.01
Poker Tracker Version 2.13.01a
PokerAce Hud (remove only)
PokerRoom.com (remove only)
PokerStars
PostgreSQL 8.3
Quick Zip 4.60.019
QuickTime
RAPID (Studio 10)
RealPlayer
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
SD Secure Module
Security Update for Step By Step Interactive Training (KB898458)
Security Update for Step By Step Interactive Training (KB923723)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB937143)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB938127)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB939653)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB942615)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB944533)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB950759)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB953838)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB956390)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB958215)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB961260)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB963027)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB969897)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB971961)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB972260)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB952069)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB968816)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB973540)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 (KB917734)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 (KB936782)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB936782)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB954154)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923561)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938464)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941569)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950760)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951066)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376-v2)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB952004)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB953839)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB954211)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB954459)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB954600)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB955069)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956391)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956572)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956744)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956803)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956841)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956844)
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Security Update for Windows XP (KB957097)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958644)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958687)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958690)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB959426)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960225)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960715)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960803)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960859)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB961371)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB961373)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB961501)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB968537)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB969898)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB970238)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971557)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971633)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971657)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973346)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973354)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973507)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973869)
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Skype™ 4.0
SmartSound Quicktracks Plugin
Sonic DLA
Sonic RecordNow!
Spybot - Search & Destroy
SQLite ODBC Driver (remove only)
Studio 10
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Texas Instruments PCIxx21/x515/xx12 drivers.
Tiger Gaming
TOSHIBA Assist
TOSHIBA ConfigFree
TOSHIBA Controls
TOSHIBA Hotkey Utility
TOSHIBA PC Diagnostic Tool
TOSHIBA Power Saver
TOSHIBA SD Memory Card Format
TOSHIBA Software Modem
TOSHIBA Speech System Applications
TOSHIBA Speech System SR Engine(U.S.) Version1.0
TOSHIBA Speech System TTS Engine(U.S.) Version1.0
Toshiba Tbiosdrv Driver
TOSHIBA TouchPad ON/Off Utility
TOSHIBA Utilities
TOSHIBA Virtual Sound
TOSHIBA Zooming Utility
UltimateBet
Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB963707)
Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB973874)
Update for Windows XP (KB951072-v2)
Update for Windows XP (KB951978)
Update for Windows XP (KB955839)
Update for Windows XP (KB967715)
Update for Windows XP (KB968389)
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VC 9.0 Runtime
VC 9.0 Runtime
Windows Internet Explorer 8
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Media Player 11
Windows XP Service Pack 3
WordPerfect Office X3
XviD & MP3 Codec Pack (remove only)
XviD MPEG-4 Video Codec
Yahoo! Install Manager
ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker

You do have quite a few running processes. They each require memory, so if you cut down on those you'll have more memory for what you need. You can either uninstall software you don't use or disable it from running at start up with Windows Defender.

Uninstall this:
Adobe Reader 9.1.3

and use either
Foxit reader
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/

or
Sumatra PDF viewer
http://portableapps.com/apps/office/...a_pdf_portable

Adobe reader has security vulnerabilities and Adobe isn't good about patching them in a timely manner or at all. Use an alternative.

AVG 8.5
You might find another AV to be lighter on system resources than AVG. I use and recommend Avira personal, as it's very light and detection is superb. Avira is historically one of the top notch AVs. NOD32 I believe is historically the lightest AV, but they don't offer a free version. (it should go without saying, do NOT use cracked software, so don't try to get it off a torrent site or something. It's just not worth the risk)

Avira personal:
www.free-av.com

You can visit www.av-comparatives.org for AV testing results.


You need to update your Java.

Download the newest JRE, save to your computer, don't install yet.

http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

Close all browsers and uninstall any and all older versions of Java you see listed in Add/Remove programs. Restart your computer and install the new version you just downloaded. Installation may take a few minutes so be patient. Restart your computer if prompted.

You mentioned scanning with your AV while playing poker. You might want to schedule a time for it to scan when you're not playing, as it's going to cause some slow downs. I have a fairly decent system, nothing really to brag about but it's decent (Intel Pentium D 925 3 Ghz processor, 4 GB RAM) and I experience some slow down issues while playing poker and scanning with Avira. I just try not to run scans while playing because it's going to cause an issue. So that's something to consider.

Another thing you might consider is deleting temp files on a regular basis.

(credit to im_not_1337 for these ATF cleaner instructions)

1) Download and run ATF-Cleaner.
http://www.atribune.org/ccount/click.php?id=1

Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
If you use Firefox browser
Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
If you use Opera browser
Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.


and you might defrag your hard drive regularly as well. Just do that after deleting temp files.

your laptop has a SATA HDD, replace it with an SSD. This would require a reinstall of windows unless you pull both drives and clone the old one to the new one. ($300)

upgrading to 2GB or 4GB RAM would help to a lesser degree, and be less complicated ($100)

Thanks very much for the responses. This is a huge help. I have followed almost all of the suggestions in the thread. I haven't bothered with the ATF-Cleaner, because I use CCleaner regularly. Does this do the job as effectively?

You don't need to upgrade your hardware. You just need to stop running so much crap.

Yes that's fine. Just run it on each user account you use.

For reasons that I do not understand, this thread has become a bizarre magnet for spam. Thus, I am going to close it - if anyone wants to reopen it for genuine discussion, send me a PM (or, if you are reading this in the distant future when I am no longer a moderator of this forum, PM the moderator of this forum)